8 Day Tour Itinerary for Sri Lanka Covering Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Unawatuna, and Negombo.
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Sigiriya
- Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
- Transfer: Drive to Sigiriya, approximately 4 hours.
- Afternoon: Check in at your hotel in Sigiriya.
- Activity: Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient ruins and marvel at the stunning frescoes and gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya
- Morning: After breakfast, head to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient city ruins and visit archaeological sites like the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Return to Sigiriya.
- Activity: Optional visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the beautiful cave paintings and Buddha statues.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the local area.
Day 3: Sigiriya – Kandy
- Morning: Check out from your hotel in Sigiriya.
- Transfer: Drive to Kandy, approximately 3 hours.
- Afternoon: Check in to your hotel in Kandy.
- Activity: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, located within the Royal Palace complex.
- Evening: Attend a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
- Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. The train ride offers breathtaking views of tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the train or at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’.
- Activity: Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the tea-making process and sample some freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
- Evening: Check in to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya and relax.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – Ella
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Ella, approximately 2.5 hours by road.
- En route: Stop at Ravana Falls and admire the cascading water surrounded by lush greenery.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Ella, a charming town nestled amidst picturesque mountains.
- Activity: Hike up Little Adam’s Peak for stunning panoramic views of the Ella Gap and surrounding countryside.
- Evening: Explore the vibrant streets of Ella and dine at a cosy restaurant.
Day 6: Ella – Yala National Park
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Yala National Park, approximately 2.5 hours by road.
- Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch provided by your hotel.
- Afternoon: Embark on an exciting jeep safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife including leopards, elephants, and exotic birds.
- Evening: Check in to your hotel near Yala National Park and relax amidst the serene surroundings.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 7: Yala National Park – Unawatuna
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Unawatuna, approximately 4 hours by road.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Unawatuna, a picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
- Activity: Relax on the beach, go snorkelling or diving to explore the vibrant marine life, or visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of the coastline.
- Evening: Check in to your beachfront hotel in Unawatuna.
- Dinner: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 8: Unawatuna – Negombo – Departure
- Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Unawatuna.
- Transfer: Drive to Negombo, approximately 4 hours.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Negombo.
- Afternoon: Explore Negombo, known for its lively fish market, Dutch canal, and vibrant colonial architecture.
- Transfer: Proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.