Book Early & Save $300 per person ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/1%20Meals%20%28red%29.png) 44 Meals ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/2%20Small%20Group%20%28red%29.png) Small Group ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/3%20CT%20Ratings%20%28red%29.png) CT Rating 3.5/5 - Challenging ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/4%20Leader%20%28red%29.png) Led by David & Roslyn Craig **Two Lands, Timeless Traditions** Discover the cultural treasures of Sri Lanka before travelling to Kerala, India, for a seven-night cruise through tranquil backwaters. Explore ancient temples, historic cities and lush tea plantations, meet local artisans, savour regional cuisine and experience centuries-old traditions for a memorable journey rich in culture, history and authentic encounters. [Book Now](https://enrollment.craigtravel.com/booking?departurecode=TAS281027:20271028) [Download Brochure](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/yhGf6QV/SriLankaKeralaOCT2027) [![Sri Lanka Kerala map](/sites/default/files/2026-10/Map.png)](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-10/Map.png) ### Tour Highlights - UNESCO GEMS: Climb the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the Dambulla Cave Temples and Kandy, admire Polonnaruwa’s 12th-century rock-carved Buddhas and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. - LIFE ON KERALA BACKWATERS: Cruise for seven nights aboard MV Vaikundam past paddy fields and Kumarakom’s bird sanctuary, meet toddy tappers, coir weavers, shell harvesters and farmers, and tour Chavara Bhavan, Saint Chavara’s ancestral home. - UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES Savour a home-hosted dinner with a Sri Lankan family, heirloom recipes with a Syrian Christian family on their reclaimed backwater island, and banana-leaf feasts aboard. Cooking demonstration in a Sri Lankan village. - LIVING TRADITIONS Experience Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts, and watch bell metal casting and boat-building in Kerala. Admire Kandyan dancing, rhythmic drumming and fire-walking, see palm-leaf manuscripts inscribed at Aluvihara Rock. ### Inclusive Features - International flights, domestic Canadian flights and airport transfers with air-inclusive packages - Domestic flights within the destination - Carefully selected accommodation as listed, or similar - All sightseeing and entrance fees as described - Meals as indicated in the itinerary - Dedicated journey leader, national guides, and local specialists where applicable - All gratuities, surcharges, fees, and taxes - International eSIM to keep you connected - Visa support and fees for Canadian passport holders - Free insurance quote (contact us for details) ### Itinerary Overview Full View DEPART CANADA October 28, 2027 We gather for our overnight flights to Sri Lanka. COLOMBO October 29, 2027 Colombo greets us in the evening with a warm welcome at the airport. Once a trading port for Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and British merchants, the island’s commercial capital is home to our lakeside hotel. ***Cinnamon Lakeside - 1 night*** Dinner PINNAWALA / DAMBULLA / HABARANA October 30, 2027 We visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975 as a sanctuary for rescued wildlife, to observe its large elephant herd during feeding and river bath sessions. Following lunch, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, dating to the 1st century BC, with five cave sanctuaries adorned with intricate murals and more than 150 Buddha statues. ***Cinnamon Lodge - 2 nights*** Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA October 31, 2027 Maidens” frescoes and polished Mirror Wall along the way. A tractor ride and canoe crossing take us to a local village for a cooking demonstration and home-cooked lunch prepared by local women. In the afternoon, we explore Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, renowned for the colossal rock-carved Buddha statues at Gal Vihara and the Royal Palace. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner MATALE – KANDY November 1, 2027 At the Aluvihara Rock Temple in Matale, we discover the historical site where Buddhist scriptures were first written on palmyra leaves using a metal stylus. Then, a tour of a village introduces us to the cultivation of spices and aromatic herbs such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper that have made Sri Lanka famous across the world, followed by lunch. We then drive into the misty hills toward Kandy, the island’s last royal capital. ***The Kandy Myst by Cinnamon - 2 nights*** Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KANDY November 2, 2027 We explore Peradeniya’s Royal Botanic Gardens, home to tropical palms, orchids, and medicinal flora, before touring Kandy’s city centre along Kandy Lake and visiting a local gem museum and lapidary. We enjoy a traditional dance performance with drumming and fire-walking, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, then share an authentic homehosted meal with a local family. