2026 DEPARTURE
19 DAYS | 18 NIGHTS 

21 November to 9 December 2026

$8,650.00* AUD per person Double or Twin Share
$11,990.00* AUD Solo Traveller

ONLY 2 ROOMS AVAILABLE

 

Sri Lanka – steeped in history and culture.

On our tour we will focus on the amazing diversity that does make Sri Lanka ‘The Wonder of Asia’! We begin in the modern city of Colombo before venturing northwest towards the cultural triangle. Here we find a treasure trove of ancient ruins and the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Here we will also focus on the best of Sri Lankan wildlife. We will witness the life of the colonial tea plantations as we rise out of the plains into the lush mountains. Experiencing a cooler climate, we will learn about the pioneer’s legacy that is now left in the architectural style of the homes and buildings.

Leaving the largest population of Asian elephants behind we eventually descend to the coast to find the beautiful palm fringed beaches that are the epicentre of a thriving fishing and tourism industry. Here we explore the fortressed old city of Galle Fort still standing much like it did in its day. Come with us to see and feel what truly is ‘The Wonder of Asia’!

There are some great tour companies out there but they all tend to follow the same path and the same style. We are not re-inventing the wheel but feel that our ‘product’ has some very distinct differences and some personal touches that make our travel experience quite unique. For our existing G&T Clubbers, you know all of this but for the benefit of our new comers and of course your immediate family and friends who we invite to join us, please see below how we differ.

SRI LANKA 2026 ITINERARY

‘Ayubowan’ – Welcome to Sri Lanka!

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Colombo. The balance of the day is free for you to explore the city or simply enjoy the fantastic facilities of the hotel. Maybe a relaxing spa treatment after your long flight or a splash in the infinity pool!

Note: Tuk-Tuk drivers and/or their touts may approach you outside of the hotel. Many suggest that they are employees of the hotel and will offer you some sightseeing ideas. We will cover everything they offer and more tomorrow so please politely decline any offers they make. Generally, they are overpriced and may not even be tour guides If you do need transport independently just ask concierge to assist.

Note: Gools & Thommo will already be ‘in country’ and we will have some suggestions  or dinner tonight.

ACCOMMODATION – 2 nights

Granbell Hotel Colombo (or similar)

MEALS – None

NB: Temple clothes required today.

This morning you will enjoy a relaxing and delicious breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast we will explore the fascinating city of Colombo, taking in its historic, religious and cultural landmarks, bustling streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

Before we depart, we will have a pre-departure meeting in the hotel (time TBC). We will then discuss the next exciting 19 days ahead. Please arrive at this meeting with your ‘tipping kitty cash’ and be ready to depart on our Colombo sightseeing tour.

NB: Today you will need to be dressed in the appropriate clothing for the temple/mosque. When we need temple clothes, we suggest covered shoulders and perhaps a sarong to cover your legs instead of long pants, we remove our shoes as well.

Granbell Hotel Colombo (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

After breakfast we will leave the city behind and head north to Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu translates to ‘Land of Lakes’. The unique feature of this park is the existence of many ‘willus’ (natural lakes or sand-rimmed water basins).

En route, we may spot the traditional art of ‘Toddy Tapping’ – a toddy tapper climbs a tall coconut tree to collect sap from the flowers, which is used to make Arrak – a local popular ‘age-old local brew’ like a whisky type of spirit.

Wilpattu is in the northwest coastal lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is approximately 131, 693 hectares in size.

With nearly sixty ‘willus’ and tanks spread throughout the park, Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. It is also among the top national parks world-renowned for its ‘Elusive Leopard’ population.

Wilpattu NP also has an abundance of birdlife (many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Asiatic Buffalo, Mugger Crocodiles and Sloth Bears and Elephants.

Our first exciting safari starts on arrival this afternoon. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a bottle of water with you. Long sleeves are a good idea as the sides of the jeep are open.

We return to camp just before dark for a sundowner or two and a shower before enjoying our fine dining dinner experience under the night sky.

ACCOMMODATION – 2 nights

Big Game Camp Wilpattu (safari eco camp in a private jungle reserve)

MEALS – Breakfast / Dinner

After a peaceful sleep in your eco tent we will head out for our early morning safari. You will be practiced now for what we are searching for and where to look. We will take a packed breakfast box with us this morning to take advantage of the morning light.

After our game drive we will return to camp for lunch.

The afternoon is at leisure to simply relax and read a book or manage your many photos before another delicious dinner under the stars. This evening you may be interested in a night walk or simply enjoy the evening with a calming cup of Sri Lankan tea.

