Experience the best of Sri Lanka: culture, wildlife and beach relaxation. This seven-day itinerary combines the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle, a village experience and Minneriya safari, the tea country and Ella, and the colonial charm of Galle.
Accommodation is for six nights on a bed and breakfast basis, with a private air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking chauffeur guide throughout.
ITINERARY & ACTIVITIES
Day 01 :
Arrival & Transfer to Sigiriya
- Morning: arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
- Meet and greet by our driver-guide, followed by a comfortable transfer to Sigiriya (approx. 4 hours).
- Afternoon: check in at the hotel and refresh.
- Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Buddhist murals and statues inside a vast cave complex.
- Evening: enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at the hotel (at own expense).
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 02 :
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya Safari
- Early morning: climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Lion Rock, for panoramic views, ancient frescoes and its rich history.
- Return to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation.
- Afternoon: an authentic village tour with a bullock cart ride, catamaran boat ride and local cooking demonstration.
- Wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park to see large herds of elephants, deer, peacocks and other wildlife.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 03 :
Kandy: Temple of the Tooth & Cultural Show
- After breakfast, travel to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Visit a spice garden in Matale and learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous spices.
- Afternoon: visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Stroll around Kandy Lake and explore the bustling city.
- Evening: traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performance.
- Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 04 :
Nuwara Eliya: Tea Plantations & Waterfalls
- After breakfast, a scenic train journey from Kandy into the hill country, passing tea plantations, misty mountains and waterfalls (a private vehicle can be arranged instead).
- Afternoon: visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about Ceylon tea production and enjoy freshly brewed tea.
- Explore Gregory Lake with boating, horseback riding or simply relaxing by the water.
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05 :
Ella: Breathtaking Views & Adventure
- After breakfast, transfer to Ella, a charming hill-country town (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Visit Ramboda Falls, one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful waterfalls.
- Afternoon: hike Little Adam's Peak, a moderate trek with stunning views of mountains and valleys.
- Visit the Nine Arches Bridge and watch a train cross the colonial-era viaduct.
- Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 06 :
Galle & Beach Relaxation
- After breakfast, travel to Galle, a coastal city with a rich colonial history (approx. 4 hours).
- Afternoon: visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch.
- Explore the Galle Lighthouse, cobblestone streets and boutique shops.
- Evening: relax at Unawatuna Beach or Jungle Beach.
- Seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant (at own expense).
- Overnight stay in Galle.
Day 07 :
Madu River Safari & Departure
- After breakfast, a boat safari on the Madu River through mangrove forests, birdlife and small islands.
- Experience fish therapy and visit a cinnamon island to learn about traditional cinnamon production.
- Afternoon: transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for departure.
