Package Details

Description and Tour Highlights

Tour Description

• Experience the best of Sri Lanka on this 9-day journey, blending ancient heritage, lush hill country, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and pristine beaches. Begin with the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the historic city of Polonnaruwa, followed by spiritual wonders at Dambulla Cave Temple and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic. Explore scenic Nuwara Eliya and ride one of the world’s most beautiful trains to Ella. Enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, coastal relaxation at Mirissa, whale watching, stilt fishing, and turtle conservation experiences. Conclude with a vibrant city tour and shopping in Colombo. This package offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, adventure, and leisure for an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.

Day 01: Arrival – Pinnawala – Sigiriya

• Arrive in Sri Lanka, where you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative and introduced to your chauffeur/guide to begin your journey.
• En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975 to care for abandoned and injured elephants. Today, it is home to more than 65 elephants, including calves rescued from the wild and 14 born through the successful captive breeding program. The most memorable times to visit are during feeding and bathing, when the elephants are led to the nearby river. Afterwards, continue to Sigiriya for your overnight stay.

Day 02: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

• After breakfast, climb the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s greatest landmarks. Built in the 5th century, this “Fortress in the Sky” is also called Lion Rock, after the massive lion figure that once stood at its entrance. Rising 500 feet above the plains, the summit holds the remains of a magnificent royal palace complete with gardens and a swimming pool. Along the stairway, admire the celebrated Sigiriya frescoes—life-sized maidens painted in vibrant colors, the only surviving examples of ancient Sinhala secular art.
• Later, continue to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s capital from the 11th to 13th centuries, and embark on a sightseeing tour. This medieval city showcases impressive ruins and sacred monuments, including Lankatilake, Tivanka, and Thuparama shrines, with Tivanka noted for its stunning frescoes. The Rankot Vihara and Kiri Vihara stupas remain well-preserved, while the Gal Vihara rock shrine, featuring four remarkable Buddha statues (seated, standing, and reclining), stands as a masterpiece of Sinhalese stone carving. Don’t miss the Vata-da-ge, a unique circular relic house, and the grand statue of King Parakramabahu.
• In the evening, return to Sigiriya for your overnight stay.

Day 03: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Matale – Kandy

• After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. This famous site features five cave temples, with the first three being the oldest and largest, some dating back to the 1st century B.C. The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate Buddhist murals, and over 130 Buddha statues, along with figures of gods and kings, can be found throughout the caves.
• Continue the journey to Kandy, stopping en route at a Spice Garden to explore Sri Lanka’s traditional spices and Ayurvedic herbal plants.
• In the evening, enjoy a Sri Lankan Cultural Dance Show, followed by a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa). Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sinhala kings before British rule in 1815, remains the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka. Its monasteries and shrines reflect the enduring influence of Buddhism, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth is revered by Buddhists worldwide.
• Overnight stay at Oak Ray Regency, Kandy.

Day 04: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

• After breakfast, embark on a Kandy city tour, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, a Gem Lapidary, and a Batik Factory.
• Later, depart for Nuwara Eliya, stopping en route at the Hanuman Temple and Ramboda Waterfalls. Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory to learn about the world-famous Ceylon Tea and enjoy a fresh cup. Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824 at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with further varieties introduced from Assam in 1839. In 1867, Scottish planter James Taylor cultivated seedlings at Loolcondura Estate, laying the foundation of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
• Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, set amidst mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lush tea plantations. With its cool climate and charming colonial atmosphere, Nuwara Eliya offers scenic beauty and leisurely attractions such as Victoria Park, ideal for a stroll or picnic. The region experiences seasonal blooms in spring (March–May) and autumn (August–September), drawing visitors seeking relief from the lowland heat.
• Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05: Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala

• After breakfast, proceed to Nanu Oya Railway Station for a scenic train journey to Ella. This route is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, passing through tea plantations, rolling hills, waterfalls, and misty mountains. Train tickets will be pre-booked 30 days in advance, as seats sell out within minutes due to high demand and limited availability.
• Upon arrival at Ella Railway Station, continue by road to Yala, checking in to your hotel for relaxation. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Yala.

Day 06: Yala – Mirissa

• Start the day with an early morning safari in Yala National Park, accompanied by a picnic breakfast. Yala is a wildlife paradise, home to a rich variety of fauna and migratory birds. Lagoons attract thousands of flamingoes, spot-billed ducks, spoonbills, cormorants, and herons. You may also spot pheasants, peafowl, wild buffalo, and herds of elephants roaming freely across the park.
• After the safari, depart for Mirissa and check in to your hotel. In the evening, relax and enjoy the serene Mirissa Beach, soaking in the coastal beauty.
• Overnight stay in Mirissa.

Day 07: Mirissa – Galle

• Early morning, head to Mirissa Harbor for an exciting whale and dolphin watching tour. Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot blue whales, the largest animals on earth, along with playful dolphins. The peak season for whale watching here is from November to April.
• After returning, check out from the hotel and depart for Galle.
• En route, stop at Weligama to witness the traditional stilt fishermen in action. This unique method, practiced for centuries, involves fishermen balancing on stilts in shallow waters to catch fish sustainably.
• Also, visit a Turtle Hatchery, where you can observe endangered species like the hawksbill turtle. Thanks to the local fishermen who donate eggs, over 100,000 baby turtles have been hatched and released since the hatchery’s establishment, supported by the Hasselblad Estate.
• In the evening, explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built initially by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, the fort spans 90 acres and features impressive ramparts, bastions, and a sophisticated drainage system. Its iconic gate, marked with the Dutch VOC crest, opens to a charming city of cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and seaside views.
• Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 07: Mirissa – Galle

• Early morning, head to Mirissa Harbor for an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching tour. Mirissa is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka to see blue whales, the largest animals on earth, along with playful dolphins. The prime season for sightings is November to April.
• After returning, check out from the hotel and proceed to Galle.
• En route, stop at Weligama to witness the unique tradition of stilt fishing. Fishermen balance on stilts in shallow waters to catch fish sustainably—a centuries-old practice found only in this region.
• Also visit a Turtle Hatchery to see endangered species like the hawksbill turtle. Local fishermen bring eggs to the hatchery, and over 100,000 baby turtles have been hatched and released since its establishment, supported by the Hasselblad Estate.
• In the evening, explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built initially by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, the 90-acre fort features impressive ramparts, bastions, and a sophisticated drainage system. The original gate, adorned with the Dutch VOC crest, opens onto charming streets lined with colonial buildings, shops, and seaside views.
• Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 08: Galle – Colombo

• After breakfast, check out from the hotel and travel to Colombo for a city tour, including Galle Face Green and Beira Lake, followed by shopping opportunities.
• Drive through the city to explore Fort and Pettah, Colombo’s bustling commercial areas, and pass through the tree-lined streets of Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 07). Visit key landmarks such as the Hindu Temple at Sea Street, lined with goldsmith shops, the historic Dutch Church at Wolfendaal (dating back to 1749), Davatagaha Mosque, Independence Hall, BMICH, a replica of the Avukana Buddha, and Independence Square.
• Colombo is also a shopper’s delight. Stop at the Mlesna Tea Boutique, cashew nut shops, and browse ready-made garments at Majestic City and Liberty Plaza. Explore Lanka Ceramics Center for “Noritake” sets or other ceramics, and visit ODEL at Lipton Circus, The Arena at Darley Road, Independence Arcade, and Colombo City Center for branded items.
• Spend the evening at leisure before your overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.

Day 09: Colombo - Airport

• After breakfast leave Colombo to connect with the departure flight