8-Day Journey
Overview
Experience Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural, historical, wildlife, and scenic destinations in this 8-day journey. From the ancient cave temples of Dambulla and the royal city of Polonnaruwa to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred city of Kandy, your tour blends rich heritage with stunning landscapes. Enjoy the breathtaking highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, embark on thrilling wildlife safaris in Minneriya and Yala, and relax in the coastal beauty of Mirissa and Bentota before completing your journey at the historic Galle Fort and Madu River.
Top Experiences
- Explore the magnificent Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla (UNESCO)
- Discover the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital
- Witness hundreds of wild elephants during a Minneriya safari
- Climb the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- Enjoy a traditional Hiriwadunna Village Experience with boat & cart rides
- Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
- Stroll through the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- Watch the vibrant Kandy Cultural Dance Show
- Experience tea country with stops at Ramboda Falls and a tea factory tour
- Take Sri Lanka’s most scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
- Capture breathtaking views at Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arch Bridge
- Go on an exciting Yala National Park leopard safari
- Relax at the stunning viewpoints like Coconut Tree Hill – Mirissa
- Explore the historic Galle Fort (UNESCO)
- Visit a Turtle Hatchery to learn about turtle conservation
- Enjoy a peaceful Madu River boat safari through mangroves
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Sigiriya
Highlights:
Meet & greet at Bandaranaike International Airport
Drive to Dambulla
Visit Golden Cave Temple (UNESCO Site)
Explore 5 ancient caves with murals, statues & historic relics
Observe the iconic 150m rock temple and giant Golden Buddha statue
Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 2: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Safari
Highlights:
Transfer to Polonnaruwa – Sri Lanka’s medieval capital
Visit ancient palaces, temples, statues & ruins
Explore Parakramabahu’s Royal Palace and Audience Hall
Visit Shiva Devale, bathing pools & archaeological sites
Afternoon wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park
Chance to see 150–300 wild elephants at “The Gathering”
Return to Sigiriya for overnight stay
Day 3: Sigiriya Rock & Transfer to Kandy
Highlights:
Climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO Site)
Explore ancient frescoes, mirror wall & royal gardens
Visit Hiriwadunna Village – bullock cart ride, catamaran ride & traditional village lunch
Visit Spice Garden in Matale
Visit Matale Muthumariamman Hindu Temple
Transfer to Kandy and relax at your hotel
Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 4: Kandy City & Cultural Tour
Highlights:
Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO Site)
Visit Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
Enjoy stunning views from Kandy Viewpoint
Explore the local market for spices, fruits & handicrafts
Visit National Gems Museum
Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens (4,000+ plant species)
Watch the Kandy Cultural Dance Show
Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 5: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Highlights:
Scenic drive through tea country
Visit Ramboda Falls
Visit Damro Labookellie Tea Factory & Tea Gardens
Explore Gregory Lake
Visit the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office
Train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella (most scenic train ride in Sri Lanka)
Overnight stay in Ella
Day 6: Ella → Tissamaharama → Yala
Highlights:
Hike Little Adam’s Peak
Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge
Visit Ravana Falls
Proceed to Yala National Park
Evening Yala Safari (leopards, elephants, sloth bears & more)
Overnight stay near Yala
Day 7: Yala → Mirissa
Highlights:
Transfer to Mirissa
Visit Coconut Tree Hill – Mirissa’s most famous viewpoint
Enjoy Mirissa Beach & relax
Explore the town at your own pace
Overnight stay in Mirissa
Day 8: Mirissa → Galle → Bentota → Airport
Highlights:
Visit Galle Fort (UNESCO Site, built 1588)
Visit Turtle Hatchery Farm in Galle
Enjoy a boat safari on the Madu River, exploring mangroves & islands
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure
Covering Locations
- Bandaranaike International Airport
- Dambulla (Golden Cave Temple)
- Sigiriya
- Polonnaruwa
- Minneriya National Park
- Kandy
- Matale
- Peradeniya
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ramboda
- Nanu Oya → Ella Train Route
- Ella
- Tissamaharama
- Yala National Park
- Mirissa
- Galle Fort
- Turtle Hatchery (Galle)
- Madu River (Balapitiya)
- Bentota
Inclusions
- Airport transfers & AC transport
- Accommodation with breakfast
- Entry fees to listed attractions
- Cultural dance show in Kandy
- White water rafting in Kitulgala
- English-speaking tour guide
Exclusions:
- Flights
- Personal expenses (shopping, tips, etc.)
- Meals other than breakfast
- Travel insurance
- Activities not in the itinerary