Explore 16+ iconic sites in Sri Lanka in 8 days. Discover cultural gems, scenic beauty, and thrilling adventures with our private, air-conditioned tour.
Explore 16+ iconic sites in Sri Lanka in 8 days. Discover cultural gems, scenic beauty, and thrilling adventures with our private, air-conditioned tour.
Pick up - Yapahuwa - Anuradhapura
Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom - The journey from Katunayake to Yapahuwa covers a distance of 120 km, taking approximately 3 hours. Yapahuwa is a historic royal fortress in Sri Lanka, dating back to 1272. During King Bhuvenakabahu’s reign, Yapahuwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka. This rock fortress complex, rising…
Pick up - Yapahuwa - Anuradhapura
Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom - The journey from Katunayake to Yapahuwa covers a distance of 120 km, taking approximately 3 hours. Yapahuwa is a historic royal fortress in Sri Lanka, dating back to 1272. During King Bhuvenakabahu’s reign, Yapahuwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka. This rock fortress complex, rising about 100 meters from the base, is captivating with its scenic surroundings. The main attractions include the staircase leading to the rock, lion stone sculptures, carvings by the staircase, and breathtaking views over the fortress. Visitors will spend 1 hour and 30 minutes at the site. (The entrance ticket of 500 LKR per person is not included in our price)
Anuradhapura - After exploring Yapahuwa, the tour continues from Yapahuwa to Anuradhapura, with a travel time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering a distance of about 75 km. Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, guests can check into their hotel and relax. (Hotel price is not included in our package price) Depending on time availability and guest preference, sightseeing in the ancient city of Anuradhapura can be done on the evening of Day 01 or the morning of Day 02. A minimum of 3 hours is required for a comprehensive tour of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura - Sightseeing in the Ancient City of Anuradhapura
Explore the first man-made city and the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka. This area is home to large tanks, monuments, and ruins. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although the land is now mostly tropical woodlands and sparsely populated, it was once the most densely populated area. (Entrance ticket cost of 25 USD per person is not included in our package price)
Sightseeing includes:
- Abhayagiri
- Aukana Buddha statue
- Ashokaramaya
- Sri Maha Bodhiya
- Thuparamaya
- Ruwanveliseya
- Jetavanaramaya
- Samadhi Buddha statue
- Isurumuniya
- Twin ponds
- Half-moon stone
-
Stone Bridge
Even a full day of sightseeing in Anuradhapura will leave more to explore. In half a day, visitors can cover the most important sites. (For those deeply interested in history, an expert guide is available for an additional cost of around 20 USD)
Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya
Mihintale - It is recommended to depart from Anuradhapura to Mihintale around 8:00 AM. The travel distance is approximately 30 km, with a travel time of about 30 minutes.
Mihintale is part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and holds great significance in Buddhist history. It is the site where King Devanampiyatissa met the Buddhist monk Mihidu, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The best times to explore Mihintale are in the morning or during the evening sunset. Key attractions include the magnificent 40ft stupa, ancient Buddhist monastery monuments, 1840 stone step stairways, alms hall and relic house, Black Water Pond, and Kantaka Chetiya.
After 3 hours of exploration in Mihintale, the tour proceeds to Sigiriya. (The entrance ticket cost to the Mihintale site is 1000 LKR per person, not included in our package price)
Habarana - From Mihintale to Habarana, the travel distance is around 60 km, with a travel time of about 1 hour. Experience Sri Lankan rural life with a Habarana village tour. The journey begins with a bullock cart ride along the village road to the lake, followed by a catamaran ride to admire the surrounding views. Afterward, visit a local farmhouse for a traditional cooking demonstration and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch buffet. (Activity cost of 20 USD per person is not included in our package) This activity takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - At 2:00 PM, begin the walk to Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Sigiriya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. A visit to the Sigiriya Museum before exploring the fortress will enhance understanding of its history and significance.
This royal kingdom was constructed by the Sinhalese King Kashyapa in the fifth century. During the climb of 590ft, visitors will discover the historical remains of the fortress, including the Lion Gate, Lion’s paw, fascinating frescoes, Mirror Wall, spiral stairs leading to the frescoes, Water Garden, and pool. Stay for the sunset to enjoy the stunning view from the top. Afterward, proceed to the hotel for an overnight stay. (The entrance ticket cost to Sigiriya Fortress is 30 USD, not included in our package price) Day 2 overnight stay around Sigiriya.
Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa - Proceed to Polonnaruwa, with a travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering a distance of about 60 km. It is recommended to start sightseeing early in the morning (depart from Sigiriya around 8:00 AM). Polonnaruwa is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
Polonnaruwa was declared a city by King Vijayabahu I in 1070 AD. Main attractions in the ancient city include Gal Viharaya, Kirivehera, Medirigiriya, Nissanka Malla’s Palace, Parakramabahu’s Palace, Parakrama Samudraya, Pothgul Vehera, Rankot Vehera, Royal Palace Complex, Satmahal Prasada, Thuparamaya, and Vatadage.
A minimum of 4 hours is needed for sightseeing in Polonnaruwa. Cycling tours are popular, and it is recommended to explore the city by bicycle. (Cycling rental starts at 5 USD per bicycle, and the entrance ticket cost to the site is 25 USD per person, not included in our package price)
Minneriya National Park - After Polonnaruwa, proceed to Minneriya National Park for a safari experience. Travel time is 1 hour, covering a distance of 40 km. The safari starts around 3:30 PM. (Entrance ticket and safari jeep cost are not included in the package price) Return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay in the evening.
Sigiriya - Dambulla - Matale - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Golden Temple of Dambulla - Proceed to Dambulla from Sigiriya. The travel distance is 30 minutes and 20 km. The Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. It features 157 colorful statues and Buddhist mural paintings covering an area of 2,100 sqm, depicting the story of Lord Buddha. The caves have been inhabited by Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE. This site is remarkable for exploring the tradition of living Buddhist ritual practices. The activity requires around 2 to 2.5 hours. The entrance ticket costs 5 USD, not included in the package price. After visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple, proceed to Kandy.
Matale - Matale Spice Cooking Class - On the way to Kandy, experience a Sri Lankan cooking class and lunch. After the cooking demonstration, explore the Matale Spice & Herbal Garden to learn how Sri Lankan spices are made with natural herbs. The activity takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The cost of the cooking class is 25 USD per person, not included in our package price.
Kandy - Arrive in Kandy before 4:00 PM. The journey from Dambulla to Kandy takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering 80 km.
The Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka, located in the royal palace complex of the former kingdom of Kandy. It houses the relic of Buddha’s tooth, which has historically played a significant role in local politics, as it is believed that whoever holds the relic governs the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, partly due to the temple. The Art & Craft Center, Gem Museum, Batik & Silk Center, Kandy Lake, and an evening cultural dancing show are the main tourist attractions covered, depending on time availability and guest interest.
After exploring Kandy, proceed to Nuwara Eliya. (Entrance and activity ticket fees are not included in the package price)
The journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya may start in the late evening.
Nuwara Eliya - Horton’s Plain Return - Nuwara Eliya - Train Ride - Ella
Horton Plains National Park - Depart from the hotel at 5:00 AM to reach Horton’s Plain. By 11:00 - 11:30 AM, the area is often covered by mist, obscuring visibility, so it is recommended to start the visit by 6:00 AM from the gate. A 4-wheel jeep or van will be used for the trip from Nuwara Eliya to the entrance gate. Tourists should wear light warm clothing (jacket, hat, and shoes) for the long walk in Horton Plains National Park.
Horton Plains National Park is the headwaters of the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe rivers in Sri Lanka. The sheer precipice of World’s End and Baker’s Falls are popular tourist attractions in the park. Horton Plains is rich in biodiversity, with many species endemic to the region. (The entrance ticket costs 15 USD, not included in the package price) A minimum of 4 hours is needed for this activity. Afterward, return to Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya - Relax at the hotel for a few hours.
Sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya
Depending on time availability and guest interest, sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya is suggested. Main attractions include Gregory’s Lake Park, the Old Post Office, and Victoria Garden.
Nanu Oya - At 1:30 PM, proceed to Nanu Oya railway station. The train departs from Nanu Oya railway station to Ella at 2:30 PM, arriving in Ella at 5:00 PM. Enjoy a scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella.
Relax in Ella in the evening.
Ella to Mirissa
Little Adam’s Peak View Point - Little Adam’s Peak
At 7:00 AM, start an easy walk to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella. The path leads through a beautiful lush green tea plantation. At the end of the easy hike, enjoy the impressive landscape view around Ella to the south side of the country. The activity takes 2 hours.
Visit the scenic 9 Arch Bridge in Ella after Little Adam’s Peak. (The cost of the tuk-tuk ride to the bridge is not included in the package price)
Ella - Discover how your favorite tea is processed, from plucking the tea leaves to packing. The tea factories maintain their colonial appearance with attractive surroundings. The plantation surrounding the factory is impressive.
The activity lasts about 1.5 hours.
Ravana Ella Falls - Ravana Waterfall is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Visitors can walk over some rocks for a closer look, but caution is advised on slippery rocks. During the dry season, Ravana Falls is perfect for a refreshing splash.
