7-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Sigiriya and Minneriya Safari

• Connect with your tour representative at Negombo Airport, who will escort you to the vehicle and transfer you to Negombo. Situated by the shores of the lagoon of the same name, Negombo was once a trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch and is ideal for those who want quick access to and from the airport. Attractions in the city include the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672, now part of the prison, the Dutch Canal, which once served as a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches, and fishing villages. The 100 km-long canal running through the town is still in use and is an attraction for those who want to see the country differently.
• Check in to the hotel and relax after your long flight.

Optional: In the evening, visit Negombo city and enjoy a boat ride.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Negombo.

• Have breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Dambulla.
• On your way, stop by Koskale, a famous place to enjoy some hot 'Rotti', a local snack in Sri Lanka.
• Visit Pidurangala in the evening to enjoy a beautiful sunset. The rock next to Sigiriya is called Pidurangala. King Kasyapa built his King's Palace on Sigiriya, but he worshipped Buddha on Pidurangala. The monastery dates back to the third century BC, but it was under Kasyapa that it became extensive. It is said that the monastery was home to 500 monks and occupied an area of 14 acres during his reign.
• Later, proceed to Dambulla, check in to the hotel, and relax.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Dambulla.

• Eat breakfast at the hotel, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and explore its unbelievable old buildings and their history.
• Then, head to the Royal Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. It is the second kingdom in Sri Lanka and the largest city in the North Central Province. Polonnaruwa is famous for its ancient architectural sites, natural beauty, and the large lake Parakrama Samudra, built in 1200. UNESCO has declared this ancient city one of the World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. The Royal Kingdom of Polonnaruwa is one of the most important ancient archaeological sites, with a range of remarkable architectural, agricultural, irrigation, and religious (Buddhist and Hindu) sites to explore and discover. Here, you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where four splendid statues of the Buddha in upright, sedentary, and recumbent postures are carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya, a lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great.
• In the afternoon, transfer to Minneriya and go on a safari in Minneriya National Park. The park covers about 8,889 hectares. Its wetlands are of international importance, and many animal and plant species of the dry zone are found here. Wild elephants, various amphibians, and local and migratory bird species are abundant in the park. About 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and more than 78 butterfly species have been recorded in this area. There are bamboo trees here that are rare in other parks, and wild elephants can be seen conveniently. A significant feature is that these elephants can often be seen from close range.
• Proceed back to the hotel in Dambulla and enjoy the evening. You can relax by the pool or enjoy some local cocktails at the hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Dambulla.

• After breakfast at the hotel, climb the Lion Rock in Sigiriya.
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This is called the "8th wonder of the world" among locals. It is a marvellous fortress complex dating back to 477 CE, situated 200 meters above the ground. This giant rock fortress has water fountains, boulder gardens, frescoes, mirror walls, relics of the castle, and many more exciting monuments from the bottom to the top of the complex. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, and UNESCO has declared this ancient city one of the World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.
• Then, explore this world-famous rock fortress and enjoy the proud Sri Lankan heritage. This site will take you to another world.
• Continue the journey to Kandy. In the afternoon, go on a city tour in Kandy to explore this magical city. Kandy is the hill capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by sky-kissing hills, green valleys, pure rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Kandy is also the cultural center of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage city. The most respected and celebrated Buddhist monument, the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is placed at the Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth, which is the most important attraction in Kandy. Buddhist devotees from all over the world visit this place throughout the year.
• Explore the KCC shopping mall, the ancient lake in the middle of the city, gem museums, souvenir shops, and many more modern and ancient attractions in Kandy.
• In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
• Later, witness the Cultural Show.
• After the visits, check in to the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and start your journey to Nuwara Eliya, the city surrounded by tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya is also known as 'Little England' due to its climatic conditions, vegetation, geographical setting, and ecology.
• See beautiful waterfalls, tea plantations, and picturesque mountain ranges on your way up to Nuwara Eliya. You may stop at a restaurant and enjoy a cup of hot Ceylon tea.
• Continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya, a famous place because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, producing a significant share of the world's best tea. Sri Lanka's highest mountain, Pidurutalagala (8,282 feet), is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia.
• Check in to the hotel and enjoy the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya.
• In the evening, explore Nuwara Eliya city while taking a stroll along Gregory Lake.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

• Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Colombo.
• On the way, pass by Kithulgala, famous for white water rafting. Kithulgala is also known as the location used for filming the international movie 'Bridge on the River Kwai', which was filmed in 1957.
• Arrive in Colombo and enjoy a brief city tour in the evening. Colombo, the country's commercial capital, is the busiest place in Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful city where modern high-rise buildings stand alongside old colonial ones, creating a picturesque setting. Galle Face Green is a favorite hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean and surrounded by tall buildings. Colombo is also a shopper's paradise, with posh shopping malls and the famous Pettah Market.
• Check in to the hotel after the city tour and relax.
• Visit a rooftop bar in Colombo and enjoy some cocktails, or have dinner at a restaurant.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.

Optional: You can enjoy a thrilling white water rafting session in Kithulgala.

• After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.