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.