7-Day Sri Lanka Cultural Tour with Ella Train Ride and Yala Safari

7 Days Round trip from Sigiriya Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 02 Visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple and its ancient Buddhist murals and statues
  • 03 Explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and enjoy a traditional Kandyan Cultural Show
  • 04 Travel through Nuwara Eliya's scenic tea plantations and visit a tea factory
  • 05 Enjoy one of the world's most scenic hill country train journeys from Nanu Oya to Ella
  • 06 Visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge and optional Little Adam's Peak in Ella
  • 07 See Ravana Falls on the way to Yala National Park
  • 08 Enjoy an exciting jeep safari in Yala, home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and many bird species

Discover the best of Sri Lanka in 7 unforgettable days, from the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred city of Kandy to the scenic tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and the breathtaking landscapes of Ella. Along the way, explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites, enjoy a traditional Kandyan Cultural Show, and experience one of the world's most scenic hill country train journeys. Your journey ends with an exciting wildlife safari in Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and many bird species. This tour includes comfortable transportation, experienced chauffeur guide services, carefully selected accommodations, and personalized assistance throughout your journey.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Pinnawala, Katunayake, Tissamaharama
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to Sigiriya

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your chauffeur guide. Transfer to Sigiriya, the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. En route, there is an optional visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Relax and enjoy the scenic countryside before checking in to your hotel and spending the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

2
Day 02

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit and explore the ancient ruins. In the afternoon, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and discover its remarkable archaeological treasures.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

3
Day 03

Dambulla Cave Temple and Kandy

Visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple and explore its ancient Buddhist murals and statues. Continue to Kandy via a spice garden in Matale. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and enjoy a traditional Kandyan Cultural Show.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

4
Day 04

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Tea Country

After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Continue to Nuwara Eliya through scenic mountain roads, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Visit a tea factory and learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous tea production. Enjoy the cool climate and colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

5
Day 05

Scenic Train Journey to Ella

Enjoy one of the world's most scenic train journeys from Nanu Oya to Ella, subject to availability. Upon arrival, visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge and enjoy the beautiful hill country scenery. There is also an optional hike to Little Adam's Peak for breathtaking views.

Overnight stay in Ella.

6
Day 06

Ella to Yala National Park Safari

After breakfast, visit Ravana Falls before proceeding to Yala National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting jeep safari in Yala, home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and many bird species. Experience Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife destination.

Overnight stay in Yala / Tissamaharama.

7
Day 07

Departure Transfer to the Airport

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a scenic drive along the southern coast with optional visits en route.

End of tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sigiriya 11 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
  • Professional English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • Accommodation in selected hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Fuel charges
  • Highway toll charges
  • Parking fees
  • Driver accommodation and meals
  • All government taxes
  • 24/7 customer support during the tour

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Entrance fees to attractions and monuments
  • Jeep safari charges at Yala National Park
  • Train tickets, subject to availability
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any services not mentioned under inclusions

What to bring

  • Valid passport and travel documents
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight and comfortable clothing
  • Sunglasses and a sun hat
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Personal medications, if required
  • Camera for memorable photographs
  • Swimwear for beach and hotel pool activities
  • Light jacket for the hill country region
  • Cash or credit cards for personal expenses

Know before you go

  • This is a private tour and can be customized according to your preferences.
  • Train tickets are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed during peak seasons.
  • Comfortable clothing is recommended for sightseeing activities.
  • Visitors to temples should wear modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees.
  • Wildlife sightings during safaris cannot be guaranteed, as animals roam freely in their natural habitat.
  • Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies.
  • Entrance fees, visa fees, and personal expenses are not included unless specified.
  • We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.
  • Please inform us of any dietary requirements or special requests in advance.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Sigiriya.

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Starting from

USD 1,000 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,000.00 — $2,500.00
Double Sharing $1,000.00 — $1,466.66

When

Travellers

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