Secrets of Sri Lanka

trip overview

Uncover the Secrets of Sri Lanka on this 10-day private tour—tea trails, temples, safaris & sun-kissed beaches await your discovery.

It’s stylish. It’s meaningful. It’s unforgettable.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Days 6 & 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka

Ayubowan, and welcome to Sri Lanka — a tropical island steeped in history, culture, and coastal charm!

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, your private English-speaking guide will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. You’ll be whisked south along the coast to the heritage city of Galle.

Check into your handpicked boutique accommodation and let the rhythm of the island unfold. Perhaps wander the ramparts of the old Dutch Fort at sunset, or sip spiced tea in a shaded garden as the evening air fills with the scent of the tropics. This is where your discovery of the Secrets of Sri Lanka begins — calm, curious, and uniquely yours.

1 night in Galle – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Day 2

Galle to Yala

Start your morning exploring Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved colonial town where pastel-hued buildings and cobbled streets reveal layers of Portuguese and Dutch influence.

Later, pause along the southern coast to watch stilt fishermen in action — a surreal, centuries-old sight — before visiting a local turtle conservation centre where hatchlings are gently nurtured and returned to the sea.

Continue east to Yala National Park, where your afternoon culminates in a private jeep safari. This is leopard country — and with luck, you’ll spot one slipping through the brush at golden hour.

Breakfast included
1 night in Yala – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Day 3

Highlands of Nuwara Eliya

Venture inland into Sri Lanka’s lush central highlands, where winding roads lead to waterfalls, cloud forests and vast emerald tea estates.

Stop for a private tour at a working Ceylon tea plantation, where women in bright sarees deftly pluck leaves that scent the hillsides. Learn how those leaves become the world-famous brew — then enjoy a fresh cup with panoramic views.

Your final stop is Nuwara Eliya, a former British hill station wrapped in colonial charm, rose gardens and misty lakefronts.

Breakfast included
1 night in Nuwara Eliya – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Day 4

Scenic Rail Journey to Kandy

Board Sri Lanka’s most scenic train and journey past vibrant villages, eucalyptus woods and tea-carpeted slopes en route to Kandy.

On arrival, Comfort travellers will enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Deluxe and Indulgence guests will be treated to a traditional Kandyan cultural show — a dazzling performance of drumming, acrobatics and fire dancing rooted in ancient ritual.

Breakfast included
1 night in Kandy – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Optional Highlight (August): For those travelling between 21–31 August, don’t miss the spectacular Esala Perahera Festival — a grand Buddhist celebration of light, elephants, and devotion.

Day 5

Kandy to Passikudah

After breakfast, begin your day at one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred landmarks — the Temple of the Tooth, where worshippers offer flowers and prayers in a fragrant, golden-lit shrine.

Deluxe and Indulgence guests may also stroll the lush Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, home to orchids, medicinal plants, and the famous Giant Java fig tree.

Your journey continues east to the sun-drenched beaches of Passikudah, where calm turquoise waters stretch out like glass and relaxation awaits.

Breakfast included
3 nights in Passikudah – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Days 6 & 7

Slow Days by the Sea

Ease into the tranquil rhythm of Sri Lanka’s east coast, where days are shaped by sea breezes, golden sands and the freedom to do as much — or as little — as you please.

Over the next two days in Passikudah, you’ll find your perfect balance between relaxation and gentle discovery. Begin your mornings with a walk along the soft shoreline or a dip in the shallow, glass-like bay. Perhaps you’ll kayak at sunrise, unwind with a beachside massage, or visit a nearby fishing village to glimpse daily life along the coast.

Linger over lunch beneath the palms, browse local markets for handmade treasures, or find a quiet corner for a good book and a fresh coconut in hand. Every moment is yours to design — and your guide is always available to assist with recommendations or optional experiences.

Passikudah is where time stretches gently and the Secrets of Sri Lanka unfold at their most peaceful.

Breakfast included

Day 8

Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

After breakfast, trade the coast for the cultural heartland. Arrive in Polonnaruwa, a medieval capital turned archaeological gem, where your guide leads you by bicycle through a living museum of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation.

Explore vast stone palaces, lotus-shaped bathing pools, and serene Buddha statues carved from rock — all surrounded by jungle vines and echoing silence.

Continue to Sigiriya, where your boutique lodge is tucked among tropical gardens. As dusk falls, enjoy a quiet evening in anticipation of tomorrow’s climb.

