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Sri Lanka Heritage & Nature Tour (8 Days)

Eight days of heritage and nature: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy, the train to Ella and the beaches of Galle.

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Combine Sri Lanka’s three great ancient cities with its most beautiful scenery on this eight day tour. Climb Sigiriya, explore Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, visit Kandy, then take the scenic train through tea country to Ella before relaxing on the south coast near Galle.

Route: BIA → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Anuradhapura → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Galle → BIA

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA → Transfer to Sigiriya & Evening Rock Climb

  • Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Drive to Sigiriya (approx. 4–5 hrs)
  • Village tour in Sigiriya
  • Evening climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
    • Marvel at ancient architecture and panoramic views at sunset

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day02

Day Trip: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Safari

  • Morning drive to Polonnaruwa (1.5 hrs):
    • Explore ancient ruins, Royal Palace, Gal Vihara Buddha statues
  • Afternoon return to Sigiriya
  • Evening Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park:
    • Chance to witness “The Gathering” of wild elephants (seasonal)

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day03

Sigiriya to Anuradhapura (Day Trip)

  • Full-day excursion to Anuradhapura (approx. 2 hrs one way):
    • Visit sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri Monastery
    • Learn about the origin of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
  • Return to Sigiriya in the evening

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya Anuradhapura Anuradhapura
Day04

Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO Site) with colorful murals & Buddha statues
  • Stop at a Spice Garden in Matale – learn about herbal plants & Ayurvedic uses
  • Arrive in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital
  • Evening:
    • Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic
    • Watch a Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance

Overnight stay in Kandy

Sigiriya Sigiriya Dambulla Dambulla Kandy Kandy
Day05

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

  • Scenic drive through lush hills and tea plantations
  • Visit a Gem Museum and tea factory en route
  • In Nuwara Eliya (“Little England”):
    • Explore Gregory Lake, colonial buildings, local markets

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Kandy Kandy Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day06

Nuwara Eliya to Ella (Train Ride Experience)

  • Transfer to Nanu Oya Station
  • Ride the scenic train to Ella (approx. 3–4 hrs):
    • Enjoy breathtaking views of valleys, tea fields, and viaducts
  • In Ella:
    • Visit Nine Arches Bridge or Little Adam’s Peak

Overnight stay in Ella

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Ella Ella
Day07

Ella to Galle via Udawalawe

  • Morning departure from Ella
  • Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home – watch young elephants during feeding time
  • Continue to Galle (UNESCO World Heritage City)
  • Explore:
    • Galle Fort, lighthouse, Dutch Church, art shops & cafes

Overnight stay in Galle

Ella Ella Udawalawe Udawalawe Galle Galle
Day08

Galle to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

  • Scenic coastal drive to BIA (approx. 2.5–3.5 hrs depending on traffic)
  • Optional short stop in Colombo if time permits

Departure with unforgettable memories from Sri Lanka!

Galle Galle

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Anuradhapura sacred city
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Kandyan cultural dance show
  • Scenic hill country train ride
  • Udawalawe elephants
  • Galle Fort (UNESCO)

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.