Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

5-Day Sri Lanka Cultural Tour from Sigiriya to Ella by Scenic Train

5 Days Round trip from Katunayake Easy pace
sigiriya
kandy
Elle
minneriya
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
  • 02 Witness herds of wild elephants during an exciting safari at Minneriya National Park
  • 03 Take the scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, passing stunning landscapes and waterfalls
  • 04 Visit Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls while enjoying the cool charm of Ella's hill country

Discover the best of Sri Lanka on this five-day journey from Sigiriya to Ella. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, encounter wild elephants on safari at Minneriya National Park, and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Explore lush tea plantations and learn about Sri Lankan tea before taking the world-famous train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Along the way, capture the beauty of Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls amid charming hill-country landscapes.

Take the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, renowned as one of the most beautiful routes in the world.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Minneriya National Park, Katunayake, Kitulgala
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to Sigiriya

  • Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport.
  • Drive to Sigiriya (approximately 4 hours).
  • Enjoy the evening at leisure, or join an optional village tour with a traditional cooking experience.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

2
Day 02

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Minneriya Safari, and Kandy

  • Early morning climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
  • Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park to see elephants.
  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple en route to Kandy.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

3
Day 03

Kandy Highlights and Tea Country to Nuwara Eliya

  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
  • Stroll through Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
  • Stop at a tea plantation and factory to learn about Sri Lankan tea.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

4
Day 04

Scenic Train Journey to Ella

  • Take the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, renowned as one of the most beautiful routes in the world.
  • Visit Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls.
  • Explore Ella town and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints.

Overnight stay in Ella.

5
Day 05

Departure from Ella to Colombo or the Airport

  • Morning departure to Colombo or the airport (approximately 6 hours).
  • Optional stop for white-water rafting at Kitulgala, depending on timing.
  • Drop-off at the airport for your departure flight.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Minneriya National Park, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Minneriya National Park, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Katunayake 9 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off assistance
  • Private vehicle with an English-speaking driver and guide
  • Driver's meals and accommodation
  • Government taxes and service charges
  • All parking and highway tickets

What's Not Included

  • Traveller accommodation, meals, and personal expenses
  • Entry tickets for sites, monuments, and activities
  • Tips and gratuities

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight clothing and a light jacket
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Reusable water bottle

Know before you go

  • The Sigiriya climb involves around 1,200 steps; wear comfortable shoes.
  • Safari and train tickets should be booked in advance.
  • The hill country can be cool at night; pack a light jacket.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Carry cash for small local purchases, as cards may not be widely accepted.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Airport Arrivals Terminal, Katunayake
Tour start
Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Katunayake.

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