Sri Lanka · Culture

12-Day Sri Lanka Cultural and Wildlife Tour with Safaris and Tea Hills

12 Days Round trip from Colombo Moderate pace
Sigiriya
Dambulla Cave
Dambulla Cave Temple
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Sacred Tooth Relic
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore ancient UNESCO sites including Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • 02 Enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris in Yala and Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks
  • 03 Experience a scenic train journey and lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and Ella
  • 04 Relax on the golden beaches of Mirissa and discover the colonial charm of Galle Fort

Experience the magic of Sri Lanka on this immersive 12-day journey through its most iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the ancient cave temples of Dambulla, explore the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, and climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Kandy, travel through the misty tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, enjoy wildlife safaris in Yala and Minneriya or Kaudulla, and relax on the golden beaches of Mirissa. The journey concludes with the colonial charm of Galle and the vibrant energy of Colombo.

Experience the magic of Sri Lanka on this immersive 12-day journey through its most iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Tissamaharama, Kaudulla National Park
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival and Transfer to Dambulla

  • Travel from Colombo to Dambulla.

  • Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Overnight stay in Dambulla.

2
Day 02

Polonnaruwa Ruins and Wildlife Safari

  • Explore the Polonnaruwa ruins and royal palaces.

  • Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.

  • Overnight stay in Dambulla.

3
Day 03

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Village Experience

  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

  • Experience a village trek, a bullock cart ride, and a traditional lunch.

  • Overnight stay in Dambulla.

4
Day 04

Journey to Kandy and Cultural Show

  • Travel to Kandy.

  • Explore Kandy city and the lake.

  • Witness a traditional Kandyan dance show.

  • Overnight stay in Kandy.

5
Day 05

Temple of the Tooth and Royal Botanical Gardens

  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

  • Explore Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.

  • Overnight stay in Kandy.

6
Day 06

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Through Tea Country

  • Travel through the misty mountains to Nuwara Eliya.

  • Visit a tea factory and plantation.

  • Enjoy an evening city tour.

  • Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

7
Day 07

Horton Plains and Baker's Falls

  • Take a morning excursion to Horton Plains National Park, including World's End and Baker's Falls.

  • Relax in Nuwara Eliya.

  • Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

8
Day 08

Scenic Train Journey to Ella

  • Take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella.

  • Enjoy sightseeing in Ella, including Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, and Ella Gap.

  • Overnight stay in Thissamaharamaya.

9
Day 09

Yala Safari and Transfer to Mirissa

  • Set out on an early morning safari in Yala National Park.

  • Transfer to the coastal town of Mirissa.

  • Overnight stay in Mirissa.

10
Day 10

Whale Watching and Beach Leisure

  • Join a morning whale watching tour in Mirissa.

  • Spend the afternoon at leisure on the golden beaches.

  • Overnight stay in Mirissa.

11
Day 11

Explore Galle Fort

  • Visit Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Explore the ramparts, colonial architecture, and boutique shops.

  • Overnight stay in Galle.

12
Day 12

Colombo City Tour and Departure

  • Enjoy a short city tour and shopping in Colombo.

  • Transfer to the airport for departure.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Yala National Park

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Yala National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Colombo 14 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and guide

  • Bottled water during travel

  • Online pre-tour instructions and travel guidance

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation and meals unless stated

  • Entrance tickets to listed sites, including Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Wildlife Safari, Ritigala Monastery, and Ancient City of Anuradhapura

  • National park tickets and safari jeep

What to bring

  • Long trousers and clothing to cover shoulders for sacred sites

  • Comfortable walking shoes and socks

  • Sunscreen and a hat

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Light rain jacket (seasonal)

  • Camera or smartphone for photos

  • Personal medications

Know before you go

  • Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for temples and sacred sites.

  • The tour itinerary may change due to weather conditions or park regulations.

  • Be prepared for some walking and climbing, especially at Sigiriya and Ritigala.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Colombo.

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