Sri Lanka is simply a wonderful country for a varied, exciting and beautiful adventure. The coastline brims with palm-fringed beaches, the vistas of the hilly central region seem to go on forever and the dryer lowlands of the Cultural Triangle showcase Sri Lanka’s immemorial history. Sri Lanka’s people are laid-back and friendly, the nature and birdlife are incredible and wild elephant sightings are regular.
On this Sri Lankan adventure, you will climb Sigirya Rock Fortress, deepen your historical understanding in Polonnaruwa & Dambulla, spot wild elephants in Minneriya National Park, take in The Temple of the Tooth and Kandy, ride on the scenic train through the tea region and explore charming Galle. All while having your own time to take in marvellous countryside scenery and kick-back on the beach from some of Sri Lanka’s very best hotels.
The best of Sri Lanka while staying in the country’s most impressive hotels. Every moment is a joy on this awe-inspiring yet relaxing 12-day adventure.
FLIGHTSInternational flights are not included. However, we are more than happy to assist with your flight search. Why? - Please book these separately
DAY 1 - Arrive into Colombo (CMB)
DAY 2 - Head inland to The Cultural Triangle
DAY 3 - Historic Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
DAY 4 - Local Food Experience and Elephant Safari
DAY 5 - Dambulla Temple & Kandy Hilltop Beauty
DAY 6 - Kandy's Temple of the Tooth & Relaxation
DAY 7 - Scenic Train & Tea Region
DAY 8 - Charming Fort Galle
DAY 9 - Explore Galle by Foot & Bike
DAY 10 - Short Hop to The Beach
DAY 11 - Traditional Cookery & Beach
DAY 12 - Depart today from Colombo (CMB)
*International flights not includedInternational flights are not included. However, we are more than happy to assist with your flight search. Why?
Arrange for a call at a suitable time for you
Arrive into Colombo Airport, where a member of the Prime team and your private driver will be waiting for you. You will be transferred directly to your hotel close by (20 minutes drive) in Negombo.
This evening meet your guide and your fellow solo travellers. The beauty, nature and culture of Sri Lanka await you.
HOTEL - Villa Hundira or similar
The drive from the beaches of Negombo to The Cultural Triangle will take around 4 hours.
On arrival at your hotel, your first afternoon is at your leisure. Your hotel has a large pool and an in house restaurant and bar. This is time to recover from your arrival flight and relax before the busy up-coming days.
HOTEL - Water Garden Resort or similar
Start early to ascend Sigiriya Rock Fortress before the crowds (and the heat) arrive. This impressive column of rock stands at around 180 meters, with approximately 1,200 steps to the top. Your effort is rewarded with the ancient palace ruins and panoramic views.
This afternoon visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa with your guide. Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second most ancient Buddist kingdom established by the Cholas in the 10th century. The round trip from Sigiriya is around 2.5 hours.
HOTEL - Water Garden Resort or similar
Savour a slower morning and a leisurely breakfast. The Hiriwadunna local village experience gives you a chance to learn more about village life and chat casually with some locals. The highlight is a traditionally prepared, delicious, local lunch.
This afternoon you will come face-to-face with Sri Lankan wild elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park. The likelihood of you seeing wild elephants here is very high.
HOTEL - Water Garden Resort or similar
This morning you’re heading for the lush countryside close to Kandy. The drive will take around 3.5 hours but you’ll break up the journey at Dambulla’s famous Rock Cave Temple.
Continue onto your luxury wellness resort and spa set in the hills. This afternoon you are free to immerse yourself in wellness activities, enjoy Ayurvedic spa treatments or set off on some beautiful local walks.
HOTEL - Santani Wellness Resort or similar
For your morning head down from the tranquillity of the misty mountains to vibrant Kandy. Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lankan kings under the ruling dynasty of the Nayaks.
The highlights here are the UNESCO heritage, Buddhist sacred site of The Temple of the Tooth and the beautifully maintained Royal Botanical Gardens. Your afternoon is free to do as you please.
HOTEL - Santani Wellness Resort or similar
Enjoy your breakfast with views down into the valley before catching the scenic train through the highlands to the colonial tea region of Nuwara Eliya.
Fully immerse yourself in the tea culture of the area with a visit to a local tea plantation later in the day. You have time to explore Nuwara Eliya by foot too.
HOTEL - The Grand Hotel or similar
After breakfast, you have your last long drive as you move from the centre of the country to the coast. The drive will take around 5 hours. Once you arrive you are free to relax and independently explore from your hotel, which is located right in the centre of the old town.
Galle is a joy to explore by foot, whether that’s eying up the artisanal boutiques, cafes and local life or strolling atop the stone-walled ramparts that surround the old town on three sides.
HOTEL - Fort Bazaar or similar
Colonial Galle mixes Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture with a Sri Lankan vibrancy and laid-back vibes. This morning walk the streets with your guide, who will explain the area’s history and the important aspects of modern Galle.
