YPT Tours to Sri Lanka/Sri Lanka Tours

With its stunning scenery, delicious food, rich culture, and friendly people, Sri Lanka is a truly unforgettable destination. The island is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches to lush tea plantations, tropical rainforests, and mist-covered mountains, but also for its cultural heritage and ancient cities such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. And let’s not forget its food! From spicy curries to savory street food like hoppers and kottu, the Sri Lankan gastronomy is considered to be one of the best in the world!

Despite being an unique and enchanting destination, perfect for those seeking a blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Sri Lanka remains off the beaten tracks and receive only of fraction of the number of tourists other countries in the area get. With experience and tight connections, YPT can help you experience the best of this island nation, from its cultural treasures to its scenic wonders and gastronomic delights.

Group Tours to Sri Lanka

All aboard! YPT crafted an amazing itinerary, jam-packed with visits, culinary experiences and taking you in the heart of the Cultural triangle, riding some of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

Iconic Sri Lanka by Train Tour (9th-18th July 2024, $1495)

The rhythmic clatter of train wheels will accompany you along the trip, as you traverse through the country on trains, from the vibrant cityscape of Colombo to the Cultural Triangle, where you’ll explore the majestic ruins of Polonnaruwa and ascend the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO marvel perched atop a monolithic rock. 

Independent Tours to Sri Lanka

Young Pioneer Tours has close connection to a network of local partners and guides. As such we can arrange independent and bespoke travel packages, no matter what you’re looking for: budget tour of the best of Sri Lanka, 5 days express tour, adventure tours to the national parks, beaches break, or, why not, a honeymoon trip to the most beautiful parts of the island.

Example Sri Lanka tour Itinerary (7 days)

Day 1

• Arrive at your convenience into Colombo – the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is well connected to Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
• Start your discovery of Sri Lanka at the Pettah market, the bustling heart of Colombo. Here, our local insider will advise you on the best street food to try. Expect plenty of egg hoppers (thin, bowl-shaped pancakes), kottu roti (flatbread chopped up with vegetables and egg), saravita (coconut shavings wrapped in a betel leaf), achcharu (fruits pickled in spices) and sweet pancakes.
• Overnight in Colombo

Day 2

• Our walking tour of Colombo tarts in the Fort district, which was once a Portuguese and then Dutch colony. Here, you will see the imposing walls of the Colombo Fort, the Old Lighthouse and Clock Tower, and the Wolvendaal Church. 
• From the Fort, you will walk to the Pettah market, the bustling heart of Colombo. As you wander through the narrow streets lined with colourful shops, selling everything from spices to saris, be sure to try some of the local street food, such as kottu roti or devilled cashews. 
• You’ll see pass through the streets of Colombo’s central business district up to the Independence Square, a large park in the centre of the city home to several important buildings, including the Independence Arcade and the National Museum. 

Afternoon

• We’ll hop onboard the train to Habarana, a small city is right in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Habarana is 208 km from Colombo and the scenic train journey take around 4,5 hours.
• Overnight in Habarana

Day 3

• Visit of the Sigiriya rock fortress, one of the most uniquely striking works of architecture on the planet. Set atop a towering granite column, around 180 m above the surrounding forests, this fifth-century complex is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. 
• After reaching the top, you’ll explore the ruins of the former palace complex, with swimming pools, water gardens, and royal quarters. The views from the top are simply stunning, stretching for miles across the green landscape. 

Afternoon

• We’ll then visit the extraordinary ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back around a thousand years, when it became Sri Lanka’s second capital following the destruction of Anuradhapura. Surrounded by luscious greenery, the ruins are a remarkable insight into ancient history, with plenty of temples, shrines and palaces to explore.
• Among the main sights of Polonnaruwa, your guide will take you to Gal Viharaya, four colossal Buddha statues carved into a granite rock face; Vatadage, a unique circular relic house, adorned with intricate moonstones and elephant-headed motifs; Thuparamaya, the oldest dagoba (Buddhist stupa) in Polonnaruwa, believed to enshrine the right collarbone of the Buddha; and the remnants of the royal palace.
• Overnight in Habarana

Day 4

• After breakfast we’ll head towards Kandy, stopping en route at the sacred Dambulla cave temple. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this monastery is still functional and is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, built at the base of a 150m high rock.
• Our next stop will be the Temple of the Tooth, an important Buddhist site located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
• Afternoon
• After a tour of Kandy, we’ll head to a local family home to unlock the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine. This is also a nice chance to experience Sri Lankan family life. 
• Your culinary experience will start with a visit to the market, where you’ll buy the necessary ingredients for the recipe you want to make. There will be vegetarian, fish or chicken options. You’ll have have your dish for dinner.

