Looking For Sri Lanka Holiday Packages from Australia? Endless golden sand beaches and super surf to the south while lush tropical forest and misty mountains occupy the central highlands.
Spectacular world heritage sites are scattered throughout the island and the dense forests are home to the gentle giants and the prince of the jungle – leopards.
While ocean brings closer playful dolphins, magnificent whales and turtles looking for a safe haven for their unborn babies.
The rolling tea mountains and scenic train rides as well as sacred temples are all part of your Sri Lanka experience.
The hospitable locals are always ready to help with a smile. You can’t beat the fiery curries, spices, sweet and tangy fruits of the island, it’s a place you’ll never leave hungry.
Our Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia are designed to give visitors a chance to truly experience the country.
Both tour package options are aimed at giving visitors a chance to discover different experiences.
Our travel experts go with tried and tested tour packages that allow visitors a chance to enjoy the island hassle free!
Sri Lanka Holiday Packages from Australia Option 1 (6 Days)
Day 1 – Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s biggest city and the gateway to the beautiful island nation. Many people tend to skip Colombo assuming it’s just another commercial hub but we urge you not to do that.
It is a melting pot of cultures with sacred Buddhist temples located next to an intricate Hindu shrine which is only a short walk from a Christian church and that’s when you hear the sound of Islamic prayers being recited through a microphone.
If you are planning your schedule to Sri Lanka, plan your first or final day to discover the Colombo. This will be convenient since the city is closer to the Bandaranaike International Airport.
Pettah Market
Pettah is the central market to buy almost anything. Many things you find in shops located around Colombo can be purchased from Pettah for a discounted price.
From fresh produce to clothes, bags, shoes, stationaries and everything under the sun – try Pettah.
Jami Ul-Alfer Masjid (Red Mosque)
If you go to Pettah, don’t forget to drop in to admire the beautiful red mosque built in 1908. To enter you need to cover your arms, legs and hair.
National Museum
This is your go to place to understand a little bit about Sri Lanka’s rich and diverse history.
Gangaramaya Temple and SeemaMalakaya
Gangaramaya is a very ornately designed Buddhist temple. The shrine room houses a massive number of Buddha statues, most of which have been donated.
The smallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka can be seen (with the help of a magnifying glass).
SeemaMalakaya is a smaller temple and meditation centre a few blocks from Gangaramaya. It’s built on a pier on the Beira Lake. The entrance ticket coversthe tour of both temples.
Suggested Read: How To Spend 4 Days in Sri Lanka
Day 2 – Galle
On your second day in Sri Lanka we take you to the south coast to explore the blissful city of Galle! The main highlight here is the Galle Fort, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Galle Fort
The traffic free pebble stone streets of the Galle Fort are lined with colonial styled architecture, old villas, chic restaurants and cafes, eccentric lifestyle boutiques and testimonials of the Dutch era in Sri Lanka.
Things to see in the Galle Fort,
Galle Fort Lighthouse: This is a functioning lighthouse and it’s a lovely place to capture some nice pictures!
Take a walk on the ramparts of the Galle Fort: In the evenings you see people of all ages taking a stroll on the peaceful ramparts. Watch the sunset till it drowns into the glistening Indian Ocean.
Explore the cobblestone streets of the Fort and visit,
– Dutch Reform Church
– All Saints Anglican Church
– Meeran Mosque
– Sudharmalaya Temple
– Maritime Archeology Museum
Galle Beach
If you visit the south coast its impossible not to go to the beach. The beach around Galle is not as popular as its counterparts in the Galle district such as Unawatuna, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Beruwela and Mirissa.
So to get the most of your beach experience head one of the popular ones where you can enjoy jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing etc.
If you are looking for something that is a bit more slow paced then deep-sea fishing, boating, whale watching and sailing are available as well.
There are plenty of tour operators and places that rent out equipment but look around before making a choice.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In July: 5 Best Places To Visit
Day 3 – Yala
Our next stop will be to the incredible Yala National Park, home of the prince of the jungle – Leopard!
