Sri Lanka – Temples, Tea, & Timeless Beauty
Temples, Tea, & Timeless Beauty
December 4 - December 15, 2026
Floating in the Indian Ocean just south of India, Sri Lanka is a compact island rich in contrasts, where diverse landscapes and cultures unfold within a short distance. Ancient cities, misty tea plantations, wildlife-filled national parks, golden beaches, and colonial-era towns all coexist, creating a journey that feels far larger than its size.
Shaped by more than two millennia of Buddhist tradition, powerful kingdoms, global trade routes, and European colonial influence, the island’s heritage is visible everywhere - from sacred temples and archaeological ruins to vibrant cuisine and artistic traditions. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka is also a biodiversity hotspot, where dense jungles are home to elephants and elusive leopards, and offshore waters shelter whales and dolphins.
From the dramatic heights of Sigiriya to the rolling tea estates of the central highlands and the historic ramparts of Galle Fort, Sri Lanka offers a journey where nature and history are deeply intertwined with each day revealing a new layer of the island’s story.
Dambulla (2 Nights)
Set amid the dry plains of central Sri Lanka, Dambulla is best known for its extraordinary cave temple complex, one of the island’s most important religious sites, and an ancient city built between 11th and 13th centuries. Carved into a massive rock outcrop, the Dambulla Cave Temple is filled with hundreds of Buddha statues and vivid ceiling murals that have drawn pilgrims for centuries. Polonnaruwa Ancienty City, a former royal capital, is remarkably preserved filled with standing structures, mossy walls, and enormous statues. Beyond the caves, Dambulla serves as a gateway to the Cultural Triangle, where quiet villages, jungle landscapes, and ancient reservoirs offer a glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life.
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple: Perched high above the plains of central Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the country’s most atmospheric and revered religious sites. Hidden within a series of rock caves, the complex houses more than 150 Buddha statues alongside sweeping ceiling murals that cover the stone surfaces in vivid color and detail. Still an active place of worship, the temple draws a steady stream of pilgrims who climb to its hilltop setting, where panoramic views stretch across the surrounding countryside.
Explore the Ancient City of Polonnawura: Scattered across the dry plains of north-central Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa offers one of the island’s most evocative glimpses into its medieval past. Once a thriving royal capital, its well-preserved ruins—temples, palaces, and monumental stone carvings—are spread across a wide archaeological park best explored at a slow pace. Highlights include the serene Buddha figures of Gal Vihara and the vast reservoirs that once sustained the city, all set against a backdrop of quiet countryside and wandering wildlife.
Enjoy Farmhouse Lunch: Taste the staples of Sri Lankan cuisine in a special setting! A local family will prepare a handful of everyday staples using fresh ingredients grown onsite. This could
include numerous fragrant curries made with coconut milk, healthy vegetables, exotic fruit, lentils, sambals on the side (chili-based sauces), various pickles, flatbreads, and more.
Jeep Safari: This part of Sri Lanka is referred to as Elephant Country due to the large concentration of Asian elephants. This specific habitat is able to support large concentrations of these gentle giants and with multiple drives planned, the chance to see and photograph them is high. In addition, there is abundant bird life, wild monkeys, water buffalo, and more
Kandy (2 Nights)
Set among forested hills in central Sri Lanka, Kandy is the island’s cultural and spiritual heart. Once the last royal capital of the Sinhalese kings, it retains a strong sense of tradition, anchored by the sacred Temple of the Sacred 
Tooth Relic. Wrapped around a lake and edged by bustling markets and colonial-era buildings, Kandy balances a lively urban energy with a cooler, more relaxed hill-country atmosphere. Due to its spiritual importance, the entire city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: This Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist site, drawing pilgrims from across the island and beyond. The temple houses a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, enshrined within ornate golden caskets and venerated during daily rituals accompanied by drumming and incense. Set within the former royal palace complex beside Kandy Lake, the temple blends spiritual significance with historic grandeur, offering a powerful glimpse into the island’s enduring religious traditions.
See Performance of Traditional Kandyan Drumming and Dance: Visit a traditional Kandyan dance and drumming academy to experience one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic cultural traditions. Rooted in ancient rituals once performed for royal courts and temples, Kandyan dance has evolved into a powerful expression of national 
identity. Performers in elaborate costumes move with precision and energy to the pulse of live drumming, culminating in dramatic displays such as fire-walking and torch spinning.
