7-Day Sri Lanka Nature and History Tour with UNESCO Sites and Safaris

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Visit Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• 02 Go on wildlife game drives in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park
• 03 Admire the Buddha images and statues inside the Dambulla Cave Temples
• 04 Experience traditional Sri Lankan music and dance in Kandy
• 05 See tea production in action in Sri Lanka's hill country
• 06 Walk the ramparts of Galle Fort past the lighthouse and old Portuguese harbour

Discover Sri Lanka's rich blend of nature, history, and culture on this 7-day journey from Negombo to Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Galle, and Colombo. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Galle Fort, while also experiencing traditional Sri Lankan music and dance, tea country scenery, and wildlife safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks. Along the way, explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, stroll through Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, and see a protected turtle nesting coast near Galle.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Galle Fort, while also experiencing traditional Sri Lankan music and dance, tea country scenery, and wildlife safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks.

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 Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Habarana

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Negombo and Transfer to Habarana

• Upon arrival in Negombo, transfer to Habarana.
• Drive through typical villages, rice fields, and coconut plantations.
• In the afternoon, go on an elephant-back safari through the forests and villages of Habarana, or spend the afternoon at leisure.

2

Day 02

Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Safari

• Start the day at Sigiriya, or "Lion Rock," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike to the top is relatively strenuous, but worthwhile for the rock frescoes, the ruins of the 5th-century palace, and the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
• Later, drive to Polonnaruwa, built during the 11th and 12th centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the ruins of its ancient Royal Palace and temples with your Sri Lankan driver.
• Before the afternoon, go on a Minneriya National Park game drive.
• At the end of the day, you can take part in an optional Ayurveda massage.

3

Day 03

Dambulla Cave Temples and Kandy

• First, head to the Dambulla Cave Temples, five caves filled with Buddha images and statues, reached by a hike to the top of a sloping rock.
• Continue to the hill-country capital of Kandy, with an optional stop at a Matale spice garden en route.
• Proceed to the British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy.
• In the evening, enjoy a show of Sri Lankan music and dance before visiting the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

4

Day 04

Kandy Exploration and Journey to Nuwara Eliya

• Spend the morning exploring Kandy, visiting the museum, including the famous blue and star sapphires, mined, cut, and polished using traditional methods, as well as a bustling market.
• Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden.
• Climb the scenic, winding roads up to Nuwara Eliya in the heart of the tea-producing region.
• Stop to visit a tea factory and see the manufacturing process in action.
• Continue via waterfalls, walk around the town centre, and pass buildings that date from its time as a British hill station.
• Check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

5

Day 05

Train Ride to Ella and Yala Game Drive

• Take a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, a beautiful small town perched on a mountain ridge.
• Continue the drive, passing Rawana Waterfalls and paddy fields.
• Go on an evening game drive at Yala National Park, home to various wildlife, including the elusive leopard, sambar deer, crocodiles, buffalo, macaques and langur monkeys, as well as many kinds of birds.

6

Day 06

Turtle Conservation Coast and Galle Fort

• Transfer to Galle, a UNESCO site. Visit a conservation project on a protected stretch of coast known as a nesting site for five species of turtles.
• On arrival in Galle, take a walking tour of the old fort.
• Wander along the ramparts, past the lighthouse and old Portuguese harbour, to see some of the many colonial-era buildings.

7

Day 07

Relaxing Morning and Colombo Sightseeing

• Enjoy a relaxing morning before transferring to the airport.
• Explore the historic Pettah market, the eclectic Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple, and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, passing many colonial-era buildings that are reminders of the city's past under the Dutch and British. All of this is optional.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Accommodation

• Air-conditioned private car

• Meet at the airport with a name board

• Professional English-speaking Sri Lankan driver

• Fuel and insurance costs

• Driver's food and accommodation

• All parking charges and highway tolls

• All taxes

What's Not Included

• Tips for the driver

• Entrance tickets

• Transport to Horton Plains National Park

Know before you go

• Make full use of the wide variety of attractions and experiences this country offers. Witness traditional performances, explore ancient ruins, wander through refreshing tea plantations, and uncover the abundance of animal life on this journey.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Negombo, Sri Lanka

Tour start

Negombo, Sri Lanka

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.