Golden Sri Lanka 8 Days

You'll arrive at Colombo airport where your tour leader meets you for the drive to Negombo. This coastal town sits on the western shore and offers nice beaches along with a lively local scene. Get settled at your hotel and rest up before the main part of your trip starts tomorrow.

Overnight stay in Negombo.

After breakfast and tea, you'll head inland through the Sri Lankan countryside toward Dambulla. Stop at Pinnawala Elephant Rehabilitation Center where you can feed and wash rescued elephants. From there, a cultural village tour includes a bull cart ride, catamaran boat trip, and cooking class with local food. In the afternoon, you'll reach Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, climb to the top, and watch the sunset from this UNESCO site.

Included Activities

• Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Rehabilitation Center with feeding and bathing activities
• Cultural village tour including bull cart ride
• Catamaran boat ride across the lake
• Visit to farmer's house with Sri Lankan curry cooking demonstration and authentic countryside lunch

Landmarks

• Pinnawala Elephant Rehabilitation Center
• Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

Starting with breakfast, you'll explore the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple complex, seeing the Golden Buddha and historic frescoes before traveling to Kandy. The Temple of the Tooth Relic comes next, and then you have free time to walk through Kandy's center and check out the viewpoint. By evening, you'll attend a cultural dance show featuring traditional Sri Lankan performance.

Included Activities

• Visit to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Buddha Statue (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Visit to Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Cultural dance show inspired by Sri Lankan arts and heritage

Landmarks

• Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
• Temple of the Tooth Relic

After breakfast, visit a museum focused on Sri Lankan gem mining. Next, head to Peradeniya Royal Garden, one of Asia's best botanical gardens with thousands of plant species. The drive takes you through misty hillsides to a tea plantation where you'll see how Ceylon tea gets processed and try a fresh cup. You'll arrive in Nuwara Eliya by afternoon, known as 'Little England' for its colonial buildings, and have free time to wander the town and market.

Included Activities

• Visit to Gem Museum to learn about Sri Lankan gem mining
• Visit to Peradeniya Royal Garden
• Tea plantation visit with Ceylon tea processing demonstration and tasting

Landmarks

• Peradeniya Royal Garden

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

This day centers on one of the world's most scenic train rides from Nanu-Oya station to Ella village. You'll wind through tea plantations and pass waterfalls along the way. Upon arrival, take a walk through Ella village, see Ravana Waterfall and the Nine Arch Bridge. Later, continue to Yala National Park for your overnight stay.

Included Activities

• Scenic train journey from Nanu-Oya to Ella village
• Stroll through Ella village
• Visit to Ravana Waterfall
• Visit to Nine Arch Bridge
• Hike to Little Adam's Peak and the 9 Arches Bridge

Landmarks

• Ravana Waterfall
• Nine Arch Bridge

Overnight stay in Yala.

An early start gets you on a 4x4 jeep safari through Yala National Park where you'll spot leopards, crocodiles, wild elephants, and other wildlife. After your game drive, head to the south coast beaches near Mirissa or Dikwella. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand, having tropical drinks under palm trees, and soaking in the beach atmosphere.

Included Activities

• Wildlife game drive in Yala National Park in 4x4 jeep
• Optional Activities
• Jet Skiing
• Banana & Tube Boating
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Fishing

Landmarks

• Yala National Park

Overnight stay in Bentota.

After breakfast, there's an optional early boat trip to search for blue whales and dolphins if the season is right. Travel toward Galle with a stop in Matara to photograph the well-known stilt fishermen. Explore Galle Fort, which blends European and South Asian architectural styles, and see the Galle Lighthouse. A turtle hatchery visit lets you see baby turtles and rehabilitated adults, then you'll take a boat through Madu River mangroves with optional fish therapy available.

Included Activities

• Stroll through Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Visit to turtle hatchery and sanctuary
• Boat ride on Madu River through mangroves
• Optional Activities
• Blue whale and dolphin watching boat ride - Seasonal activity
• Fish therapy in Madu River

Landmarks

• Galle Fort
• Galle Lighthouse
• Madu River

Overnight stay in Bentota.

After breakfast, travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. If time permits, visit the Red Mosque, Gangarama Temple, and Independence Square. Walk through colorful streets with vibrant restaurants and modern shopping areas. Later, you'll head to the airport for your departure or get dropped at a hotel in Colombo or Negombo to end your trip.

Optional Activities

• Visit to Red Mosque
• Visit to Gangarama Temple
• Visit to Independence Square
• Explore Colombo city center

Landmarks

• Red Mosque
• Gangarama Temple
• Independence Square