6-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Scenic Train and Yala Safari

6 Days Round trip from Bandaranaike International Airport Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple with its ancient murals and sacred Buddha statues
  • 02 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress for panoramic views over Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
  • 03 Ride the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella through tea plantations and misty hill country
  • 04 Look for elephants, leopards, and other wildlife on a Yala National Park jeep safari
  • 05 Unwind in Mirissa with free time for beach relaxation and optional coastal viewpoints

Discover Sri Lanka's must-see highlights in just 6 days on a budget-friendly small-group journey that blends ancient UNESCO heritage, misty hill country, wildlife adventures, and laid-back beach time. From the Cultural Triangle to the tea-covered highlands and down to the southern coast, this itinerary combines guided sightseeing with relaxed free time for travellers who want variety without rushing. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the sacred caves of Dambulla, ride the famous scenic train to Ella, head out on a thrilling Yala National Park jeep safari, and unwind on the golden sands of Mirissa. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also enjoy an optional stop at charming Galle Fort before your airport drop-off.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Galle, Dambulla, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Katunayake
Languages English, French, Italian, Tamil

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Welcome to Sri Lanka and Journey to Sigiriya

TRAVEL TIME - APPROX. 3 HRS 20 MINS

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 towards Sigiriya, located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.

En route, visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient murals, sacred Buddha statues, and peaceful cave temple atmosphere.

Continue your scenic drive through the countryside and check in to your hotel in Sigiriya. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a traditional Sigiriya Village Tour, where you can experience local village life, Sri Lankan hospitality, and authentic rural cultural activities.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

DAY PLAN

  • Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport

  • Refresh and begin the journey to Sigiriya

  • En route visit Dambulla Cave Temple

  • Hotel check-in in Sigiriya

  • Sigiriya Village Tour depending on arrival time

  • Overnight stay in Sigiriya

ACCOMMODATION: Goddess Garden Sigiriya or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Village Tour

PHYSICAL RATING: Low

2
Day 02

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Scenic Journey to Nuwara Eliya

TRAVEL TIME - APPROX. 5 HRS 30 MINS

Begin your day early with a climb to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the ancient royal gardens, frescoes, mirror wall, and palace ruins while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.

After returning to the hotel, enjoy breakfast, check out, and begin your scenic journey towards Nuwara Eliya. Travel through lush countryside, mountain roads, and beautiful hill country landscapes before arriving in the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, you may enjoy a short city tour around Nuwara Eliya, visiting Gregory Lake, the colonial Post Office, and the charming streets filled with British-era architecture.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY PLAN

  • Early morning climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  • Return to hotel for breakfast

  • Hotel check-out

  • Scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya

  • Hotel check-in and relaxation

  • Optional short Nuwara Eliya city tour

  • Visit Gregory Lake and the colonial Post Office

  • Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

ACCOMMODATION: Panorama Green View Hotel or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Nuwara Eliya City Tour

PHYSICAL RATING: Medium

3
Day 03

Scenic Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella

TRAVEL TIME - TRAIN JOURNEY + APPROX. 30 MINS ROAD TRANSFER

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to Nanu Oya Railway Station. Your driver-guide will drop you at the station to board the world-famous scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella, subject to ticket availability.

Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, waterfalls, tunnels, forests, and picturesque hill country villages throughout the journey.

Upon arrival at Ella Railway Station, your driver-guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and take some time to relax. In the evening, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and tea-covered hills. Later, enjoy Ella's cozy cafes, restaurants, and relaxed mountain-town atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Ella.

DAY PLAN

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Hotel check-out

  • Transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station

  • Scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella

  • Train tickets subject to availability

  • Driver pickup at Ella Railway Station

  • Hotel check-in and relaxation

  • Evening visit to Nine Arch Bridge

  • Enjoy Ella's cafes and restaurants

  • Overnight stay in Ella

ACCOMMODATION: The Peak Ella or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Scenic Train Journey, Nine Arch Bridge, Ella City Experience

PHYSICAL RATING: Easy

4
Day 04

Ravana Falls, Yala Safari, and Transfer to Mirissa

TRAVEL TIME - APPROX. 5 HRS

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Sri Lanka's southern region. En route, stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls, one of Ella's most popular natural attractions.

