As a tropical island, Sri Lanka offers a wealth of experiences for its travelers. This package is designed as a complete holiday, encompassing all the significant and iconic locations within Sri Lanka. Discover historical sites, religious landmarks, wildlife encounters, local cuisine, adventure opportunities, scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, industrial insights, lifestyle observations, train journeys, off-road adventures, and seaside experiences.
You can relax knowing that every detail is meticulously handled. Enjoy comfortable travel in an air-conditioned car with a knowledgeable chauffeur guide. Accommodation is provided in excellent hotels, including daily breakfast. All hotels are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, swimming pools, and on-site restaurants and pubs. Your guide is highly experienced with extensive local knowledge and will accompany you throughout the tour, staying at the same hotel to ensure round-the-clock service.
Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to Negombo
Overnight stay at a 3-star+ beach hotel in Negombo.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer
Negombo
30 min
Upon your arrival at Colombo airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Negombo is the closest major city to the airport, chosen to allow you proper rest after a long flight before commencing your Sri Lankan tour.
Day 1: Negombo Beach Relaxation
Negombo Beach
passage sans arrêt
The beautiful Negombo beach is perfect for evening relaxation. Your hotel is conveniently located on the beachfront, requiring no extra effort or time to visit.
Day 2: Explore Negombo and Travel to Sigiriya
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Overnight accommodation in Sigiriya at a 3-star+ hotel.
Breakfast included.
Day 2: Negombo Fish Market Visit
Negombo Fish Market
30 min
Negombo is renowned as a premier fishing hub in Sri Lanka. The fish market, bustling from early morning, is where fishermen meet buyers and sellers trade their catch. It's a vibrant place to observe the local dry fish business as well.
Day 2: Negombo Lagoon Boat Tour
Negombo Lagoon
1 h, entrée non incluse
Explore the Negombo Lagoon via a boat tour, an activity reflecting the area's Dutch colonial history and tunnel network. This excursion offers insight into the mangrove ecosystem and the region's rich biodiversity.
Day 2: Hiriwadunna Village Experience
Hiriwadunna
1 h 30
Immerse yourself in a traditional Sri Lankan village at Hiriwadunna. Learn about local lifestyles, cooking methods, and daily activities. Participate in a cookery demonstration and enjoy a complimentary Sri Lankan lunch.
Day 3: Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress and Safari
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Overnight stay at the same hotel as the previous night.
Breakfast included.
Day 3: Sigiriya Lion Rock Exploration
Sigiriya Lion Rock
2 h, entrée non incluse
Visit the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, often called the 8th Wonder of the World. This ancient rock citadel, built by Sri Lankan kings, is a must-see. It is advisable to start your climb early to avoid the midday heat.
Day 3: Pidurangala Rock Views
Pidurangala Rock
1 h, entrée non incluse
Ascend Pidurangala Rock, located near Sigiriya, for magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, especially favored by younger travelers for its stunning vistas.
Day 3: Pulathisi Arana Ayurvedic Centre
Pulathisi Arana Ayurvedic Centre
1 h 30, entrée non incluse
Experience traditional Sri Lankan Ayurvedic and wellness treatments at the Pulathisi Arana Ayurvedic Centre, a perfect way to rejuvenate after climbing Sigiriya Rock.
Day 3: Minneriya National Park Safari
Minneriya National Park
3 h, entrée non incluse
Embark on a safari in Minneriya National Park, a prime location to witness Sri Lanka's elephants in their natural habitat. A dedicated 4WD jeep will take you to observe hundreds of these majestic animals.
Day 4: Dambulla Cave Temples and Travel to Kandy
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Overnight stay in Kandy at a 3-star+ hotel.
Breakfast included.
Day 4: Dambulla Economic Centre Visit
Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
20 min
Gain insight into the daily lives of Sri Lankans at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre, where farmers sell their produce and traders distribute it across the island.
Day 4: Dambulla Cave Temple Exploration
Dambulla Cave Temple
1 h, entrée non incluse
Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, one of the world's oldest cave temples and a significant Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful ancient murals and statues.
Day 4: Ranweli Spice Garden Visit
Ranweli Spice Garden
30 min
Discover the renowned Sri Lankan spices at the Ranweli Spice Garden in Matale. Learn about the cultivation and processing of high-quality spices for which the island is famous.
Day 4: Kandy Cultural Show
Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show
1 h, entrée non incluse
Witness traditional Sri Lankan performing arts at the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show. The performance features vibrant drumming, dancing, and fire-walking, starting at 5:00 PM and lasting for one hour.
Day 5: A Day in Kandy, the Last Kingdom
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Overnight stay in Kandy at a 3-star+ hotel, same as the previous night.
Breakfast included.
Day 5: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Visit
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
1 h, entrée non incluse
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, considered one of the most important Buddhist temples globally. Located overlooking Kandy Lake, the temple complex also includes a museum.
Day 5: Kandy City Forest Reserve Walk
1 h
Enjoy a peaceful walk through a forest reserve situated within Kandy city, offering a green escape amidst the urban environment.
Day 5: Kandy Market Hall Experience
Kandy Market Hall
30 min
Explore the bustling Kandy Market Hall, a great place to observe local life and discover a wide variety of Sri Lankan fruits, vegetables, and street foods.
