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Uncover the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, where pristine beaches, exotic wildlife and rich cultural heritage await. Explore the bustling streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka's dynamic capital and indulge in the country’s tantalising cuisine. Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From the serene beaches and lush tea plantations to the ancient temples and vibrant cities, there’s something for every traveller in this must-see destination.
Inclusions
Return international flights from Adelaide in economy class.
12 nights superior accommodation in Sri Lanka.
30 meals.
Sightseeing per itinerary with applicable fees.
Travel by air-conditioned coach.
Services of local professional English-speaking drivers/guides.
Pre departure function and tour documentation.
Escorted from Adelaide with a Phil Hoffmann Travel host.
Itinerary
Day 1: Friday 7 February 2026 Depart Adelaide- Arrive Colombo via Singapore Travel from Adelaide to Colombo. Arrive late to Colombo and transfer to your hotel. Stay: Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo – 2 nights
Day 2: Saturday 8 February 2026 Colombo Today enjoy a city tour of Colombo. Colombo is a sprawling city which is home to over five million people. It is traditionally centred around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea. In recent years Colombo has transformed into a fascinating destination. Visit famous attractions like The Independence Square, BMICH and the Aukana Buddha Statue replica, SSC Cricket Club and Sri Lanka Cricket Head office, Cinnamon Gardens and Colombo highly residential area, Beautiful Gangarama Temple and Seemamalaka overlooking the Beira Lake, Galle Face Green & Colombo National Museum. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Sunday 9 February 2026 Colombo - Dambulla Today travel to Dambulla, on the way stop to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. On this 25-acre coconut plantation on the Maha Oya River, the elephants are free to roam in a natural habitat. The centre contains the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Learn about the rehabilitation process of the elephants in the Education Centre. Afterwards, continue your drive to Dambulla. (B, L) Stay: Jetwing Lake- 3 nights
Day 4: Monday 10 February 2026 Dambulla Today, depart on a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northcentral part of the Island which was the first capital (5th century BC - 9th century AD), the centre of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. Here you will see the remains of the Brazen Palace and the Sri Maha Bodhi a Bo Tree, which is over 2000 years old and grew from the branch of the very tree beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Tuesday 11 February 2026 Dambulla Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries. Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihare, three splendid statues of the Buddha in upright, sedan and recumbent postures carved out of a large rock. Other interesting sights are the Lotus Bath, Tivanke Image House with the best-known Buddhist frescoes of Sri Lanka. Explore the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through picturesque water and boulder gardens, past the pools and fountains, and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a steep winding 200-metre-high staircase. Once you reach the summit admire 360-degree breath-taking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. (B, D) **The climb up Sigiriya Rock involves 1,200 steps, and can take up to 3 hours to climb and is considered strenuous and is not recommended for people with low mobility or physical difficulties**
Day 6: Wednesday 12 February 2026 Dambulla – Kandy Today travel to Kandy which is nestled in the plateau in central Sri Lanka. On the way stop to visit the Matale spice plantation and try different spices and herbs, helping you gain an insight into the long spice history of the island. Step into the unpolluted, green garden, where you can see how herbs and spices are grown in their natural environment, then learn about its medicinal values and use in Sri Lankan cuisine to enhance the taste of specialty meals. On arrival into Kandy visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth. This temple has a burgeoning history spanning several centuries and is the home of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. In the evening enjoy a spectacular Kandy Cultural Show, which will give you the opportunity to watch various traditional Kandyan dances and acts. (B, L, D) Stay: Cinnamon Citadel- 2 nights
Day 7: Thursday 13 February 2026 Kandy This morning visit the Royal Botanical Garden. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. In the evening take part in a Cooking Class. Learn how to prepare a range of authentic dishes against the backdrop of central Sri Lanka’s lovely scenery, this private cooking demo offers an immersive introduction to the country’s culinary traditions. Following pickup from your hotel, visit an organic vegetable farm, and pick fresh seasonal vegetables that will be used for the cooking class. The class will take you through the spices used in Sri Lankan food and general preparation techniques. The local chef will cook with you a delicious meal which you can then enjoy at leisure afterward. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Friday 14 February 2026 Kandy- Nuwara Eliya This morning transfer to Kandy railway station to board the train to Nuwara Eliya. Said to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya rail route runs on the original tracks built by the British in 1864. On arrival into Nuwara Eliya enjoy a tour around the famous tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya, a land of tea estates and waterfalls! You may witness the tea pickers at work, carefully picking the “two leaves and bud” that go into making the Pure Ceylon Tea. Later take a guided tour of the tea factory and learn about the next stage in the production of tea making. After the tour, enjoy a cup of tea that is made here, sitting on the café balcony that overlooks the stunning tea plantations. (B, L, D) Stay: Araliya Green City
Day 9: Saturday 15 February 2026 Nuwara Eliya – Yala Today travel to Yala. Along the way visit the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) which was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. The primary objective of this facility is the rehabilitation of orphaned baby elephants to ultimately release them back into their natural habitat. Visitors can watch the elephants being fed, bathed and groomed. Continue your drive to Yala. Stay: Jetwing Yala (B, D)
Day 10: Sunday 16 February 2026 Yala – Bentota Early this morning embark on a unique safari experience in Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife sanctuary Yala National Park. Enjoy a guided tour by Jeep, tracking the impressive number of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and hopefully, a leopard along the way. Despite the elusive nature of the leopard species, Yala boasts one of the densest leopard populations on the globe, increasing the likelihood of an encounter. After travel to Bentota. (B, L) Stay: Sheraton Turtle Beach Resort- 3 nights
Day 11: Monday 17 February 2026 Bentota Today explore the Galle Fort on a walking tour. Climb up to the ramparts of the fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through the streets. Visit the Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Fort Clock Tower, Meera Mosque, and the Galle Fort Lighthouse another UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in 1848 during the British colonial period. Along the way, take a break with a cup of fine Ceylon Tea or a refreshing drink of King Coconut. (B, D)
Day 12: Tuesday 18 February 2026 Bentota Today is a day at leisure. Relax by the ocean or explore on own. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the popular local restaurants specializing in multicuisine. Inspired by multi-cultural influences, Sri Lanka’s reputation as a food destination is well-deserved, (B, D)
Day 13: Wednesday 19 February 2026 Bentota – Colombo- Departure Today travel to Colombo and have a day use room at the Colombo hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Late in evening, travel to Colombo international airport to board your onward flight to Adelaide via Singapore. (B,L,D)
Dates/Prices
Tour Departs
Twin Share
Solo
7 February 2026
$8,699 pp
$10,899 pp
*Advertised price is based on per person twin share and is correct as of 15 Jan 2025.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
Tour Changes
We endeavor to provide an accurate itinerary. However, local operators, hotels and airlines sometimes change arrangements, and our itinerary would then be adjusted to suit however, the same standard will always be used.