Continue to Yala National Park and enjoy an exciting jeep safari through one of Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife reserves. The park is home to elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, peacocks, wild buffalo, and many other wildlife species. Safari sightings are subject to natural conditions.

After completing the safari, continue your journey to Mirissa. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the beach and enjoying the peaceful southern coastal atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

DAY PLAN

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Hotel check-out

  • Visit Ravana Falls

  • Journey to Yala National Park

  • Enjoy Yala Jeep Safari

  • Continue the journey to Mirissa

  • Hotel check-in

  • Beach relaxation

  • Overnight stay in Mirissa

ACCOMMODATION: Liyanage Resort or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Ravana Falls, Yala National Park Jeep Safari, Beach Relaxation

PHYSICAL RATING: Medium

5
Day 05

Free Day to Relax in Mirissa

After breakfast, enjoy a completely free day in Mirissa with no scheduled activities. Today is dedicated to relaxation, allowing you to enjoy your own space and experience the beautiful southern coast at your own pace.

You may relax on the golden sandy beach, swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoy optional surfing or other beach activities, visit beachfront cafes and restaurants, or spend time at a nearby pool club. You may also choose to visit Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock for beautiful ocean views and memorable photographs.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

DAY PLAN

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • No scheduled activities for today

  • Enjoy your own space in Mirissa

  • Relax and swim at Mirissa Beach

  • Optional surfing and beach activities

  • Optional pool club visit

  • Optional visit to Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock

  • Enjoy beachfront cafes and restaurants

  • Overnight stay in Mirissa

ACCOMMODATION: Liyanage Resort or Similar

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Beach Leisure, Optional Water Activities, Coastal Exploration

PHYSICAL RATING: Easy

6
Day 06

Mirissa Departure with Optional Galle Fort Visit

TRAVEL TIME - APPROX. 2 HRS 30 MINS

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Bandaranaike International Airport according to your departure flight schedule.

Depending on the available time, you may enjoy an optional visit to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colonial architecture, ancient ramparts, charming streets, boutique shops, and beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.

After the visit, continue your journey to Bandaranaike International Airport. Your driver-guide will ensure a safe and timely drop-off for your departure flight, bringing your memorable Sri Lankan journey to an end.

DAY PLAN

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Hotel check-out

  • Begin journey to Bandaranaike International Airport

  • Optional visit to Galle Fort depending on flight time

  • Airport drop-off

  • Departure

MEALS: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES: Optional Galle Fort Visit, Airport Transfer

PHYSICAL RATING: Easy

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Bandaranaike International Airport 8 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

  • English-speaking chauffeur guide for the entire tour

  • Complimentary water bottles

  • 24/7 emergency local contact and assistance

  • Accommodation for all days

  • Breakfast on all days

  • Dambulla Cave Temple entrance fees

  • Sigiriya Village Tour

  • Traditional bullock cart ride

  • Catamaran boat ride

  • Village home hospitality experience

  • Authentic Sri Lankan cooking session with ancient methods

  • Traditional Sri Lankan lunch

What's Not Included

  • All entrance tickets excluding Dambulla Cave Temple

  • Any expense of a personal nature

  • Yala jeep safari

  • Beach games

  • Anything not included in the inclusions

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
  • Light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather
  • Sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • A camera for scenic viewpoints, wildlife, and coastal landscapes
  • Swimwear and a towel for Mirissa beach time and optional water activities

Know before you go

  • Train tickets from Nanu Oya to Ella are subject to availability.
  • Other language-speaking chauffeur guides can be arranged on request.
  • The optional short Nuwara Eliya city tour depends on timing.
  • Safari sightings in Yala National Park are subject to natural conditions.
  • The optional visit to Galle Fort on Day 6 depends on your departure flight schedule.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bandaranaike International Airport - Arrival terminal
Tour start
Bandaranaike International Airport
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Bandaranaike International Airport.

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Starting from

USD 738.91 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,357.99 — $1,427.71
Double Sharing $788.86 — $812.28
Triple Sharing $738.91 — $758.52

When

Travellers

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