Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Sri Lanka Heritage and Wildlife Tour from Colombo

8 Days Round trip from Canada Friendship Rd Easy pace

Herd of elephants in Minneriya National park

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the historical Sigiriya Rock
02 Spot wildlife in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park
03 Explore the flora of Horton Plains National Park
04 Head to the Dambulla Cave Temple
05 See the Temple of the Tooth and Peradeniya Botanical Garden in Kandy
06 See World's End and Baker's Waterfall in Nuwara Eliya
07 Marvel at Galle Fort and the lighthouse

Sign up for a fantastic journey to gain insight into the wildlife and history of Sri Lanka. Visit prominent destinations such as Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, and Galle as you explore forts, national parks, temples, waterfalls, and lakes. Major attractions include Sigiriya Rock, the Dambulla Cave Temple, Yala National Park, and Galle Fort.

Enjoy the cloud forest, see the two points of World's End, and spend some time near Baker's Waterfall.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Katunayake, Horton Plains National Park, Tissamaharama

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Sigiriya

Arrive at Colombo Airport and transfer to Sigiriya, a 5th-century rock fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check in at the hotel and rest.
Later, climb Sigiriya Rock and enjoy the pleasant, calm climate.
Also visit the water garden, fountain garden, boulder garden, summerhouse, and caves.

Day 02

Polonnaruwa Ruins and Minneriya Safari

Visit the Polonnaruwa archaeological site and see its statues, frescoes, stupas, and more.
In the evening, visit Minneriya National Park and see sambar deer, elephants, leopards, and other animals.
After returning from the park, indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic treatment.

Day 03

Dambulla, Matale, and Kandy

After breakfast, proceed to Kandy.
On the way, visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, known for its frescoes and archaeological importance.
Also visit the spice gardens of Matale, where various spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper creepers are grown.
Upon arrival in Kandy in the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth, which is said to contain the relic of Buddha's tooth.

Day 04

Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Garden at Peradeniya to see more than 5,000 species of rare plants, trees, and creepers.
Later, drive to Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05

Horton Plains Walking Tour

Early in the morning, go on a 9 km walking tour of Horton Plains National Park to see various flora and fauna.
Enjoy the cloud forest, see the two points of World's End, and spend some time near Baker's Waterfall.

Day 06

Journey to Yala via Ravana Falls and Tissa Lake

After breakfast, proceed towards Yala National Park. On the way, spend some time at Ravana Falls and Tissa Lake.
Arrive at Yala National Park and check in at a camp or lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 07

Yala Safari and Galle Exploration

Go on an early morning safari tour of Yala National Park, famous for its herds of elephants, spotted deer, wild buffalo, and other animals.
After the safari, proceed towards the town of Galle.
Upon arrival, visit the lighthouse, stroll around the harbour, or explore the old town to see the work of traditional lace makers and woodcarvers.

Day 08