8-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Safaris, Tea Country and Whales

• Meet and greet your tour representative at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) arrival terminal or your hotel in Colombo, then head towards Sigiriya en route via Dambulla.

• Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha, and look at hundreds of Buddha and other deities' figurines scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery, and see the giant golden Buddha statue just a short distance outside the cave complex.

• Go on a jungle safari once you reach Sigiriya. This safari takes you on a ride through Minneriya National Park.

• Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May and October. In addition to elephants, you may also get a chance to see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

• Climb the 5th-century AD rock fortress of Sigiriya, where King Kasyapa ruled.

• Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion, which is quite appropriate for its name, "the Lion Rock". View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame.

• Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel of the past.

• Discover an area enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants, with fragrant greenery shaded by tropical trees that enhances the unique aroma of each spice and herb.

• Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century as a place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha's sacred tooth.

• Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and admire the beautiful golden statues for an unforgettable experience of history and art.

• Experience the Cultural Dance Show. The Kandy Cultural Show gives you an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the island's most popular art forms take to the stage. Be wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers, and watch the colourful Kandyan dancers leap to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

Overnight stay at Kandy.

• Visit the famous Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, formed in the early 19th century.

• Walk through the vast area containing over 4,000 species of plants, and enjoy learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants.

• Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees or bordered by flowering plants.

• Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes, or even climbing the twisty trees that make excellent jungle gyms.

• Visit a tea factory and plantation to see how the world's famous "Ceylon Tea" is manufactured.

• Head towards Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.

• Proceed to Nanu Oya Railway Station and take the world's scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella.

• Sit back and enjoy the scenic views through misty mountains as you pass through lush green tea estates.

• Meet your guide at Ella Railway Station, where you will be picked up with your bags.

• Explore Ella's most interesting places.

• Pass through bright green tea fields and tough stretches of rock to see the magical views of Little Adam's Peak.

• Walk over the history-steeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction.

• End your hike at Demodara Railway Station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see some of the best sights of Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay at Ella.

• Head to Yala en route with a stop at Rawana Waterfall.

Overnight stay at Yala.

• Enjoy an early morning jungle safari at Yala National Park, then head to Mirissa.

• On the way, visit the Hambantota Salterns and the stilt fishermen at Weligama, followed by Galle Fort.

• Once you reach Mirissa, check in to your hotel and spend the night.

Overnight stay at Mirissa.

• Set out early in the morning for whale watching on a luxury cruise to see humpback whales, killer whales, sharks and dolphins.

• Sit back and enjoy watching the whales play while having breakfast on the cruise.

• Travel to Bentota and visit a sea turtle hatchery and rescue center.

• Later, visit Galle Dutch Fort.

• Relax at the beach for some downtime.

Overnight stay at Galle.

• Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast at the hotel, then get ready to check out as it is time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka.

• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo or Negombo for your onward journey back home.