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Sri Lanka Heritage, Hills & Wildlife Tour (8 Days)

Eight days of ancient cities, tea hills, the Ella train and a leopard safari in Yala, ending in Galle.

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This eight day tour mixes culture, scenery and wildlife. Explore Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, see Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, ride the hill country train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, search for leopards in Yala National Park and finish with the beaches and fort of Galle.

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

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA & Transfer to Sigiriya

  • Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Scenic drive to Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle (approx. 4.5 hrs)
  • Check-in and relax at your hotel surrounded by nature
  • Optional village tour or evening walk

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day02

Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa & Return

  • Morning climb to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO Site)
  • After lunch, transfer to Polonnaruwa (approx. 1.5 hrs)
  • Explore:
    • Ancient ruins, Royal Palace, Gal Vihara Buddha statues
    • Parakrama Samudraya Lake
    • Optional: cycling tour through the ancient city
  • Return to Sigiriya

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa
Day03

Sigiriya to Kandy (via Dambulla & Spice Garden)

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Stop at a spice & herbal garden in Matale
  • Arrive in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka
  • Evening:
    • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic
    • Enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance show

Overnight stay in Kandy

Sigiriya Sigiriya Dambulla Dambulla Kandy Kandy
Day04

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (via Ramboda)

  • Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (optional)
  • Scenic drive through the central highlands to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • En route: Ramboda Falls and tea factory visit with tasting
  • Explore colonial-style Nuwara Eliya:
    • Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, old post office

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Kandy Kandy Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day05

Nuwara Eliya to Ella (Train Ride)

  • Morning transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station
  • Scenic train ride to Ella (approx. 3–4 hrs, one of the most beautiful rides in the world)
  • In Ella:
    • Visit Nine Arches Bridge
    • Hike Little Adam’s Peak or relax at a viewpoint café

Overnight stay in Ella

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Ella Ella
Day06

Ella to Yala National Park

  • After breakfast, drive to Yala (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • En route: Stop at Ravana Falls for photos
  • Evening jeep safari in Yala National Park – famous for leopards, elephants & birdlife

Overnight stay near Yala

Ella Ella Yala Yala
Day07

Yala to Galle (via Southern Coast)

  • Early breakfast and depart for Galle (approx. 4.5 hrs)
  • Optional stop at Mirissa or Weligama beach for photos or lunch
  • In Galle:
    • Explore Galle Dutch Fort (UNESCO Site)
    • Walk along the ramparts, see the lighthouse and visit quaint art shops

Overnight stay in Galle

Yala Yala Galle Galle
Day08

Galle to BIA (Departure Day)

  • Scenic morning drive to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) (approx. 2.5–3.5 hrs depending on traffic)
  • Optional short stop in Colombo or Bentota, if flight time permits

End of tour with beautiful memories of Sri Lanka

Galle Galle

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Kandyan cultural dance show
  • Tea plantation and factory visit
  • Scenic hill country train ride
  • Nine Arch Bridge, Ella
  • Yala National Park safari
  • 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.