Discover fabulous Sri Lanka



- Overview
This 7-day tour is a well-rounded journey through Sri Lanka’s most captivating highlights. From the heritage wonders of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa to the cultural heart of Kandy, the trip blends history with authentic local encounters like village tours and temple visits. Travelers also experience the serenity of Dambulla’s cave temples and the refreshing beauty of waterfalls along the hill country route, creating a balance between discovery and relaxation.
- Iternary
Morning
- Arrival - Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo)
- Transfer to Pinnawala (1.5-2 hours drive)
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Duration: 2-3 hours)
- Visit the world-famous elephant orphanage housing 80+ elephants
- Watch feeding times (9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 5:00 PM)
- Observe elephants bathing in the Maha Oya River (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
- Optional Stop - Ridee Viharaya (Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour)
- Ancient rock temple with beautiful cave paintings and Buddha statues
- Peaceful hillside location with panoramic views
Evening
- Transfer to Dambulla (1 hour drive from Pinnawala)
- Check into accommodation
- Rest and prepare for next day's Dambulla Cave Temple visit
Total Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours driving.
Best Start Time: Early morning arrival to maximize daylight hours
This itinerary combines wildlife experience, cultural heritage, and positions you perfectly for exploring the Cultural Triangle region the following day.
Early Morning
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City (Start 8:00 AM) (Duration: 3-4 hours)
- Explore the medieval capital (11th-12th century)
- Visit Gal Vihara (rock-carved Buddha statues)
- See Royal Palace complex, Lotus Bath, Lankatilaka Temple
Afternoon
- Transfer to Habarana (45 minutes drive)
- Village Tour in Habarana (Duration: 2-3 hours)
- Traditional bullock cart ride through rural villages
- Experience local farming methods and village life
- Traditional Sri Lankan lunch with a village family
Late Afternoon/Evening
- Transfer to Sigiriya (30 minutes drive)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Duration: 2-3 hours)
- Climb the ancient rock citadel (5th century)
- View famous frescoes and the Mirror Wall
- Explore Water Gardens and Boulder Gardens
- Summit offers panoramic sunset views
Evening
- Check into accommodation near Sigiriya
- Rest and recovery
Total Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours driving.
Best Start Time: 8:00 AM to avoid heat and crowds.
Fitness Level: Moderate (Sigiriya climb involves 1,200+ steps)
This itinerary combines ancient history, authentic cultural immersion, and one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks in a single memorable day.
Early Morning
- Dambulla Cave Temple (Start 8:00 AM) (Duration: 2 hours)
- Explore 5 ancient cave temples (Golden Temple)
- Marvel at 150+ Buddha statues and ancient frescoes
- Panoramic views from the hilltop
Mid-Morning
- Transfer towards Kandy (Begin journey)
- Herbal & Spice Garden (En-route stop) (Duration: 1-1.5 hours)
- Guided tour of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, vanilla plantations
- Learn about Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants
- Sample fresh spices and herbal teas
- Optional spice shopping
Afternoon
- Continue to Kandy (Complete transfer - total 3 hours from Dambulla)
- Check into the accommodation
- Rest and freshen up
Evening
- Cultural Dance Show (7:00 PM or 8:00 PM) (Duration: 1 hour)
- Traditional Kandyan dancing performances
- Fire dancing, drum performances
- Colorful costumes and authentic Sri Lankan culture
Night
- Explore Kandy city center
- Walk around Kandy Lake
- Dinner at local restaurant
Total Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours driving.
Best Start Time: 8:00 AM for optimal timing.
Cultural Highlight: Traditional performances showcasing Sri Lankan heritage
This itinerary seamlessly combines ancient Buddhist heritage, natural spice experiences, and vibrant cultural entertainment.
Early Morning
- Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) (Start 8:00 AM) (Duration: 2 hours)
- Visit Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple
- View the golden casket housing Buddha's tooth relic
- Observe morning puja ceremonies
- Explore temple complex and museum
Mid-Morning
- Transfer towards Nuwara Eliya (Begin scenic mountain journey)
- Ramboda Waterfall (En-route stop) (Duration: 30-45 minutes)
- View the spectacular 109m high waterfall
- Photo opportunities and short nature walk
- Fresh mountain air and scenic surroundings
Afternoon
- Tea Plantation & Factory Visit (Duration: 1.5-2 hours)
- Guided tour of lush tea estates
- Learn about tea plucking, processing, and grading
- Tea tasting session with different Ceylon tea varieties
- Visit factory to see production process
- Purchase premium Ceylon tea
Late Afternoon
- Complete transfer to Nuwara Eliya (Total journey 4-5 hours from Kandy)
- Check into accommodation
- Evening leisure in "Little England"
Evening
- Explore Nuwara Eliya town
- Visit Gregory Lake (optional)
- Enjoy cool mountain climate
Total Travel Time: 4-5 hours with stops.
