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Sri Lanka Cultural, Wildlife & Coastal Discovery Tour (9 Days)

Nine days of sacred cities, Sigiriya, an elephant safari, Kandy, a spice garden and the beaches and river safaris of Bentota.

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This nine day tour starts in Negombo and heads north to the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the rock fortress of Sigiriya. Explore Polonnaruwa, see wild elephants on safari, visit a spice garden and Kandy, then unwind in Bentota with a Madu River boat safari and a turtle hatchery before ending in Colombo.

Route: BIA → Negombo → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → Bentota → Colombo → BIA

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA → Transfer to Negombo

  • Warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Transfer to Negombo (20–30 min) – a charming coastal town
  • Relax at the beach or explore:
    • Dutch Fort, St. Mary’s Church, Negombo Lagoon
    • Lagoon safari

Overnight stay in Negombo

Negombo Negombo
Day02

Negombo → Anuradhapura

  • Morning transfer to Anuradhapura (approx. 4.5 hrs)
  • Explore Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and Buddhist center:
    • Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
    • Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya
    • Twin Ponds and Samadhi Buddha

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura

Negombo Negombo Anuradhapura Anuradhapura
Day03

Anuradhapura → Sigiriya

  • Morning drive to Sigiriya (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Optional stop at Avukana Buddha Statue
  • Evening climb of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO Site):
    • Enjoy stunning views and explore ancient frescoes and ruins

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Anuradhapura Anuradhapura Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day04

Day Trip: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Safari

  • Morning transfer to Polonnaruwa (approx. 1.5 hrs):
    • Visit the ancient ruins: Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, Vatadage, Parakrama Samudra
  • Afternoon Minneriya National Park Safari – see elephants and wildlife
  • Return to Sigiriya by evening

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day05

Sigiriya → Kandy via Matale

  • En route visit:
    • Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO Site)
    • Spice & Herbal Garden in Matale – learn about Ayurvedic uses
  • Arrive in Kandy, the cultural capital
  • Evening visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic

Overnight stay in Kandy

Sigiriya Sigiriya Dambulla Dambulla Kandy Kandy
Day06

Kandy City Tour

  • Explore key sites:
    • Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
    • Kandy Lake and Upper Lake viewpoint
    • Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
    • Gem Museum and local craft shops
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance

Overnight stay in Kandy

Kandy Kandy
Day07

Kandy → Bentota via Pinnawala

  • Morning visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – watch elephants bathe & feed
  • Scenic drive to Bentota on the southwest coast (approx. 4.5 hrs)
  • Relax at the beach resort

Overnight stay in Bentota

Kandy Kandy Bentota Bentota
Day08

Bentota → Colombo via Madu River & Kosgoda

  • Morning Madu River boat safari – explore mangroves, cinnamon islands
  • Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery – learn about sea turtle conservation
  • Drive to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital
  • Optional short Colombo city tour:
    • Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple

Overnight stay in Colombo

Bentota Bentota Colombo Colombo
Day09

Colombo → Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

  • Breakfast and final shopping or relaxation
  • Transfer to BIA for departure (approx. 1 hr)

End of your unforgettable journey in Sri Lanka

Colombo Colombo

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Anuradhapura sacred city
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Spice garden and Ayurveda
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • Madu River boat safari
  • Sea turtle hatchery

Travel Tips

  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
  • Safaris start early, so bring a hat, sunscreen and binoculars.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle and sunscreen.

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.