Breakfast included
2 nights in Sigiriya – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Day 9

Sigiriya & Dambulla

Rise with the sun for a guided climb of the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress — a majestic stone citadel that once housed a king’s palace atop a 200-metre-high column of rock. As you ascend past mirror walls and ancient frescoes, each step reveals a new layer of wonder. At the summit, jungle-stretched views offer a moment of awe.

Later, descend into the shadowy splendour of the Dambulla Cave Temples, where five sanctuaries are carved into a single cliff face. Inside, golden Buddha statues recline beneath ceilings painted with celestial murals, untouched for centuries.

Return to your lodge to rest, reflect, and relish your final evening immersed in Sri Lanka’s cultural soul.

Breakfast included

Day 10

Until We Meet Again

Your journey draws to a close, but the memories linger like a warm breeze. After a final breakfast, your private driver will return you to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight.

As the island disappears from view, you’ll carry with you the stories, connections and quiet magic that made this more than a holiday — this was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the Secrets of Sri Lanka.

Breakfast included

Included in This Journey

1 Night in Galle
1 Night in Yala
1 Night in Nuwara Eliya
1 Night in Kandy
3 Nights in Passikudah
2 Nights in Sigiriya
Daily Breakfast
Private transfers with an English-speaking driver
All sightseeing as described in the program
Game drives at Yala National Park
Admission to sights
Private qualified licensed English-speaking local guide in each city
Refillable glass water bottle, to help preserve the environment
Gift Tea pack on departure
All taxes
In local destination representative or trip coordinator
All administrations

Choose your standard

From $2999AUD/pp

Comfort

Mango House, Galle

From $2999AUD/pp

Comfort

EKHO Safari, Yala

From $2999AUD/pp

Comfort

Blackpool Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

From $2999AUD/pp

Comfort

Athulya Villas, Kandy

From $2999AUD/pp

Comfort

Amaya Beach, Passikudah

From $2999AUD/pp

Comfort

Amaya Lake, Sigiriya

From $3499AUD/pp

Deluxe

Tamarind Hill, Galle

From $3499AUD/pp

Deluxe

Big Game Camp, Yala

From $3499AUD/pp

Deluxe

Heritance Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya

From $3499AUD/pp

Deluxe

Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy

From $3499AUD/pp

Deluxe

Maalu Maalu Resort, Passikudah

From $3499AUD/pp

Deluxe

Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

From $4499AUD/pp

Indulgence

Fort Bazaar, Galle

From $4499AUD/pp

Indulgence

Mahoora Camp, Yala

From $4499AUD/pp

Indulgence

Oliphant Bungalow, Nuwara Eliya

From $4499AUD/pp

Indulgence

Hanthana Boutique, Kandy

From $4499AUD/pp

Indulgence

Karpaha Sands, Pasikuda

From $4499AUD/pp

Indulgence

Water Garden, Sigiriya

*We try to include these hotel examples where available. If a selected hotel is unavailable for your requested dates, we will provide you with an alternative option that has been reviewed and rated similarly to the original property.

What Our Travellers Say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Deborah Z 
 3 December 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We thank Click And Trip for the superb organisation of our trip to India and for the great recommendations of hotels, tour guides and sight-seeing activities in every destination. We would unhesitatingly book again with Click And Trip – the organisation and planning by them was faultless. Click And Trip's travel consultants were some of the very best we have ever worked with – knowledgeable, friendly, highly efficient and reliable, and so client-focussed. Nothing we requested was ever a trouble!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bianca H 
 10 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic tour. The guides were great, knowledgeable, flexible, accommodating and so nice. The drivers were fantastic and I felt safe with them driving us around Vietnam and Cambodia. I will and have highly recommend this tour company to others
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sabrina H 
 4 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the most incredible experience with Click and Trip for our Vietnam and Cambodia holiday. They were so helpful pre-departure customising and adding extras we requested to our itinerary. As well as helping us organise our visas for our destinations. All our guides were so friendly and welcoming and made the whole experience so effortless and enjoyable. The activities were amazing and so diverse in each city and our accomodation in Cambodia was a real stand out. I can not recommend Click and Trip more highly and there offering in the travel market is truely unlike anything I have seen. Book with them, you will not regret it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Susan h 
 15 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Well, thats New York done and dusted !!.What a fabulous time we had. I wanted to email you to thank especially Rosie,Holly and the clickandtrip team for your organisation of our trip. It exceeded our expectations and I will be telling anyone who listens or asks to use your company and yourself. The details and instructions regarding the travelling details were clear and concise. The transfers from flights to drivers to and from airport/hotel seemless. I cannot thank you enough. Your response to any questions was prompt and clear ( and I had a lot of questions). Thank you all for a wonderful holiday we will remember forever.
Kind regards
Susan Hocken
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ian T 
 24 November 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nyssa at Click and Trip was super helpful and knowledgeable. I gave her an overview of what my wife and I were looking to do in a 5 week trip around Australia and she compiled an intenerary that accomplished that, but also had a plethora of suggestions of places to see and activities that I would never have known.
We also had to change our plans towards the end of our trip and she was able to sort that out hassle free for me.
I have already given her details to friends and family that are thinking of touring Oz and I  will not hesitate to use Click and Trip again for any trips to other destinations that may take my fancy in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mariza E 
 23 October 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently went o Bali with a group of friends and we had the best time! From exploring stunning temples and lush rice terraces to thrilling ATV rides through the countryside, every day was a new adventure. Highlights included visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest, ATV’s, Elephant Sanctuary and the adrenaline of swinging over rice terraces.

