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Sri Lanka · Culture
The journey
Experience Sri Lanka on an 8-day journey through ancient cities, sacred temples, scenic hill country, and wildlife-rich national parks. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Galle, witness cultural traditions in Hiriwadunna village and Kandy, and enjoy a spectacular train ride through the southern hill country. The tour also includes an early morning safari in Yala National Park, time on the southern beaches, and water activities in Bentota.
You will also see sloth bears, elephant herds, wild buffaloes, boars, deer, sambur elk, crocodiles, monkeys, and foxes here.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Your Sri Lankan tour guide will pick you up from Colombo International Airport or a pre-requested location in Negombo.
Transfer to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Here, spend the day relaxing by the pool.
Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
After breakfast, set out for Sigiriya. En route, visit Hiriwadunna village to witness Sri Lankan village life and taste exquisite Sri Lankan rice and curry. Enjoy a bullock cart ride, tuk-tuk ride, and a catamaran boat ride.
Have a traditional lunch in the village, then check in to your hotel.
In the evening, at about 4:00 p.m., visit the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a palace on its peak.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Have breakfast and set out for Kandy. On the way, visit the Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla, the Ceylon spice garden in Matale, and Muththumari Amman Temple in Matale.
In the evening, explore the town of Kandy. Witness a cultural performance and the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic alongside Kandy Lake.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Have breakfast and head out for Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England'. En route, visit a gem museum and factory, Ramboda Waterfall, and a tea factory. Sri Lanka's gem industry has a very long and colourful history.
In the evening, visit Gregory Lake, the Post Office, and Holy Trinity Church, which were graced by a visit from Queen Elizabeth during her 1954 official visit to Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast, go for a short walk through the city in Nuwara Eliya.
Transfer to Nanuoya Railway Station for a fantastic train ride. You will get incredible views across the southern Sri Lankan hill country as the train passes in and out of numerous mountain tunnels through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and nearby villages.
Pick up from Ella Railway Station and head out to Yala. En route, visit Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Waterfall in Ella.
Stay overnight in Yala.
Wake up early in the morning, at about 5:30 a.m., for a safari through Yala National Park. Yala has the highest density of wild leopards in the world. You will also see sloth bears, elephant herds, wild buffaloes, boars, deer, sambur elk, crocodiles, monkeys, and foxes here.
After lunch, set out for Galle. En route, you may visit Mirissa Beach to witness the unique stilt fishermen in action.
In the evening, spend your time on Unawatuna Beach.
Stay overnight in Galle.
Explore Galle Dutch Fort, a well-known seaport where merchant ships anchored to trade in ancient times.
After a fun boat ride, you can visit the sea turtle hatchery in Kosgoda to see the various life stages.
In the evening, relax on the beach or enjoy water activities in Bentota, such as flyfishing, riding a jet ski, wakeboarding, water skiing, a doughnut boat ride, and a banana boat ride. Your tour guide will make sure of your safety during these activities.
Stay overnight in Bentota.
After breakfast, you will be dropped off at the airport or at a pre-requested location in Colombo or Negombo, according to your departure time.
Where this trip takes you
Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Nine Arch Bridge, Yala National Park
The route
The fine print
Transportation in a luxury car or mini-bus
English-speaking Sri Lankan guide/driver
Parking and highway charges
Wi-Fi during the car ride
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
Driver accommodation
Fuel cost for the whole trip
Entrance fees
Hotel accommodations and food
Safari jeep rental
Boat charges
Tips and gratuities
This itinerary can be modified according to your preferences.
We can arrange your accommodations for the whole trip in 5-star hotels or budget hotels, according to your requirements, at an extra cost.
The famous Fort in Galle was originally built by the Portuguese in 1589 and named Santa Cruz. After the Dutch occupation, it was destroyed and rebuilt on a larger scale to cover 36 hectares. This World Heritage Site is an interesting place to visit, as the old and modern cities blend in perfect harmony.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Canada Friendship Rd.
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