Sri Lanka · Safari

8-Day Sri Lanka Tour from Colombo to Mirissa with Yala Safari

8 Days Round trip from Colombo Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the ancient archaeological remains of Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's best-planned relic sites
02 Visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple
03 Enjoy a jeep safari in Yala National Park and look for wildlife in Minneriya National Park
04 Discover Kandy's architectural highlights, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and a Kandyan dance performance
05 Travel through Nuwara Eliya's tea country with visits to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, and a tea factory
06 See Hambantota Salt Pans, meet the stilt fishermen at Weligama, and explore Galle Dutch Fort

Explore the highlights of Sri Lanka on an 8-day journey from Colombo to Mirissa, visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle Dutch Fort, and the southern coast. Discover archaeological remains, religious landmarks, botanical gardens, tea country scenery, and wildlife along the way. The tour also includes a safari in Minneriya National Park, a jeep safari in Yala National Park, and coastal stops such as Hambantota Salt Pans and Weligama.

Discover the remains of this ancient city, said to be one of the best-planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing as testimony to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom's first rulers.

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, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Habarana, Katunayake, Tissamaharama, Weligama, Hambantota

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Sigiriya

Pick up from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo by the tour guide.
Pass through Habarana and arrive at Sigiriya.
Check in at the hotel in Sigiriya and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02

Polonnaruwa Ruins and Minneriya National Park Safari

Pick up from the hotel in Sigiriya and travel to Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient Sri Lankan kingdom.
Discover the remains of this ancient city, said to be one of the best-planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing as testimony to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom's first rulers.
Drive to Minneriya National Park, situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, to explore the wildlife of the surrounding area.
Look for Lankan elephants, cheetahs, lions, and other animals.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 03

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Spice Garden, and Kandy

Pick up from the hotel and travel to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Visit a local spice garden and Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple.
Arrive in Kandy and check in at a hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.

Day 04

Kandy Sightseeing and Cultural Performance

Pick up from the hotel and start the sightseeing tour of Kandy.
Walk through the city's ancient streets and discover the architectural highlights of the city.
Shop for souvenirs at a local shop.
Enjoy a performance of Kandyan dance at the hotel and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.

Day 05

Royal Botanic Gardens and Journey to Nuwara Eliya

Pick up from the hotel in Kandy and travel to Nuwara Eliya.
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens on the way.
Pass through Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, and a tea factory en route.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check in at the hotel.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 06

Ravana Waterfalls and Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Pick up from the hotel in Nuwara Eliya and travel to Tissamaharama.
Visit the Ravana waterfalls on the way.
Arrive in Tissamaharama and check in at a hotel.
Freshen up and then leave for a jeep safari tour in Yala National Park.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Tissamaharama.

Day 07

Hambantota, Weligama, Galle Dutch Fort, and Mirissa

Pick up from the hotel in Tissamaharama and travel to Mirissa.
Visit Hambantota Salt Pans and interact with the stilt fishermen at Weligama en route.
Discover Galle Dutch Fort.
Arrive in Mirissa and check in at a hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Mirissa.

Day 08