The second largest national park in the country, Yala is very popular among wildlife enthusiasts. The park is divided into five sections while only two of them are open to the public.
The other three sections are used only for research purposes and filming of documentaries.
Many people visit Yala with the hope of spotting leopards. Yala is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world so your chances of spotting one are high.
There are twenty-two national parks in Sri Lanka and Yala is the most crowded due to the leopard sightings.
What is the best time for a Yala safari?
You can visit Yala anytime of the year. The best time is during the dry season that runs from February to June. When it’s wet animals tend to go into shelter so its best to avoid that period.
The park closes in September for maintenance.
Yala Safari experience
To enter the park, you need to go in the morning at 6am or at 2pm in the afternoon.
For the morning slot, safari jeeps start queuing at 5am! Yala is a home to a variety of wild animals including 44 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and an array of birds.
The best ways to maximize your safari is by going with a guide or naturalist. They will not only know where to go and look inside the park but you can also learn from them.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In May: 5 Best Places To Visit
Day 4 & 5 – NuwaraEliya / Horton plains
NuwaraEliya is the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. It’s a place of rolling Tea Mountains, hiking trails, waterfalls, strawberry farms and colonial architecture.
Tea plantation
Sri Lanka is one of the toptea producing countries in the world. NuwaraEliyais where majority of tea is planted in the country.
So don’t miss a chance to visit a tea plantation and tea factory to learn the process of tea making.
You will be given a tour around the factory and shown the complete process that goes into creating the perfect cup of Ceylon tea.
The best thing about the tour is that you will be served a nice hot cup of tea at the end.
Suggested Packages: Sri Lanka 10 Days Package
Day 6 – Negombo
Negombo is the closest major town to the Bandaranaike International Airport. This is a place visitors choose to stopover as soon as they arrive and right before departing.
It’s a simple city with a nice stretch of beach and accommodation to suit all types of budgets.
Colonial touch
Negombo has traces of colonial architecture due to the invasion of the Dutch, Portuguese and British. The ‘Dutch Canal’ streams around the town and you can even take a boat ride on it.
The ruins of the Old Dutch Fort built in the 16th century can be seen here. Build on a narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the bay it had been a defensive structure to keep enemies at bay.
Today, you only see very little of the majestic Dutch fort it once was.
Negombo Beach
The Negombo beach is great for a quick dip. There are stretches of hotels along the beach and you can choose one to fit your budget.
Watersports and diving are popular especially due to the coral reef and shipwreck.
Diving Negombo
Diving is best here from December to April. Diving sites in Negomboare divided into two zones. The closer dive sites that are within a radius of 8kms from the shore and ones further away.
The third reef, which is 22km from the shore, is well known.
Beach parties
A beach bash is a perfect way to beat the heat, get wild and have a blast! Refreshing cocktails, the sunshine, sand against your toes and dancing to your heart’s content.
There’s no better place to get down and move it all around than on the Negombo beach!
Suggested Packages: Sri Lanka 12 Days Itinerary
Sri Lanka Holiday Packages from Australia Option 2 (10 Days)
For our second option of the Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia, we cover ten beautiful destinations with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We take you to the seaside, cultural triangle, wilderness, sacred temples, adventure hubs and much more.
Day 1 – Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is located on the northwestern province of Puttlam. A quaint hamlet in the coastal belt blessed with natural beauty, it is growing as a tourist attraction. The best thing about Kalpitiya is its simplicity.
The everyday routines of fishermen coming to the shore, selling the day’s catch at the harbor and children enjoying the carefree time after school are the simple pleasures that the town offers.
Best time to visit Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya peak season runs from May to September, which is the kite surfing season. For dolphin and whale watching the season is from November to February.
If you are on a tight budget, then the off peak months are great since accommodation and surfing gear are all pretty cheap. The weather is hot most parts of the year.
Kite surfing
Kalpitiya is a world-class kite surfing destination. The steady strong winds and the tranquil lagoon water are what make Kalpitiya stand out! Professional kite surfing competitions are a common occurrence here so you get pro kite surfers come here often.