This afternoon you will take in Galle and the local countryside on a guided bike ride.
HOTEL - Fort Bazaar or similar
Savour a leisurely breakfast. It’s just a short 30-minute transfer to your hotel on the oceanfront. You’ll have a little time this morning to have a stroll and do some shopping in Galle.
You have the afternoon to unwind by the pool with a cocktail, sit with a book or take a walk along the beachfront.
HOTEL - The Owl and the Pussycat or similar
Your last day in Sri Lanka is yours to relax by the ocean and do as you please. The in house restaurant and bar will keep you deliciously fed and watered.
You have a traditional Sri Lankan Cookery Class today for lunch, a chance to recreate your favourite flavours from the past 10 days. If you prefer to get out and about this part of the South-West coast is peppered with beaches and small towns.
HOTEL - The Owl and the Pussycat or similar
Breakfast is included this morning, then make your way to the airport. It’s a 2-hour transfer north to Colombo International Airport (CMB).
If you would like to extend your stay in Sri Lanka or then we will be happy to help you with your travel plans.
Got some questions in mind? Speak to a tour expert
Beautiful hotel with a large pool so close to Sigiriya Rock that you can see it from your sun lounger.
Considered by many as the best hotel in the Sigiriya area. Water Garden has exquisite rooms and top-class facilities set in beautiful gardens. Despite having views of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks the grounds of the hotel feel entirely separated from the crowds. Nature and wildlife thrive here and you can really unwind after a morning of sightseeing or travel.
Our Opinion: Our favourite hotel in the area. Water Garden Resort receives consistently excellent feedback.
Spectacular wellness resort in the hills near Kandy. You can embrace the wellness lifestyle or simply enjoy the incredible views and local countryside.
The elegant, minimalist design at Santani is designed to put you at one with nature. Santani is set on a former 48-acre tea plantation. Located between the UNESCO accredited Knuckles mountain range and a Forest Reserve, the vegetation these days is lush forest and paddy fields. There’s an excellent restaurant, an outdoor pool, a covered thermal salt pool and a spa for the moments where you aren't enjoying a yoga class, taking in Kandy or exploring Santani’s lush and gorgeous grounds.
Our Opinion: Santani is located 1.5 hours drive from Kandy itself but this is a special place set in uniquely tranquil grounds, so it’s more than worth the drive.
A large, colonial heritage hotel in the centre of Nuwara Eliya. The Iconic Grand Hotel boats character and facilities aplenty.
The Grand Hotel is part of Nuwara Eliya’s past. Built-in 1828 by the British and declared a ‘National Heritage Property’ by Sri Lanka’s Archeology Department in the 1990s, a stay in Nuwara Eliya’s iconic hotel embeds you into part of the area's history. The Grand Hotel has an indoor swimming pool, 2 restaurants, a cafe, a bar, a gym and a spa. For a pleasant local walk, Lake Gregory is just a 25-minutes walk past the racecourse grounds.
Our Opinion: The Grand Hotel is larger than we usually like but the location, character and quality make it perfect for a thoroughly enjoyable 1-night stay.
Elegantly renovated merchant’s townhouse right in the centre of Galle’s walled old town.
Fort Bazaar is a handsome merchant’s home-turned-boutique hotel with 18 stylish guestrooms and fresh, contemporary interiors. The charming building has an open courtyard, an adjoining restaurant, a ‘Z spa’, a street-facing bar and a cosy, fully stocked library. The service and food here are top-class.
Our Opinion: Fort Bazaar showcases how a high-end, boutique, heritage hotel should be.
Stylish new property located right on the seafront. Personable, attentive service and a laid-back vibe make this a wonderfully relaxing place to stay.
The 17 brightly decorated rooms are all ocean-facing. There’s an outdoor pool, bar, sea-facing sundeck, lounge and a restaurant serving truly exquisite food. The Owl and the Pussycat exudes a sense of fun and playfulness while also delivering quality and attention to detail where it matters. It’s a charming combination that sets you at ease to unwind and do as you please.
Our Opinion: There is no shortage of hotels by the sea in Sri Lanka. We would argue that there are no others where you will feel as looked after and as comfortable as you will here.
Not included - International flights, meals not mentioned above, visas, travel insurance and tips.
Our tours are specifically designed for adventurous singles and solos in their 50s and 60s so you are sure to meet like-minded people. About Us.
We use high-end accommodation. Boutique and luxury hotels throughout. Only places that receive top ranking client feedback. Why travel with Prime.
We are experienced industry professionals with an expert knowledge of our tours. The same specialist will look after you throughout. About Us.
Smaller groups allows you to get closer to the people you’re travelling with, locals and your tour leader. It means better hotels and faster road travel. Why travel with Prime.