Sri Lanka · Wildlife

8-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Wildlife and Scenic Train Ride

8 Days Round trip from New Airport Rd Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view of Sigiriya from Pidurangala
02 Experience rural village life in Sigiriya with a bullock cart ride, boat safari, and traditional lunch
03 Travel by train to Ella on one of the world's most beautiful railway journeys
04 Explore Yala National Park, known for its high leopard density and rich birdlife
05 See coral reefs and giant turtles on a boat safari at Hikkaduwa

Embark on a journey through Sri Lanka's famous sites, from Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Kaudulla and Yala National Parks. Discover cultural landmarks such as the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, stroll through the historic lanes of Nuwara Eliya, and enjoy scenic mountain views on the train journey to Ella. The tour also brings you to the southern coast for beaches, stilt fishing, coral reefs, giant turtles, and a Madu River safari with village life and cinnamon production.

This journey is considered one of the world's most beautiful train journeys.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Pinnawala, Katunayake, Kitulgala, Horton Plains National Park, Hikkaduwa, Tissamaharama, Unawatuna, Kaudulla National Park, Dickwella

Languages English, French, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and Sigiriya

You will be warmly greeted by your travel guide, a Lanka chauffeur guide, at the waiting area of Colombo International Airport. The representative will guide you throughout your stay in Sri Lanka.
Then you will be transferred to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where the world's largest elephant herd lives. You will also have a chance to feed and bathe them. After that, we will head to Sigiriya, which dates back to the 5th century B.C. Carved out of granite rock and considered an ancient fortress, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a marvellous view of the Cultural Triangle. Sigiriya is a must-visit tourist place in Sri Lanka and was the domain of King Kashyapa, whose aim was to build a formidable fortress using advanced technology.

Day 02

Pidurangala Sunrise, Village Safari, and Kaudulla

In the morning, visit Pidurangala to see the sunrise with a breathtaking view of Sigiriya. Then, enjoy a village safari in Sigiriya, which includes a bullock cart ride, boat safari, Sri Lankan cooking, and a cropping demonstration. After a traditional Sri Lankan lunch provided by the villagers, head to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to see wild elephants.
Apart from elephants, Kaudulla National Park is home to 23 species of mammals, including Sambar Deer, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Chevrotain, and Wild Boar. Leopard and Sloth Bear can also be found here, although sightings are very rare, and the park is also home to more than 160 species of birds.

Stay in Sigiriya as per your choice of hotel.

Day 03

Polonnaruwa Heritage Sites and Kandy Culture

After breakfast, explore Polonnaruwa City and visit Gal Viharaya, Moonstones, the Quadrangle, Lankathilaka, Rankot Vihara, and Shiva Devale. After lunch, set off to Kandy via Matale and stop by a spice garden to learn how Sri Lankan people use spices in their daily lives.
You will also have a chance to taste authentic spice tea here. After arriving in Kandy, watch the cultural dancing presented by the Temple of the Tooth. After that, head to the Kandy viewpoint, where you will see a bird's-eye view of Kandy city.

Overnight stay in a hotel of your preference.

Day 04

Temple of the Tooth, Kitulgala Adventure, and Nuwara Eliya

After a delicious breakfast, head to the Temple of the Tooth.
Next, proceed to Kitulgala for water rafting, zip line, and many more adventurous activities.
Then, continue to Nuwara Eliya. On the way, stop by a tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka's tea industry, and enjoy a walk through a tea estate. Later, take a guided stroll through Nuwara Eliya town, passing the 18-hole golf course, the colonial members-only Hill Club, and English-styled country homes.

Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Nuwara Eliya of your choice.

Day 05

Horton Plains, Scenic Train Ride, and Nine Arch Bridge

Before sunrise, set off to Horton Plains to see World's End. You will have your breakfast there while enjoying the freezing weather. Horton Plains is rich in biodiversity, and many species found here are endemic to the region. It is also the headwater of three major Sri Lankan rivers: the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. Then, our representative will drop you at Ambewela railway station.
You will travel to Ella by train on your own while enjoying the breathtaking mountain views along the way. This journey is considered one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. You will be picked up from Ella, and after that, you will do a rail hike to see the Nine Arch Bridge.

Day 06

Ella Peaks, Ravana Ella, and Tissamaharama

After breakfast, go to Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak, according to your choice. Then, bathe at Ravana Ella, head to Buduruwagala Temple, and eventually continue to Tissamaharama. Stay in Tissa, close to Yala National Park, or put up a campfire and camp near the jungle.

Day 07

Yala Safari and Mirissa Coastline

Early in the morning, another representative from Yala will pick you up from the hotel, and you will stay inside the park until 12.00 pm. Yala harbours 215 bird species, including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals recorded in the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.
After that, head to the coastline to enjoy the scenic beaches. First, we will do stilt fishing at Mirissa. If time permits, we could also visit places such as the blowhole in Dickwella, the Dondra Lighthouse, and the turtle breeding farm, where you can release baby turtles into the sea.

Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 08

Hikkaduwa Marine Life, Madu River, and Departure

Enjoy a boat safari at Hikkaduwa to watch coral reefs and giant turtles, and you can also volunteer to work in a turtle hatchery there. Then, set off to the Madu River, where you will see multiple islets, cinnamon production, several bird species, crocodiles, village life, and experience fish therapy.
You will be directed to the airport at the end of the day.