Not Included on tour
Travel insurance; tips / gratuities for tour guides and drivers and any independent touring and dining (they are included for hotels and included group meals); items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, phone calls, meals other than those indicated, additional sightseeing or optional tours; extensions/stopovers/amendments; additional flight cost from other cities if applicable, arrival and departure transfers at destination/s when not arriving/departing on group flights/dates.
Reservations
A deposit of $400 per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your booking. If a booking is made after this date, the full tour price is due at the time of confirmation. Prices are subject to change at any time until full payment has been received for the entire group and tickets have been issued.
Booking Forms and Booking Conditions
You are required to complete some forms when booking which provide essential information we require to process your booking. Your consultant will provide you with all relevant forms.
Passport & Visas
It is necessary for all passengers to be in possession of a valid passport which has at least 6 months validity beyond your return into Australia. Visas are required for Australian passport holders. The cost of the visa is not included in the tour price.
Minimum Numbers
Group fares quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum of 15 paying and maximum 30 passengers travelling together. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to increase the tour price or cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum.
Tour Escort
Escort travels when minimum numbers of 15 are reached.
Price Alterations
Tour prices specified are based on airfares, taxes and land arrangement tariffs applicable at the time of printing, therefore they may be subject to alteration with or without prior notice until final payment date, as per brochure final payment date.
Extensions/stopovers
An amendment fee may apply for any changes to group flight arrangements. You may also need to pay any additional applicable taxes.
Group Flights – Seat Selection
For seat selection, please ensure that requests are submitted in advance to secure preferred seating arrangements. Availability is subject to the airline’s policies, and additional charges may apply for specific seat preferences. If you have any special seating requirements, such as extra legroom, aisle seats, or assistance-related seating, please notify us as soon as possible. We will coordinate with the airline to accommodate your request. Airlines do reserve the right to change a passenger's seat at any time, even if the seat has been paid for in advance due to various reasons.
Special Assistance
To ensure a smooth travel experience, all wheelchairs and walking aids must be provided to the Groups Department team for coordination with the airline. Kindly ensure the following details are submitted:
• Brand of the wheelchair or walking aid
• A clear photo of the item
• Weight of the item
• Dimensions (Height, Width, Depth)
Amendments/changes
There may be fees charged per amendment by third party suppliers for any reservation changes after your booking is confirmed.
Twin share Room Match Policy
In the event of a cancellation for a twin share room match, the travelling passenger may be required to pay for a single room supplement cost, which will not be covered under their travel insurance policy. Similarly, if a traveler decides whilst travelling that they do not want to share any longer, they will be required to pay the full costs for a single room.
Refunds/Credits
No refund is available in respect of any sightseeing tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized or required during this tour. No refund is available for cancellations after the tour has commenced.
Cancellations
Cancellations of confirmed bookings will be subject to a $400 per person service fee plus any charges imposed by principals involved in operating the tour. Therefore, the cancellation fee may be up to the total cost for land and/or airfares. Cancelled bookings are non-transferable.
Baggage
Please refer to individual airline tickets for the baggage allowance for your flights. Airlines may charge you for baggage in excess of these allowances, which will be at passenger’s expense. Whilst on tour one main bag and 1 piece of hand luggage per person is allowed.
Medical Advice
It is wise to seek medical advice before travelling from a travel specialist doctor, or from your own GP. Travelers must meet Phil Hoffmann Travel ’Statement of Fitness’ standards to participate.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory to cover against loss of deposit and loss of airfares, personal accident, medical cover etc. If you have an ongoing medical condition, you may be required to complete a pre-existing medical form. If you are over 70 years of age, you are required to complete a senior’s medical form. Your consultant will provide all the details.
Children
Participants must be over the age of 15.
Responsibility
Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change of reservation, features and/or means of conveyance without any notice and for any reason whatsoever. Phil Hoffmann Travel does not accept liability for failure on the part of transportation companies, hotel contractors and other principals whose responsibility is confined to their own operations. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter hotels used should the necessity arise. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury and by whom so ever caused and whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms.
We reserve the right to take any reasonable action should your health, actions or behavior impinge on the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other passengers. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of the tour at any time.
All ticket coupons and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided thereby are offered or supplied by the owners, operators, public carriers, management agents or agents.
The Phil Hoffmann Schedule of Professionalism applies.
E&OE.