Day 5: Gems and Gemmological Museum Visit
Natural Gems and Gemmological Museum
30 min
Learn about Sri Lanka's significant gem industry at the Natural Gems and Gemmological Museum. See demonstrations of gem mining and presentations on the various precious stones found in the country, particularly blue sapphires.
Day 5: Kandy War Cemetery Visit
Kandy War Cemetery
15 min
Pay respects at the Kandy War Cemetery, one of the few war cemeteries dedicated to soldiers who died during World War II.
Day 5: Royal Botanical Gardens Exploration
Royal Botanical Gardens
2 h, entrée non incluse
Spend time relaxing in the expansive and beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens, Asia's largest, featuring a diverse collection of colorful flora, including historical trees.
Day 5: Gunatilake Batiks Visit
Gunatilake Batiks
30 min
Discover the art of Batik making, a significant local industry in Kandy. Visit Gunatilake Batiks to witness the intricate process of creating beautiful hand-designed fabrics.
Day 5: Kandy View Point
Kandy View Point
20 min
Enjoy breathtaking views of Kandy city from the Kandy View Point, also known as Arthur's Seat, especially beautiful during the evening. Nearby restaurants offer options for dinner.
Day 5: Kandy Lake Stroll
Kandy Lake
passage sans arrêt
Take a leisurely stroll around the man-made Kandy Lake, a central landmark in the city, conveniently located within walking distance of your hotel.
Day 6: Hill Country and Scenic Train Journey
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Overnight stay in Ella at a 3-star+ hotel.
Breakfast included.
Day 6: Tea Plantation Visit
Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden
30 min
Depart from Kandy around 8:00 AM and visit the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden. Witness the tea-making process, from plucking to factory production, and enjoy a complimentary cup of authentic Ceylon tea.
Day 6: Ramboda Waterfall Stop
Ramboda Waterfall
20 min
Admire the scenic Ramboda Waterfall, one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful cascades, visible from the main road or accessible via a short walk.
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing
Nuwara Eliya
passage sans arrêt
Pass through Nuwara Eliya, the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka, known for its cool climate, British colonial architecture, and picturesque surroundings.
Day 6: Gregory Lake Recreation
Gregory Lake
30 min, entrée non incluse
Visit Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya, a recreational park offering activities like boat rides and horse riding.
Day 6: Scenic Train Journey from Nanu Oya
Nanu Oya railway station
3 h, entrée incluse
Board a scenic train from Nanu Oya railway station at 12:40 PM, with reserved seats booked in advance. Your vehicle will travel directly to Ella with your luggage to meet you upon arrival.
Day 6: Arrival in Ella
Ella
passage sans arrêt
Your vehicle will be waiting at Ella railway station to transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, explore Ella town, known for its lively atmosphere, restaurants, and pubs.
Day 7: A Day in Ella
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Overnight stay at a 3-star+ beach hotel in Galle.
Breakfast included.
Day 7: Little Adam's Peak Sunrise View
Little Adam's Peak View Point
30 min
Visit Little Adam's Peak for a potential sunrise viewing (requires a 5:30 AM departure) or a later visit for stunning views over Ella.
Day 7: Nine Arches Bridge Photo Opportunity
Nine Arches Bridge
30 min
Capture memorable photos at the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a popular spot for travelers due to its unique architecture and scenic setting, especially when a train passes over it.
Day 7: Ravana Ella Falls Visit
Ravana Ella Falls
10 min
See the impressive Ravana Ella Falls, one of Sri Lanka's larger waterfalls, conveniently located near the main road and Ella town.
Day 7: Ella Rock Hike (Optional)
Ella Rock
1 h
Embark on an optional hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the entire Ella city.
Day 7: Travel to Galle
Galle
passage sans arrêt
Journey from Ella to Galle, the capital of Sri Lanka's southern coast. Check into your beachfront hotel upon arrival.
Day 8: Whale Watching and Beach Time
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Overnight stay in Galle at a 3-star+ beach hotel (same as the previous night).
Breakfast included.
Day 8: Whale Watching Excursion
3 h, entrée non incluse
Depart early for Mirissa harbor for a whale watching tour (seasonal). Depending on the time of year, you may see various whale species, including the rare blue whale.
Day 8: Unawatuna Beach Relaxation
Unawatuna
3 h
Spend relaxing time at Unawatuna beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches on the southern coast.
Day 8: Galle Dutch Fort Exploration
Galle Dutch Fort
2 h
Explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's an ideal place to wander, shop, dine, and enjoy the sunset.
Day 9: Departure
Repas : petit-déjeuner
Breakfast included.
Day 9: Turtle Hatchery Visit
Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa
30 min, entrée non incluse
Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Hikkaduwa to observe sea turtles. This visit can be adjusted based on your flight schedule.
Day 9: Colombo City Tour
Colombo
3 h
Enjoy a brief tour of Colombo, covering key sites like Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Colombo Fort, the Red Mosque, and the Old Parliament complex. This can be tailored to your flight schedule.
Day 9: Transfer to Airport or Colombo Hotel
Katunayake
20 min
You will be dropped off at Katunayake International Airport (Colombo Airport) or your pre-booked hotel in Colombo, marking the end of your 8-night Sri Lanka tour.