Explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and Beyond
Discover the ancient wonders, spiritual landmarks, tea country, and wildlife of Sri Lanka in this perfectly balanced 9-day journey. Ideal for travelers seeking culture, history, and natural beauty.
This 8 Nights / 9 Days Cultural & Heritage Itinerary takes you on a journey through Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites – from the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and ancient capitals of Polonnaruwa and Dambulla, to the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Travel through misty tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy breathtaking views in Ella, and end your adventure with golden sunsets on the southern beaches of Bentota. Perfectly balanced with culture, nature, and relaxation, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking both history and leisure in Sri Lanka.
Day 1: Arrival – Pinnawala → Sigiriya (Jetlag Recovery)
Pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport.
Drive to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (~90 km | 2–3 hrs). Witness feeding & bathing of elephants.
Continue to Sigiriya (~90 km | 2–2.5 hrs).
Hotel check-in and leisure evening for jetlag recovery.
Overnight stay: Sigiriya
Day 2: Sigiriya Village & Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Tour
Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage).
Experience a traditional Village Tour: catamaran ride, bullock cart ride, and authentic local lunch.
Overnight stay: Sigiriya
Day 3: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Minneriya National Park
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Drive to Polonnaruwa Ancient City (~60 km | 1.5 hrs). Explore royal palace, temples, and ruins.
Afternoon transfer to Minneriya National Park (~20 km | 30 min).
Evening Jeep Safari – famous for large elephant gatherings.
Overnight stay: Sigiriya
Day 4: Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (~20 km | 30 min).
Continue to Kandy (~72 km | 2–2.5 hrs).
Stop at Matale Spice Garden en route.
Optional visit to a Gem Shop.
Evening Cultural Dance Show in Kandy.
Overnight stay: Kandy
Day 5: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Morning visit to Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (~85 km | 3–4 hrs).
En route: Ramboda Waterfall Viewpoint.
Visit Tea Plantation & Factory.
Stop at the iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office (option to send postcards home).
Leisure at Gregory Lake.
Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Scenic drive/train ride to Ella (~60 km | 2–3 hrs).
Visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge.
Leisure evening in Ella.
Overnight stay: Ella
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