Mirissa Beach - In the afternoon, the tour departs from Ella to Mirissa Beach in the southern part of the country. The travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering 180 km. Arrive in Mirissa in the evening and enjoy leisure time.
Mirissa is renowned for seasonal (November to April) whale watching, surfing, seafood restaurants, and its golden sandy beach.
Mirissa - Galle - Mirissa
Mirissa Beach - After breakfast, enjoy leisure time at Mirissa Beach.
Galle Fort - The journey from Mirissa to Galle Fort takes 1 hour, covering 30 km. Galle Dutch Fort was originally built in 1588 by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch from 1649 to the 17th century. Today, the fort is vibrant with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. Due to its heritage value, UNESCO has listed Galle Fort as a World Heritage site. Main attractions include Galle Lighthouse, All Saints’ Church, Meeran Mosque, Dutch Reformed Church, Moon Bastion with Clocktower, Sun Bastion from the west, Triton Bastion, Flagrock Bastion, the main gate to the fort, the old gate to the fort, fascinating boutique shops, and a variety of restaurants.
Return to Mirissa in the evening and relax at the hotel.
Mirissa to Departure Flight
Katunayake - In the morning, the tour departs from Mirissa to Katunayake for the departure flight. The travel time from Mirissa to Katunayake is 3 hours and 40 minutes, covering 180 km.
Arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight departure time, marking the end of the Sri Lanka tour.
According to customer requirements, drop-offs can be arranged at hotels in Colombo, Katunayake, or Negombo instead of Katunayake Airport.

- Private transportation
- English speaking professional chauffeur for 08 days
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Highway ticket charges, Fuel, Taxes, service charges, Vehicle insurance, Expenses of the chauffeur
- Paging & Welcome on arrival to Sri Lanka airport [According to the booking basis]
- All transfers by vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private transportation
- English speaking professional chauffeur for 08 days
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Highway ticket charges, Fuel, Taxes, service charges, Vehicle insurance, Expenses of the chauffeur
- Paging & Welcome on arrival to Sri Lanka airport [According to the booking basis]
- All transfers by vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals & Hotel accommodation
- Personal Expenses
- Flight ticket or Tourist visa
- Entrance ticket per person Yapahuwa ancient kingdom 500 LKR
- Entrance ticket per person Anuradhapura UNESCO world heritage site 25 USD (With out site guide fee)
- Entrance ticket per person Mihintale Buddhist monastery 1000 LKR (with out site guide fee)
- Activity cost…
- Meals & Hotel accommodation
- Personal Expenses
- Flight ticket or Tourist visa
- Entrance ticket per person Yapahuwa ancient kingdom 500 LKR
- Entrance ticket per person Anuradhapura UNESCO world heritage site 25 USD (With out site guide fee)
- Entrance ticket per person Mihintale Buddhist monastery 1000 LKR (with out site guide fee)
- Activity cost per person Habarana village tour cooking demo with lunch 20 USD
- Entrance ticket per person Sigiriya Lion rock fortress 30 USD (with out site guide fee)
- Entrance ticket per person Polonnaruwa heritage site 25 USD (With out site guide fee)
- Activity cost per person Bicycle rent in Polonnaruwa 5 USD
- Entrance ticket with Jeep per person in Minneriya safari 85 USD
- Entrance ticket per person Dambulla rock cave temple 150 LKR
- Activity cost per person in Matale Cooking class with Lunch 25 USD
- Entrance ticket per person Temple of the tooth relic in Kandy 2000 LKR (without site guide fee)
- Entrance ticket per person Cultural dancing show in Kandy 5 USD
- Entrance ticket per person Horton plain national park 15 USD (without side guide fee)
- Activity ticket cost per person for the Train ride from Nanuoya to Ella is 200 LKR (3rd class)
- Admission fees
We are covering more than 16 sightseeing activities with this tour itinerary. This itinerary is suitable only for travelers who love to see the maximum number of places within 8 days. Yapahuwa, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Galle fort are the cultural and heritage sites we cover with the tour. Nuwara Eliya, Horton’s plain, Ella,…
We are covering more than 16 sightseeing activities with this tour itinerary. This itinerary is suitable only for travelers who love to see the maximum number of places within 8 days. Yapahuwa, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Galle fort are the cultural and heritage sites we cover with the tour. Nuwara Eliya, Horton’s plain, Ella, Scenic train ride, Little adam’s peak, Ravana waterfall are hill country natural scenic beautiful sightseeing with tour. Udawalawe national park and Horton’s plain national park are the main adventure attractions.
- We have not mentioned price for infant and cost for infant will mention separate
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.