Sri Lanka · Culture

8-Day Sri Lanka Cultural and Wildlife Tour with Ella Train Ride

8 Days Round trip from Negombo Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Relax on Negombo's beaches and explore the local fish market
02 See wild elephants on safari in Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Eco National Park
03 Visit Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temple complex
04 Enjoy a Kandyan dance performance and tour the Temple of the Tooth Relic
05 Take a scenic train ride from Nanuoya to Ella through tea plantations and waterfalls
06 Watch the sunrise from Lipton Seat and visit Hummanaya blowhole
07 Enjoy water activities in Hikkaduwa and a boat safari on the Madhu River

Enjoy a relaxing and comfortable luxury tour of Sri Lanka as you delve into the rich culture, heritage, and history of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Visit major attractions in Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hikkaduwa, and Bentota, with experiences ranging from ancient temples and scenic train rides to wildlife safaris, rafting, and beach activities. This 8-day journey combines cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and coastal adventure across some of Sri Lanka's most popular destinations.

This iconic scenic train journey takes you through lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kandy, Dambulla, Bentota, Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Minneriya National Park, Kitulgala, Hikkaduwa, Kaudulla National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to Negombo

Pick up from the airport and transfer to Negombo. Relax on Negombo's beaches and explore the local fish market.

Overnight stay at Goldi Sands or a similar hotel in Negombo.

Day 02

Drive to Sigiriya and Elephant Safari

Drive to Sigiriya and choose from Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Eco National Park. The safari begins at 2:30 PM to see the giants of the jungle, the wild elephants. After spending 3-4 hours here, drive back to your hotel in Sigiriya.

Overnight stay at EKHO Sigiriya or a similar hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 03

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla, and Kandy

Begin at 7:00 AM and visit the world's eighth wonder, an isolated rock kingdom perched 200 metres high, famous for its Sigiri paintings.
Next, visit the Dambulla temple complex, the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. It houses 153 Buddha statues and murals and is spread over 2100 square metres. You will need 1.5 hours to tour the complex.
Enjoy a Kandyan dancing event in the evening between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where the most sacred molar tooth of Lord Buddha is placed under a golden ceiling.

Day 04

Kitulgala Rafting on the Way to Nuwara Eliya

Travel to Kitulgala and enjoy water rafting. Enjoy water rafting in the Kelani River at Kitulgala with well-trained and experienced professionals to guide you. An incredible experience, this rafting trip takes you through 5 km of still water and then 5 km of major and minor rapids.

Overnight stay at Daffodils Hotel or a similar hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05

Scenic Train Journey to Ella and Sunset Views

Start from Nuwara Eliya (Nanuoya) Railway Station in the morning to reach Ella in 3.5 hours. This iconic scenic train journey takes you through lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes.
Drive to your hotel in Ella and head out in the evening to see the Nine Arch Bridge. Next, visit Little Adam's Peak to observe the sunset.

Overnight stay at Ellas Edge Resort or a similar hotel in Ella.

Day 06

Sunrise at Lipton Seat and Transfer to Hikkaduwa

Start at 5:00 AM and visit Lipton Seat to catch the sight of the rising sun. This spot gives a view of all the tea plantations, dotted with workers bustling early in the morning.
Next, drive to Hikkaduwa and see Hummanaya Blowhole, stilt fishing, and a turtle hatchery. Hummanaya Blowhole pumps seawater up to 40 feet from a natural hole between two close rocks and splints water into the sky.

Overnight stay at Vibration Hotel or a similar hotel in Hikkaduwa.

Day 07

Hikkaduwa Water Sports and Madhu River Safari

Go to the coral reefs and enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, banana boat rides, jet skiing, and tube rides under the supervision of professionals. The Hikkaduwa coastal area is most suitable for surfing from November to April.
In the evening, enjoy a boat safari on the Madhu River and receive a relaxing fish therapy experience.

Overnight stay at Hotel Wunder Bar or a similar hotel in Bentota.

Day 08

Departure and Airport Drop-off

No touring on this day; get dropped off at the airport.

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple and Nine Arch Bridge

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Negombo 11 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional English-speaking guide and driver
Accommodation at 3-star hotels with breakfast and dinner
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel and local insurance
Driver's accommodation and meals
All local taxes and charges

What's Not Included

Lunch and dinner

Know before you go

Not wheelchair accessible.
Not stroller accessible.
Not suitable for pets.
Infants must not sit on laps.
Tourists can include or exclude one or more options from the set tour according to their requirements.
You can adjust tour activities and the itinerary according to your requirements.

Logistics