What made this trip extra special was our local guides which allowed us to really enjoy our time together as a group. We shared laughs, stories, and unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime. From the beginning working with Nyssa was very easy and k always appreciate her quick responses. I look forward to future trips. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris D 
 21 June 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 🌸✨ Just returned from our 2nd unforgettable trip with Click and Trip - a 2 week adventure through Japan. From the serene Meiji Shrine to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, the magical Teamlab Borderless, thrilling Tokyo Street Go Carting, and the enchanting Disneysea 🌊🎢, every moment was meticulously planned.
We explored traditional gems like Takayama and Shirakawa-go 🏯, marvelled at Kenroku-en garden's beauty 🌿, and indulged in Wagyu at Bungo Gion 🥩. Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine and the serene Kiyomizu-dera temple were highlights, as was dressing up in a kimono and strolling through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets 👘🌸.
Click and Trip took care of everything – from tickets 🎫, transfers 🚕, luxury hotels 🏨, to private guides 🗺️. They even helped us avoid the crowds with their insider tips and perfect itineraries. The Japan Explorer package was a dream, especially the stay in a traditional Ryokan in Takayama, offering Kyoto’s charm minus the crowds 🏡✨.
For a seamless, crowd-free, and unforgettable Japan experience, I can't recommend Click and Trip enough! 🌟
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bianca P 
 26 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Choosing click and trip for my trip to Italy was the best decision! It took all the guessing out of the planning process and we had the most amazing tours booked! The team were always there for support and helped get the best value. They are highly knowledgeable about travel, I can’t wait to book my next trip with them!
I highly recommend booking through click and trip you won’t regret!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tracy E 
 23 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thankyou so much to Nyssa who everytime needed assistance in booking an overseas trip she has made it possible, always listens and provides us the best service and helps us live a life time dream. For over 30yrs I have wanted to go to Pompeii and Rome, last trip was cancelled thanks to COVID but Nyssa help make it happen. Thank you so much. Next trip is helping my mum live out her dream and Nyssa has been so incredible helpful. Would highly recommend using Click and Trip for all your travel needs
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joanna F 
 2 December 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip to Vietnam with Click & Trip; I can't recommend this service highly enough, it takes the stress out of booking and planning a trip, and ensures you are locked into the best tours, hotels and transport for your time away (so you don't have to worry about getting dates and times right or booking an Air BnB that doesn't exist). It feels like a much more bespoke experience than previous travel agencies I've used, so if you get the chance to use them for your next trip, definitely do!

Your Questions Answered

Absolutely — this itinerary has been carefully designed for those new to Sri Lanka who want a little bit of everything. You’ll explore colonial coastal towns, tea-covered highlands, sacred temples, and even spot leopards on safari. With your own private guide and driver, you won’t just visit the highlights — you’ll experience them through stories, insight and local knowledge that makes everything feel effortless and meaningful.

This is a fully private guided holiday, crafted exclusively for you and your chosen travel companions. From the moment you arrive to your final airport transfer, you’ll have a dedicated driver and local guides by your side — no buses, no strangers, and no rigid timetables. Just the freedom to travel your way, with the comfort of knowing every detail is taken care of.

You’ll stay in handpicked boutique properties, each chosen for their charm, location and comfort. Whether it’s a heritage villa in Galle, a tea bungalow in the highlands or a barefoot-luxury beach retreat in Passikudah, every stay is part of the journey. You can select from Comfort, Deluxe or Indulgence tiers — and every option includes stays that are intimate, character-filled, and well-located.

