Discover the treasures of ancient Polonnaruwa the famous Sigiriya Rock and the Elephant Orphanage in just eight days. Begin with relaxation in Negombo. Explore the cultural diversity of Kandy and then head to Ella for beautiful walks and Nuwara Eliya for tea country. Enjoy the allure of Galle and the thrill of Colombo’s river safari and turtle hatcheries as you come to a close.
After arriving in Sri Lanka travel to the beach town of Negombo which is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and lively fish markets. Spend the day unwinding and taking in all of these beachside charms.
After breakfast check out of your lodging and head to the magnificent Sigiriya Rock. One of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations is this rock fortress which is a good place to start your morning hike. The steps leading to the summit where the monarch’s palace once stood are protected by the well-known large lion paws gate. In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Orphanage to meet and engage with rescued elephants, followed by a village safari to learn about local rural life.
Head to Polonnaruwa which was the second Kingdom of Sri Lanka in the ancient past. Take in the cultural importance of this city including the ancient ruins. See Sri Lankan wildlife with an exhilarating jeep safari at Minneriya National Park after lunch. Return to Sigiriya and spend the night there.
Make your way to Kandy stopping along the way at the Dambulla Cave Temple which is well-known for its magnificent cave statues and murals. See a nearby herbal garden to discover more about conventional medicine. Experience a Kandy city tour which showcases the cultural delights of Sri Lanka. Head towards the Temple of the Tooth Relic and witness the serene environment from the Kandy viewpoint with a visit to the Gem Museum. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Early morning head towards Nuwara Eliya also known as ‘Little England’. Experience the serene environments and the lush greenery in the cold weather. Visit a tea factory that may take you through the entire process of tea making with a visit to the Ramboda Waterfalls for scenic beauty while you make your way to Nuwara Eliya. Experience a city tour of Nuwara Eliya a town renowned for its verdant surroundings and colonial architecture. Proceed to Ella making a stop to explore the Nine Arch Bridge en route. Spend the night in Ella.
Early morning head towards Nuwara Eliya also known as ‘Little England’. Experience the serene environments and the lush greenery in the cold weather. Visit a tea factory that may take you through the entire process of tea making with a visit to the Ramboda Waterfalls for scenic beauty while you make your way to Nuwara Eliya. Experience a city tour of Nuwara Eliya a town renowned for its verdant surroundings and colonial architecture. Proceed to Ella making a stop to explore the Nine Arch Bridge en route. Spend the night in Ella.
Take a Madu River safari to discover the mangroves and wildlife of the river and visit turtle hatcheries to learn about conservation efforts. For extra enjoyment try some water sports. Take in the beauty of the Southern coast for one last time and head towards Colombo. Spend the night in Colombo.
Conclude your tour on this day. If time permits, experience the Colombo city with a quick city tour!