11-Day Sri Lanka Heritage Tour with Sigiriya, Ella and Yala Safari

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by the representative or chauffeur guide, who will take you to your hotel in Negombo.

Check in to the hotel, then rest and relax.

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya with your Sri Lankan tour guide.

Stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple on the way to Sigiriya. The World Heritage Site of Dambulla Golden Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock rises 160 m above the surrounding plains, and there are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. It was constructed in the 1st century BCE.

Go for a guided tour of the World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Sigiriya is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Built in the 5th century BCE by King Kashyapa as a royal citadel, Sigiriya is a stunning example of innovative architecture, garden planning, urban planning, hydraulic engineering, and art.

After visiting Sigiriya, you will be taken to the Hiriwadunna rural village to enjoy your time with nature.

Walk through the paddy fields. This short tour lasts one and a half hours, and your guide will explain more about rice cultivation, the villagers' lifestyle, and their daily experiences. You can also communicate directly with the village people.

Savour a traditional Sri Lankan lunch served in the village.

Go to the World Heritage city of Kandy, the most popular cultural city in Sri Lanka, surrounded by beautiful mountains and elevated 600 m above sea level.

Visit Kandy View Point, the Gem and Lapidary Museum, the Kandy marketplace, and the city itself, along with educative and informative visits to the Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya. Covering 147 acres, it began in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 4,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers here, including rare and endemic flora as well as species from across the tropical world.

In the evening, enjoy a Kandyan Cultural Dance show. It is a very enjoyable and entertaining one-hour performance that colourfully presents the Kandyan cultural heritage.

After that, you will be taken to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic just after dark, making it a slightly mysterious experience. The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Built in the 16th century, this temple houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

After check-out, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

Stop at viewpoints and Ramboda Falls.

Proceed for a guided tour of a tea plantation and factory, followed by a Ceylon tea tasting.

The evening is free to relax and enjoy the different climate of the hill country.

Check out of the hotel at 8:00 am, and your guide will drop you off at Nanuoya Railway Station in the morning to take the train to Ella, the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka.

Leave early in the morning at 5:15 am to see the sunrise at Little Adam's Peak. The trek takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Afterwards, you will be taken to the Nine Arch Bridge.

After breakfast, start the journey to Yala National Park.

Stop at Rawana Falls and Buduruwagala Ancient Temple on the way.

Rise for a morning safari at Yala National Park. Yala National Park covers a large area of forest, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, spanning 978.8 km2 in southeast Sri Lanka. It is home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species.

After the half-day jeep safari, proceed to Unawatuna Beach Resort.

Get up early in the morning to be picked up for a whale-watching tour. There are very few places in the world where you can get close to the biggest living creature alive today, and Mirissa is famous for whale watching.

When back onshore, arrange a photography opportunity with the stilt fishermen, and if you are feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at this ancient fishing method on stilts.

Bask in the sunset at Galle. This evening is yours to relax in this beautiful coastal town, exploring the historic town with a walk around the ramparts or a visit to one of its best restaurants. Galle Fort, which was variously occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, was used as the main harbour until 1815. Three sides of the fort are surrounded by the sea, and it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Negombo to visit a sea turtle hatchery and enjoy a mangrove boat safari on the Madu River.

In the evening, go sightseeing in Colombo.

Transfer to the airport.