Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

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8 Days From

$1515

$909

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

8 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

1059/CCK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Rail Excursion, Walking

From: $1515 $909 (USD) Operator discount: -$606 -40%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Sri Lanka with the "Colombo, Caves & Kandy" tour. Begin your adventure in Colombo, exploring the vibrant city and its historic sites. Discover the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa and the breathtaking Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Dambulla's cave temples and enjoy a unique culinary experience in Kayanwala Village. In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a cultural performance. Experience the lush landscapes of Nuwara Eliya on a scenic train ride and explore the tea plantations. Conclude your journey with a thrilling safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to Sri Lanka's largest herd of Asian elephants. With guided sightseeing, luxurious accommodations, and authentic local experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Colombo – Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Old Fort area and impressive Gangaramaya Temple.

  • Polonnaruwa - Explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient capital city of Ceylon.

  • Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens.

  • Dambulla - Discover over 150 images of Buddha in the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple.

  • Kayanwala Village - Canoe to the village and help cook a delicious traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family.

  • Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy including the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride and watch a cultural performance.

  • Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, home to the nation’s largest herd of Asian Elephants.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Colombo

Saturday. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Airport arrival transfer and remainder of the day at leisure. Our start hotel located on the seafront is a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst you watch the perfect sunset over the Laccodive Sea.

Day 2: Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lake

Meals Included: Breakfast

Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Bidding farewell to Colombo this morning we drive inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Dambulla Rock Temple is an incredible ancient complex of caves which date back to the 1st Century BC. The five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre carved statue.





After exploring this ancient site, we continue to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century city is home to many interesting ruins and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was once the capital and is also the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening we return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.



Day 3: Sigiriya

Location: Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Kandy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we explore Sigiriya and the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and was an important stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. It can be viewed from miles around and is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and famous sites. You’ll be able to view the world famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens which stand in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.





From Sigiriya we take a local hand tractor ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, at Kayanwala Village we take part in a cookery demonstration in a mud brick home of a local woman and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more. En route to Kandy we stop off a spice garden in Matale, to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.

Day 4: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Kandy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Our first stop will be the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After driving around Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king, we visit the local bazaar and a gem museum, we then enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills.




This afternoon, we stop at a working tea factory at Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy and was established in the year 1903, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jetwing St Andrew's

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time before transferring to the railway station for our scenic train trip. Passing kilometre upon kilometre of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, we'll see waterfalls, suspension bridges and tea pickers on our journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea.



This afternoon we take a beautiful drive through Nuwara Eliya - an area known locally as 'Little England'.

Day 6: Udawalawe National Park

Location: Udawalawe National Park

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Udawalawe National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. This national park is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, the biggest of all the Asian Elephants. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. We take an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel for the night.

Day 7: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. This morning we visit the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world.





Arrival Colombo and commence a city tour, seeing the Fort area in the north of the city famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll see the stunning Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.

Day 8: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-5 star & heritage hotels

  • Breakfast daily and 1 lunch

    Enjoy daily breakfast and one lunch during the tour.

  • 7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties

    Stay in 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties for 7 nights.

  • Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe and Colombo

    Experience guided sightseeing tours in Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, and Colombo.

  • Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips

    Take a scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, enjoy a canoe ride, and experience tuk tuk trips.

  • Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park

    Participate in a jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park.

  • Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more

    Groups of 6 or more will be escorted by an English-speaking national guide.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8

    Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 8.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

    All relevant transfers and transportation will be provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide

    Tips for your tour guide are not included.

    It is recommended to allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees ranging from USD$150-$170 per person, paid in USD, are not included.

Age Policy

Over 15 if accompanied by an adult

Accommodation

Experience luxury and comfort at top hotels like Radisson Hotel Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside, Jetwing Lake, Radisson Hotel Kandy, Jetwing St Andrew's, Araliya Green Hills, and Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and exceptional dining options, ensuring a memorable stay throughout your journey.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private air-conditioned vehicles, scenic train rides from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and tuk tuk trips. Enjoy airport transfers on arrival and departure days, and explore Udawalawe National Park with a thrilling jeep safari.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Udawalawe National Park?

    In Udawalawe National Park, you can expect to see the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, which is the largest of all Asian elephants. The park is also home to leopards, Sri Lankan sloth bears, and various types of deer.

  • What is special about the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy?

    The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is special because it houses one of Buddha's teeth, which was smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Kayanwala Village?

    In Kayanwala Village, you will take part in a cookery demonstration in a local woman's mud brick home and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle, and more.

  • What can I expect during the scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?

    During the scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, you will pass through verdant tea plantations, see waterfalls, suspension bridges, and tea pickers, offering a picturesque view of Sri Lanka's tea country.

  • What is the significance of Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress?

    Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress is significant as it is a beautiful citadel built over 1500 years ago, standing 200 meters high in the jungle. It was an important stronghold of a fortified town and is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic sites.

  • What is unique about the accommodation at Jetwing St. Andrew's?

    Jetwing St. Andrew's is unique as it is a colonial retreat set in a former country house surrounded by landscaped gardens. It offers a classic colonial feel with elegant wood furnishings and features like an antique snooker table, the oldest in Sri Lanka.

  • What can I learn at the spice garden in Matale?

    At the spice garden in Matale, you will learn about the different herbs and spices that Sri Lanka is famous for, including how some of these spices are grown and processed.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$1515 $1212 (USD)

Operator discount: -$303 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$1515 $1212 (USD)

Operator discount: -$303 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$1515 $1212 (USD)

Operator discount: -$303 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$1515 $1212 (USD)

Operator discount: -$303 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$1515 $1212 (USD)

Operator discount: -$303 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$1515 $909 (USD)

Operator discount: -$606 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$1535 $1228 (USD)

Operator discount: -$307 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$1805 $1444 (USD)

Operator discount: -$361 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$1805 $1444 (USD)

Operator discount: -$361 (USD)

Prices last published on 18-Jan-2025

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

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