This 8-day itinerary takes you on a whirlwind tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders. Start by climbing the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and exploring the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Then, journey to Kandy, the spiritual heart of the country, before riding a scenic train to hilltop Ella. Hike Little Adam’s Peak for stunning views and relax on the beaches of Mirissa. Finally, wander the historic Galle Dutch Fort before departing Sri Lanka. Let’s chat to personalize this itinerary for your interests!
Sigiriya was designated as a world heritage site in 1982. Sigiriya is famous for its palace ruins ontop of a massive 200-meter-high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. It is generally agreed, however, that the Sigiriya Frescoes exhibit a uniquely Sri Lankan style. Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 5th centuryBC, with caves prepared and donated by devotees of the Buddhist Sangha. Sigiriya was built by the fifth-century king Kashyapa I, who ruled the native Sinhalese dynasty, the Moriya. The imposing fortress was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom until Kashyapa was defeated in A.D. Hiking up Sigiriya Rock takes about 45 minutes each way. There are some 1,200 steps to the topof the rock, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views and most certainly, a sense of accomplishment for completing the climb.
SIGIRIYA LION ROCK
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 meters (590 ft.) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure — Sinhagiri, the Lion Rock.
SIGIRIYA VILLAGE
Get to experience the Sri Lankan Traditional Cultures, Rituals, Foods and many more by going on a round tour in a Village in Sigiriya. The whole tour includes Boat Rides on a Lake, Preparing of Traditional Food, Cart Rides, and many more.
POLONNARUWA ANCIENT CITY
Polonnaruwa Ancient City is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. The second oldest of all Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.
MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI
Set in the heart of the popular cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is mostly known for its incredible elephant migration, which is one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences. During the drier months of June to September, as many as 300 elephants congregate in the Minneriya National Park around the ancient Minneriya water tank (which dates back to 3rd Century AD), taking advantage of the receding waters that provide an important water source.
DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE
Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri
Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.
KANDY TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE
Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the cityof Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy,which houses the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believedthat whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to thetemple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdaysthere is a symbolic bathing of the relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers.
KANDY CULTURAL DANCE
The ritualistic dances of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) have attained world fame for their mystical beauty. Literary drama has not flourished, because the monks of predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka shunned theatre. Dramatic activity found expression in exorcism ceremonies and masked dramas that employed mime, song, dance, acrobatics, and bits of prose dialogue. Heavily influenced by India, Sri Lanka’s Kandyan dance and kolam plays have South Indian origins. But over the centuries these have been transformed and now have a distinctly Sri Lankan character.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Witness the mesmerizing beauty of beauty of flora Ana fauna in this magical island called Sri Lanka. Being a tropical country, Sri Lanka is home to thousands of indigenous plants they are being preserved in various gardens across the island. Peradeniya royal botanical garden is such a garden with a long history dating back to the 19th century. We welcome you to have a digital journey through this magnificent paradise.
DAMRO TEA FACTORY
Established nearly 150 years ago, is perhaps the second oldest tea plantation in the Island. Visitors having taken time in observing the manufacturing process of tea, need only to stroll a short distance, to enter one of the most desired locations in the hill country that being the “DAMRO LABOOKELLIE TEA LOUNGE”. It overlooks breathtaking views of tea gardens in all shades of green that carpet the slopes of surrounding hills & valleys and those observant could also spot within fields the gentle movement of tea pluckers, nimbly harvesting the tender two leaves & bud.
NUWARA ELIYA CITY TOUR
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens displays roses and tree ferns, and shelters monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby Seetha AmmanTemple, a colorful Hindu shrine, is decorated with religious figures. Densely forested Galway’s Land National Park is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory bird species, including bulbuls and flycatchers.
TRAIN RIDE NANU OYA TO ELLA
The train trip from Nanu Oya to Ella in Sri Lanka, or the other way around, is considered to be one of the most beautiful train trips in the world. This train ride is 3 hours long and takes youthrough stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations and mountain views.
