Begin the Journey! Explore Sigiriya and Enjoy a Wildlife Safari

Ridi Viharaya - Known as the Silver Temple, Ridi Viharaya is a revered Theravada Buddhist temple from the 2nd century BC, located in Ridigama, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. It is famed for its legend as a silver source for King Dutugemunu’s Ruwanwelisaya stupa. Nestled in a scenic, hilly area, the site boasts around 25 caves, ancient Buddha statues, historic paintings, and a tranquil ambiance.

Dambulla Cave Temple - The Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, comprises five sacred caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and ancient murals, some over 2,000 years old. Carved into a rock face over 160 meters high, it is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains. It is a significant religious and artistic site, with art contributions from various kings over the centuries.

Minneriya National Park - Minneriya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, renowned for its large elephant populations, especially during the dry season when they gather around the Minneriya Tank in an event known as the “Elephant Gathering”. The park features diverse habitats, including dry tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and is home to various wildlife, such as leopards, deer, monkeys, and 160 bird species. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with these animals on a jeep safari.

Habarana Cultural Centre - The Habarana Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka is a tourist attraction offering an experience of local culture, including traditional dance performances that highlight heritage and storytelling through movement. It is a venue for cultural immersion, where visitors can experience vibrant energy and connect with Sri Lankan traditions through these performances.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Drive to Kandy

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya is a 5th-century rock fortress in Sri Lanka, constructed by King Kashyapa as a royal palace and stronghold. It features palace ruins atop a high rock, a Lion Gate entrance, and advanced water gardens at its base. Known for its architectural and artistic achievements, including frescoes, a Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, and sophisticated hydraulic systems in the gardens, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases a masterful blend of natural beauty, art, and engineering.

Nalanda Gedige - Nalanda Gedige is an ancient stone temple from the 8th to 10th century in Sri Lanka, near Matale, noted for its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles, including South Indian Dravidian influences. Once threatened by the Bowatenne Tank, the entire structure was dismantled and rebuilt at a higher elevation. The site features intricate carvings, an intact shrine, and a small dagoba, and its original location is considered a geographical center of Sri Lanka.

Regent Spice Garden - Explore the rich variety of Sri Lankan spices and herbs here.

Kandy View Point - Kandy View Point, also known as Arthur’s Seat, is a scenic lookout in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offering panoramic views of the city, Kandy Lake, and the surrounding hills. It is a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset, providing a serene escape with views of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace, and the city’s rooftops.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a major Buddhist site in Kandy, Sri Lanka, renowned for housing the sacred left canine tooth of the Buddha. It is a significant pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the 16th century and located in the former royal palace complex next to Kandy Lake. The temple features elaborate Kandyan architecture and hosts daily rituals, with the relic kept in a jeweled casket and rarely seen by the public.

Kandy to Ella via Nuwara Eliya

Royal Botanical Gardens - The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, is a historic 147-acre garden near Kandy, Sri Lanka, known for its diverse collection of approximately 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and an impressive Avenue of Royal Palms. Founded in 1821, its initial purpose was to cultivate tropical economic plants like coffee trees. Today, it is a major botanical institution in Asia, featuring highlights like the giant Java fig tree, an orchid house, and the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka.

Ramboda Waterfall - Ramboda Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction in Sri Lanka, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing atmosphere. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers, providing a serene escape amidst lush greenery.

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden - The Damro Labookellie tea plantation and factory, located near Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is a historic estate that is one of the country’s oldest and largest tea production sites. Visitors can tour the factory to see the tea-making process, enjoy a complimentary tea tasting and cake, and take photos of the scenic landscape. The estate, formerly known as Mackwoods Labookellie, has been producing high-quality Ceylon tea for over 175 years.

Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya is a hill station in Sri Lanka, known as “Little England” for its cool climate and British colonial architecture and gardens. It is a popular tourist destination famous for its lush tea plantations and scenic landscapes. The city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and colonial history.

Ella - Spend the night in Ella. Ella is a charming town in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, known for its stunning natural scenery, including hills, tea plantations, and waterfalls. It is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and backpackers who come for its outdoor activities, relaxed atmosphere, and scenic train journeys. Key attractions include the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, and Ravana Falls.

