The Cultural & Coastal Jewel: 7-Day Sri Lanka Tour

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Overview

  • Duration:7 days 6 nights
  • Tour Type:Round tour
  • Language:English, French, German, Italian
This seven-day journey captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s culture, nature, and coastline through a well-balanced blend of heritage, scenery, and relaxation. Beginning in the island’s central plains, guests explore the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and Dambulla before moving south into the misty highlands. In Kandy, spiritual heritage and traditional art take center stage, while the drive to Nuwara Eliya reveals the tranquil beauty of tea country. The tour continues to the hill town of Ella, known for its waterfalls and the famous Nine Arch Bridge, before descending to the southern coast. Galle’s old fort and seaside charm offer a taste of colonial history, followed by a final city stay in Colombo for modern contrasts and last-minute shopping before departure.
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Highlights

  • Discover Negombo’s beach life and bustling fish market
  • Explore Dambulla Cave Temple and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Experience Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic and cultural shows
  • Travel through Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations and waterfalls
  • Relax in the pristine beaches of Bentota and Galle
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking guide

Includes/Excludes

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast & dinner
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide
  • Airport pick-up & drop-off
  • All sightseeing tours as per itinerary
  • Bottled water during travel
  • Lunch and personal expenses
  • Entrance tickets not mentioned in itinerary
  • Camera/video fees at sites
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & optional excursions

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival (BIA) to Sigiriya/Dambulla

  • Logistics: The drive from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Dambulla/Sigiriya is about 3-3.5 hours.
  • Activity Plan:
    • Morning/Noon: Arrive at BIA, meet your Guide, and transfer directly to the Dambulla/Sigiriya area. Check in to your hotel.
    • Late Afternoon (to avoid midday heat): Climb either the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) or the Pidurangala Rock
    • Alternative: If you arrive later or are too tired, save the climb for the next morning (Day 2) and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple in the late afternoon on Day 1, as it's a shorter visit.

Day 2: Kandy (Pinnawala, Spice Gardens, Temple, Culture Show)

  • Logistics: The transfer from Dambulla/Sigiriya to Kandy 
  • Activity Plan:
    • Morning: Check out and drive towards Kandy.
    • En route: Stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Aim to be there around 9:15 AM or 1:15 PM to witness the river bathing (the main highlight) or 9:00 AM/1:15 PM for bottle feeding, as per typical schedules. Check official timings closer to your date.
    • Midday: Stop at a Spice Garden near Kadugannawa on the way to Kandy for a quick tour.
    • Afternoon: Arrive in Kandy and check in.
    • Late Afternoon: Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Remember to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
    • Evening: Attend the Kandy Cultural Show (usually around 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM).

Day 3: Nuwara Eliya (Tea Factories and Botanical Gardens)

  • Logistics: The drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
  • Activity Plan:
    • Morning: Drive to Nuwara Eliya, enjoying the scenic journey past waterfalls and tea plantations.
    • Late Morning/Midday: Visit a Tea Factory for a tour and tasting.
    • Afternoon: Explore the Hakgala Botanical Garden or the Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya.
    • Late Afternoon: Enjoy the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya, perhaps a walk around Gregory Lake.

Day 4: Ella

  • Logistics: Drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Activity Plan:
    • Morning: Drive to Ella.
    • Walk along the Nine Arch Bridge and wait for a train to pass
    • Visit Ravana Falls.
    • Evening: Enjoy the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere of Ella town

Day 5: Galle

  • Logistics: Drive from Ella to Galle
  • Activity Plan:
    • Morning: Early check out and start the long drive to Galle.
    • Lunch: Arrive in Galle and have lunch.
    • Afternoon/Evening: Explore the Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Walk the fort walls, visit the lighthouse, see the clock tower, and explore the Dutch and colonial-era architecture, shops, and cafes. Stay overnight in Galle

Day 6: Colombo

  • Logistics: The transfer from Galle to Colombo.
  • Activity Plan:
    • Late Morning: Drive to Colombo and check into your hotel.
    • Afternoon: Colombo City Tour. Visit key sites like the Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah Market (for a chaotic local experience), and do some souvenir shopping at modern malls.
    • Evening: Enjoy a final dinner at a nice restaurant or rooftop bar in Colombo.

Day 7: Departure (BIA)

  • Logistics: Drive from Colombo city to BIA 
  • Activity Plan:
    • Morning: Final souvenir shopping or a relaxing breakfast.
    • Midday: Transfer to BIA for your departure.

Extra Services

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