LIPTON SEAT
Lipton’s Seat is a popular vantage point, from where Thomas Lipton would sit with a cup of tea in hand and proudly look over his estate. Today, you can still have one of the best views from the lookout, and there is even a life-sized statue of Lipton on a bench to take pictures with! From here you will see one of the most breathtaking views, as the sun rises, the hills turn from a dark blue to vibrant green, the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of color from lilac with a burst of pink and orange before finally turning blue… to say this view is beautiful almost seems like an understatement.
NINE ARCH BRIDGE
The Nine Arche Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky, is a bridge in Srilanka. It’s one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, P.K. Appuhami, in consultation with British Engineers. Height: 24m / Total Length: 91m.
LITTLE ADAMS PEAK
Little Adams Peak is named after the sacred Adams Peak regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore, the mountain is called the Little Adams Peak. The hike includes 5,000-6,000 crumbling steps and incline trekking, but technical climbing is not required. Depending on the trail taken,
the crowd and the climbers’ fitness level, the mountain can take approximately two to four hours to climb and one to two hours to descend.
RAVANA WATERFALLS
Ravana Falls popularly known as Ravana Ella, is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft.) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically.
OCONUT TREE HILL
Having made its way to almost every traveler’s Instagram profile when they visit Mirissa, the Coconut Tree Hill is a must-do when you’re in Mirissa. The Coconut Tree Hill is a private coconut estate with a nearby temple set on a high cliff overlooking the glistening waters of the Indian Ocean and the
untouched stretch of golden beach. Located in proximity to the town, the hill can be accessed throughout the day or night; at no cost.
A short, exciting trek from the base to the summit of the hill or ‘dome’ takes you about 10 minutes through the coconut estate before you’re left in awe at the most stunning view of Mirissa and its golden coast. The Coconut Tree Hill is definitely one to add to your bucket list in Sri Lanka as it’s the perfect
place to watch a bold, island sunset from. The dome shaped hill is picturesque with its towering, symmetrical coconut trees against a blue sky that blends well with the sea, provides the ideal spot for your travel pictures! Sunset chasers should get to the hill in order to secure the best viewing spot as
this famed attraction never sees a day without a visitor!
ECRET BEACH
Secret Beach Mirissa, is a small hidden beach with a bay area just around the corner of the town’s main beach, Mirissa Beach. The best thing about Secret Beach is its surroundings; the beach is nestled in a cove and flanked by small hills covered in lush green palm trees on either side which creates a number of smaller beaches. Secret Beach consists of three smaller beaches: Blue Lagoon, this is right in front of the beach and is a tidal rock pool which is perfect for a lazy swim; Palm Cove, found on the left of Blue Lagoon, it is a wonderful snorkeling location, a place where the jungle meets the sea; Shelly Beach is made of a series of rock pools and even has a blowhole.
WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING
Whale and Dolphin watching is an easy sport that you can take up during the months of December to April. Experienced local Guides can show you a good time in watching whales and dolphins off the coast of Mirissa.
STICK FISHERMAN GALLE
Stilt fishing – a traditional and ancient fishing practice in fervent use along the south coast of Sri Lanka, a technique that is popular in areas of Koggala, Weligama, Dikwella, Galle and Tangalle to name a few. In local language of Sinhala, stilt fishing is known as ‘Ritipanna.’ The origins of stilt fishing are unknown although many believe that it was introduced by traders to merchants who have witnessed these traders coming from sea with mesh bags filled with fish. Therefore, this hereditary practice was passed down from generation to generation.
SEA TURTLE HATCHERY
There are five varieties of Sea Turtles found in Sri Lanka, namely Olive Ridley Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherhead Turtle. The all major nesting habitats are located in the Galle district.
Galle Fort in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of “an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
- Breakfast daily & Dinner
- 7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
- Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Kandy, Yala, Bundala and Colombo
- Scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella , canoe and Tuk Tuk trips
- Airport pick up & Airport Drop-off
- All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
- Air-Conditioned Spacious Car with Fuel Chauffeur
- Water bottles / Refreshments
- English Speaking friendly/ Experience Chauffer
- 8 Days Private tour with Sightseeing
- Unlimited Millage According to the itinerary
- Fully insured vehicle with Passenger cover
- All government taxes
- Driver expenses, Meals
- International flights and visa
- Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
- Entrance Fees sites & Activities