8 Days Discover Culture & Nature Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Code: IT0803

Destinations Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Colombo Airport – Pinnawala – Sigiriya 

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which has been looking after orphaned or injured elephants. You can watch the elephant’s bath in the river.

Sigiriya Village Tour with Lunch

This village tour gives you a memorable experience in a countryside rural village in Sigiriya. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart rides, traditional catamaran rides in a lake, visit Chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstrations in a rural village house and authentic Sri Lankan lunch during this tour.

Elephant Back Riding

Riding on the back of the amazing giant in the wild would be an incredible experience in life. An elephant ride in Sri Lanka will be a great opportunity to be so close to the majestic beast while enjoying the views of nature, wildlife and traditional lifestyles of the people in rural villages in Sri Lanka. Moreover, an elephant ride in Sri Lanka would allow you to observe the surroundings in closer proximity. More than all the facts mentioned above, the most precious experience of this activity is getting to share a day in the life of an elephant. Usually, well-tamed elephants are used for these safaris and certainly, the elephant will be accompanied by the mahout. During an elephant ride in Sri Lanka, the passengers would be safely carried in a wooden saddle, which is a basket-like enclosure fixed upon a wooden platform and placed on the back of the elephant. The saddle would carry four passengers at a time, safely and comfortably.

Day 02 : Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Lion Rock is built in the 5th century and named after the giant Lion that is carved from stone and greets visitors at the entrance, the Sigiriya rock Fortress contains a lot of history. Also known as the ancient city of Sigiriya, the remains of the palace of King Kasyapa can be found on top of this 200 meters high rock. Besides that, a Buddhist Monastery, landscaped gardens, frescoes and water gardens can be seen when visiting the Lion rock. The ancient rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982 and has been declared by UNESCO as the eighth wonder of the world!

Dambulla Cave Temple

It was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and it is a World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of paintings found in the world.

Spice Garden Matale

where smells of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses and the visitors are provided with an insight into an age-old industry of spice production, which attracted many European and Asian merchants to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka.

Gem Museum

It is an excellent gemmology museum, educating one on the geological history of Sri Lanka. It also houses a shop from where you can buy the gems..they have a selection of Ceylon Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls and other gemstones and jewellery in Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known as the Glorious Tooth Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy. Also, visit Kandy Lake which is nearby.

Cultural Dancing Show

In the Evening watch the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. That is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance and Cultural Heritage
Starting Time of the Show – 5.30 PM

Day 03 : Kandy – Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya

Art & Craft Center Kandy

This is the largest and most exclusive handicrafts showroom in Sri Lanka. We sell antiques, wood carvings, masks, stoneware, Batiks, curios, silverware, brassware, paintings and other traditional Sri Lankan collectables”

Batik Factory & Shop

Batik work is the art of using wax on fabric when dyeing in order to avoid dyeing a certain section of the fabric. This method is also known as wax-resist dyeing.
The material usually used is cotton as it captures the dyes without fading much with use. The wax is dripped in a pattern or design using a spouted tool called a canting or printed in a preset design using a copper stamp called a cap. You can visit a batik factory and batik shops to buy batiks.

Ramboda Waterfalls

Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. … It is situated in Pussellawa area

Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

This is one of the important Hanuman Temples in Sri Lanka located on the summit of the very beautiful picturesque mountain in Ramboda 30 KM north of Nuwara Eliya, the gateway to the tea country hill station of Sri Lanka. This Hanuman Temple in Ramboda was constructed by Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka. Shri Bhakta Hanuman temple is dedicated to the God Hanuman and this is one of the important sites of Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka. Visitors can witness the 18 feet Hanuman statue which is the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka established inside the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda.

Tea Plantation & Tea Factory

Nuwara Eliya is the best known tea-growing district of Sri Lanka with her impressive lush green tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya has quite a large number of tea factories, tea houses and tea fields. Visit a tea factory en route to see how the world`s favourite drink is prepared and walk through a tea garden. During the tour, you will see how tea is dried, pressed and produced. You will get to see the various equipment and a guide will explain how they function. You will also visit a tea tasting chamber with different types of teas. There you will get to know the proper way of brewing tea and the various ways to identify the different types of tea.

Seetha Amman Temple

This temple is the only Hindu Temple which is dedicated to Princess Sita in Sri Lanka. Regarding the Ramayana proof of Sri Lanka, it is believed that the Sita Devi was kept captive at this site by King Ravana.

Day 04 : Nuwara Eliya – Ella

Gregory Lake

Named after Sir William Gregory in 1873, this is a prominent attraction used for water sports and recreational activities. Lake Park and Boat Rides are available. You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved walkways, with swan-shaped paddle boats for the more adventurous. There are pony rides around the lake for the kids and even adults, with plenty of fast food stalls located in a separate area where one can enjoy a meal or a snack

Old Post office

Built-in the year 1894, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building displays a Tudor-era design, in keeping with the architectural style of many of the other colonial buildings within the town.
Complete with a red brick exterior and a clock tower spiralling out of the corner of the building, the building showcases a glimpse of old-world Ceylon and serves as a major tourist attraction in ‘Little England’.

Strawberry Farm

These fields are a great backdrop for the photographers who are trying to capture the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya. During the strawberry season, visitors can go around the plantation and pick up strawberries on their own. It is also possible to arrange a tractor tour around the premises. Some of these fields also have an attached shop where freshly picked strawberries along with jams, juices, and other strawberry-based products are readily available.

Train Ride From Nanu oya to Ella

Take the train From Nanuoya railway station to Ella. This is the best scenic train ride in Srilanka. This train ride is 2 to 3 hours long and takes you through breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. After you reach Ella station you will be picked up by the driver to Continue the tour.