Big Game Camp Wilpattu (safari eco camp in a private jungle reserve)

MEALS – Breakfast / Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast we will take a short drive to see, and climb (if you wish) the Mihintale Rock. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiya Tissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments. It is revered as the Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and enjoys spectacular sweeping views from its summit.

Afterwards we have another short drive to our nearby Luxury Retreat, and the afternoon will be yours to spend leisurely in your very own Ulagalla Pool Villa or maybe enjoy one of the many activities around the resort.

Dinner tonight will be a real treat as the very best restaurant in the region is at our resort.

NB: The rock climb is very achievable but not compulsory and you will need good sturdy footwear.

ACCOMMODATION – 2 nights

Uga Ulagalla (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast / Dinner

NB: Temple clothes are required today.

After a delicious breakfast with a view, we take a short drive to the historical township (sacred city) of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital renowned for its well-preserved ruins, sacred stupas, and centuries-old Buddhist heritage. The first of our UNESCO World Heritage sites. Today is a remarkable journey through time with several engineering marvels that continue to inspire awe.

Excavations on this site have revealed a very substantial human settlement. It was not until the 4th Century, under King Pandukabhaya (the first monarch of the kingdom) that Anuradhapura became the capital of Sri Lanka and began to gain fame and recognition. Among the many buildings & monuments still standing is the Brazen Palace built in the 2nd Century as a monk’s residence. The Thuparamaya Stupa, the oldest Dagoba in the country and believed to enshrine the collarbone of Buddha.

This afternoon you will have some free time to explore Uga Ulgalla and enjoy the surrounds of this magnificent property.

Uga Ulagalla (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast / Dinner

After breakfast you will have the morning at leisure. The hotel has ample complementary and chargeable activities available for you to choose from.

We will check out around midday and travel to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for an exciting afternoon Game Drive. These national parks, which border each other, are the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world! Lucky visitors have reported spotting large herds (up to 100 at a time) across the forests, grasslands or right near the lake. The jeeps are African Safari Style generally so a long sleeve shirt with a collar is recommended to keep the sun off.

After our safari we make our way onto our wonderful accommodation that sits within 211 acres of protected forest.

ACCOMMODATION – 2 nights

Heritance Kandalama (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

It is an early start this morning to beat the crowds as we climb and discover the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock. A 5th Century rock fortress, Sigiriya is famed for its ancient frescoes, landscape gardens, and breathtaking views. Sigiriya contains the ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the reign of King Kashyapa. It is one of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, and it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions. There are likely to be crowds of enthusiastic travellers here but for good reason! The Sigiriya site consists of a 180m tall granite rock, whose sides are so steep that at some points the top appears to overhang the base. At the very top of the site (for those who wish to do the climb) we can wander amongst the ruins and enjoy the spectacular views.

The ruins of various chambers, stairways and pools can be seen here. There is a stone stairway leading from the base to the top of the mountain. Somebody told us that there were 1200 steps, but we did not count them Do not let the number of steps concern you too much. We have plenty of time to take them slowly! About halfway to the top, there is a giant pair of lion paws which served as the entrance to the Royal Palace.

From here you choose if you wish to continue to the toppy top Surrounding the palace complex at the base are the ruins of a lush garden consisting of two ancient moats and various pools.

If you don’t wish to climb to the actual summit, then the area around the base offers a great alternative. It is an interesting place to relax and imagine what once existed here. There is something for everyone whatever your fitness level and well worth the early start.

NB: Either Gools or Thommo can stay at the bottom of the complex with those who choose not to climb the rock at all. But most guests so far have at least managed to reach halfway and absolutely loved it.

Once we return to the hotel you will have some time to freshen up before heading off on a Local Village Tour. This is a relaxed and authentic immersion into traditional rural life and warm Sri Lankan hospitality. Travel by tuk-tuk and an agricultural tractor, take a ride across the lake in a traditional canoe, wander through lush rice paddies and meet warm-hearted local villagers. We will experience Sri Lankan Village Cooking and enjoy our lunch with the family.

Heritance Kandalama (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast / Lunch

NB: Temple clothes are required today.

After breakfast we will drive to Dambulla town and visit Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a sacred complex of beautifully preserved rock temples adorned with ancient mural paintings and over 150 Buddha Statues. The temple is reached via an easy climb (stairs/ramps) that rewards you with sweeping views. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura; after gaining the throne he built the Rock Temples, and they are the most magnificent to be found in Sri Lanka. They too are UNESCO World Heritage. You will have time to wander through the many caves.

