Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey through the heart of Sri Lanka, beginning in the vibrant capital of Colombo and looping inland to explore the island’s most iconic cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Discover ancient citadels, sacred temples, and picturesque highland towns nestled among misty tea plantations. Wander through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathe in the exotic aromas of spice gardens, and witness the island’s rich biodiversity on a thrilling wildlife safari. This well-rounded adventure offers a deep and authentic glimpse into the island’s timeless beauty and cultural soul.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Galle: The epic capital of the south, where classic Dutch architecture meets tropical surroundings, creating a vivid coastal atmosphere. Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, colonial churches, and artisan boutiques.
Yala National Park: Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destination, home to elephants, sloth bears, and the highest density of leopards in the world. Experience an exhilarating jeep safari across grasslands and lagoons.
Kandy: A cultural gem nestled in the hills, Kandy was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and is home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Enjoy traditional music and dance during an evening cultural show.
Matale: A fertile agricultural region famous for its spice gardens and Ayurvedic traditions. Once a center of rebellion, it remains vital to Sri Lanka’s rural identity.
Sigiriya: One of Asia’s most remarkable archaeological sites, this 5th-century rock fortress rises dramatically above the plains and features frescoes, gardens, and a sophisticated irrigation system. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 1: ARRIVAL COLOMBO
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Katunayake International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Colombo. This vibrant city blends modern energy with colonial charm. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore bustling streets, oceanfront promenades, or cultural landmarks at your own pace.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 2: COLOMBO – GALLE – YALA NATIONAL PARK – TISSAMAHARAMA (350km – 5.5hrs)
After breakfast, drive south along the scenic coastal road to Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s most historic cities. Once a major port during the colonial era, Galle reached its peak under Dutch rule in the 17th century. Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a 90-acre fortified city with cobbled streets, preserved ramparts, and colonial architecture. Highlights include the Dutch Church, the National Maritime Museum, and charming boutiques offering handcrafted goods. Then, continue inland to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife reserve, covering nearly 130,000 hectares of forest, wetlands, and sand dunes. It’s home to an incredible range of species, including elephants, sloth bears, jackals, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. Most famously, Yala has the highest density of leopards in the world. Enjoy an exhilarating jeep safari to spot wildlife in their natural habitat before heading to nearby Tissamaharama for the night.
Overnight in Tissamaharama.
Day 3: TISSAMAHARAMA – ELLA – NUWARA ELIYA – KANDY (220km – 6hrs)
After breakfast, travel through the southern highlands to Ella, a laid-back mountain village surrounded by lush greenery, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Enjoy panoramic views passing by the scenic Ravana Falls, cascading from 25 meters high and linked to the Ramayana legend. Next, continue to Nuwara Eliya, a charming town nestled at 1,868 meters above sea level, often referred to as “Little England” for its colonial-era buildings and cool climate. Set along Lake Gregory and framed by misty hills, the town exudes a tranquil, old-world atmosphere. Visit a tea factory, where you’ll see the process from plucking leaves to final packaging. Learn how black, green, and white teas are produced, and enjoy a fresh tasting session of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Ceylon tea. Then drive to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. In the evening, attend a traditional dance performance, showcasing Kandyan art forms with elaborate costumes, drumming, acrobatics, and an exciting fire-walking finale.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 4: KANDY – MATALE – DAMBULLA – HABARANA (96km – 2hrs)
After breakfast, explore Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital before British rule and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), where one of the Buddha’s teeth is enshrined. This revered site lies within the former royal palace complex on the shores of Kandy Lake and hosts daily rituals accompanied by traditional drumming. Then travel to Matale, a fertile agricultural area known for its spice cultivation. Stop at a spice garden to learn about cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and other fragrant plants. Enjoy a short Ayurvedic massage, a nod to ancient healing traditions. Continue to Dambulla, home to the island’s most impressive cave temple. The Dambulla Rock Temple dates back over 2,000 years and features five cave shrines filled with over 150 Buddha statues and richly painted ceilings. The largest cave houses a remarkable 14-meter-long reclining Buddha carved from rock. These well-preserved murals and sculptures earned Dambulla UNESCO World Heritage status. After the visit, transfer to Habarana.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 5: HABARANA – PIDURANGALA – POLONNARUWA – HABARANA (116km – 2.5hrs)
Start the day with a visit to Pidurangala Rock, an ancient Buddhist monastery and lesser-known sibling of Sigiriya. Its history is tied to King Kashyapa, who relocated monks here while building his fortress at Sigiriya. Climb to the summit for panoramic views, including a stunning perspective of Lion Rock itself. Along the way, see remnants of ancient monastery walls and a giant reclining Buddha statue. Then travel to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from the 9th to 13th century and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved ruins of royal palaces, audience halls, temples, and the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Don’t miss Gal Vihara, where three colossal Buddha statues are carved into a single granite rock: seated in meditation, standing in spiritual serenity, and lying in peaceful nirvana. The reclining Buddha, 15 meters long, is considered one of the finest stone carvings in South Asia. Return to Habarana in the evening.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 6: HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNA – HABARANA (40km – 1.5hrs)
After breakfast, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most important archaeological landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising 200 meters above the forest, this ancient royal citadel was built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa. Climb through terraced gardens and stone stairways to reach the summit, passing the famous Mirror Wall etched with centuries-old graffiti and the celebrated frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens.” At the halfway point, walk through a gateway flanked by enormous lion’s paws, remnants of the once-complete Lion-shaped entrance. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. Later, continue to Hiriwadunna, a traditional Sinhalese village nestled around a lotus-filled lake. Enjoy a rural village experience, starting with a boat ride across the reservoir, followed by an ox-cart ride through the fields. This immersive experience offers insight into Sri Lankan agricultural life, local customs, and warm village hospitality.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 7: HABARANA – RIDI VIHARAYA – NEGOMBO (164km – 4hrs)
This morning, depart for Ridi Viharaya, the “Silver Temple,” a sacred cave complex founded in the 2nd century BC. According to legend, it was built at the site where silver was discovered and offered for the construction of the Ruwanwelisaya stupa in Anuradhapura. Admire the reclining 9-meter Buddha statue, ancient murals, and beautiful rock carvings. Continue to the coastal town of Negombo, known for its colonial past and vibrant fishing community. Discover remnants of Portuguese and Dutch influence, including the Dutch Fort and Hamilton Canal, built to transport spices. Visit St. Mary’s Church, one of Sri Lanka’s largest cathedrals, known for its ornate ceiling frescoes. End the day at Negombo Beach, where fishermen haul in their catches and the golden sands offer a peaceful setting to unwind.
Overnight in Negombo.
Day 8: NEGOMBO – DEPARTURE COLOMBO (25 km – 45min)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Colombo International Airport for your departure. Please ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious sites or official buildings. Shoes and hats should be removed before entering a temple or a private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
