9 Days Culture & Waterfalls Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Code: IT0903

Destinations Overview

Detailed Itinerarry

Day 01 : Colombo Airport – Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Ancient City

As an ancient capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, Anuradhapura remains one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Here, the crossroads of island history and mystery combine to serve you eight cultural marvels built upon our regal Sri Lankan heritage.
Anuradhapura’s ageless skyline is made up of magnificent dagabas, including the brilliantly white Ruwanwelisaya, the skyscraping Jetavanarama, the verdurous Abhayagiri, the noteworthy Mirisvetiya and Lankaramaya, and finally, Thuparamaya – the oldest dagaba in Sri Lanka, said to shelter the right collarbone of the Lord Buddha. Surrounding these grand symbols of Buddhist veneration are also the well-preserved ruins that earn Anuradhapura the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including sites of hospitals, monasteries, advanced irrigation systems and palaces such as the Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace). Perhaps most significant to the Anuradhapura however, is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at the heart of the ancient kingdom. This sacred Bo Tree was brought to Sri Lanka in 236 BC as a sapling of the tree under which the Lord Buddha gained enlightenment, making it one of the oldest surviving trees in the world.

Day 02 : Anuradhapura – Mihintale – Trincomalee

Mihintale

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.

Kanniya Hot Water Spring

Kanniya Hot Springs is a site with hot water wells located in Eastern Province, Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. The average temperature of these wells is 42 Celsius and the temperature is slightly different to one another. Kanniya Hot spring is a popular tourist destination in the Trincomalee district and both local & foreign travellers. Currently, this is managed by the Pradeshiya Sabha (Local Council) of Trincomalee. People in this area believe that this hot water is good for some skin deceases and it has healing power for Arthritis and Rheumatic.

According to King Ravana’s era, It says that King Ravana stuck the earth with his sword in several spots and several fountains sprang from these points. The water was hot and this was the beginning of these hot water springs

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram Temple or Tirukoneswaram Kovil is situated on top of Swami Rock. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, and it is one out of five such temples situated around Sri Lanka. It is believed that this Kovil has been in existence since 2500 years ago, and was renovated by the South Indian Chola King Kulakottan and maintained by other Sinhala Buddhist Kings. In 1622, the Portuguese destroyed this temple which they referred to as the temple of a thousand columns by shoving the temple over the edge of the cliff into the deep blue seas below. The revered Shiva lingam (mark of Shiva) was subsequently rescued by divers. The Portuguese used the building materials of the temple in the construction of Fort Fredrick.
At the bottom of the hill which leads to Swami rock is an ancient stone inscription with the symbol of King Kulakottan – the dual fish. The prophecy states that after 1500 years, Westerners with different eye colours will rule the country for 500 years. you can take part in the evening or morning pooja (prayer service) or obtain a blessing from the swami (priest) at the kovil. The temple is also worth visiting for its gorgeous views of the natural harbour as well as the Indian Ocean.

Marble Beach

Marble Beach is a beautiful and clean beach situated in Kinniya Road, Trincomalee. This pristine sandy beach is excellent for relaxing and the sea is ideal for swimming. The famous Marble Beach Air Force Resort managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force is also located here. Marble Beach is also known by the name Marble Bay Beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
The name “Marble Beach” is derived from the fact that when the sea is calm on a clear and bright day, the surface can be seen to be shining like marble. This calm and beautiful beach is relatively untouched and remains to be clean with pristine clear blue water. The sea here is also popular for snorkelling due to the existence of large schools of coloured fish.

Day 03 : Trincomalee – Sigiriya

Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli to the north of Trincomalee is one of Sri Lanka’s longest sandy beaches. Nilaveli is a Tamil word translating to “moon-shine open land”. In Sinhala, the same word means “blue sand”. After the civil war, it has become a major tourist destination, particularly for beach holidaymakers who come to Sri Lanka during the northern summer months. Watersports are a huge feature on this beach, surfing and windsurfing are the major excursions undertaken here.

Pigeon Island National Park

The national park got its name after rock pigeons/doves that inhabit the national park itself. The pigeon island national park comprises two islands – the large pigeon island and the small pigeon island. The best thing about any island has to be the beach, and it is no different from the Pigeon Island National Park. The twist to the plot is the coral reef that extends 200m long and 100m in width. So, you can see plenty of sea life within the reach of the beach. The small pigeon island has a rocky islet surrounding its coral-rich habitat. The rocky outcrops and the islets are a breeding and feeding ground for over 300 species of coral reef fish keeping the colourful underwater symphony alive.

Herbal Ayurvedic Spa at Sigiriya

Sink into the care of experienced Ayurvedic doctors with a range of carefully curated treatments, designed to give you a holistic wellness experience. Drawing from over multiple millennia of wisdom, the Ayurvedic therapies available in Srilankan hospitality include traditional curative and preventive treatments which focus on rejuvenating various elements of your mind, body, and soul. Treatments like Herbal Oil Massage, mind relaxing treatments, reflexology, Facial with Herbal Steam and body scrub are available and all are done with 100 % natural herbs.

Day 04 : Sigiriya – Wild Life Safari

Minneriya national park /Kaudulla national park / Hurulu eco-park Safari

Minneriya national park, Kaudulla national park and hurulu eco-park are interconnected national parks. Mostly you will be able to see Elephants. they move around these parks depending on the weather and their needs. The safari jeep driver will take you to the best national park with suggestions from the previous safari jeep drivers who have seen more elephants.

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 05 : Sigiriya – Dambulla – Matale – 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.

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 06 :  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”

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.

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 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

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.

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.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a public park located in Nuwara Eliya, next to the Nuwara Eliya Post Office in Sri Lanka. Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden. The park was formally named in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The park was established with the planting of its first tree, an Oak, by a visiting German Princess. The Nanu Oya River runs through the park, creating several small lakes. Many rare bird species can be found in the park. At the far end of the park are a small children’s playground and miniature ridable railway.

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka.
The church was built to resemble the Canterbury Church of England and is situated in the valley between Sri Lanka’s (Ceylon) highest mountain, Pidurutalagala and the 3rd highest peak, Kikilimana, amongst Pines, Cypress, Rhododendrons and flowering shrubs. The architectural features of Holy Trinity Church are breathtaking. A work of art and a much valued stained glass window, depicting a “Madonna” was placed on the East Wall of the Chapel, to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the church in 1952.

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.

Day 07 :   Nuwara Eliya – Ella 

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.

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

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.

Day 08 :   Ella – Hatton – Kithulgala

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.

St. Clair’s Falls

St. Clair’s Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is commonly known as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”. It is one of six waterfalls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project. The falls are located along the Kotmale Oya, a tributary of the Mahaweli River, as it cascades over three rock outcrops into a large pool, running through a tea estate. St Clair’s falls are the 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Devon Falls

Devon Falls, also known as the ‘Veil of the Valley’.The falls is named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, whose plantation was situated nearby the falls. The waterfall is 97 m (318 ft) high and is the 19th highest in the country. The falls are formed by a tributary of Kothmale Oya, which is a tributary of the Mahaweli River. The elevation of Devon Falls is 1,140 m (3,740 ft) above sea level.

Day 09 :    Kithulgala

White Water Rafting

The Kitulgala’s main attraction is White water rafting where you can ride the tides of the Kelani River. All instructions and equipment, including helmets and life vests, are laid on. You’ll paddle a shared raft through calm waters and rapids on the jungle-fringed Kelani River—all with the guidance of the instructor, so you can enjoy the thrills and scenery worry-free.