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Sri Lanka Discovery Tour (8 Days)

An eight day discovery of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, Kandy, the hill country, Galle Fort and Colombo.

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This eight day tour covers Sri Lanka’s essential sights at a relaxed pace. From Negombo you travel to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, on to the cultural capital of Kandy and the cool tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, then down to the colonial charm of Galle and a final day in Colombo.

Route: BIA → Negombo → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Galle → Colombo → BIA

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA & Transfer to Negombo

  • Meet & greet at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Transfer to Negombo (20–30 minutes)
  • Explore:
    • Negombo Beach
    • Dutch Canal and St. Mary’s Church
    • Fish market or relax at your beach hotel

Overnight stay in Negombo

Negombo Negombo
Day02

Negombo to Sigiriya

  • Drive to Sigiriya (approx. 4–4.5 hours)
  • Check in and relax in the Cultural Triangle
  • Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the afternoon (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Optional: Visit to a local village with a traditional lunch and bullock cart ride

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Negombo Negombo Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day03

Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (Day Trip)

  • Morning drive to Polonnaruwa (1.5 hours)
  • Tour the ancient city ruins:
    • Royal Palace, Quadrangle, Gal Vihara Buddha statues
    • Parakrama Samudraya Lake
    • Option to explore by bicycle
  • Return to Sigiriya in the evening

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa
Day04

Sigiriya to Kandy (via Dambulla & Spice Garden)

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO Site)
  • Stop at a Matale Spice Garden for an Ayurvedic demo
  • Arrive in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital
  • Evening activities:
    • Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic
    • Enjoy a Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Overnight stay in Kandy

Sigiriya Sigiriya Dambulla Dambulla Kandy Kandy
Day05

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

  • Optional visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
  • Drive through scenic tea country to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 2.5 hrs)
  • Activities:
    • Visit a tea factory and plantation
    • Gregory Lake and colonial town walk
    • Stop at Ramboda Falls

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Kandy Kandy Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day06

Nuwara Eliya to Galle (via Southern Expressway)

  • Early morning start for long drive to the Southern Coast (approx. 5.5–6 hrs)
  • Optional photo stops: St. Clair’s Falls or Devon Falls
  • Arrive in Galle and explore:
    • Galle Dutch Fort (UNESCO Site)
    • Lighthouse, Ramparts, Art shops, Local cafés

Overnight stay in Galle

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Galle Galle
Day07

Galle to Colombo

  • Morning beach walk or visit Unawatuna or Jungle Beach
  • Scenic drive to Colombo (approx. 2.5 hrs)
  • Afternoon Colombo city tour:
    • Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple
    • Galle Face Green, Old Parliament, Pettah Market
  • Optional shopping or local dinner

Overnight stay in Colombo

Galle Galle Colombo Colombo
Day08

Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Relax or short drive around Colombo depending on flight time
  • Transfer to BIA for departure

End of tour – Ayubowan from Lanka Hela Tours!

Colombo Colombo

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • 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
  • Galle Fort (UNESCO)
  • Colombo city tour

Travel Tips

  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
  • Pack a warm layer for the cool hill country evenings.
  • 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.