Cultural & Scenic Sri Lanka

Tour Info

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Duration

13 days

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Tour Type

Heritage & Culture Nature & Serenity

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Best time to travel

October – March

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Destinations

Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya,
Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapuram,
Minneriya, Matale,
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala & Galle

Overview

Discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of Sri Lanka with our Cultural & Scenic tour. This itinerary offers an exploration of the country’s renowned cultural triangle, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy, as well as Mihinthale. The journey continues through the picturesque hill country, showcasing the remains of British and Dutch colonial architecture and diverse wildlife.

In addition to the cultural triangle, the tour includes wildlife experiences at Minneriya and Yala National Parks, visits to the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, and the historic Galle Dutch Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour concludes with a visit to Colombo, the bustling commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and natural splendor of the Emerald Island on this comprehensive tour.

Highlights

Discover the Cultural Triangle’s magnificent ancient cities: Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, the Buddhist Caves of Dambulla, and the Sigiriya rock fortress.
Explore the natural beauty of Minneriya National Park.
In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth.
Delight in the scenic tea plantations.
Experience the diverse wildlife in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, famed for their leopards and elephants.
Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of Galle.

Itinerary

Day 01: Colombo arrival

Upon arrival at the airport, our Company Representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax. Colombo, the capital city, stretches along the shores of the Indian Ocean, bustling with business and commerce. Overnight stay in Colombo

Day 02: Drive to Kandalama with a Stop at Dambulla

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to Kandalama with an en-route visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. After exploring these ancient marvels, continue your drive to Kandalama and check into your hotel. Spend your evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kandalama

Day 03: Excursion to Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park & Polonnaruwa

After an early breakfast, set out for an excursion to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. At Sigiriya, marvel at the ancient rock fortress, also known as Lion Rock, and enjoy breathtaking views from the top. Continue to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city with well-preserved ruins, including royal palaces, temples, and Buddha statues. On the way back, stop at Minneriya National Park for an afternoon safari. Explore the diverse landscapes and spot wildlife like elephants and leopards. Return to Kandalama for an overnight stay.

Day 04: Excursion to Anuradhapura

Today, visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura, renowned for its significant monastic complexes dedicated to various sects of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahavihara, and Mahayana. Marvel at the city’s monumental stupas—Jetavana, Ruyanvelisaya, Mirisavati, and Abhayagiri—which stand as testaments to its ancient glory. Continue to Mihintale, a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. This site is believed to be where the Buddhist monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. After exploring these historic sites, return to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight stay in Kandalama.

Day 05: Journey to Kandy via Matale Plantations

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Kandy, with a stop in Matale along the way. Visit a spice garden in Matale to explore the various spices that Sri Lanka is renowned for, and learn about how they are grown and processed. Continue your drive to Kandy, where you’ll check into your hotel upon arrival. Later, enjoy sightseeing in the city, including visits to the Kandy National Museum and the Temple of the Tooth. Take a stroll around Kandy’s central market, which offers a variety of foods, spices, herbal tonics, crafts, textiles, and factory-reject designer-brand clothing, catering mainly to locals. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 06: Journey to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day in Kandy with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Later, embark on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, making a picturesque stop at Ramboda Falls. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a land of tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, majestic mountains, and clear, crisp hill-country air. With temperatures reminiscent of a beautiful English summer’s day, it’s a perfect destination for leisurely walks and experiencing Sri Lanka’s stunning scenery at its finest. Enjoy sightseeing, including Sri Lanka’s charming hill villages, tea processing factories, and botanical gardens. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 07: Nuwara Eliya

Today, set out on a trek along part of the Pekoe Trail, a scenic hiking path stretching approximately 300 km through Sri Lanka’s hill country. This morning, explore a section with your local guide, wandering through the gardens, villages, and tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya—also known as ‘Little England’ for its British colonial heritage.

Day 08: Journey to Yala National Park

After breakfast, drive to Yala National Park via Ella. In Ella, visit Little Adam’s Peak and admire the engineering marvel of the Nine Arch Bridge between Ella and Demodara train stations. Another must-see in Ella is Ravana Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Continue your journey to Yala National Park, a vast expanse of forest, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean in southeast Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure. Overnight in Yala.

Day 09: Safaris at Yala National Park

Begin your day with an early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park. Explore the diverse landscapes of forests, grasslands, and lagoons, keeping a lookout for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species. The cooler morning hours are ideal for wildlife sightings. After a midday break, continue with an afternoon jeep safari. The different lighting conditions in the afternoon provide a unique perspective, enhancing your chances of spotting the park’s elusive inhabitants. Yala is renowned for its high leopard density, making it a thrilling destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Overnight in Yala.

Day 10: Drive to Galle

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Galle on the southwestern coast of the island. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most exquisite colonial-era towns, featuring the Dutch-built 17th-century fort. This historic site offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s colonial past. The massive bastions and ramparts enclose a charming town with narrow streets and old villas, providing stunning sunset views across the Indian Ocean. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore the surrounding areas of Galle. Overnight in Galle.

Day 11: Exploring Galle's Attractions

After breakfast, visit the Old Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its narrow streets, admire the colonial architecture, and enjoy the stunning ocean views. Explore local museums, art galleries, and the Galle Lighthouse for panoramic vistas. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the bustling markets and savor Sri Lankan cuisine. Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 12: Drive to Colombo

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning relaxing or exploring the surroundings of Galle. Later, drive to Colombo, with an optional stop at Bentota Beach along the way. Upon reaching Colombo, indulge in some last-minute shopping. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 13: Colombo Tour and Departure

Start your morning with a half-day city tour of Colombo. Learn the word ‘Estuti,’ meaning thank you in Sinhalese, a small gesture that can go a long way in pleasing the locals. Visit the Hindu temple with its intricate stone carvings, the Dutch Church at Wolfe Dhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatgahaha Mosque, and the Gangarama Temple to experience the rich cultural fabric of Sri Lanka. While Colombo might not hold the immediate charm of other parts of the island, it is vibrant and colorful, offering a glimpse into what makes Sri Lanka tick. Explore the Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah, Colombo’s busiest and most traditional Bazaar areas. Later, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight back home, leaving you with sweet memories of your Sri Lanka tour.