After exploring the caves we will continue onto Kandy, the ‘Hill Capital’ and ‘Cultural Heart’ of Sri Lanka. Fantastic colonial buildings can be found throughout this little city. Kandy was built around a manmade lake and is home to the most sacred Buddhist Temple on the Island. The ‘Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’ is believed to house the tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

Upon arrival in Kandy, we will head into the centre of town and take the opportunity to explore with some free time. You can enjoy a walk around the compact and interesting streets (or around the lake) and have a relaxed lunch (at own expense). We will then meet up at a designated point and proceed to our hotel.

We will have time then to freshen up before heading across to the Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) for our guided tour a little later in the afternoon. The temple showcases some exquisite architecture and interesting rituals.

We will then make our way back to the hotel for our dinner.

ACCOMMODATION – 2 nights

Kandy Myst by Cinnamon (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast / Dinner

This morning, you can choose to either have a relax by the pool or a ‘little lay in’ or venture out on a local walking trail.

OPTIONAL MORNING HIKE:

National geographic voted The Pekoe Trail as ‘ONE OF THE BEST’ in the world for 2024. It is 300+km long and consists of 22 stages. Today you can do the very first stage as it starts right near Kandy. Length: 12.84 km / Duration: 4 hours / Elevation Gain: 537m / Elevation Loss: 470m. Classed as EASY.

The Pekoe Trail begins on the scenic Hantana Estate. The trail winds gently through the lush landscapes, offering stunning views of Kandy and the iconic seven peaks of the Hantana Mountain Range. At the highest part of the trail, you will have views of Knuckles Range and Victoria Reservoir. The trail passes through some dense towering pine forest, quaint villages and ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ was partially shot in this area. You will enjoy this first stage of the Pekoe Trail as it offers an unforgettable blend of cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and historical intrigue.

COST TBA and depends on group numbers.

Once the walkers return, we will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, originally conceived as the Queen’s pleasure garden in 1371. Today, it is Sri Lanka’s premier botanical gardens famed for its vast collection of orchids, towering royal palms and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. The stroll around the gardens is truly amazing. Many of our guests have commented in the past that ‘you do not need to be a plant lover to enjoy these beautiful gardens’.

Kandy Myst by Cinnamon (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast / Dinner

After breakfast, we travel to Nuwara Eliya, a ‘hill station’ known for its cool climate, colonial charm, misty tea plantations, and picturesque countryside, and often called the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. It can be one of the coolest places on the island, often just like an English spring day! The temperature does drop at night so a warm fleece may be required if venturing out after dark.

Stopping for lunch along the way (at own expense) we will then visit a tea factory to see the manufacturing process of world famous ‘Ceylon Tea’. Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824, when a few plants were brought in from China. More were introduced from Assam, India in 1839. In 1867, a Scottish planter named James Taylor planted tea seedlings on 8 hectares of forest land, in the Loolkandura Estate.

In 1873, the tea export industry of Sri Lanka began with a modest amount being shipped to London. Tea will grow only on rolling terrain and is classified into 3 main groups of elevation as low grown, medium grown and high grown. We will get a chance to see the plantations up close and you may spot some tea pickers along the way. You will see evidence of the British influence all around the quaint town of Nuwara Eliya.

Once checked into the hotel you will be free to leisurely enjoy your afternoon, perhaps around the gorgeous gardens surrounding of the Grand Hotel or take a gentle stroll up the many little country lanes.

ACCOMMODATION – 2 nights

Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

Enjoy a lazy start today and a ‘bountiful breakfast graze’ as you have a full day at leisure in Nuwara Eliya. A morning in the garden or take advantage of the Spa Treatments available inhouse, or maybe play a round of golf, you can decide. For those who wish to add an exciting walk to the itinerary you may do that today with an optional excursion.

OPTIONAL MORNING HIKE:

A spectacular morning hike in Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage listed highland plateau of rolling grasslands and cloud forests, culminating at the dramatic World’s End cliff with breathtaking panoramic views.

The hike departs early as you need to complete the walk before the clouds roll in. You will be back at the hotel with free time around lunchtime.

COST TBA and depends on group numbers.

NB: If you are interested in a round of Golf today (availability pending). Please advise in advance, so we check in direct with the Club.

Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

We will enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning and a late checkout combined with a morning at leisure in Nuwara Eliya where you can explore the charming little town at your own pace. Many homes and hotels around town are like country cottages or Queen Ann Style’ mansions found across England. Enjoy your walk with the quiet streets, colonial architecture, and local markets. Maybe find a bakery for a delicious snack or try a traditional Kottu Roti. You will hear this dish being prepared before you see it. It really is quite unique. There are plenty of options for lunch (own expense). Keep an eye out for the old Post Office as it stands boldly on the edge of town.

We will proceed to Nanu Oya railway station by coach to take the Scenic Train to Ella, a popular ‘hill country’ town, known for its dramatic viewpoints, gentle hiking trails, cool climate and café culture.

This little train passes through spectacular countryside and many of our past Clubbers have suggested that this was ‘one of the highlights’ of their Sri Lankan journey.

NB: Our coach will continue to Ella by road along with our large luggage and anything you don’t need for our train journey. Train times can change so we will be flexible.

NB: Please ensure you have something warm to wear as it can be a little cool on the train.

ACCOMMODATION – 2 nights

98 Acres Resort Ella (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

Enjoy a leisure day in and around Ella.

This resort is built on a working Tea Estate. It’s an awesome place for a gentle stroll around the tea plantations and get some great photos as the pickers go about their picking. If you wish, you can take a short walk to view Ella Rock before climbing up Little Adams Peak (relatively easy). A great place to view the deep green valleys and the surrounding area.

Or if you prefer you can have a leisurely breakfast before heading down to Ella town. There are many charming little local cafes and bars in Ella town, and you will be able to explore and find a spot to enjoy a lazy lunch. The lunch at 98 Acres is good so be sure to make a reservation if that is your preference. You may wish to venture into town in the late afternoon and find a delightful spot for dinner. The choices are many! Perhaps Chill or 360 Ella (2 great options).

98 Acres Resort Ella (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

Today, after breakfast we will make our way down the hill to the beautiful Southern Sri Lankan Coast and settle in for a 3-night stay in gorgeous Galle. G&T love to have a relaxed 3-night stop towards the end of the itinerary and in ‘true G&T style’ Galle is the perfect place to do this.

Enroute to Galle we will visit an Elephant Orphanage. The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Supported by the Born Free Foundation, the primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for their ultimate release back into the wild. After rehabilitation, many are released into the nearby Udawalawe National Park.

The elephants are never chained but are free to roam around and play as they wish. Human contact is kept to a minimum to maximize their chance of survival. There is no touching, washing or posing alongside them for selfies, but you can watch them being fed.

Leaving the playful babies behind, we will continue to our Beautiful Boutique Hotel located inside the historic Galle Fort, a spectacularly preserved 17th Century Dutch Fort, were history and vibrant local life come together along charming cobblestone streets. Tonight, you are free to wonder and choose one of the many dining experiences all within walking distance of the hotel.

ACCOMMODATION – 3 nights

Fort Bazaar Galle (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

After breakfast we will depart for Bentota where we will find Madu Ganga, a complex coastal ecosystem which supports mangroves and up to 64 islands. It may be one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. We will join the Madu Ganga Boat Safari and cruise along the Madu River system where we will have the opportunity to spot monkeys, water monitors, and a variety of busy waterbirds all eyeing off the water for their lunch.

Following the cruise, we will visit a Turtle Hatchery and Conservation Center to learn about the efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. The projects were established in 1988 and are operated by the Wildlife Protection Society of Sri Lanka. They protect Sri Lanka’s turtle population from extinction as they release millions of baby turtles into the wild. Sri Lanka is home to several species of sea turtles, including the green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles, which nest along its pristine beaches.

We will then make our way back to Galle Fort and the evening is yours to explore either within the Fort Walls where loads of tiny restaurants hide. You may even want to walk up to the lighthouse for a sunset vantage point. You may want to book a table at the fabulous Jetwing Lighthouse Restaurant for sunset and dinner. NB: You must book ahead to get a table.

Fort Bazaar Galle (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

Sightseeing in Galle is fantastic and super easy, so we have left it to be an experience of self-exploration as the compact old town is a living, walking museum.

You can explore the Fort Walls before heading down into the narrow streets where you can choose to visit one of the many museums. The Dutch Museum, or the National Maritime Museum are two of the best or simply walk and explore the Old Dutch Church or local Post Office.

You could hit the local art galleries nearby, find a coffee & cake in one of the cute cafes or pop in and out of the many little shops looking for something special to take home.

The Galle Fort area is sensational for just wandering and feeling the groove!