But the good thing about Kalpitiya is that, even beginners can enjoy the sport here. There are many kite surfing schools located in Kalpitiya, if you go on an extended stay you can register for a course and start surfing in no time.
Diving
Sri Lanka’s biggest reef is found in Kalpitiya. ‘Bar Reef’ can be accessed from 2km off the coast of Kalpitiya. Declared a marine sanctuary it is one of the best preserved coral reefs in Sri Lanka.
Due to the civil war the reefs in Kalpitiya remained untouched by humans, this is one reason for it’s pristine condition.
Displaying some of the most amazing biodiversity in the Indian Ocean I home to – colorful corals, tropical fish and other sea creatures.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
You can’t go to Kalpitiya and miss this epic excursion. A short boat ride will take you to see spirited dolphins and majestic whales doing their thing!
Suggested Packages: Sri Lanka 7 Days Tour Package
Day 2 – Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the cultural triangle. History buffs are going to love Anuradhapura and it’s archeological splendor.
When the western worlds were at their infancy, Anuradhapura was flourishing with innovative architecture, advanced irrigation methods and rich artistic and cultural background.
Anuradhapura stands as one of the longest running capitals in the country, which ran from the 3rd century for a millennium.
Exploring Anuradhapura
To enter the archeological complex you need to purchase a ticket. Visitors use different methods to get around Anuradhpura.
You can cycle, hire a tuktuk or use a rented vehicle to get from one monument to the next. Even though the monuments are located close to each other, commuting is not recommended due to the hum weather.
You will simply end up sweaty and tired if you decide to walk and it will drain you out. Anuradhapura is home a number of sacred Buddhist sites and cultural monuments.
Anuradhapura is a pilgrimage site visited by Buddhist devotees around the world.
RuwanweliseyaStupa
RuwanweliseyaStupa is another sacred monument in Anuradhpura. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, there is two quarts of Buddha’s relics enshrined in the Stupa.
Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya is the first Buddhist temple built in the country in the 3rd century BC.
AbhayagiriStupa
This is the second biggest stupa in Sri Lanka and it was used as a monastery for young monks studying Buddhism.
List of monuments to see in the archeological complex
– The Moonstone
– IsurumuniyaViharaya
– Jethavanaramaya
– Twin Ponds
– MirisawetiyaStupa
– Samadhi Buddha Statue
– MaghulUyana
– RathnaPrasadaya
– Naka Vihara
– KiribathVehera
– KuttamPokuna
– Samadhi Statue
– Mahamevuna Park
– Toluwila Statue
Day 3 – Trincomalee
Famed for its pristine wide-open beaches, Trincomalee offers a lot more than that. A magnificent natural harbour and deep bays provide ample sport to the explorer.
You may indulge yourself at the hot springs at Kanniyai, visit the Hindu temple on top of the “Swami rock “, a rock high above the sea and relax on the beautiful Nilaweli beach.
Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches
The palm-fringed beaches of Trincomalee are perfect for beach bums. Unwind and soak up the sun on the pristine Nilaveli beach that remains untouched even by the onslaught of visitors.
Uppuveli is ideal for surfing, whale watching and swimming!
Beach bums are going to love the palm-fringed beaches of Trincomalee. They are perfect to unwind and soak up the sun. The powdery white sand against the emerald waters of Uppuveli is just breathtaking.
Whether you want to swim, surf, go whale watching or enjoy a game of beach volleyball – this is your place. Nilaveli beach is simply paradise. It remains untouched even by the onslaught of visitors.
Koneswaram temple
Koneswaram Hindu temple is perched on top of a cliff inside the Fort Fredrick. Dedicated to the deity Shiva, the temple is designed according to Dravidian architecture.
It’s a peaceful place surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Stop at the popular Lover’s Leap on route to the temple.
Day 4 – Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the second ancient capital in Sri Lanka. It had once been a flourishing commercial and religious epicenter.
The city’s ancient splendor is apparent from the well-preserved archeological monuments. It is UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the cultural triangle.
History enthusiasts will love Polonnaruwa. All the monuments include signboards in English but you can also take a guided tour.