Yes — and they’re unforgettable. This itinerary includes a private jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to elephants, sloth bears, birdlife and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. With one of the world’s highest leopard densities, Yala offers a rare chance to see these magnificent cats in the wild — all from the comfort of your own vehicle with a knowledgeable local tracker.

Absolutely — and many of our travellers do. Solo adventurers on this journey enjoy full private inclusions, safe and seamless travel throughout, and the support of both our local and Australian-based teams. A solo supplement applies, but the flexibility and connection you’ll gain makes it worth every rupee. It’s an empowering way to explore Sri Lanka, at your own pace.

This journey is designed with balance in mind. You’ll experience cultural depth and guided discovery in places like Sigiriya, Kandy and Polonnaruwa, but also enjoy unhurried beach days in Passikudah, scenic drives through the tea country, and quiet moments that are yours to shape. Think of it as immersive, not intense — where every day feels enriching, but never overwhelming.

You’ll fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Direct flights aren’t currently available from Australia, but there are excellent one-stop options with airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qantas (via Singapore), SriLankan Airlines, Emirates and Thai Airways. If you’d like help choosing the most convenient route, just ask — we’re happy to assist or connect you with a trusted flight partner.

Yes — and we wouldn’t offer it if it weren’t. Sri Lanka remains one of South Asia’s most welcoming and visitor-friendly destinations. With Click and Trip, you won’t navigate anything alone: your private driver, local guides, and our Brisbane-based team are with you every step of the way. All experiences are carefully vetted and continually monitored for quality and comfort.

Secrets of Sri Lanka is perfect for those who want to experience the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness without giving up comfort or control. Whether you’re a curious first-timer, a couple looking for a meaningful getaway, or a traveller craving something deeper than a cookie-cutter beach break — this itinerary was made with you in mind.

Absolutely. Every Secrets of Sri Lanka journey begins with a conversation — not a checkout cart. To get started, click the “Tailor This Trip” button at the top of the page. You’ll be directed to our Contact page, where you can reach out in the way that suits you best.

Call our Brisbane-based travel team on 1300 833 149, email contact@clickandtrip.com.au, open a live chat, or submit a quick enquiry form. We’ll guide you through the options — from hotel upgrades to extra cultural add-ons — and help fine-tune the itinerary until it’s exactly right for you.

We believe extraordinary travel starts with a human connection. This journey is no exception.

Deborah Z

3 December 2025

We thank Click And Trip for the superb organisation of our trip to India and for the great recommendations of hotels, tour guides and sight-seeing activities in every destination. We would unhesitatingly book again with Click And Trip – the organisation and planning by them was faultless. Click And Trip's travel consultants were some of the very best we have ever worked with – knowledgeable, friendly, highly efficient and reliable, and so client-focussed. Nothing we requested was ever a trouble!

Bianca H

10 April 2025

It was a fantastic tour. The guides were great, knowledgeable, flexible, accommodating and so nice. The drivers were fantastic and I felt safe with them driving us around Vietnam and Cambodia. I will and have highly recommend this tour company to others

Sabrina H

4 April 2025

We had the most incredible experience with Click and Trip for our Vietnam and Cambodia holiday. They were so helpful pre-departure customising and adding extras we requested to our itinerary. As well as helping us organise our visas for our destinations. All our guides were so friendly and welcoming and made the whole experience so effortless and enjoyable. The activities were amazing and so diverse in each city and our accomodation in Cambodia was a real stand out. I can not recommend Click and Trip more highly and there offering in the travel market is truely unlike anything I have seen. Book with them, you will not regret it.

Susan h

15 March 2025

Well, thats New York done and dusted !!.What a fabulous time we had. I wanted to email you to thank especially Rosie,Holly and the clickandtrip team for your organisation of our trip. It exceeded our expectations and I will be telling anyone who listens or asks to use your company and yourself. The details and instructions regarding the travelling details were clear and concise. The transfers from flights to drivers to and from airport/hotel seemless. I cannot thank you enough. Your response to any questions was prompt and clear ( and I had a lot of questions). Thank you all for a wonderful holiday we will remember forever. Kind regards Susan Hocken

Ian T

24 November 2024

Nyssa at Click and Trip was super helpful and knowledgeable. I gave her an overview of what my wife and I were looking to do in a 5 week trip around Australia and she compiled an intenerary that accomplished that, but also had a plethora of suggestions of places to see and activities that I would never have known. We also had to change our plans towards the end of our trip and she was able to sort that out hassle free for me. I have already given her details to friends and family that are thinking of touring Oz and I will not hesitate to use Click and Trip again for any trips to other destinations that may take my fancy in the future.

