Document

Tour Summary

Experience the best of Sri Lanka in 8 nights and 9 days with a balanced mix of culture, history, nature and beach. This itinerary takes you from the bustling capital of Colombo to the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle, on to Kandy and the cool tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, and finally down to the charming coastal town of Galle. Along the way you will enjoy wildlife safaris, scenic train rides, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and time to relax by the Indian Ocean.

Tour Highlights
                        Colombo city tour (time permitting)
Sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Stay in Nuwara Eliya – “Little England”
Stop at Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls near Ella
Visits to moonstone mines, sea turtle conservation centre and Yatagala Temple
Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
Cycling tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
Scenic hill-country train journey (Kandy → Nanu Oya) *
Optional visit to Horton Plains & World’s End
Explore Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Relaxing time on the south coast near Galle

                    

Inclusions

08 nights’ accommodation in Sri Lanka (Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle)
Daily breakfast (and dinner if booked on Half Board basis)
Private air-conditioned car / van / mini coach with English-speaking chauffeur-guide
All sightseeing as per itinerary
Bottled water during the tour
Entrance fees for the sites mentioned in the program (e.g. Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Temple of the Tooth, etc.)
Safari jeep hires in Minneriya or similar national park
Train ticket in the hill country (e.g. Kandy – Nanu Oya or Nanu Oya – Ella, subject to availability)
All government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International flights to/from Sri Lanka
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Lunches and dinners (unless specifically included in your meal plan)
Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Early check-in / late check-out at hotels
Personal expenses (drinks, tips, laundry, etc.)
Any services not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions”

Map

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1

Airport → Colombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your chauffeur-guide. Transfer to Colombo (approx. 45–60 minutes). If time permits, enjoy a Colombo city tour covering a mix of temples, colonial landmarks, local markets and seaside areas such as Galle Face Green. Overnight: Colombo

Day 2

Colombo → Sigiriya → Minneriya Safari

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and drive to Sigiriya (around 4 hours). Check in and relax. In the afternoon, head out on a private jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its large elephant gatherings and rich birdlife. Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 3

Sigiriya Rock Fortress → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya

Start early and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, enjoying panoramic views and ancient frescoes. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, drive to Polonnaruwa and explore the ancient city by vehicle or bicycle, visiting key highlights such as royal palaces, temples and the Gal Vihara Buddha statues. Return to Sigiriya and relax. Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 4

Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO-listed complex of cave shrines filled with Buddha statues and colorful murals. Continue on to Kandy. On arrival, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight: Kandy

Day 5

Kandy → Peradeniya → Nuwara Eliya (by train & car)

After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, known for their orchids, giant trees and landscaped avenues. Then board a scenic hill-country train from Kandy to Nanu Oya* and enjoy one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. On arrival at Nanu Oya, transfer by vehicle to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel. Overnight: Nuwara Eliya *Train ride is subject to availability; if seats are not available, the journey will be done by private vehicle with photo stops.

Day 6

Nuwara Eliya & Optional Horton Plains

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can relax in Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England”, with its cool climate, colonial charm and tea estates. Optional: Early morning excursion to Horton Plains National Park to visit World’s End and Baker’s Falls, followed by a scenic walk through the montane grasslands (extra cost). Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 7

Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Galle

Breakfast and check out. Travel south via Ella, stopping to see the famous Nine Arch Bridge and the scenic Ravana Falls. Continue through the hill country and down to the south coast until you reach Galle. Check in to your hotel and unwind. Overnight: Galle

Day 8

Galle & Surroundings

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll explore Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, ramparts, boutiques and cafes. Then visit the moonstone mines in Meetiyagoda, a sea turtle conservation centre, and the ancient Yatagala Temple carved into rock. Return to your hotel and relax by the coast. Overnight: Galle