8 Days
Daily Tour
6 people
English
Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka on this immersive 8-day journey covering ancient heritage sites, lush hill country, wildlife safaris, scenic train rides, and tropical beaches.
Starting from Colombo or Negombo, the tour takes you through the Cultural Triangle where you will explore the famous Dambulla Cave Temple and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Continue to Kandy to experience Sri Lanka’s spiritual heart and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before traveling through misty tea plantations to the cool hill town of Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train journeys to Ella, followed by waterfalls, temples, and wildlife encounters in Yala National Park. The journey ends along Sri Lanka’s southern coast in Mirissa where you can relax on beautiful beaches and even spot blue whales in the Indian Ocean.
This tour blends culture, nature, wildlife, and coastal beauty, offering a well-balanced introduction to the best destinations in Sri Lanka.
Day 1 – Colombo / Negombo to Sigiriya via Dambulla Cave Temple
Your tour leader will meet you at the airport in Colombo and begin the journey toward Sigiriya, covering approximately 146 km in around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
During the drive, you will stop at the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla where you can walk through the ancient cave complex and admire the impressive Buddha statues and murals.
Later in the afternoon or evening, depending on the location of the elephant herds that day, you can head out on a 4x4 safari in one of the nearby national parks such as Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco National Park.
Included Activities:
✔ Visit the Golden Cave Temple at Dambulla
Optional Activities:
✔ Evening 4x4 safari at Minneriya National Park
✔ Evening 4x4 safari at Kaudulla National Park
✔ Evening 4x4 safari at Hurulu Eco National Park
Accommodation:
✔ Goddess Garden
✔ Sigiri Asna Nature Resort
Meals:
✔ Breakfast
Start the morning early with a climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress before the heat intensifies, offering incredible views and excellent photo opportunities.
After breakfast at your hotel, travel toward Kandy with stops at the historic Nalanda Gedige temple and the Matale Spice Garden where you will learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices.
Upon arriving in Kandy, enjoy a city tour including a visit to a Hindu temple. In the evening you may attend a traditional Kandyan cultural dance show and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Included Activities:
✔ Climb Sigiriya Rock
✔ Visit Nalanda Gedige
✔ Visit Matale Spice Garden
✔ Kandy city tour with Hindu temple visit
Optional Activities:
✔ Traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance
✔ Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Accommodation:
✔ Waters Spring Hotel
✔ Ganga Addara Hotel
Meals:
✔ Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens and explore the Gem Museum and Workshop in Kandy to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous gemstones.
Continue the scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, a cool hill country town surrounded by tea plantations. During the drive you will stop at Ramboda Falls and visit a tea factory where you can see how Ceylon tea is produced.
Walk through the tea plantations and enjoy the refreshing climate of the central highlands before checking in to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Included Activities:
✔ Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
✔ Visit Gem Museum and Workshop
✔ Visit Ramboda Falls
✔ Visit tea factory
✔ Walk through tea plantation
Optional Activities:
✔ None
Accommodation:
✔ Queens Mount Glen Heights
✔ The Panorama Green View Hotel
Meals:
✔ Breakfast
Today you will travel by train from Nanu Oya to Ella, one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world passing through misty mountains, forests, and tea plantations.
If the morning train around 9:00 AM is available, you will board immediately. If the afternoon train before 1:30 PM is booked, you will have time to explore Nuwara Eliya including Gregory Lake and The Grand Hotel before heading to the station.
After arriving in Ella, hike up Little Adam’s Peak in the evening to enjoy panoramic views across the hill country.
Included Activities:
✔ Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
Optional Activities:
✔ Visit Gregory Lake
✔ Visit The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
✔ Visit Nuwara Eliya Post Office
✔ Evening hike to Little Adam’s Peak
Accommodation:
✔ The Peak Ella
Meals:
✔ Breakfast
Begin the day visiting the beautiful Ravana Waterfall followed by a visit to Buduruwagala Rock Temple where ancient Buddha statues are carved into the rock face.
Travel toward Tissamaharama covering approximately 88 km in about two hours. In the evening you may go on a 4x4 safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park located along the Indian Ocean coast.
Included Activities: ✔ None
Optional Activities: ✔ Visit Ravana Waterfall ✔ Visit Buduruwagala Rock Temple ✔ Visit Nine Arches Bridge ✔ Evening 4x4 safari in Yala National Park
Accommodation: ✔ Yala River Face Inn ✔ The Grand Yala Hotel
Meals: ✔ Breakfast
After breakfast, travel south to the coastal town of Mirissa, a journey of around two hours.
On the way you will stop at a Snake Farm to learn about various snake species. Optional experiences include a peaceful boat ride on Tissamaharama Lake or a Nilwala Crocodile Safari near Matara.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your beachside hotel in Mirissa.
Included Activities:
✔ Visit Snake Farm
Optional Activities:
✔ Boat ride at Tissamaharama Lake
✔ Nilwala Crocodile Safari in Matara
Accommodation:
✔ Jaga Bay Resort
✔ Scenic Bay Weligama
Meals:
✔ Breakfast
Start early around 6:30 AM for an exciting whale watching trip from Mirissa where you may spot blue whales and dolphins in the Indian Ocean.
After returning to your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring Parrot Rock, watching the sunset from Coconut Tree Hill, or relaxing on the beach.
Included Activities:
✔ None
Optional Activities:
✔ Blue whale watching
✔ Explore Parrot Rock
✔ Sunset at Coconut Tree Hill
Accommodation:
✔ Jaga Bay Resort
✔ Scenic Bay Weligama
Meals:
✔ Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the return journey toward Colombo or the airport.
Depending on your flight schedule, optional stops include the Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Center, a Madu River boat safari, and a visit to the historic Galle Dutch Fort originally built by the Portuguese in 1588.
After the sightseeing stops, continue to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
Included Activities:
✔ Airport drop-off service
Optional Activities:
✔ Visit Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center
✔ Madu River boat safari
✔ Explore Galle Dutch Fort
Accommodation:
✔ None
Meals:
✔ Breakfast
What are the destinations covered in this tour?
Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Minneriya National Park, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Mirissa, Galle Fort.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is arranged in carefully selected hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka. If any hotel is unavailable, a similar property of the same quality and comfort will be provided.
Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a professional English-speaking chauffeur or tour leader who will accompany you throughout the journey and assist with travel arrangements and sightseeing.
What meals are included in the tour?
Breakfast is included at the hotel each day. Lunch and dinner are not included, but your guide will recommend local restaurants along the journey. Vegetarian, vegan and halal food options can be arranged on request.
How will transportation be arranged during the tour?
All travel is provided in comfortable air-conditioned cars or vans with an English-speaking chauffeur. The vehicles include GPS monitoring, insurance coverage and highway toll charges.
Are attraction entrance fees included in the tour price?
No. Entrance fees for attractions such as Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Peradeniya Gardens, Yala Safari and other sites are not included and can be paid on-site if you choose to participate.
Are there any optional activities available?
Yes. Optional activities include wildlife safaris, cultural dance shows, whale watching, Madu River boat safari, Nilwala crocodile safari and visiting several heritage sites depending on your interests.
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