Christmas in Sri Lanka
Marvel at magnificent temples, see the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, search for elephants and other wild animals at Yala National Park, discover the fascinating caves at Dambulla and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Start your Christmas celebrations with a High Tea in a beautiful gardens of The Grand Hotel. Spend Christmas Day in Sri Lanka’s gorgeous tea country, Nuwara Eliya, where you’ll take part in an exclusive tea plantation experience wearing a traditional, handmade silk saree dress which you’ll get to take home as a memento. After the experience enjoy a scrumptious Christmas Day lunch.
- 18 Dec 2027 – 02 Jan 2028
Land only: from $7,690 pp twin share / $10,790 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,490 pp twin share / $12,590 pp sole use * - 18 Dec 2028 – 02 Jan 2029
Land only: from $8,790 pp twin share / $12,090 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,590 pp twin share / $13,890 pp sole use *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Colombo
On arrival to Colombo airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in, relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Day 2 – Travel to Dambulla
After breakfast you will travel to Dambulla, visiting Sigiriya rock fortress late this afternoon. This impressive landmark is regarded as the world’s eighth wonder amongst the locals. Enjoy magnificent views, colourful frescos and beautiful gardens when you reach the top.
Day 3 – Polonnaruwa
Today you visit Hiriwaduna for a local village experience, enjoying a boat trip on the lake, a tuk-tuk trip to a local home and learning to prepare an authentic dish. Next is Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, full of well-preserved stupas, statues and frescoes.
Day 4 – Anuradhapura
Set off for Anuradhapura, exploring this magnificent ancient city on foot. Visit the massive Buddhist shrines, splendid palaces, parks and pavilions of this sacred city, dating back to the 5th century BC.
Day 5 – Dambulla
This morning after breakfast you will be taken to visit Dambulla Cave temple. En-route to Kandy stop at the spice garden in Matale, boasting incredible views of the Aluvihare Mountains. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by an amazing cultural dance show in the evening.
Day 6 – Kandy
After breakfast take a boat ride on Kandy Lake, giving you breathtaking views of the picturesque city. Later, trek through a long-protected tract of rainforest teeming with a variety of species, including beautiful birds like Layard’s parakeet and the oriental dwarf kingfisher.
Day 7 – Christmas Eve – Nuwara Eliya
Travel through Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country to Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit a working tea plantation where, dressed in a traditional sari, you’ll join local tea pluckers to learn the art of hand-picking tea leaves. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, indulge in an elegant afternoon high tea before celebrating Christmas Eve with a festive dinner.
Day 8 – Christmas Day – Nuwara Eliya
Merry Christmas! This morning, board one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic rail journeys, travelling from Nanu Oya to Ella through misty mountains, emerald tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. On arrival, take a tuk tuk to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a striking colonial-era viaduct set amidst the lush hill country. Admire this remarkable feat of engineering before enjoying a festive Christmas lunch, then return to Nuwara Eliya by road.
Day 9 – Udawalawe
After breakfast proceed to Yala, with a stop at Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary before participate in the process of curd making. Though buffalo curd is a quintessential favourite in the Sri Lankan pantry, its arduous journey, from teat to table, is often unheeded. Enjoy a fresh sip of milk after trying your hand milking a buffalo and end this experience by relishing a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle.
Day 10 – Yala National Park
Early morning, and later this afternoon, you will be taken for a jeep safari at Yala National park, where you will embark on an adventure safari.
Day 11 – Hikkaduwa
Today you will travel the 3 hours to Hikkaduwa with the rest of your day free to go explore your surroundings.
Day 12 – Galle Fort
After breakfast you will be visiting Galle Fort, and the journey will take about 1 hour. During the tour of Galle, you will have the opportunity to visit Galle Fort, Old Dutch Church and walk along the Rampart.
Day 13 – Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary
A visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a must. Travel to the Hatchery, visiting a cinnamon plantation on the way, Learn all there is to know about the uses and benefits of cinnamon and try your hand with the tools of the trade in an Ambalama. Go on to witness the exceptional sight at the Turtle Hatchery and see the eggs hatching or the turtles being returned to the sea, moving towards the water as they flap their tiny flippers.
Day 14 – Travel to Colombo
After breakfast return to Colombo for a tour around this amazing city. Enjoy the celebrations of New Year’s Eve with a dinner at the hotel.
Day 15 – Colombo at Leisure
Spend New Year’s Day at leisure, discovering the many gems of Colombo.
Day 16 – Depart Colombo
Fly back to Australia, arriving the same day.
Highlights
- International flights, domestic transportation and visa processing included
- Guided tours with entrance fees to ancient cities and temples arranged
- Handmade silk saree dress from tea plantation experience to take home
Marvel at magnificent temples, see the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, search for elephants and other wild animals at Yala National Park, discover the fascinating caves at Dambulla and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Start your Christmas celebrations with a High Tea in a beautiful gardens of The Grand Hotel. Spend Christmas Day in Sri Lanka’s gorgeous tea country, Nuwara Eliya, where you’ll take part in an exclusive tea plantation experience wearing a traditional, handmade silk saree dress which you’ll get to take home as a memento. After the experience enjoy a scrumptious Christmas Day lunch.
Inclusions
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
- Domestic transportation.
- Touring with guides and entrance fees.
- 3 – 4 star accommodation.
- Visa processing for Australian passport holders.
FAQs
- Cinnamon Lakeside
- Jetwing Lakeside
- Cinnamon Citadel
- Jetwing St Andrew’s
- Cinnamon Wild
- Hikka Tranz
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 16 days and 15 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 18 Dec 2027 and 02 Jan 2029, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$150pp (AU$230pp) is paid locally in Sri Lanka.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights’ accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
- Price subject to change.
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