Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

9-Day Sri Lanka Culture and Beach Tour with Sigiriya and Ella

9 Days Round trip from Colombo Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site
02 Explore Polonnaruwa, an ancient city with ruins of palaces, temples, and statues
03 Enjoy a scenic train ride through tea plantations from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
04 Relax on the beaches of Arugam Bay, famous for surfing and serene environments
05 Discover Sri Lanka's culture with a traditional dance show in Kandy

Embark on a 9-day journey through Sri Lanka, where you'll discover a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, enjoy a scenic train ride through lush tea plantations, and immerse yourself in the charm of colonial-era Nuwara Eliya. Experience wildlife safaris, visit sacred sites like the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Arugam Bay or Passikudah.

Relax after arrival or, if time permits, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive ancient Buddhist cave paintings.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla, Arugam Bay, Bentota, Kalutara, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Minneriya National Park, Katunayake, Pasikudah

Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Sigiriya

Pick up from Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo).
Drive time: approximately 4 hours to Sigiriya.
Relax after arrival or, if time permits, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive ancient Buddhist cave paintings.

Day 02

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa Ruins

Early morning: climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views and historical significance.
Optional: visit Minneriya National Park for a safari and a chance to see elephants in the wild, especially during the dry season.
Afternoon: explore the ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa, an ancient city filled with the remains of palaces, temples, and statues.

Day 03

Journey from Sigiriya to Kandy

Drive time: approximately 2.5 hours.
Stop at a spice garden en route to learn about Sri Lanka's rich spice trade.
In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth, a significant Buddhist temple.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance show to experience traditional Sri Lankan dance and music.

Day 04

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Through Tea Country

Train option: take the scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya, approximately 4 hours, passing through beautiful tea plantations and misty mountains.
Visit Ramboda Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Explore a tea plantation and factory to learn about Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea.
Discover the colonial-era charm of Nuwara Eliya, including Lake Gregory and the charming

Day 05

Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Drive or train: approximately 2.5 hours.
Stop at Ravana Falls for a scenic view and photo opportunity.
Hike to Little Adam's Peak and visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge.
Explore Ella's beautiful countryside and enjoy its laid-back vibe.

Day 06

Ella to the East Coast

Drive time: Arugam Bay approximately 3.5-4 hours, Passikudah approximately 5 hours.
Relax at the beautiful beaches of either Arugam Bay, famous for its surf, or Passikudah, known for its calm, shallow waters and clear seas.
Explore local villages, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in the serene atmosphere.

Day 07

Beach Day in Arugam Bay

Spend the day at the beach: swim, relax, or try water sports.
Optional: take a lagoon safari or visit Kudumbigala Monastery, a peaceful rock temple surrounded by nature.

Day 08

Return from Arugam Bay to Colombo

Drive time: approximately 7-8 hours, with optional stops at local attractions along the way, such as Kalutara Temple or Bentota Beach.
Depending on time, you can visit local attractions or simply enjoy the scenic drive back to Colombo.

Day 09

Colombo Sightseeing and Departure

Transfer from Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport, depending on your flight time.
If time permits, explore Colombo briefly: visit Galle Face Green, the National Museum, or Pettah Market before heading to the airport.

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Nine Arch Bridge, Arugam Bay

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Colombo 13 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

8 nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels (double sharing)
Daily breakfast
Private air-conditioned car (Honda Fit Shuttle, Prius, or Honda Vezel)
English-speaking driver
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Pidurangala Rock
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Dambulla Cave Temple
Temple of the Tooth
Minneriya National Park safari
Sigiriya village tour (cooking, cart ride, boat trip, traditional food)
Cultural dance show in Kandy
Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
Water bottles and welcome juice during travel
All taxes, tolls, driver meals, and accommodation

What's Not Included

Meals (except breakfast)
Tips for driver/guides
Optional activities (e.g. ziplining, diving, jet ski)
Personal expenses
Airfare

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake, Sri Lanka

Tour start

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.