From the Hill Country to the Beaches

Nine Arches Bridge - The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka, is a colonial-era viaduct known for its striking architecture amidst lush greenery, often called the “Bridge in the Sky”. Constructed in 1921 from stone, brick, and cement, it spans 91 meters (299 ft) and stands 24 meters (79 ft) high, linking two mountains over a dense valley of tea plantations and jungle. It is a popular destination for photographers and tourists, offering scenic views, especially when a train crosses the tracks.

Mini Adams Peak - Mini (or Little) Adam’s Peak in Ella is a popular, relatively easy hike that rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Sri Lankan landscape, including lush tea plantations, Ella Rock, and distant mountains. The accessible trail includes a mix of dirt paths and concrete steps, making it suitable for many fitness levels. It’s particularly famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, though sunrise is less crowded.

Ravana Ella Falls - Ravana Ella Falls is a picturesque, multi-tiered waterfall in Ella, Sri Lanka, known for its accessibility, lush green surroundings, and a mythological connection to the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. It’s a popular stop that is easily visible from the main road, with the option for visitors to walk down for a closer look or even climb to higher levels. While it’s a beautiful and scenic spot, be aware that it can get crowded, especially during peak times, and the rocks near the base are slippery.

Hiriketiya Beach - Hiriketiya Beach is a picturesque, horseshoe-shaped bay on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its surfing, clear turquoise waters, and golden sand. It’s a popular, laid-back destination with a vibrant cafe scene, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. The beach is suitable for all levels of surfers and offers activities like swimming and sunbathing, though the small bay can get crowded.

Mirissa Beach - Mirissa Beach is a picturesque horseshoe-shaped beach in southern Sri Lanka known for its golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a popular destination for whale watching, surfing, snorkeling, and relaxing under palm trees. The area is also home to local restaurants serving Sri Lankan cuisine and scenic spots like Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock.

Galle Fort - Galle Dutch Fort is a historic, fortified city in Galle, Sri Lanka, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant mix of history and modernity. Originally built by the Portuguese, it was later fortified by the Dutch and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it functions as a living neighborhood with numerous government offices, museums, cafes, and boutique shops housed within the fort’s ramparts.

Hikkaduwa Beach - Spend the night here.

Final Day of the Tour and Airport Drop-off

Turtle Beach - Turtle Beach in Hikkaduwa is a popular spot in Sri Lanka where you can see and swim with wild sea turtles in a natural cove. While a great place for turtle sightings, the area can get crowded with tourists, some of whom interfere with the turtles by feeding or touching them, which is discouraged. It is known for its large sea turtles, which can sometimes swim close to the shore.

Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa - Observe how commercial sanctuaries conduct conservation efforts. Here, you can release baby turtles into the sea.

Tsunami Photo Museum - The Tsunami Photo Museum in Telwatta, Sri Lanka, is a small, solemn memorial dedicated to the memory of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It features raw, harrowing photos and personal accounts from survivors, including the owner, to preserve the history of the devastating event. The museum is located in what was a house, with a special room dedicated to children’s drawings of the day, and it is free to enter with donations encouraged to support victim support.

Natural Moonstone Mine And Gem Palace - The natural moonstone mine in Meetiyagoda, Sri Lanka, is a world-renowned location for high-quality, blue-sheen moonstones extracted through traditional shaft mining. You can witness the process of traditional mining, from digging in narrow shafts to filtering and polishing the gems, and purchase jewelry directly from the source.

Colombo - A brief city tour in Colombo concludes the 5-day trip. Drop-off at Colombo Airport.

• Entry/Admission - Haputale
• Entry/Admission - Rawana Falls
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Entry/Admission - Little Adam’s Peak View Point
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Entry/Admission - Demodara Loop
• Private Return Transportation with an experienced driver-guide
• Entry/Admission - Nine Arches Bridge
• Entry Fees & Train Tickets
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Drinks and tips
• Minneriya National park entrance fees and jeep safari fees
• Habarana Cultural Centre
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Cave Temple
• Temple of Tooth relic
• Made River Safari

Experience the best of Sri Lanka in just 5 days and 4 nights. This tour is a fantastic investment of both time and money!

Explore a segment of ancient Sri Lanka, delving into its history and culture. Enjoy an exciting wildlife safari in one of the country’s premier national parks. The journey continues through the picturesque hill country, concluding with a visit to Sri Lanka’s breathtaking beaches. What more could you ask for?

Discover Sri Lanka in 5 days!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.