Sri Lanka · Culture

8-Day Sri Lanka Cultural and Wildlife Tour with Ella and Mirissa

8 Days Round trip from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover Sigiriya Lion Rock and explore ancient temples and cultural sites
  • 02 Experience wildlife safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks
  • 03 Enjoy the scenic Ella train journey through tea plantations and waterfalls
  • 04 Relax on Mirissa beaches and explore Galle Fort and coastal landscapes

Embark on an 8-day Sri Lanka journey exploring ancient temples, wildlife safaris, scenic highlands, and coastal beauty. Visit Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple before discovering Kandy's cultural heritage. Travel through Ella's tea plantations and waterfalls, enjoy a Yala National Park safari, and relax on the beaches of Mirissa. Explore Galle Fort, the Madu River, and turtle conservation sites for a perfect blend of culture, nature, and wildlife across Sri Lanka's most iconic destinations.

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock or Pidurangala Rock for panoramic views.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Katunayake, Tissamaharama, Kaudulla National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sigiriya with Rock Views and Village Life

  • Pickup from the airport or Colombo.

  • Climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock or Pidurangala Rock for panoramic views.

  • Experience an authentic village tour to discover local life and culture.

  • Relax and unwind with a traditional Ayurvedic massage (optional).

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

2
Day 02

Polonnaruwa Ruins and Elephant Safari

  • Explore the well-preserved ruins and monuments of Polonnaruwa, the ancient kingdom.

  • Embark on an exhilarating wildlife safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to see wild elephants.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

3
Day 03

Dambulla, Matale, and Kandy Heritage

  • Discover the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple ancient rock complex.

  • Visit the ancient Nalanda Gedige and explore a local spice and herbal garden.

  • Stop by the vibrant and colorful Matale Hindu Temple.

  • Witness a vibrant cultural dance performance and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

4
Day 04

Tea Country Journey to Ella

  • Wander through the lush Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya (optional).

  • Visit a Gemstone Museum and Lapidary to see famous Ceylon sapphires.

  • Tour a working tea plantation and factory to learn about the leaf-to-cup process.

  • Stop at the breathtaking Rawana Waterfall before embarking on the world-famous scenic train journey to Ella.

Overnight stay in Ella.

5
Day 05

Ella Highlights and Buduruwagala Temple

  • Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Nine Arch Bridge hidden in the jungle.

  • Hike up Little Adam's Peak for stunning panoramic views of the valley.

  • Stop by the cascading Rawana Waterfall.

  • Visit the historic Buduruwagala Temple, renowned for its ancient rock carvings.

Overnight stay in Tissa.

6
Day 06

Yala Safari and Transfer to Mirissa

  • Embark on an exciting early morning safari in Yala National Park to spot leopards and diverse wildlife.

  • Visit a local snake farm for a unique close-up experience.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

7
Day 07

Whale Watching and Beach Time in Mirissa

  • Set sail on a thrilling whale-watching tour to spot majestic marine life.

  • Spend the rest of the day relaxing and soaking in the sun-kissed southern beach vibes.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

8
Day 08

Galle Fort, Madu River, and Departure

  • Explore the historic cobbled streets of the Galle Dutch Fortress.

  • Enjoy a tranquil Madhu River boat safari through the lush mangroves.

  • Visit a turtle hatchery to learn about local coastal conservation efforts.

  • Drop-off at your hotel in Colombo or at the airport for your departure.

Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Nine Arch Bridge, Yala National Park

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Nine Arch Bridge, Yala National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited 14 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking tour guide
  • 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local insurance for the vehicle and passengers
  • All taxes, fuel surcharges, highway tolls, and service fees
  • One mineral water bottle per person per day
  • Chauffeur meals, accommodation arrangements, and service charges

What's Not Included

  • Meals
  • Entrance tickets for sites (prices for each site will be provided after booking confirmation)
  • Train tickets
  • 4x4 jeep for safari
  • Any expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry charges and tips
  • Early check-in and late check-out
  • Flight tickets and visa charges
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions is excluded

What to bring

  • Temple wear with light clothing and a cover-up for shoulders and knees
  • Socks for walking inside temple grounds after removing shoes
  • Comfortable walking shoes for climbing and hiking
  • Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
  • Swimwear for beaches and hotel pools
  • Rain gear such as a small umbrella or light poncho
  • Universal travel adapter

Know before you go

  • Entrance fees and additional charges are provided after booking confirmation and may change based on exchange rates and government taxes.
  • Travellers may choose to skip optional activities.
  • Ages 11 to 90 are considered adults.
  • Ages 5 to 10 are considered children.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Terminal Arrivées, Canada Friendship Road, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake 11450, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.

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Starting from

USD 400 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $400.00 — $900.00
Double Sharing $400.00 — $675.00

When

Travellers

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