Day 5

• Today we’ll take the train from Kandy to Ella, which is famous for being one of the most picturesque train routes on the planet. 
• Prepare to have your breath taken as we gently undulate through the countryside of central Sri Lanka, passing through tea plantations, mountains and jungle. You’ll spot waterfalls in the distance, cross epic valley viaducts, and wave to children running along the tracks as you pop your head out of the open doors and windows. 
• Upon arrival in Ella, in mid-afternoon, you’ll see the postcard-perfect scenery of Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era masterpiece spanning a deep valley. Then, you can stretch your legs, explore the town or simply chill at your hotel.

Day 6

• After breakfast, head to Udawalawe National Park, a nature reserve that homes leopards, water buffalo, deer and crocodiles. This place is most famous for being the best place to see Sri Lankan Elephants. There are around 600 of these majestic beasts roaming around in herds of up to 30, and we’ll go in search of them on a jeep safari.
• Visit the Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary that rehabilitates and releases orphaned or isolated baby elephants back into the wild.

Afternoon

• Back to Colombo via Kithulgala. En route, we’ll see several water falls and the raw beauty of the Sri Lankan countryside.
• Overnight in Colombo

Day 7

• End of tour. YPT can arrange airport transfers

Bespoke Sri Lanka Tours 

We can offer the following bespoke programs. Should what you are looking for not be on this list, please get in touch to see if we can fix it for you.

Sri Lanka Express-tour

YPT can offer a 5-day program for those who wish to see the highlights of Sri Lanka but in a short time: Pinnawala, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Colombo.

Cultural Triangle Sri Lanka Tour

YPT also organizes trips focusing in depth on the Cultural Triangle: the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the ancient temple of Dambulla, and the sacred city of Kandy. All three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Active tours to Sri Lanka

YPT can arrange slower trips, with bikes rides, bullock cart, hiking and slow-moving trains. Sri Lanka is also a year-round surfing destination, with excellent locations on both the east and southwest coast (each suitable at different times of year).

Train tours to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers some breathtaking train journeys. YPT can craft a tour allowing you to ride on the best ones, while visiting some of the most important sights of the island. The best rail journeys include Colombo to Kandy, whose best part is the stretch between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, offering panoramic views of tea estates and waterfalls; Nuwara Eliya to Ella, considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world; Colombo to Galle, a coastal train journey offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean; Kandy to Badulla, passing through the central highlands; or Nanu Oya to Hatton, also offering some of the most picturesque landscapes in the central highlands.

Sri Lanka Foodie Tours

We, at YPT, are huge fans of food and street food. So believe us when we say that Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, influenced by its rich history and diverse cultures. Our bespoke food tours will allow you to taste some of the best local cuisine (curry, egg hoppers, kottu roti, saravita…) and also to cook it, as we offer culinary experiences in local families.

Civil War Tours to Sri Lanka/Dark Tourism in Sri Lanka

While a dark period in the history of the county, it is still possible to visit sites related to the the Tamil Tiger insurgency, as well as arrange to meet people involved in the project, be it for touristic, journalistic, or academic reasons.

School Trips to Sri Lanka

YPT can arrange school trips to Sri Lanka for high school, as well as university students. These can be done in multiple languages, as well as being tailored to fit your curriculum.

Filming in Sri Lanka

Through our partners at Pioneer Media YPT can arrange trips for people wishing to film in Sri Lanka, inclusive of permits and the like. We can also arrange travel to Sri Lanka for journalists inclusive of arranging local meetings.

Frequently asked questions about travel to Sri Lanka

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