Best Start Time: 8:00 AM for comfortable pacing.
Climate Note: Temperature drops significantly - bring warm clothing.
Scenic Highlights: Mountain views, tea estates, waterfalls
This itinerary combines spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and Ceylon tea culture in one memorable mountain journey.
Early Morning
- Amazing Train Ride: Nanu Oya to Ella (Start 8:30 AM)
- Board the iconic hill country train at Nanu Oya Station
- Journey through tea plantations, misty mountains, and valleys
- One of the world's most scenic train rides
- Arrive at Ella Station around 11:30 AM
Late Morning/Afternoon
- Ella Nine Arch Bridge (12:00 PM) (Duration: 1-1.5 hours)
- Visit the famous colonial-era stone bridge
- Watch trains pass through the iconic arches
- Photo opportunities in a lush jungle setting
- Short walk through tea estates to reach the bridge
Afternoon
- Little Adam's Peak (2:00 PM) (Duration: 2 hours)
- Easy hiking trail with stunning panoramic views
- 1.5-2 hour round trip trek
- View Ella Gap and the surrounding hill country
- Less challenging alternative to Adam's Peak
Late Afternoon/Evening
- Transfer to Yala (4:30 PM)
- Scenic drive through the southern hill country
- Descend from the mountains to the lowland plains
- Check into a safari lodge near Yala National Park
Night
- Rest and prepare for the early morning safari
- Briefing about the wildlife safari
This itinerary combines the world's most beautiful train journey with Ella's iconic landmarks before a wildlife adventure.
Early Morning
- Morning Safari at Yala National Park (Start 6:00 AM) (Duration: 3-4 hours)
- Best time for wildlife spotting (cool temperatures)
- Search for Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, sloth bears
- Spot 200+ bird species including peacocks, eagles
- Visit watering holes and diverse ecosystems
Late Morning
- Transfer towards Southern Coast (Begin coastal journey)
- Stilt Fishermen (En-route stop near Koggala/Weligama) (Duration: 30-45 minutes)
- Watch traditional fishermen on wooden stilts in shallow water
- Iconic Sri Lankan fishing method dating back centuries
- Photo opportunities of this unique cultural practice
Afternoon
- Sea Turtle Hatchery (Kosgoda or Bentota) (Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour)
- Learn about turtle conservation efforts
- See baby turtles and different species (Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley)
- Witness turtle release ceremonies (if timing permits)
- Support marine conservation initiatives
Late Afternoon
- Galle Dutch Fort (Arrive 4:00 PM) (Duration: 2-3 hours)
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Walk along historic fort ramparts with ocean views
- Visit the lighthouse, Dutch churches, and colonial architecture
- Browse boutique shops and art galleries
Evening
- Sunset views from the fort walls
- Dinner at a restaurant within the fort
- Stay overnight in Galle or a nearby beach resort
Total Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours driving.
Best Safari Time: 6:00 AM departure for optimal wildlife viewing.
Cultural Highlights: Traditional fishing, turtle conservation, and Dutch colonial heritage.
This itinerary perfectly combines wildlife adventure, traditional culture, marine conservation, and colonial history in one comprehensive day.
Morning
- Transfer to Colombo (From Galle - 2-2.5 hours drive)
- Colombo City Tour (Start 10:00 AM)
- City Tour Highlights:
- Independence Memorial Hall - National monument and museum
- Gangaramaya Temple - Famous Buddhist temple with cultural artifacts
- Beira Lake & Seema Malaka - Floating temple on the lake
- Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar) - Indo-Saracenic architecture
- Galle Face Green - Historic ocean-side urban park
- Pettah Bazaar - Bustling local markets and street life
- National Museum - Sri Lankan history and heritage (if time permits)
Evening/Departure
- Final preparations - Pack and check-out
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Departure - International flight
Have Any Question?
- +94 77 821 3465
- info@viyalatravels.com
- Tour Includes
- Meals
- Tailored to Your Preference
- Transport
- Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle for Transfers and Sightseeing
- Accommodation
- Hotel ( 6 nights)