There’s no better place to learn about Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural significance than in Polonnaruwa. Most of the ancient ruins here are still intact.
Sacred Quadrangle (DaladaMaluwa)
DaladaMaluwa is a significant monument in the ancient city. It had once been the home of the sacred tooth relic until it was enshrined in the DaladaMaligawa, Kandy.
There is a circular relic house in the middle of the Quadrangle with a Buddha statue placed in the middle.
Royal Palace
Monuments that you see today were built by the kings reigning at the time. The Royal Palace was built during King Parakramabahu’s time.
It had been a stunning building with fifty rooms and there are 30 columns in the building to support the structure.
More things to see in Polonnaruwa,
-Swimming Pool (Kumara Pokuna)
-Shiva Devale 02
-RankotViharaya
-LankathilakeViharaya
-Gal Viharaya
Day 5 – Kandy
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. It is the third UNESCO World Heritage Site in your tour package. Kandy completes the cultural triangle, which consist of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy.
Temple of the Tooth
Sri DaladaMaligawa or the Temple of the Tooth is the holiest Buddhist pilgrim destination in the country. The elaborately designed temple is a significant place of worship for Buddhists from all around the world.
The sacred tooth is protected in a gold casket in a guarded room. There are specific times that one gets to take a glimpse of this holy vestige.
During the annual Perahera (procession) the tooth is paraded around the city on the back of an elephant.
Sixty-five elephants parade on this procession and it is considered the largest and the most significant in the country.
Kandy Lake
The final reigning king of Sri Lanka Sri WickramaRajasinghe built the Kandy Lake that flows through the city.
This is the most iconic feature of the city and despite being set in the city centre, there is so much serenity when you take a stroll around it. You can take fun boat rides on the lake.
Traditional dance performances
Watching a traditional dance performance is one of the best things to do in Kandy at night. Kandyan dancing is an energetic dance style that includes acrobats, pirouettes, drumming and fire walking.
Day 6 – Ella
Since you have reached the middle of the Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia, we will take you to the hill country where the weather is cool and the people warm.
Ella is a tiny village nestled in the central highlands blessed with natural splendor, misty mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and adventure sports!
Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge created a huge frenzy on Instagram. The bridge along managed to attract hundreds of visitors to the country who were longing to capture their # NineArchBridge moment.
Also called the bridge in the sky this 100 year old architectural masterpiece is a rail bridge made entirely out of stone and cement without the use of steel.
Trekking and Zip lining
Adventure buffs are going to love Ella. You can hike up to the Little Adam’s Peak. It’s an easy trek where the trail begins from the Ella town. You can find your own way even without the help of a guide.
The trekking trail is scenic and once you reach the summit, you will be mesmerized the surrounding.
Located close to the peak is Sri Lanka’s first ever dual zip line ‘Flying Ravana’. This is a must for those looking for adrenalin pumping action!
Ravana Falls
There are two waterfalls in Ella that are called the Ravana Falls. The most popular is the one on the Bandarawela – Wellawaya road.
This is a quite popular tourist spot where people stop over to admire the cascading flow of water and enjoy the atmosphere.
The second waterfall is above this and is no visible to the main road. This is considered the ‘real’ Ravana falls since its located very close to the Ravana cave.
Day 7 – Arugam Bay
Surfers love Arugam Bay for its famed point brake and its silky sand that vaguely reminds one of the moons. A true beach town of the tranquil kind, even non-surfers can soak in the lighthearted vibe of this beautiful spot on earth.
Arugam Bay is a lovely seaside town located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. The ‘bay’ is on the Indian Ocean that surrounds the country.
The town of Arugam Bay is located 320km east of Colombo. With a population of a few hundred it is famed to have the best surf spot in the country.
Locally Arugambay is referred to as Ullai and it is one of the best places for a calm beach side holiday, a place you would want to swing on a hammock all day long.
The town is not only about the beach and surfing but there are plenty of things for non-surfers and holidaymakers to enjoy here.
For those who enjoy water activities Argum Bay unveils a range of fun things to do. You can snorkel, swim or dive on the famous Basses reef and enjoy oceanic activities available.