If you are adventurous you may wish to hail a Tuk-Tuk to take you down to Unawatuna Beach. There are loads of beach cafes and restaurants of which most serve a seafood dinner right on the sand. A little laneway just back from the beach is called Temple Road and it is another cool area for both eating and shopping.

Fort Bazaar Galle (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast

There is no rush this morning so you can relax and enjoy a lazy breakfast or get up early and watch the sunrise from the Fort Walls. We don’t need to check out until midday. Once checked out we will simply make our way back to Colombo.

Tonight, we have our ‘Farewell Gala Dinner’ in house as we are staying in the magnificent Galle Face Hotel where the food is a gastronomic event. Prior to our dinner we can sit out in the garden and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Perhaps with a tall refreshing G&T with ice and a slice.

ACCOMMODATION – 1 night

Galle Face Hotel Colombo (or similar)

MEALS – Breakfast / Gala Dinner

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to go shopping or enjoy a swim before your transfer to the Airport in time for your flight home.

Today we will leave this Magical Island behind, taking with us so many fond memories of so many amazing experiences! And a tummy full of delicious cuisine. Who knows you may just want to buy yourself a Sri Lankan Cookbook to discover more delicious recipes when at home.

NB: Let us know if you wish to extend your stay at this fabulous hotel for an extra night or two. (own expense)

MEALS – Breakfast

BON VOYAGE AND SAFE TRAVELS!

VIEW THE SRI LANKA BROCHURE

PRICE INCLUDES

  • 18 nights’ accommodation on twin/double share basis

  • 1 Lunch included at 98 Acres Resort

  • 2 Dinners included at Big Game Camp Wilpattu

  • 2 Dinners included at Uga Ulagalla Anuradhapura

  • 1 Dinner included at Kandy Myst Kandy

  • 1 Gala Farewell Dinner included at Galle Face Hotel Colombo

  • English speaking local Sri Lankan Guide

  • Transport by air-conditioned coach (depends on group size)

  • Professional Driver and Assistant

  • All historic monument entry fees as per the itinerary

  • Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella / Dambulla Cave / Temple of The Tooth / Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens / Tea Plantation visit / Sigiriya Rock Climb / Local Village Visit / Madhu River Boat Cruise / Turtle Hatchery / Elephant Transit Home – all as per the itinerary

  • 2 Safaris in Wilpattu National Park including Entrance fees

  • 1 Elephant Safari in Minneriya (or Kaudulla) National Park including Entrance fees

  • Hill trek/climb at 98 Acres Resort in Ella (graded easy)

  • All current applicable taxes. NB: The Sri Lankan government can increase taxes

PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Lunches or Dinners except those listed in the inclusions

  • Drinks are not included with our included meals

  • Optional activities as listed in the itinerary

  • Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, massage, spa treatments

  • Camera fees may apply to some monuments

  • Travel Insurance and Visas (Compulsory)

  • Tips and Gratuities for guides ,drivers, porters, etc – a “Tipping Kitty applies”

  • Prices are subject to change if there are any government tax increases on hotels & transportation

Note: Tipping in Sri Lanka is customary. We have found from experience that the best way to deal with this is to generate a ‘tips kitty’ which takes away the guess work and the need for constant small change which can be embarrassing. Please budget USD$250.00 cash for this kitty. Small denominations are best ($5 $10 $20 $50) Please have this cash ready for collection at our pre departure meeting on day 1. This will cover all tipping required as per our group itinerary.

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR DEVALUATION REPRICE CLAUSE

G&T price our tours on a very narrow margin to give you, our Clubbers, the best possible value for money. In the event of a major currency fluctuation/devaluation, we reserve the right to recalculate the price until the final payment due date. If AUD / USD rate drops below AUD 1.00 = USD 0.58, we reserve the right to reprice the tour.

Note: This USD ‘trigger rate’ of AUD 1.00 = USD 0.58 is not the ‘official rate’ you see advertised by the bank, but our ‘buy’ rate when we purchase the currency through our bank which is the National Australia Bank (NAB).

GRAB YOUR SPOT

We do require a minimum of 10 guests on each tour to guarantee the departures.

Many of our chosen accommodations are in highly sort after locations and we have a maximum of 13 rooms blocked for us. This means, as we secure single room occupancy for our solo travellers our group sizes will decrease as we fill our maximum 13 rooms.

NB: Group size will then be a maximum of 18-20 on each tour.

NB: Our average group size historically has been 13-16, depending on the number of solo travellers. 

PLEASE CLICK HERE to go to our online booking form.