Sri Lanka Group Tour Itinerary (10 Days) – Hosted Small-Group Travel

Sri Lanka has stayed with me ever since my first visit back in 2017. I’ve always said I wanted to go back, and now it’s going to happen with this fabulous 10-day tour I will be hosting

My visit during our gap year was one of those where everything was just right – the landscapes, the food, the wildlife, and especially the warmth of the people.

Even though my original journey was very much a budget, DIY adventure, the overall path of this group trip follows a similar route through the country’s cultural heart, hill country and down to the coast.

It’s a route that gives you a real feel for Sri Lanka, not just a quick tick-the-box visit.

Back then, we travelled by a mix of trains, tuk-tuks and some truly memorable local buses – including a few classic “chicken bus” experiences that were loud, colourful, chaotic and absolutely unforgettable.

I loved every minute of it, but I’m also very happy to say that this time we won’t be hanging out the back of a bus hoping our luggage stays on board.

This trip keeps the spirit of that adventure, but adds comfort, ease and local expertise – without losing what makes Sri Lanka so special.

That’s why I’m genuinely excited to return and host this journey myself.

Sri Lanka is rich, varied and surprisingly easy to love, and travelling through it with a small group, good guides and a relaxed pace is, in my opinion, the best way to experience it.

If it’s a country you’ve ever been curious about, this itinerary brings together the highlights I enjoyed most – just without the train strikes and chicken buses this time around.

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Sri Lanka Group Tour – Trip at a Glance

Dates: 5–14 September 2026
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Destination: Sri Lanka
Group Size: Small group up to 15 (minimum 8 travellers required)

Style of Travel:
Fully hosted, guided small-group tour with a relaxed pace and private transport throughout.

Accommodation:
Comfortable, well-located hotels and resorts (twin share as standard)

Cost:
$3,650 per person (twin share)
Single supplement: $1,000
Solo travellers may choose to be paired to avoid the single supplement

What’s Included:
• Accommodation
• Private transport throughout the trip
• Local English-speaking guides
• Sightseeing and activities as per itinerary
• Most meals (as outlined in the itinerary)

What’s Not Included:
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and optional extras

Who This Trip Suits:
Adults who enjoy cultural travel, wildlife, scenic journeys and travelling with a supportive, social group.
It’s social without being full-on – join in as much or as little as you like.

Hosted By:
Me 🙂 (travelling with the group)
In conjunction with Kylie from KB 4 Travel & Cruise

Sri Lanka Group Tour – Detailed Itinerary

5th September – 14th September 2026

Day 1: AIRPORT – COLOMBO

Arrive in Colombo and meet your guide for transfer to the hotel. Relax and unwind after your flight.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lakeside – Superior Room

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Day 2: COLOMBO – SIGIRIYA (B, D)

Explore Colombo’s fascinating blend of modern skyscrapers and colonial charm. Visit Pettah Bazaar, iconic temples, Cinnamon Gardens, Independence Hall, Town Hall, and the National Museum.

Continue to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its five magnificent caves adorned with Buddha statues and ancient murals.

Transfer to Sigiriya and enjoy an evening Sri Lankan-themed bonfire and BBQ with cocktails.

Overnight: Kuwera Eco Lodge – Standard/Deluxe Room

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Day 3: SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNA – POLONNARUWA – SIGIRIYA (B, L, D)

Discover traditional village life at Hiriwaduna: ride a bullock cart, trek through scrub jungle, cross streams, and experience Chena cultivation. Enjoy a village cookery demonstration and lunch.

Visit Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Explore its impressive ruins, including Galviharaya’s giant Buddha statues, Watadage, and Nissankamalla Council Chamber, surrounded by ancient canals and stupas.

Return to the lodge and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Kuwera Eco Lodge – Standard/Deluxe Room

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Day 4: SIGIRIYA – MATALE – PERADENIYA – KANDY (B, D)

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, marvel at its frescoes, water gardens, and ancient engineering.

Stop at a spice garden in Matale to learn about the island’s famous herbs and enjoy a cup of herbal tea.

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, stroll through manicured lawns, the orchid house, and the magnificent Avenue of Palms.

Transfer to Kandy and check in.

Overnight: Amaya Hills – Deluxe Room

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Day 5: KANDY – PINNAWALA – KANDY (B, D)

Visit the Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka’s sacred relic.

