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From $ 3,980 per person

Ancient Cities and East

Sri Lanka
10 days (9 nights)
Explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, from Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Mihintale, delving into these history-rich UNESCO treasures with local guides. Then unwind on the East Coast’s calm beaches, with a unique stay at a luxurious tented retreat.

Blending world-class ancient sites with time spent on pristine, unspoilt beaches, this sample tailor-made itinerary suggests an impressive and indulgent trip best suited to summer adventures.

Inspired? Tell us what you most want to see or do, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary to Sri Lanka built around your own highlights.

You’ll be met on arrival by your private driver guide and will set off through Sri Lanka’s heartland. The journey gives a fantastic initial glimpse of the island’s diverse landscapes passing coconut groves, canals, rice-paddies and dense forest.
Climb Pidurangala Rock at dawn for breathtaking views of Sigiriya bathed in sunrise light. Then explore the 5th-century fortress itself, with its lion-paw entrance, tiered gardens, winding stone paths, carved stairways, serene pools and fresco-covered walls rich with ancient artistry.
See
  • Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple, where five sacred caves house golden Buddhas, ancient frescoes and centuries-old statues. Marvel at the intricate murals, serene atmosphere and panoramic views from the rock summit, an awe-inspiring glimpse into Sri Lanka’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
See
  • Dambulla
Explore Polonnaruwa’s ancient, jungle-clad ruins, from towering statues to grand palaces, before journeying to the coast past remote villages and forested hills. Your hotel is an eco-chic tented resort, luxuriously secluded and set on a pristine white-sand beach, beside crystal-clear coastal waters.
See
  • Polonnaruwa
You have a day to sink into your coastal paradise. Maybe snorkelling or diving the reef-protected waters, kayaking Kalkudah Bay, indulging in a traditional Sri Lankan massage or joining a cooking class. Spend the evening around a beach bonfire under starry skies.
On the drive from Passikudah to Anuradhapura, you'll pass lush rice fields, traditional villages and forested landscapes. The road meanders through vibrant countryside, with glimpses of ancient temples, tranquil lakes and rural life, offering a peaceful, scenic journey.
Begin your day at Mihintale Monastery with a resident monk, gaining insight into Buddhist teachings. Then explore Anuradhapura’s ancient temples and palaces before heading off-road around Nachchaduwa Lake, spotting buffalo, elephants, and birds in the afternoon light.
See
  • Mihintale, Anuradhapura by bike, Nachaduwa Lake
Refreshing pool swims, guided nature walks to the birdlife haven of Wanamaduwa Tank, an indulgent massage and Sri Lankan cooking classes might fill your day here, before you’re heading to the centre of a working paddy field to enjoy a Kamatha meal.
On the drive to your final hotel, you’ll get your final glimpses of emerald rice fields, village markets, grazing cattle and ancient reservoirs. The scenery shifts from inland forests and farmlands to coconut groves and coastal breezes as Negombo nears.
Your driver will take you to the airport for your flight home. Time to revel in the memories of your trip and flick through the mountains of photos.

Does this sound like the ideal adventure for you?

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What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.
Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.
Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace
Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!
Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.
Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference
Sandra Nicholson  (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.
Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.
Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
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Meet our experts

Speak to our Sri Lanka experts to help you plan your trip

Want to see Sri Lanka through local eyes? Our specialists have spent years building relationships across the island and discovering places most visitors never find. They'll get to know exactly what you're looking for and design something that's completely yours. Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's create your perfect Sri Lankan adventure.

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