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KANDY – COLOMBO November 3, 2027 We visit a tea plantation and factory in Giragama. Sri Lanka is world-renowned for Ceylon tea, and here we trace its journey from fresh leaf to finished cup. Sample freshly brewed tea before arriving back in Colombo for lunch. An afternoon city tour takes us through the historic Fort district, the vibrant Pettah markets, the Red Mosque, and Cinnamon Gardens. ***Cinnamon Lakeside - 1 night*** Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner COLOMBO – KOCHI November 4, 2027 We fly to Kochi, a historic port shaped by centuries of Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trade. ***The Tower House - 2 nights*** Breakfast, Dinner KOCHI November 5, 2027 Our guide walks us through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, with a visit to St. Francis Church, Vasco da Gama’s original burial place, and a view of the iconic Chinese fishing nets. After lunch at a restaurant, the afternoon is free to explore. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ALLEPPEY – KANJIPPADOM November 6, 2027 Leaving Kochi, a short drive brings us to Alleppey to board the MV Vaikundam. Known as the Green Venice of the East, this region welcomes us with a traditional banana-leaf lunch as our ship sails through tranquil backwaters. Dropping anchor at Kanjippadom, we take a village walk to see traditional wooden kettuvallam boats crafted with coir, resin, and native timber. **MV Vaikundam - 7 nights** Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KARUMADI – PALLANA November 7, 2027 Cruising along quiet river channels, our floating hotel arrives at the ancient village of Karumadi. We stroll along paddy fields to view a local shrine housing the ruins of an ancient Buddha sculpture. Back on board, an interactive lecture by a professional Ayurveda doctor introduces us to India’s 5,000-year-old holistic healing traditions. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner THOTTAPPALLY – CHANGANKARI November 8, 2027 Following a peaceful morning walk in Thottappalli, we travel inland to visit a rare snake-worship grove, the only temple in Kerala with female priests. Next, we head to Mannar, an ancient village famous for its bell metal craft, where we observe master craftsmen using riverbank clay for lost-wax casting, producing traditional temple lamps, ornate locks, bells, cauldrons, and sacred vessels. As evening falls, we take a relaxing stroll along Thottappalli beach before anchoring at Changankari. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ARANMULA – CHAMPAKKULAM November 9, 2027 An early excursion brings us to Aranmula, world-famous for its GI-tagged metal mirrors that offer complete reflection. We explore Sree Parthasarathy Temple along the Pamba River before sharing lunch at a local home. In the afternoon, we cruise to Champakkulam to see historic St. Mary’s Church and its ancient open-air Rock Cross before anchoring in Pulinkunnu. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KAINAKARY – KAVALAM November 10, 2027 Our boat slips through canals to the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, now a preserved home and museum. We cruise toward Kavalam, where the river reverses course and drains into Lake Vembanad. In your free time, you may take a ferry to walk along the paddy fields and even meet members of Kudumbashree, one of the world’s largest women’s empowerment networks. Back on board, we observe traditional toddy tappers collecting coconut sap. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KUMARAKOM – THANNEERMUKKOM November 11, 2027 We enjoy dawn birdwatching in Kumarakom’s wetlands, followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch with a local Syrian Christian family. Our cruise then passes Thanneermukkom Barrage on Lake Vembanad. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner CHENGANDA – VAIKOM November 12, 2027 We visit Chenganda village to meet local coir weavers, shell harvesters and fishermen. In Vaikom, we enjoy a Kathakali performance before a tuk-tuk ride to an ancient Shiva temple. We return to the ship for a farewell dinner. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner PALLIPPURAM – KOCHI November 13, 2027 We disembark in Pallippuram to witness Kalarippayattu, an ancient martial art, before transferring to an airport hotel for lunch and day-use accommodation before our evening flight home. ***Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport - Day Use Room*** Breakfast, Lunch ARRIVE CANADA November 14, 2027 We arrive in Toronto as our memorable journey through Sri Lanka and Kerala comes to an end. [Download Brochure](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-10/Sri%20Lanka%20and%20Kerala%20TAS281027%20%2816OCT26%29a.pdf) [![Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-10/Sigiriya%20Rock%20Sri%20Lanka.jpg.webp?h=d5e74559&itok=vxsZpZrD "Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-10/Sigiriya%20Rock%20Sri%20Lanka.jpg) [![Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-10/Temple%20of%20Tooth%20Relic%20in%20Kandy.jpg.webp?h=e5aec6c8&itok=5uI5sEtY "Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-10/Temple%20of%20Tooth%20Relic%20in%20Kandy.jpg) [![Pinnawala in Sri Lanka](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-10/Pinnawala%20in%20Sri%20Lanka.jpg.webp?h=ede901bc&itok=gRtIzSUb "Pinnawala in Sri Lanka")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-10/Pinnawala%20in%20Sri%20Lanka.jpg) [![Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi, India](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-10/Kochi%20India.jpg.webp?h=768bd092&itok=sLrDUca2 "Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi, India")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-10/Kochi%20India.jpg) ### Have any questions? Contact Jen Craig at JCraig \[at\] craigtravel.com or call [1-800-387-8890](tel:1-800-387-8890) MV Vaikundam The *MV Vaikundam* is a boutique river vessel built in the traditional *Kettuvallom* style, offering an intimate way to explore Kerala’s backwaters. Featuring just 9 air-conditioned, en-suite cabins for up to 18 guests, the ship combines traditional teakwood craftsmanship with modern comforts. Guests enjoy an air-conditioned dining room and lounge, a 360-degree sun deck, fresh regional cuisine, and onboard lectures on Ayurveda and regional culture. ### Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person Land Only* (Join at first hotel / Leave at last hotel) $9,195 Toronto $11,295 Montreal / Ottawa $11,385 Halifax / Winnipeg $11,535 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver $11,585 St. John's $11,585 Saskatoon / Regina $11,735 Victoria $11,635 Single Supplement (on request) $3,695 [Book Now](https://enrollment.craigtravel.com/booking?departurecode=TAS281027:20271028) ### **Payment and Booking Terms** Final payment is due **June 23, 2027**. Deposit is **$1,500 per person**. Prices are in Canadian dollars per person. Land-only members join at the hotel in Colombo and leave at the hotel in Kochi. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room. Prices are based on a minimum of 20 members and on rates, taxes and fees effective September 2026 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. **SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE** **Limited to 16 members** Group to be escorted with a minimum of 16 members. For full terms and conditions, visit our website: craigtravel.com/terms-conditions. Canadian passport holders require a visa for India and an online ETA for Sri Lanka. For full details, visit our [terms and conditions webpage](https://www.craigtravel.com/terms-conditions). [Travel insurance](https://www.craigtravel.com/travel-insurance) is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. #### CT Rating **3.5/5 - CHALLENGING** Sri Lanka and Kerala (South India) offer magnificent scenery and rich cultural experiences, but both regions require an open mind to embrace their unique characteristics. Living standards can differ from those in Canada, traffic can be chaotic, and the itinerary includes travel days where facilities may be limited. The climb (if undertaken) up Sigiriya involves many steep steps, and temple visits require removing shoes and covering shoulders and knees. Aboard the MV Vaikundam, boarding, excursions and village walks will involve steps and uneven surfaces. We can expect weather that is both hot and humid. Meals may include spicy dishes. Members should be in good health, able to walk over rough surfaces and capable of managing their own luggage (if required). [Email Us](mailto:sales@craigtravel.com;%20jcraig@craigtravel.com?subject=Sri%20Lanka%20and%20Kerala%20October%202027) #### Journey Leader ![Profile picture for user David and Roslyn Craig](/sites/default/files/styles/user/public/pictures/2025-03/Picture111.png.webp?h=a6841d82&itok=kgjFGIbi) David and Roslyn Craig - bring with them many years of travel experience both as leaders and as tour operators. After attending the University of Toronto and York University, David, Chairman of Craig Travel, travelled the world and lived in Australia before returning to Canada and Craig Travel. For almost fifty years, David has devoted his working life to arranging and operating tours around the world. An Australian by birth, Roslyn, has lived and worked in the business of travel for most of her life. For over three decades, they have led tours and cruises visiting over 100 countries and all seven continents. ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/1%20CT%20Loyalty%20Points.png) [Craig Travel Loyalty Points ](/loyalty-club) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/2%20Pay%20By%20Cheque.png) [Pay by Cheque Discount](/pay-cheque-discount) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/3%20Refer%20a%20Friend.png) [Refer a Friend](/refer-friend) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/4%20About%20CT%20Ratings.png) [About CT Ratings](/craig-travel-ratings) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-11/5%20Travel%20Insurance.png) [Travel Insurance](/travel-insurance)