Sri Lanka Small-Group Tour from India — 8 Days
An 8-day Sri Lanka small-group tour from India — wildlife safaris, the hill-country tea train, Galle Fort, and the beaches of the south coast.
Upcoming Departures
Overview
Eight days, three landscapes. Start in the Cultural Triangle with a jeep safari among wild elephants at Minneriya or Kaudulla. Climb into the cool tea country of Nuwara Eliya, then ride the famous Nanu Oya to Ella train through the tea gardens. Spend a night under canvas at Yala for a wildlife safari, before finishing on the south coast with Galle Fort, the Madu River mangroves and time on the beach. A short flight from India, an easy pace, and a small group of 8–10 travellers.
Highlights
- Elephant safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
- Wildlife safari in Yala National Park
- The Nanu Oya to Ella hill-country train
- Tea plantations and a working tea factory
- Galle Fort — UNESCO World Heritage
- Madu River mangrove boat safari
- Turtle conservation centre
- Bullock cart and catamaran village experience
- Colonial Nuwara Eliya and Gregory Lake
- A night under canvas in the jungle at Yala
Itinerary
Download PDFArrival in Habarana
Arrive early in Colombo, visit an elephant orphanage, and drive to Habarana. Sunset by the reservoir.
Explore Habarana
Village experience with a bullock cart and catamaran ride, then an afternoon elephant safari.
Travel to Nuwara Eliya
A scenic drive into the hill country, with stops at tea plantations, a working tea factory and viewpoints. Nuwara Eliya is cool — keep a warm layer handy.
Discover Nuwara Eliya
A relaxed day in the colonial hill station — Gregory Lake, the gardens and heritage buildings.
Journey to Yala
The scenic Nanu Oya to Ella train, then on to Yala for an afternoon safari. Night at a jungle camp.
Galle Fort & the Beach at Bentota
Visit UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, then an afternoon and evening at leisure on the beach.
Explore Colombo
Madu River boat safari, a turtle conservation centre, and a Colombo city tour.
Departure from Colombo
Morning shopping, then the flight home.
What's Included
- Accommodation in hotels as per itinerary
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily as per itinerary
- All transfers and sightseeing in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Jeep safaris in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park and Yala National Park
- Nanu Oya to Ella scenic train journey
- Madu River boat safari and turtle conservation centre visit
- Village experience with bullock cart and catamaran ride
- Entrance fees and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- International Airfare
- GST of 5%
- Tax Collected at Source (TCS) extra as applicable
- Any personal expenses like beverages, tips, laundry, etc.
- Any change or deviation in the airline itinerary
- Any other cost/activities not mentioned in Inclusions above
Fitness Level
Easy. No hiking or altitude issues — just short walks at an easy pace. Safari jeeps are bumpy, and the train is a long seated journey. Suitable for most travellers, including those in their seventies.
Weather Notes
January is dry season on this route: 26–32°C on the coast and plains, and a cool 10–20°C in Nuwara Eliya (colder at night). Pack light clothes plus one warm layer.
Captured along the way.
Real moments from our travellers, click any photo to view full size.