10-Day Sri Lanka Cultural, Scenic Highlands and Southern Coast Tour
Highlights
Negombo, Ella, Colombo, Kandy, Udawalawe National Park
Locations Covered
Negombo, Ella, Colombo, Kandy, Udawalawe National Park
photography, sightseeing, Wildlife
Private Tour
10 Days
Easy
English
Description
Experience the essence of Sri Lanka on this immersive 10-day journey combining culture, history, nature, and relaxation. Explore ancient UNESCO sites in Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Kandy, followed by scenic landscapes in Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Enjoy the iconic train ride through lush highlands, encounter wildlife during an exciting Udawalawe safari, and unwind along the tranquil southern beaches. With private transport, expert guidance, and flexible sightseeing, this tour offers the perfect balance of discovery, comfort, and authentic Sri Lankan charm.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to Negombo
- Meet your licensed chauffeur at the Bandaranaike International Airport arrival lobby for a warm welcome and assistance with luggage, followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Negombo.
- Depending on your arrival time, explore the highlights of Negombo, including the bustling fish market, the historic Dutch Canal, and St Mary’s Church.
- Spend time relaxing on Negombo Beach as you unwind and recover from your flight.
Overnight stay in Negombo.
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Day 2: Transfer to Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple and Village Tour
- After breakfast, check out from your Negombo hotel and begin your journey toward Sigiriya.
- Stop at the magnificent Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its beautifully preserved cave temples filled with ancient Buddha statues, vibrant murals, and sacred shrines dating back over 2,000 years.
- Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your hotel.
- In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic Sigiriya Village Tour and experience rural Sri Lankan life with a cart or tractor ride, a catamaran ride, a walk across lush paddy fields, and a traditional village cooking demonstration.
- A delicious local lunch may be included depending on the tour option.
- Relax at your hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
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Day 3: Anuradhapura Sacred City and Sigiriya Lion Rock
- After breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi, one of the oldest authenticated trees in the world.
- Explore the Ruwanweliseya Stupa, the iconic regal white stupa.
- Enjoy optional visits to Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, the Samadhi Buddha statue, and other royal ruins depending on available time.
- Return to Sigiriya in the afternoon.
- In the early evening, climb the legendary Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress and enjoy cooler weather and stunning sunset views as you explore the ancient palace ruins, frescoes, and the Mirror Wall.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
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Day 4: Sigiriya to Kandy, Cultural Show and Temple of the Tooth Relic
- After breakfast, check out from your Sigiriya hotel and continue to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through lush greenery, spice gardens, and charming local villages.
- Arrive in Kandy, check in to your hotel, and take some time to relax.
- Attend a vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Show in the late afternoon, showcasing traditional drumming, dancing, and fire performances.
- Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and experience the evening Pooja ceremony with traditional rituals and devotional offerings.
- Spend the remainder of the evening exploring Kandy city or unwinding at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
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Day 5: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Scenic Train to Ella
- Enjoy an early breakfast, check out from your Kandy hotel, and begin your drive to Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England for its colonial charm and cool climate.
- Visit a tea plantation and working tea factory to learn about the production of Ceylon tea, observe tea plucking, and savour a fresh cup of tea.
- Stop at the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a charming colonial landmark known for its pink exterior and architectural beauty.
- Explore the Gregory Lake area where you can enjoy a lakeside stroll, peaceful scenery, or optional boat rides.
- Transfer to Nanu Oya railway station in the afternoon to board the iconic scenic train to Ella, celebrated for its rolling tea fields, misty mountains, and waterfalls.
- Meet your chauffeur upon arrival in Ella and transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the serene hill country atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Ella.
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Day 6: Ella Sightseeing and Meditation Program
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before exploring the beautiful hill country town of Ella, known for its lush greenery, tea plantations, and scenic viewpoints.
- Hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a moderate trail offering panoramic views of valleys, tea plantations, and distant mountains.
- Visit Ravana Falls and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding this impressive waterfall.
- Walk to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge set amidst tea plantations and jungle landscapes, ideal for photography.
- Opt to visit the Ella Spice Garden or local markets to experience regional flavours and culture.
- Attend a meditation session at Mahamewna Meditation Monastery in Kumbalwela from 5.00 PM to 6.00 PM, enjoying a peaceful introduction to traditional Buddhist practices.
- Return to your Ella hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
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Day 7: Ella, Rawana Falls, Udawalawe Safari and Southern Beach Transfer
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Ella before checking out and visiting Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls, with time for scenic views and photographs.
- Proceed to Udawalawe National Park for an exciting jeep safari lasting around two to three hours, spotting elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitat.
- Continue your journey towards the southern coast and choose your preferred beach destination, such as Mirissa for whale watching, Tangalle for quiet beaches, Hiriketiya for surfing, Weligama for relaxed coastal charm, or Galle for historic attractions.
- Check in to your chosen beach hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the sea with options for a sunset stroll or a seafood dinner.
- Stay overnight at the southern beach hotel.
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Day 8: Southern Beach Relaxation and Leisure
- Enjoy breakfast at your beach hotel before beginning a full day of relaxation along Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast.
- Spend the morning relaxing on golden sandy beaches and swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Choose optional beach activities such as snorkelling, surfing in Weligama or Hiriketiya, or a catamaran ride depending on your location.
- Continue your leisure time in the afternoon with a seaside lunch, a gentle stroll along the beach, or relaxation at your hotel.
- Admire the stunning sunset views over the ocean in the evening.
- Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a beachfront restaurant, savouring fresh seafood and local cuisine.
- Stay overnight at your southern beach hotel.
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Day 9: Southern Coast, Galle Fort and Local Sightseeing
- Enjoy breakfast at your beach hotel before travelling to Galle, the historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore Galle Fort with its cobbled streets, colonial architecture, old Dutch houses, boutique shops, and art galleries.
- Visit the lighthouse, ramparts, and charming cafés within the fort.
- Take a coastal drive along the South Coast and stop at scenic beaches or viewpoints depending on your hotel location.
- Make optional stops at Unawatuna, Jungle Beach, or Hikkaduwa for swimming or relaxation.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the coast.
- Return to your southern beach hotel and admire the final sunset along the coast.
- Spend the evening at leisure with time for relaxation, dinner, or a beach stroll.
- Stay overnight at the southern beach hotel.
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Day 10: Southern Beach to Colombo or Tour End
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out, and begin your transfer based on your preferred schedule.
- Travel to Colombo for sightseeing, shopping, or last minute exploration before heading to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight.
- Stop optionally at Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, or local markets.
- Choose to extend your stay at the southern beach hotel for additional relaxation.
- Opt for a transfer to Negombo for travellers with early flights or a preference to stay closer to the airport.
- Proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure if flying.
- Conclude the 10 day Sri Lanka tour with lasting memories of culture, nature, wildlife, scenic train rides, and serene beaches.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| The Group Size and Price | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 6 | /group |
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This is a private tour |
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