General Information
Tour Highlights
- Take 1,200 steps upwards for Sri Lanka's most famous archaeological site
- Observe Buddhist relics, paintings, and statues at Temple of the Tooth
- Enjoy a hike along stunning trails in the rainforest and central highlands
- Overnight stay in authentic cities and towns like Kandy, Sigiriya, and Ella
- Participating in swimming or surfing in the historic, yet hip, enclave of Galle to finish the trip
Tour Details
Duration: 9 Days/ 8 Nights
Start/ End: Colombo / Colombo
Tour Route: Colombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Ella – Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve – Galle – Colombo
Tour Type: Tailor-made tour
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interest
Vehicle: private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver
Guide Service: private English-speaking guide
Tour Departure: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Colombo Arrival – Drive to Sigiriya
Day 02: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Pindurangala Rock
Day 03: Dambulla Caves – Drive to Kandy
Day 04: Discover Kandy & the Temple of the Tooth – Transfer to Ella
Day 05: Ella Hike
Day 06: Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve Hike
Day 07: Drive to Galle – Galle Fort Tour
Day 08: Galle at Leisure
Day 09: Colombo Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 01: Colombo Arrival – Drive to Sigiriya
Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to warmly greet and escort you to the hotel in Sigiriya. As you leave the bustling city behind, gaze outside your window and notice the changing landscapes where farmers tend to their rice crops, aided by irrigation tanks constructed during ancient times. Stay overnight at a resort near the Sigiriya Rock Fortress—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 02: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Pindurangala Rock
This morning, after breakfast at your resort, you'll take a short drive to reach Sigiriya Rock. Translated to 'Lion Rock' in English, the name of the monument is taken from the route that visitors use to begin their final ascent to the top: through the open Sigiriya (throat) of a Sinha (lion).
This is your chance to climb the impressive rock fortress and learn some history from your guide. The fact that the rock is probably Sri Lanka's most renowned historical site, appearing in many of the country's promotional posters. The topography of the area is flat except for the massive rock outcrop of the fortress itself, which reaches an incredible 660 feet (200 m) from the jungle below. You can take 1,200 steps upwards to discover one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning. Make sure to look for the colorful frescoes that adorn the walls, as well as the gigantic paws sculpted into the side of the rock. From the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, indulge in the breathtaking panoramic views down over the plains and dry hills.
Next, head to a rock top temple called Pidurangala just a short distance from the fortress. You'll take the hike up to the top for some lovely views of the surrounding valley and (of course) nearby Sigiriya Rock, which sits slightly lower in altitude. Also, look for the large reclining Buddha which lays inside the temple.
Later, in the evening, you are free to enjoy the resort; a driver will also be on hand to take you to the restaurant of your choice for dinner.
Day 03: Dambulla Caves – Drive to Kandy
After breakfast in Sigiriya, it's time to hit the road again! You'll meet your driver and begin the journey to Dambulla Caves. These caves make up the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka and are said to date back to the first century BCE. In pre-historic times, people likely lived in these caves evidenced by the discovery and dating of human bones. Within the site are a handful of separate caves that contain over 100 stunning Buddha statues and paintings—some of Sri Lanka's most important and evocative religious art—created over the span of 2,000 years ago. There are also fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
After lunch, you'll make the 2-hour drive to Kandy through the lively countryside dotted with tea plantations.
Day 04: Discover Kandy & the Temple of the Tooth – Transfer to Ella
After breakfast, you'll spend some time visiting the enchanting city of Kandy and the most sacred site in Sri Lanka: The Temple of the Tooth. Located on the edge of a lake, the temple is said to house a tooth relic of the Buddha. Venerated as the most important object in the Buddhist world, the sacred relic was brought here from India 2,500 years ago and is protected in a gold casket inside the Inner Chamber. Each morning at dawn, a steady stream of white-clad devotees partakes in an offering and prayer ceremony which is something really special to see. There is an evening session also, but the morning one is not attended by as many tourists, so you can get a more authentic experience.
In addition to the relic, you'll also have time to visit the temple complex, which is made up of numerous buildings, most of which are highly decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha.
From here, board on a late morning train to Ella along with a packed lunch. The sceneries are impressive along this relaxing route; gaze out the window or sit back and read a book. Upon arrival, check out the quaint little hilltop town that is growing in popularity. The vistas from manifold places around Ella are marvelous and the town itself offers a nice village vibe.
Day 05: Ella Hike
After breakfast in Ella, you'll embark on a hike to Little Adam’s Peak. The larger peak from which it gets its name is a major pilgrimage walk, but the minor version is a rather enjoyable 3-hour hike with some great views and interesting village scenery along the way.
In the afternoon, you can choose to unwind at the hotel or keep trekking through nearby tea plantations and small villages. You'll almost certainly end up joining various friendly conversations with locals who don’t get a chance to meet foreigners very often.
Day 06: Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve Hike
This morning, you'll transfer to Sinharaja. This national park is one of the few areas in Sri Lanka where you can actually walk and enjoy natural serenity without the noise and hassle of jeeps.
The rainforest is lovely and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the variety of flora, the forest is home to a huge number of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. You may be lucky enough to see jungle fowls or blue magpies among smaller bird species. The walk in the forest takes around three hours, and you'll be given a packed lunch to enjoy along the way.
Day 07: Drive to Galle – Galle Fort Tour
After breakfast this morning, you'll transfer to the small city of Galle on Sri Lanka's southwest coast. Make sure to explore the fortress that was built by the Portuguese in 1587, surrounded by the ocean on three sides. Hear the stories of the families who have lived here for generations, learn about the eclectic mix of ethnicities and personalities who make up the Galle Fort community, and take a stroll along the ramparts.
Later, in the evening, have dinner overlooking the sea and look for sea turtles who sometimes make an appearance.
Day 08: Galle at Leisure
Today, you'll have the entire day to explore this delightful, yet exotic UNESCO-listed city along the southern coast. Galle is the bustling provincial capital and Sri Lanka's first international commerce and trade center. Even as the city modernizes, its remarkable collection of ancient structures transports visitors to another time.
Enjoy some well-deserved relaxation on the beach today, or maybe head back to the Fort to explore the various shops and eateries.
You'll also have time to explore the city's Dutch-colonial buildings, historic mosques, grand mansions, and museums. Wander the streets and you'll discover stylish cafes, shops, and boutique hotels owned by local and ex-pat artists and designers.
The city is also famous for Unawatuna Bay, a lovely cove protected by a reef. Finish your day with a dip in the ocean so you can say you went for a swim in Sri Lanka—a memorable way to wrap up the trip. You can also take a surf lesson as Galle's nearby beaches are great for beginners.
Day 09: Colombo Departure
Time to say goodbye, Sri Lanka. Breakfast and morning at leisure until getting escorted to the airport in Colombo for a flight coming home. The trip ends. Hope we had a fantastic time together and wish that we could serve you next time in Sri Lanka or other Asia tours.
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