Essence of Sri Lanka

Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo

Duration

7D /6N

Destinations

7 +

Experience the heart and soul of Sri Lanka with this week-long journey through heritage cities, sacred temples, and misty mountains. Witness the grandeur of Sigiriya Rock, the spiritual ambiance of Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, and the cool charm of Nuwara Eliya. From lush tea plantations to bustling markets, this tour is a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural beauty.

- Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

- Explore Dambulla Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa Ancient City

- Experience the Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

- Scenic train ride through tea country from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

- Stroll through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

- Tour the colonial city of Colombo

- Comfortable accommodation and guided tours throughout

Included:

Accommodation in 3-star or 4-star hotels

Daily breakfast and dinner

Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking guide

All entrance fees to mentioned attractions

Train ticket from Kandy to Nanu Oya

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Excluded:

International airfare

Lunch and beverages

Tips and personal expenses

Optional excursions not mentioned

A 7-day immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural and natural landmarks. This package is perfect for first-time visitors eager to discover the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and Dambulla, the sacred city of Kandy, the tea trails of Nuwara Eliya, and the vibrant life of Colombo. Blending history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery, this tour offers a balanced mix of exploration and relaxation.

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Transfer to Negombo for a relaxing start by the beach.

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to Negombo. Check in at the hotel and relax after your flight. Enjoy a beach walk or explore the bustling fish market in the evening.

Highlights:

Meet & Greet at Airport
Transfer to Negombo
Evening at the Beach or City Walk

Head to Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland and climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya. Upon arrival, explore the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, featuring ancient frescoes and royal gardens. Check in at a Sigiriya-area hotel for an overnight stay.

Highlights:

Drive to Sigiriya
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Leisure evening at hotel

Explore Dambulla’s cave temples and the ancient capital city of Polonnaruwa.

Start with the colorful Dambulla Cave Temple, decorated with murals and statues. Continue to Polonnaruwa to see royal palaces, shrines, and massive stone carvings. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Sigiriya area.

Highlights:

Dambulla Cave Temple visit
Polonnaruwa Ancient Ruins
Local village lunch (optional)

Travel to Kandy with cultural stops along the way, then visit the Temple of the Tooth.

Depart Sigiriya and stop at a spice garden in Matale. On arrival in Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, then witness a traditional dance show in the evening. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Highlights:

Spice Garden tour in Matale
Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Kandy Cultural Dance Show

Enjoy a scenic train ride through tea country and discover colonial Nuwara Eliya.

Start with a morning walk through the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Board the train from Kandy to Nanu Oya for a breathtaking ride. Explore Nuwara Eliya’s tea estates and colonial landmarks. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Highlights:

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Scenic train ride to Nanu Oya
Nuwara Eliya tea estate visit

Travel to the capital city and experience Colombo’s lively streets and architecture.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Colombo. Go on a guided city tour exploring modern and colonial aspects of the capital. Optional shopping or relaxation. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Highlights:

Drive to Colombo
City tour covering Galle Face, Independence Square, and Pettah Market
Shopping or leisure evening

Conclude your Sri Lankan adventure and transfer to the airport for departure.

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping or a quick city stroll before being transferred to the airport. Farewell from Sri Lanka!

Highlights: