Explore Sri Lanka in 9 Days
This 8 Nights / 9 Days itinerary covers Sri Lanka’s iconic attractions:
Wildlife & heritage: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Yala Safari
Scenic hill country: Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda Waterfall, Ella & Nine Arch Bridge
Beach & leisure: Mirissa, Bentota beaches, optional whale watching & Maduganga River Safari.
Ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded, comfortable tour without rushing.
Day 1: Arrival – Pinnawala → Sigiriya (Jetlag Recovery)
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
Transfer to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (~90 km | 2–3 hrs) – elephant feeding & river bathing
Continue to Sigiriya (~80 km | 2 hrs)
Evening free for jetlag recovery
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 2: Sigiriya Village & Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Sigiriya Village Tour (bullock cart rides & short river/catamaran experience through rural village life)
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 3: Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Drive to Dambulla (~30 km | 1 hr)
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Optional: Spice Garden in Matale & Gem Store Vista
Continue to Kandy (~70 km | 2–3 hrs)
Evening: Kandy Cultural Dance Show
Overnight: Kandy
Day 4: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (~80 km | 2–3 hrs)
Visit Tea Plantation & Factory
Ramboda Waterfall Viewpoint
Visit Nuwara Eliya Post Office (send postcards or souvenirs home)
Leisure at Gregory Lake (walk or boat ride)
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya Ella
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Nuwara Eliya Ella (~60 km | 2-3 hrs)
Optional: Scenic Train Journey
Nine Arch Bridge
Little Adam’s Peak – short hike
Leisure time in Ella town
Overnight: Ella
Day 6: Ella → Ravana Falls → Yala
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Drive to Ravana Falls (~10 km | 20 min)
Visit Ravana Falls
Continue to Yala (~140 km | 4–5 hrs)
Afternoon/Evening Yala Safari
Overnight near Yala
Day 7: Yala → Mirissa
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Drive to Mirissa (~180 km | 4–5 hrs)
Relax at Mirissa Beach
Sunset photography at Coconut Tree Hill
Optional Secret Beach visit
Seafood dinner by the beach
Overnight: Mirissa
Day 8: Mirissa → Bentota
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Optional early morning whale watching (Nov–Apr)
Drive to Bentota (~130 km | 3–4 hrs)
Visit Turtle Hatchery
Leisure at Bentota Beach
Optional Maduganga River Safari
Overnight: Bentota
Day 9 : Bentota → Colombo – Departure
Check-out: Flexible / as per departure
Drive to Colombo (~90 km | 2–3 hrs)
Optional Colombo city tour & shopping (as per time and comfort)
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for departure
Tour Highlights
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Sigiriya Village & Rock Fortress
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Kandy City & Cultural Dance Show
- Tea Plantations, Ramboda Waterfall & Nuwara Eliya Post Office
- Scenic Train Journey & Ella Highlights
- Yala Safari
- Mirissa & Bentota Beaches, Turtle Hatchery & Maduganga Safari
