Sri Lanka · Heritage Walks

7-Day Sri Lanka Heritage and Nature Tour with Yala Safari

7 Days Round trip from B199 Easy pace

Feeding elephants in Pinnawala elephant orphanage

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Feed baby elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
02 Take a hot air balloon ride over Kandalama Lake and its surrounding landscapes
03 Walk across the scattered walls of the ancient World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa
04 Visit Sigiriya, the rock citadel of King Kasyapa and a unique World Heritage Site
05 Trek in the Knuckles Mountain Range
06 Explore Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and eco-tourism hideout
07 Spot indigenous wildlife in Yala National Park
08 Discover the Dutch streets, lighthouse, and sandy beaches of Galle

See the best of Sri Lanka on a 7-day journey through ancient cities and natural landscapes. Visit the elephants at Pinnawala, enjoy a bird's-eye view of Kandalama Lake from a hot air balloon, and explore the World Heritage sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Trek in the Knuckles Mountain Range, stroll among the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, and go on safari in Yala National Park. End your tour with the relaxed vibe, Dutch streets, and sandy beaches of Galle.

As you enter the 25-acre coconut property, see baby elephants being bottle-fed or moving around freely, causing absolutely no harm to anyone.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Galle, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Pinnawala, Horton Plains National Park, Knuckles Mountain Range

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Upon arrival at the airport, head to Dambulla.
On the way, visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. As you enter the 25-acre coconut property, see baby elephants being bottle-fed or moving around freely, causing absolutely no harm to anyone. Watch them feed at 09:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 05:00 PM, and take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 AM and 02:00 PM.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Day 02

Dambulla Cave Temple, Hot Air Balloon Ride, and Polonnaruwa

Head to Dambulla Rock Temple and marvel at its unique drawings. Observe the exquisite cave paintings that adorn the walls and shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha.
Take a hot air balloon ride to see Kandalama Lake and its surrounding landscapes from a bird's-eye view.
Walk across the scattered walls of the World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, a city that stands as proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Day 03

Sigiriya Rock Citadel and Knuckles Mountain Range Trek

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya, the rock citadel of King Kasyapa and a World Heritage Site.
Trek in the Knuckles Mountain Range and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding dense forests, tea plantations, terraced paddy fields, and waterfalls.

Overnight stay in Knuckles.

Day 04

Tea Plantations and Colonial Charm of Nuwara Eliya

Take an ultimate tea tour and see the lush green blankets of tea plantations.
Proceed to the renowned British colonial retreat of Nuwara Eliya.
Visit colonial bungalows and one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05

Horton Plains and Baker's Falls en Route to Yala

Early in the morning, head to Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and eco-tourism hideout in the heart of the isle.
Visit Baker's Falls and feel the icy-cold wind against your face.
Continue driving to Yala National Park.

Overnight stay in Yala.

Day 06

Yala National Park Safari and Drive to Galle

After breakfast, proceed to explore Yala National Park, the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumbles through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of a civilisation that thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. Spot herds of elephants, sloth bears, deer, jackals, leopards, and elusive birds.
Continue driving to Galle.

Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 07

Galle Fort, Lighthouse, and Beach Time

Explore the Dutch streets of Galle, the epic southern capital of Sri Lanka. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the Old Gate carrying the British coat of arms.
Visit the lighthouse, standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion.
Head to the clean sandy beaches to spend the rest of your day.

Head to Galle Airport to end your tour.