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Sri Lanka Cultural, Hill Country & Beach Tour (10 Days)

Ten days from Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa to Kandy, the Ella train, a Yala safari, Mirissa, Galle and Colombo.

Start in the Cultural Triangle with Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, then travel to Kandy and the tea country of Nuwara Eliya. Ride the scenic train to Ella, go on safari in Yala, enjoy the beaches of Mirissa and the old fort of Galle, and end with a day in Colombo.

Route: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa → Galle → Colombo → BIA

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival in Sigiriya

  • Arrival in Sri Lanka
  • Transfer directly to Sigiriya
  • Relax at hotel or optional visit to nearby village tour

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Day02

Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  • Morning visit to Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
    • Explore Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, Vatadage, Statues of Parakramabahu
  • Afternoon climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress:
    • Discover frescoes, mirror wall, lion’s paw terrace, and summit view

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Day03

Sigiriya → Kandy (via Dambulla & Spice Garden)

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO site)
  • Stop at Matale Spice Garden
  • Arrive in Kandy, explore:
    • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Gem Museum
    • Evening Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Overnight stay in Kandy

Day04

Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

  • Scenic drive through tea country
  • Visit a tea factory & plantation, Ramboda Falls
  • Explore Gregory Lake, colonial buildings, and local markets in Nuwara Eliya

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day05

Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Train Ride)

  • Transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station
  • Scenic train ride to Ella (one of the most beautiful in the world)
  • In Ella: Visit Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, or Ella Gap Viewpoint

Overnight stay in Ella

Day06

Ella → Yala National Park

  • Drive from Ella to Yala
  • Evening Jeep Safari in Yala National Park:
    • Spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, and more

Overnight stay near Yala

Day07

Yala → Mirissa

  • Scenic coastal drive to Mirissa
  • Leisure day at beach
  • Optional:
    • Whale Watching Tour (Nov–Apr)
    • Sunset at Coconut Tree Hill

Overnight stay in Mirissa

Day08

Mirissa → Bentota (via Galle)

  • En route visit Galle Fort (UNESCO site) – walk along the walls, shops, cafés
  • Visit Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda
  • Madu River Boat Safari (optional)

Overnight stay in Bentota

Day09

Bentota → Colombo

  • Drive to Colombo
  • City tour of Colombo:
    • Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Galle Face Green
    • Shopping at One Galle Face Mall, Pettah Market, or Odel

Overnight stay in Colombo

Day10

Colombo → Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

  • Airport transfer for your flight home

End of a memorable Sri Lanka journey!

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Traditional village experience
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Spice garden and Ayurveda
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Kandyan cultural dance show
  • Tea plantation and factory visit
  • Scenic hill country train ride
  • Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

Travel Tips

  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
  • Train seats to Ella sell out in high season, so book early.
  • Safaris start early, so bring a hat, sunscreen and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is this a private tour?
Yes. You travel with your own driver guide in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Q. Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every tour can be tailored to your dates, budget, hotel standard and interests.