Explore Kandy city, including its vibrant market, arts and crafts centre, gem museum, and colonial landmarks.

Experience traditional Batik-making, then visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see elephants at feeding and bath time.

Evening: enjoy a vibrant cultural show highlighting Sri Lanka’s music and dance.

Overnight: Amaya Hills – Deluxe Room

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Day 6: KANDY – TEA PLANTATION – NUWARA ELIYA (B, D)

Take the scenic train from Kandy to Nanu Oya and transfer to Nuwara Eliya.

Visit a lush tea plantation and factory to witness the art of Ceylon Tea production, with a tasting session.

Guided tour of Nuwara Eliya: colonial architecture, Lake Gregory, and the picturesque countryside. Enjoy High Tea at the Hill Club.

Overnight: Galway Heights – Deluxe Room

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Day 7: NUWARA ELIYA – YALA – TISSAMAHARAMA (B, D)

Stop at Buduruwagala temple to see 1,000-year-old Buddha carvings.

Experience an exciting Jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to elephants, leopards, and abundant wildlife.

Transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight: EKHO Safari – Superior Room

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Day 8: YALA – GALLE (B, D)

Visit Tissamaharama to observe traditional curd-making, a glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life.

Drive along scenic routes to Galle, a historic port city. Tour the Galle Dutch Fortress with its colonial streets, ramparts, lighthouse, and charming boutiques.

Check in at hotel.

Overnight: Yara Galle Fort – Deluxe Room

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Day 9: GALLE – COLOMBO (B)

Transfer back to Colombo and check in.

Spend the day at leisure, perhaps shopping or enjoying city sights at your own pace.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lakeside – Superior Room

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Day 10: COLOMBO – AIRPORT (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure.

Inclusions

• 9 nights quality accommodation with daily breakfast
• Most hotel dinners, meals listed as per B, L, D
• Private transfers throughout with 16-seater mini coach
• Activities and sightseeing as specified
• Lunch in Sigiriya
• Scenic train in Kandy
• High Tea at Nuwara Eliya
• English-speaking local guide

Exclusions

• International airfares and taxes
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenditures
• Lunch except for days as listed
• Sri Lanka visa

Cost & Booking Information

Total cost for fully hosted trip:
$3,650AUD twin share
Single supplement: $1,000

To register your interest, contact:
kylie@kb4travel.com.au

Positions secured with payment of a $1,500 non-refundable deposit.
Full payment due end June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a women-only trip?
No. While this trip is hosted under the Globe-Trotting Aussie Women community, partners and travel companions are very welcome to join.

Can I come on my own?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome. You can choose to share a room with another traveller to avoid paying the single supplement, or opt for your own room if preferred.

Is this trip suitable for children?
This itinerary is designed for adults and is not particularly suited to young children due to the pace and nature of the sightseeing.

Do I need a high level of fitness?
A reasonable level of mobility is required, including walking, steps at some sites, and getting on and off transport. The pace is relaxed and there is plenty of downtime built in.

Will Josie be on the trip?
Yes. Josie will be travelling with the group and hosting the trip from start to finish.

How many people are needed for the trip to go ahead?
A minimum of 8 travellers is required for the trip to proceed.

Are flights included?
International flights are not included. Flights will be arranged once the group is confirmed.

How do I secure my place?
Places are secured with a $1,500 non-refundable deposit. Full payment is due by the end of June 2026.

Still have questions?
If you’d like more details, want to check whether this trip is right for you, or simply have a few questions, feel free to reach out. You can email me directly at josie@josiewanders.com or contact Kylie at kylie@kb4travel.com.au. We’re both happy to help.

No pressure – just a chat.

Ready to Go?

If you’ve been looking for a way to experience Sri Lanka that balances depth, comfort and ease, this itinerary is designed to do exactly that.

It follows a proven route through the country’s cultural centre, hill country and coastline, with local guides, private transport and a pace that allows you to actually enjoy where you are.

This is a small, hosted group trip with limited places, shaped by firsthand experience of the destination and designed for travellers who want more than a surface-level visit.

If Sri Lanka is on your list, this is a practical, well-supported way to make it happen.

Let’s do this – Sri Lanka is worth it.