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.
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 a delicious Christmas lunch, you’ll head to the colonial era Grand Hotel for High Tea in their beautiful gardens – the perfect way to spend Christmas Day.
- 18 Dec 2026 – 02 Jan 2027
from $9,380 pp twin share * - 18 Dec 2027 – 02 Jan 2028
from $10,080 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
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, and from where you can observe a variety of bird species such as the Indian cormorants, wood storks and pelicans. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel before heading out this evening for a walk in Udawattekele rainforest. - Day 7 – Christmas Eve – Nuwara Eliya:
Today after breakfast you will be taken to Nuwara Eliya by train. Train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) is approximately 4 hours. You will be transferred from the station and taken to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya, to check in relax. Later on, enjoy a fabulous High Tea at the Grand Hotel before your Christmas Eve dinner. - Day 8 – Christmas Day – Nuwara Eliya:
Merry Christmas! After breakfast you will be taken for a tea plantation experience dressed in handmade, traditional silk sarees which you’ll then get to take home with you. Your experience starts in the plantation itself with the tea puckers, giving you the opportunity to learn how to pluck tea then visit the factory where ancient machines pre-dating the industrial revolution wither, roll and dry the tea, followed by learning how to taste different variety of tea. There is normally a little time at the end of the tour for a tea tasting, either of one specific type of tea or occasionally of the various specialties of that factory. Much like a wine tasting, a traditional tea tasting would involve drinking tea (without milk), swilling it around the mouth to get the taste. Return back to the hotel and celebrate the festivities with a scrumptious Christmas day lunch. - 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 and checking out of the hotel you travel the 2.5 hours to Colombo. You have some time to relax, before your city tour around this amazing city. Enjoy the the celebrations of New Year’s Eve with a dinner at the hotel. - Day 15 – Colombo at Leisure:
New Year’s Day at leisure, discovering the many gems of Colombo. Depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, you may be transferred to the airport after dinner in time for your flight scheduled to depart very early tomorrow morning. - Day 16 – Depart Colombo:
Fly back to Australia, arriving the same day.
Highlights
- Marvel at magnificent temples and the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya.
- Explore the fascinating caves at Dambulla and ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
- Spend Christmas Day in Sri Lanka’s tea country with an exclusive plantation experience.
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.
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 a delicious Christmas lunch, you’ll head to the colonial era Grand Hotel for High Tea in their beautiful gardens – the perfect way to spend Christmas Day.
Inclusions
- Venture up to the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress of King Kasyapa.
- Wander through the UNESCO ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
- Christmas Eve High Tea at the Grand Hotel.
- Discover the colonial city of Galle.
- Try your hand at curd making.
- Walk through Udawattakele rainforest.
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 2026 and 02 Jan 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
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