8-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Sigiriya, Ella and Yala

TRAVEL TIME- APPROX [3 HR 20 MIN]

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake, you will be greeted by your driver-guide with a warm Sri Lankan welcome. After refreshing, begin your journey toward Sigiriya, located in the heart of the island's Cultural Triangle. En route, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricate murals and more than 150 statues of Lord Buddha dating back over 2,000 years.

Continue your scenic drive through lush countryside and check in to your hotel in Sigiriya. In the evening, enjoy leisure time or, if time permits, take an optional sunset hike to Pidurangala Rock, which offers stunning panoramic views of the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress bathed in golden light.

DAY PLAN

• Meet and greet at the airport

• Refresh and begin the journey to Sigiriya

• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

• Hotel check-in in Sigiriya

• Optional sunset hike to Pidurangala Rock (if time permits)

• Overnight stay in Sigiriya

ACCOMMODATION: Oak Ray Elephant Lake (3 Star) Or Similar

MEALS: Complimentary Dinner

ACTIVITIES: Dambulla Cave Temple, Pidurangala Rock

PHYSICAL RATING- Low

After an early breakfast, set off to explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable ancient sites. This 5th-century citadel, built atop a towering rock, was once the royal palace of King Kashyapa. Climb to the summit, passing through the landscaped water gardens, the mirror wall, and the famous frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens. The view from the top rewards you with breathtaking scenery of the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in authentic Sri Lankan rural life with a Sigiriya Village Tour. Experience a bullock cart ride through rice paddies, a catamaran lake journey, and a traditional cooking demonstration before enjoying a freshly prepared local meal.

DAY PLAN

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Explore ancient ruins and frescoes

• Experience the Sigiriya Village Tour

• Enjoy a traditional lunch

• Evening leisure time at the hotel

• Overnight stay in Sigiriya

ACCOMMODATION: Oak Ray Elephant Lake (3 Star) Or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch

ACTIVITIES: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Village Tour

PHYSICAL RATING: High

TRAVEL TIME- APPROX [2 HR 50 MIN]

Today, you will leave Sigiriya and journey toward Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital and last royal kingdom. On the way, visit a Spice Garden in Matale to discover how Sri Lanka's famed spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper are cultivated and used in local cuisine and Ayurveda.

Upon arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel and later visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the most sacred Buddhist temple in the country. In the evening, stroll around Kandy Lake or head to the Kandy Viewpoint for panoramic views of the city's serene surroundings.

DAY PLAN

• Breakfast and check-out from Sigiriya

• Visit Matale Spice Garden

• Learn about traditional herbs and spices

• Arrive in Kandy and check in to the hotel

• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

• Explore Kandy Lake and the viewpoint

• Overnight stay in Kandy

ACCOMMODATION: Oak Ray Heritage (3 Star) Or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Matale Spice Garden, Temple of Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and Kandy Viewpoint

PHYSICAL RATING: Medium

TRAVEL TIME- APPROX [3 HR 28 MIN]

After breakfast, depart Kandy and head into Sri Lanka's picturesque tea country. En route, stop at a tea plantation and factory to witness the art of Ceylon tea making, from leaf plucking to processing and tasting.

Continue to Nanu Oya Railway Station and board the world-renowned scenic train to Ella, one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in the world. Pass through misty hills, rolling tea estates, and charming villages.

Upon arrival in Ella, visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era architectural marvel surrounded by lush greenery, one of the most photographed spots in Sri Lanka. Afterward, check in to your hotel in Ella and unwind in the cool mountain air.

DAY PLAN

• Breakfast and check-out from Kandy

• Visit a tea plantation and factory

• Enjoy a tea-tasting experience

• Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella (2 HR 48 MINS)

• Visit Nine Arches Bridge in the evening

• Check in to the hotel and relax

• Overnight stay in Ella

ACCOMMODATION: 88th Ella (3 Star) Or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Tea Plantation and Tea Tasting, Scenic Train Journey, Nine Arch Bridge

PHYSICAL RATING: Medium (Walk in Tea plantation and Nine Arch Bridge)

Wake up early to enjoy Ella's serene mountain charm. Begin your day with a scenic hike to Little Adam's Peak, offering breathtaking views of the valleys and surrounding tea plantations.

Next, visit the stunning Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka's most famous waterfalls, before heading to the Ravana Pool Club, a trendy hilltop venue where you can relax, swim, and enjoy panoramic mountain views with good music and tropical vibes.

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun or exploring Ella's cozy cafes and boutique shops before returning to your hotel for a peaceful night's rest.

Join an evening Sri Lankan cooking class at Ella Spice Garden (optional) to learn authentic recipes in a cozy home-style setting, ending with a shared dinner of your own creations.

DAY PLAN

• Early morning hike to Little Adam's Peak

• Visit Ravana Falls

• Relax at Ravana Pool Club

• Ella Spice Garden visit (optional - own expense)

• Free time in Ella town

• Overnight stay in Ella

ACCOMMODATION: 88th Ella (3 Star) Or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Little Adams Peak, Ravana Water Falls, Ella Spice Garden, Ravana Pool Club Activities

PHYSICAL RATING: Medium (Light Hike & Walking Involved)

TRAVEL TIME - APPROX [4 HR 55 MIN]

After breakfast, check out and drive south toward Yala National Park. Enjoy an exciting jeep safari and witness elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

After your wildlife experience, continue to the stunning coastal town of Bentota, renowned for its palm-fringed beaches and calm lagoons. Check in to your beach resort and unwind with a sunset stroll along the soft golden sands.

DAY PLAN

• Breakfast and hotel check-out

• Travel to Yala National Park

• Enjoy a jeep safari experience (own expense)

• Transfer to Bentota

• Check in at the hotel

• Relax and enjoy sunset on Bentota Beach

• Overnight stay in Bentota

ACCOMMODATION: Wunderbar Beach Hotel (4 Star) or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Yala Jeep Safari, Bentota Beach

PHYSICAL RATING: Low (Light Walks In Beach)

TRAVEL TIME- APPROX [1 HR 40 MIN]

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning by the beach or join a Bentota River Safari. Drift along the tranquil waters of the Bentota River as you weave through thick mangrove tunnels and lush riverbanks teeming with life. The safari offers a close-up look at Sri Lanka's vibrant ecosystem - spot water monitors, colorful kingfishers, cormorants, and other exotic bird species gliding across the water. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the natural beauty of the wetlands, makes this experience both relaxing and adventurous.

You may also visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery to see rescued adult turtles and observe hatchlings being cared for before release. It's a heartwarming experience that highlights the importance of conservation and, if you're lucky, you may even witness baby turtles making their first journey into the ocean.

Afterward, continue to Colombo for your final night or your airport transfer.

DAY PLAN

• Breakfast and hotel check-out

• Bentota River Boat Safari

• Visit Sea Turtle Hatchery (own expense - optional)

• Travel to Colombo

• Overnight stay in Colombo

ACCOMMODATION: Fairway Colombo (4 Star) Or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Bentota River Boat Safari, Sea Turtle Hatchery

PHYSICAL RATING: Low

TRAVEL TIME- APPROX [45 MIN]

After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward journey. Carry home unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's breathtaking landscapes, ancient wonders, and warm island hospitality.

If time permits, depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a brief Colombo city tour and explore highlights such as Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, Old Parliament Building, and Galle Face Green, or shop for souvenirs at local boutiques before heading to the airport.

DAY PLAN

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out

• Optional Colombo city tour (time permitting, based on flight schedule)

• Private transfer to the airport

• Departure from Sri Lanka

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Colombo City Tour, Airport Drop off, Departure

PHYSICAL RATING: Low