Beruwala/Bentota - Enjoy four days of R&R on the idyllic palm fringed beaches of Sri Lanka's West Coast, 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, Matale - Learn all about Sri Lanka's herbs and spices at the spice gardens in Matale, Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy including the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride and watch a cultural performance, Nuwara Eliya - Spend a night in this highland community, referred to as 'Little England', surrounded by Central Sri Lanka's picturesque tea country hills, Ratnapura - Visit the heart of the nation's gem mining industry, Take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing waterfalls and lush tea plantations en route, Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, home to the nation's largest herd of Asian Elephants, Giragama Tea Factory - Take a tour of a working tea factory with a long history
Buddha and Beach - 12 Days
Deal number: 5067750
ON THE GO TOURS
This deal expires 23 Sept 2025
From 2025-09-27 to 2026-12-12
Sri Lanka
12-day tour
Price from
$2,675*
per person
Deal number: 5067750
Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
11 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe NP and Colombo
Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and Tuk Tuk trips
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 12
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
11 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe NP and Colombo
Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and Tuk Tuk trips
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 12
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
Day 1, Colombo
Saturday. Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, you'll be met and transferred to our seafront hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle in.
If you're arriving early, why not join our optional Backstreets of Colombo tour before the main tour begins? Get off the beaten track and experience the real Colombo on this immersive morning adventure. Hop into a colourful tuk tuk and travel to Bambalapitiya to catch a local train into the city centre. Wander through the vibrant streets of Pettah, admire the striking Red Mosque and colonial-era Old Town Hall, and visit the historic Dutch-built Wolvendaal Church. Wrap up the experience with a delicious mutton roll and iced coffee at the legendary Nippon Hotel.
Please note: To join this optional tour, flights must arrive in Colombo before 5:00am on Day 1. We strongly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.
For those arriving later on, our hotel is just a short stroll from Galle Road and many of Colombo’s key sights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool, or simply unwind with a cocktail as you watch the sun set over the Laccadive Sea.
No meals included.
Day 2, Dambulla
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 dates 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.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Sigiriya
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 at 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.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Kandy
This morning, we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and 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 take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills. This afternoon we stop at the Geragama Tea Factory, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 5, Nuwara Eliya
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time, before transferring to the railway station for a 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.
Upon arrival we embark on a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya - an area known locally as 'Little England'.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 6, Udawalawe National Park
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan elephant, the biggest of all the Asian elephants in the wild. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the cheeky langur monkey and varies types of deer. We enjoy an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7, Colombo
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. We travel back to Colombo this morning with a visit to 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 that exist in the world.
Arriving to Colombo, we commence a city tour, seeing the Fort area in the north of the city which is famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll also see the somewhat unusual Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Bentota and Beruwala
Colombo - Kalutara. After breakfast, we head south along Sri Lanka's idyllic West Coast to spend the final four nights relaxing by the beach in this picturesque holiday location.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9-11, Bentota and Beruwala
Sri Lanka's beautiful palm fringed beaches are without a doubt its biggest draw cards, and once you set eyes on them you’ll understand why. Nestled on the Indian Ocean coast with warm crystal clear waters, Beruwala and the neighbouring town of Bentota offer travellers a whole host of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to water skiing and surfing – the choice if yours. Indulge in a glass of Toddy – a local coconut flavoured tipple, head to the spa and opt for an Ayurveda treatment which the area is famous for, or simply while away the days on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
3 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 12, Colombo
Wednesday. Kalutara - Colombo. Today our tropical island adventure comes to an end. Departure transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward international flight.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Saturday. Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, you'll be met and transferred to our seafront hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle in.
If you're arriving early, why not join our optional Backstreets of Colombo tour before the main tour begins? Get off the beaten track and experience the real Colombo on this immersive morning adventure. Hop into a colourful tuk tuk and travel to Bambalapitiya to catch a local train into the city centre. Wander through the vibrant streets of Pettah, admire the striking Red Mosque and colonial-era Old Town Hall, and visit the historic Dutch-built Wolvendaal Church. Wrap up the experience with a delicious mutton roll and iced coffee at the legendary Nippon Hotel.
Please note: To join this optional tour, flights must arrive in Colombo before 5:00am on Day 1. We strongly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.
For those arriving later on, our hotel is just a short stroll from Galle Road and many of Colombo’s key sights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool, or simply unwind with a cocktail as you watch the sun set over the Laccadive Sea.
No meals included.
Day 2, Dambulla
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 dates 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.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Sigiriya
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 at 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.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Kandy
This morning, we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and 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 take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills. This afternoon we stop at the Geragama Tea Factory, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 5, Nuwara Eliya
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time, before transferring to the railway station for a 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.
Upon arrival we embark on a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya - an area known locally as 'Little England'.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 6, Udawalawe National Park
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan elephant, the biggest of all the Asian elephants in the wild. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the cheeky langur monkey and varies types of deer. We enjoy an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7, Colombo
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. We travel back to Colombo this morning with a visit to 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 that exist in the world.
Arriving to Colombo, we commence a city tour, seeing the Fort area in the north of the city which is famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll also see the somewhat unusual Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Bentota and Beruwala
Colombo - Kalutara. After breakfast, we head south along Sri Lanka's idyllic West Coast to spend the final four nights relaxing by the beach in this picturesque holiday location.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9-11, Bentota and Beruwala
Sri Lanka's beautiful palm fringed beaches are without a doubt its biggest draw cards, and once you set eyes on them you’ll understand why. Nestled on the Indian Ocean coast with warm crystal clear waters, Beruwala and the neighbouring town of Bentota offer travellers a whole host of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to water skiing and surfing – the choice if yours. Indulge in a glass of Toddy – a local coconut flavoured tipple, head to the spa and opt for an Ayurveda treatment which the area is famous for, or simply while away the days on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
3 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 12, Colombo
Wednesday. Kalutara - Colombo. Today our tropical island adventure comes to an end. Departure transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward international flight.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Enquire to book this trip
Deal number: 5067750
Buddha and Beach - 12 Days
ON THE GO TOURS
From 2025-09-27 to 2026-12-12
Sri Lanka
12-day tour
You're the centre of our centre
When you book with us, you know you're booking with the best in the business.
Help & support
© Flight Centre (NZ) Limited.
Lowest Airfare Guarantee is no longer valid at Flight Centre stores in New Zealand as of Thursday 14 July 2022. Click here for more information.
*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Prices & taxes are in NZD and are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person. We charge a Travel Expert Service Fee for bookings made with our travel experts in store, via email or over the phone and an Online Booking Fee for flight bookings made online. These fees are charged in addition to the advertised price and displayed fares. Merchant fees apply and depend on your chosen payment method. View Booking Terms and Conditions for more information.