Mariza E

23 October 2024

I recently went o Bali with a group of friends and we had the best time! From exploring stunning temples and lush rice terraces to thrilling ATV rides through the countryside, every day was a new adventure. Highlights included visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest, ATV’s, Elephant Sanctuary and the adrenaline of swinging over rice terraces. What made this trip extra special was our local guides which allowed us to really enjoy our time together as a group. We shared laughs, stories, and unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime. From the beginning working with Nyssa was very easy and k always appreciate her quick responses. I look forward to future trips. Highly recommend!

Chris D

21 June 2024

🌸✨ Just returned from our 2nd unforgettable trip with Click and Trip - a 2 week adventure through Japan. From the serene Meiji Shrine to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, the magical Teamlab Borderless, thrilling Tokyo Street Go Carting, and the enchanting Disneysea 🌊🎢, every moment was meticulously planned. We explored traditional gems like Takayama and Shirakawa-go 🏯, marvelled at Kenroku-en garden's beauty 🌿, and indulged in Wagyu at Bungo Gion 🥩. Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine and the serene Kiyomizu-dera temple were highlights, as was dressing up in a kimono and strolling through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets 👘🌸. Click and Trip took care of everything – from tickets 🎫, transfers 🚕, luxury hotels 🏨, to private guides 🗺️. They even helped us avoid the crowds with their insider tips and perfect itineraries. The Japan Explorer package was a dream, especially the stay in a traditional Ryokan in Takayama, offering Kyoto’s charm minus the crowds 🏡✨. For a seamless, crowd-free, and unforgettable Japan experience, I can't recommend Click and Trip enough! 🌟

Bianca P

26 February 2024

Choosing click and trip for my trip to Italy was the best decision! It took all the guessing out of the planning process and we had the most amazing tours booked! The team were always there for support and helped get the best value. They are highly knowledgeable about travel, I can’t wait to book my next trip with them! I highly recommend booking through click and trip you won’t regret!

Tracy E

23 February 2024

Thankyou so much to Nyssa who everytime needed assistance in booking an overseas trip she has made it possible, always listens and provides us the best service and helps us live a life time dream. For over 30yrs I have wanted to go to Pompeii and Rome, last trip was cancelled thanks to COVID but Nyssa help make it happen. Thank you so much. Next trip is helping my mum live out her dream and Nyssa has been so incredible helpful. Would highly recommend using Click and Trip for all your travel needs

Joanna F

2 December 2023

We had a fantastic trip to Vietnam with Click & Trip; I can't recommend this service highly enough, it takes the stress out of booking and planning a trip, and ensures you are locked into the best tours, hotels and transport for your time away (so you don't have to worry about getting dates and times right or booking an Air BnB that doesn't exist). It feels like a much more bespoke experience than previous travel agencies I've used, so if you get the chance to use them for your next trip, definitely do!

Secrets of Sri Lanka

trip overview

Welcome to Sri Lanka

Galle to Yala

Highlands of Nuwara Eliya

Scenic Rail Journey to Kandy

Kandy to Passikudah

Slow Days by the Sea

Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

Sigiriya & Dambulla

Until We Meet Again

Trip Highlights

Included in This Journey

Choose your standard

Need to Know Before You Go

What Our Travellers Say

Your Questions Answered

Start Your Sri Lanka Adventure Today!

Head to our desktop site for our interactive weather map

Secrets of Sri Lanka

trip overview

Day 1 : Welcome to Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka

Day 2 : Galle to Yala

Galle to Yala

Day 3 : Highlands of Nuwara Eliya

Highlands of Nuwara Eliya

Day 4 : Scenic Rail Journey to Kandy

Scenic Rail Journey to Kandy

Day 5 : Kandy to Passikudah

Kandy to Passikudah

Days 6 & 7 : Slow Days by the Sea

Slow Days by the Sea

Day 8 : Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

Day 9 : Sigiriya & Dambulla

Sigiriya & Dambulla

Day 10 : Until We Meet Again

Until We Meet Again

Trip Highlights

Included in This Journey

Choose your standard

Need to Know Before You Go

What Our Travellers Say

Your Questions Answered

Start Your Sri Lanka Adventure Today!

Head to our desktop site for our interactive weather map

Important Information

Cancel booking