Enjoy Sunrise at the Hilltop Citadel of Sigiriya: Rising dramatically above the jungle plains of central Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is one of the island’s most iconic sights. This ancient rock fortress, crowned with the ruins of a royal palace, rewards those who make the climb with sweeping views and a glimpse into a remarkable 5th-century citadel. Along the way, pass terraced gardens, frescoes of celestial maidens, and the famous Lion’s Paw gateway—reminders of the site’s once grand and carefully engineered design.
Ella (2 Nights)
Tucked into the lush highlands of Sri Lanka, Ella is a laid-back mountain town known for its sweeping views and cool, misty air. Surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and forested peaks, it’s a place where days are best spent hiking scenic trails, lingering over fresh Ceylon tea, and watching clouds drift across the valleys. Despite its growing popularity, Ella retains an easygoing charm that makes it a favorite escape in Sri Lanka’s hill country. It is also a stop on the famous Pekoe Trail, the island's most celebrated hiking route.
Tea Tasting at Working Factory: Compared to the country's history, tea has been around a relatively short amount of time. The internationally renowned Ceylon tea originates from here and is still grown, produced, and processed the same was since its introduction. At the factory, see the traditional production processes (most of it still done by hand!) to uncover what makes this leaf desirable. Afterwards, sit down to taste multiple varieties of their prized blends.
Hike the Pekoe Trail: Although the entire Pekoe Trail is quite long, enjoy one stage during a guided hike. Enjoy the fresh morning air at a relaxed pace as the local guide leads the group through sprawling plantations to the best viewpoints. With soft undulating hills for miles around, the scenery is spectacular. The pace will be casual with plenty of time to rest, photograph, and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
Yala National Park (1 Night)
Sprawling across the southeastern plains of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the island’s premier wildlife destination, known for its high density of leopards. A mosaic of scrub jungle, lagoons, and open grassland, the park offers classic safari terrain where elephants, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife are often seen. While sightings are never guaranteed, the thrill of tracking wildlife through these untamed landscapes is all part of the experience.
Jeep Safari Drives: Established as a protected reserve in the early 20th century, Yala was later designated a national park. The park is particularly well known for its high concentration of Sri Lankan Leopard, a subspecies found only on the island. These elusive big cats are among the top predators in the park and sightings are more common here than in many other parts of Asia. Other inhabitants include Asian elephant, abundant birdlife, sloth bear, water buffalo, spotted deer, and more.
Galle (2 Nights)
Perched along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a charming blend of history and seaside atmosphere. At its heart lies the beautifully preserved Galle Fort, where cobbled streets wind past Dutch-era buildings, boutique shops, and laid-back cafés. With ocean views from its ramparts and a relaxed coastal vibe, Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric and enjoyable places to explore.
Tour Expansive Galle Fort: Unlike the traditional usage of fort as a single building, the Galle Fort is like a small coastal town filled with historic buildings and landmarks. Set on a rocky peninsula along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort is one of Asia’s best-preserved historic enclaves. Built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch, its thick stone ramparts enclose a compact world of cobbled streets, colonial-era buildings, and leafy courtyards. Today, boutique hotels, cafés, and galleries occupy these heritage spaces, while walks along the sea-facing walls offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
Colombo (1 Night)
Sri Lanka’s energetic capital, Colombo is a fast-moving blend of old and new, where colonial-era buildings sit alongside modern towers and busy markets. The city’s neighborhoods reveal layers of history shaped by centuries of trade, from historic forts and temples to lively streets filled with shops and street food. Along the oceanfront, breezy promenades offer a break from the bustle, giving Colombo a dynamic yet approachable feel.
Highlights of Colombo Walking and Driving Tour: For half the day, our private tour will combine driving and walking to enjoy some of the downtown sites. Places to see include the Gangaramaya Temple with its fascinating architecture and collection of cultural treasures and religious artifacts. Another stop is Independence Square built to commemorate the island's independence from British rule in 1948. Enjoy a walk through the colorful markets of Pettah, the bustling commercial district filled with shops selling spices, textiles, everyday goods, electronics, and much more!
Price: $3,495.00
Single Supplement: $895.00
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There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 10 days (August 6, 2026) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations less than 120 days (August 7, 2026) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and PayPal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options). Hotels subject to change based on availability.
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