For those who want to explore the neighboring area, you can take a ride to the Kumana National Park, which is just over 10km away from Arugam Bay.
With a 200 hectare swamp lake fed by KumbukkanOya, the park is filled with myriad of birds, and hoards of other wild animals such as leopards, elephants, deer, wild boar and sloth bear.
You can also travel to the sand dunes of Panama, stretched along the coast towards Pottuvil. This is about 10km away from Arugam Bay.
Day 8 – Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park is the only park in the country that you are sure to see elephants during every single safari. Home to more than 600 elephants, it is one of the major national parks in the country.
The dry season is the ideal time to go on a safari to Udawalawe. You can hire a safari jeep at the entrance to the park and enjoy a guided tour of the lush forests of Lanka.
Out of the 22 national parks in Sri Lanka, people choose the Udawalawe safari since you can get up close with the elephants. You can’t get out of the vehicle but they come very close and are accustomed to humans.
There are about ten leopards living in Udawalawe and if you are lucky you may come across them during your safari. Leopard spotting is rare in Udawalawe but you can’t completely rule it out!
Apart fromelephants you also have a chance to look at animals such as wild boar, jackals, spotted deer, common langurs, toddy cats, endemic toque macaque.
Day 9 – Koggala
Koggala has the longest shoreline in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the country. Here are a few things to do when you are there.
Turtle hatchery
Koggala turtle hatchery is located on the southern shores. Sri Lanka is a top breeding spot for endangered sea turtles. Many of them come to Koggala beach as a breeding ground.
The turtle hatchery was set as a conservation project to safeguard the unborn turtle babies. Visitors are educated on the importance of conserving turtles and are shown the facilities and care given to the newborn turtles.
Go Snorkeling
The abundance of marine life in the Koggala beach makes it ideal for snorkelling. Watersports enthusiasts and those who enjoy adventure underwater have a lot in store at in Koggala.
What lies under the serene blue waters of the Indian Ocean is simply magnificent, myriad of colourful sea creatures and flora that is complemented by soft and hard coral gardens need to be seen, felt and experienced.
Snorkeling is the best way to add some adventure to your heavenly retreat and the clear pristine waters make the perfect setting.
Folk Museum
Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum is located in Koggala. It is home to a well-maintained eco-system and a selection of indigenous trees and shrubs.
Martin Wickramasinghe was a respected and renowned Sinhalese author and his family home was converted to a museum after his demise.
The museum is housed in a 200 year old, partly renovated simple abode, which is built using characteristics of Dutch architecture.
The surrounding and the house depict the inspiration in the late author’s work.
Day 10 – Unawatuna
On your last day of the Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia, we take you to one of the most happening towns on the southern coast – Unawatuna
Unawatuna beach
Unwatuna beach is one of the most popular beached in the south coast. Well equipped with various watersports its one of the best places to enjoy snorkeling and diving.
The waves are perfectly balanced to serve experienced surfers and newbies. Jet skiing, wakeboarding and water skiing are also part of the experience.
If you are looking for a slow paced activity then try deep-sea fishing. Many foreign visitors fall in love with the laidback vibe of Unawatuna and relocate permanently to the town or make this their retirement nest.
Japanese peace pagoda
Built to inspire peace among all people, the Japanese Peace Pagoda was built in Sri Lanka. This is a similar project to the peace pagodas built after the World War II by Buddhist monk NichidatsuFujii from Japan.
Serving to be a beacon of peace to all communities of Sri Lanka, the white stupa with the gold painted statues demonstrates its purpose.
You can reach the pagoda fro the Unawatuna beach by climbing the Rumassala hill.
Party all night
If you want to be a part of an epic beach party go to Unawatuna or Hikka beaches. The fine vibe with a dozen of affordable guesthouses, it’s a best place to unwind and party all night.
Many locals living in Colombo head to Unawatuna during the weekend for a wild night after the sun goes down.
For more information on our tour packages in Sri Lanka or to get a customised tour package contact T2 Travels Sri Lanka.