Day 05 : Ella 

Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’ was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adams Peak is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada –where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore the mountain was called Little Adams Peak.“Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak, you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.

Flying Ravana

Flying Ravana is Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella, Sri Lanka. (near Little Adams Peak – Ella’s main attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometre (Length 550m), slides at max 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. Flying Ravana is true, Ella in all its glory. This 1-hour Flying Ravana Experience gives you an exclusive adventure enthusiasts experience.

Day 06 :  Ella – Yala national Park

Ravana Waterfall

It is named after the demon king Ravana who according to traditional folklore is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka and currently ranks as one of the widest waterfalls in Srilanka

Ravana Cave

The Ravana Ella Cave lies 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind the Ravana waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave

Yala Afternoon Safari

Experience the thrill and excitement of a Yala National Park Safari. It is the second-largest wild sanctuary and the most popular wildlife destination in Sri Lanka because of the high chance of encountering and variety of animals. Its diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles.

The Main focuses on elephants, leopards and bears. Current estimates suggest there are around 70 leopards and This means you’re more likely to see a leopard here than anywhere else in the world.
The Jeep Safari will start at 2.00 p.m from the entrance and finish at 06.00 p.m.

Day 06 :  Ella – Yala national Park

Ravana Waterfall

It is named after the demon king Ravana who according to traditional folklore is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka and currently ranks as one of the widest waterfalls in Srilanka

Ravana Cave

The Ravana Ella Cave lies 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind the Ravana waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave

Yala Afternoon Safari

Experience the thrill and excitement of a Yala National Park Safari. It is the second-largest wild sanctuary and the most popular wildlife destination in Sri Lanka because of the high chance of encountering and variety of animals. Its diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles.

The Main focuses on elephants, leopards and bears. Current estimates suggest there are around 70 leopards and This means you’re more likely to see a leopard here than anywhere else in the world.
The Jeep Safari will start at 2.00 p.m from the entrance and finish at 06.00 p.m.

Day 07 :  Yala National Park – Tangalle – Mirissa

Hummanaya Blowhole

Hummanaya Blowhole is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka and it is considered to be the second largest blowhole in the world. Hummanaya refers to the noise, “hoo”, that can be heard a distance away when the blowhole is active. The Hummanaya Blow Hole is a natural wonder that sprays a jet of seawater into the air between two giant rocks; sometimes reaching heights of over 80 – 100 feet. The best time to see this is during high tide, as you can experience the salty spray on your skin as seawater jets towards the sky and falls back on its wide-eyed audience.

Coconut Tree Hill

you can walk to Coconut tree hill. That is a dome hill surrounded by scenic palm trees, the Coconut tree hill is a hidden area that has become a popular attraction especially for capturing stunning pictures during the sunset breaking the sky into vibrant colours against the ocean.

Stilt Fishing

Stilt Fishing is a traditional style of fishing practised by local fishermen in Sri Lanka, especially on the southern coast. With a perfect balance and an insurmountable amount of patience, fishermen perch themselves on cross-shaped beams and wait for their catch of the day!
You can witness the stilt fishermen in action! even put your balance and patience to the test as you perch yourself on a stilt too. it’ll be a great photo opportunity to take back home.

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is no longer much of a secret. It is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and we certainly rate it as one of the most beautiful. This means you won’t have the place completely to yourself as the name may suggest, but it should still be relatively quiet and peaceful in comparison to the main Mirissa Beach.it is also teeming with wildlife. If you go for a swim or a snorkel there is a good chance you will come across some turtles which always makes for a great day. It is only a short distance from Mirissa town centre to Secret Beach but it is a crazy little road that takes you there. We recommend taking a tuk tuk there. The road is steep, narrow and winding, making for an interesting journey.

Parrot Rock

Parrot Rock is a small secluded rock island that provides the most dazzling views of Mirissa’s entire golden sanded shoreline. The viewpoint at the summit is the quiet getaway you desired, and that is just 5-minutes away from Mirissa’s beloved main beach. Parrot Rock is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by, especially during golden hour, when the sun gently drops below the horizon.
It’s a bit difficult to get to the island since you have to cross water, and the water may be up to your waist depending on the tide and time of day. Either way, you’re going to get soaked. To go to Parrot Rock Mirissa, you must first cross across the sea. Once there, you will find a stairway that will take you to the top, where you will get an amazing view over Mirissa beach and the coconut tree hill to your left.

Day 08 :  Mirissa – Galle – Colombo Airport 

Whale & Dolphin Watching at Mirissa

Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do in Sri Lanka. Often spotted blue whales are the biggest animals in the world and Mirissa is the best place for whale and dolphin watching tours in Sri Lanka. The whale watching season in Mirissa is from November to April. Although blue whales are the main attraction if you’re lucky you’ll have the chance to see a mix of amazing marine life. You should be at Mirissa harbour 6.00-6.30 am. You will be served breakfast, fruits & water during the tour. If you are using a private boat you can Start the tour anytime in the morning hrs. but the best to start the tour is before 8.00 am.

Galle Fort

The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Srilanka located on the southern coast of the country. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the course of their reign in Srilanka and was later renovated by the Dutch. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites out of many in Srilanka. This is because of its wonderful illustration of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions of the 16th and 19th centuries.

The fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty. You will come across several lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which add to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship. At present, the fort is still home to a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, as some properties inside the fort are still owned by many Dutch people and local Srilankan people as well.

Fifty Lighthouse Street is set within the fort and offers the perfect base for you to explore the charms of Galle. Preserved in its original glory, stroll along the ramparts and admire the imposing structures like the Galle Lighthouse, Galle Clocktower and the Groote Kerk.