Sri Lanka: Tour from Ancient Stones to Living Rituals

Tour Overview

Tour Overview

This thoughtfully designed journey offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s heart — from ancient civilizations to timeless rituals that still thrive today. You’ll trace the footsteps of kings through ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and marvel at the serene beauty of Dambulla Cave Temple.

As your journey unfolds, experience the vibrance of Kandy’s cultural heritage, the misty tea fields of Nuwara Eliya, and the breathtaking landscapes of Ella. Continue into the wild with a Yala safari adventure, then unwind on the southern beaches of Mirissa and Galle.

Perfect for culture seekers, families, and explorers alike, this tour blends history, wildlife, and coastal relaxation — ensuring every day reveals a new facet of Sri Lanka’s remarkable diversity.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  • Dambulla Cave Temple

  • Anuradhapura Ancient Kingdom

  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City

  • Minneriya National Park Safari

  • Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

  • Nuwara Eliya — “Little England”

  • Scenic Train Ride to Ella

  • Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arch Bridge

  • Yala National Park

  • Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching

  • Galle Fort and Colonial Heritage

  • Madu River Boat Safari

Detailed Itinerary 

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to Negombo. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy optional activities such as a lagoon cruise or a visit to the fishing village. Overnight stay at a beachside hotel in Negombo.

Approx. Travel Time: 30 Minutes
Optional Activities:

  • Colombo City Tour

  • Negombo Lagoon Experience

  • Fishing Village & Muthurajawela Wetland Boat Ride

Meals: Daily breakfast included
Accommodations: Boutique or 3–5-star hotels near the beach

Depart for Sigiriya, stopping at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Later, climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress — one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Overnight stay in Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Approx. Travel Time: 3 Hours
Optional Activities:

  • Ridee Viharaya Temple Visit

  • Kandalama Lake Boat Ride

  • Habarana Cultural Dance Show

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Boutique hotels or eco-resorts in Sigiriya/Dambulla

Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa, famed for its preserved temples and royal ruins. In the evening, enjoy an elephant safari in Minneriya National Park. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Approx. Travel Time: 1 Hour
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Same as previous night

Head north to explore Sri Lanka’s first kingdom — Anuradhapura. Visit centuries-old stupas, temples, and sacred fig trees that symbolize Buddhist devotion. Optional evening spa or cultural walk.

Approx. Travel Time: 2 Hours
Optional Activities:

  • Mihintale Climb

  • Aukana Buddha Statue Visit

  • Ritigala Monastery Trek

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Boutique or 3–5-star hotels in Anuradhapura/Sigiriya

En route to Kandy, visit Dambulla Cave Temple and spice gardens in Matale. Later, attend a traditional cultural show and explore the scenic hill capital.

Approx. Travel Time: 3 Hours
Optional Activities:

  • Village tour with lunch

  • Visit Nalanda Gedige

  • Muthumariamman Kovil Visit

  • Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Heritage or lakeside hotels in Kandy

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, then travel through lush tea country to Nuwara Eliya. Stop at Ramboda Falls and a tea plantation for tasting and plucking experiences.

Approx. Travel Time: 3 Hours
Optional Activities:

  • Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Kovil

  • Seetha Amman Temple

  • Lover’s Leap Waterfall

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Colonial-style hotels or family cottages

Embark on the scenic train ride to Ella — one of Asia’s most beautiful journeys. Visit Little Adam’s Peak and relax amidst mountain views.

Approx. Travel Time: 3 Hours (by train)
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Boutique hotels or mountain-view lodges

Visit the Nine Arch Bridge before heading south to Yala. Optional adventure stops for ziplining or waterfall sightseeing. Evening BBQ and overnight stay in Yala or Tissamaharama.

Approx. Travel Time: 3 Hours
Optional Activities:

  • Ravana Waterfall

  • Wall Climbing & Sky Walk

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Safari lodges or eco-resorts

Early morning safari at Yala National Park. Look out for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife.

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Same as previous night

Head to Mirissa Beach, the ideal spot for relaxation, swimming, or surfing. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea.

Approx. Travel Time: 3 Hours
Optional Activities:

  • Coconut Tree Hill

  • Parrot Rock

  • Stilt Fishing Experience

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Beachfront hotels or coastal villas

Set out on a whale watching excursion in the morning. Spend the afternoon at leisure by the beach.

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Beach resorts in Mirissa

Travel to Galle, home to the famous Dutch Fort. Explore its historic streets, art galleries, and ocean views. Overnight stay at Galle or Unawatuna Beach.

Approx. Travel Time: 1 Hour
Optional Activities:

  • Japanese Peace Pagoda Visit

  • Roomassala Hill

  • Galle Fort Museums

Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodations: Boutique hotels or heritage stays

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure. Optional Colombo city tour en route.

Approx. Travel Time: 3 Hours
Optional Activities:

  • Madu River Safari

  • Turtle Hatchery Visit

  • Mask Factory Experience

What’s Included 

  • Private Transfers: Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur-guide, including airport pickup/drop-off

  • Scenic Train Ride: Reserved seats from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (subject to availability)

  • Meals: Daily breakfast; traditional Sri Lankan lunch during Sigiriya village tour

  • Guided Activities:

    • Village tour & catamaran ride in Sigiriya

    • Spice garden visit in Matale

    • Cultural dance show in Kandy

    • Ramboda Falls visit

    • Tea factory tour and tasting

    • Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge & Ravana Falls visit

  • City Tours: Colombo, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya sightseeing (excluding entry fees)

  • Support & Taxes: All government taxes, no hidden charges, 24/7 emergency contact

Optional Add-ons

• Ayurvedic treatments and spa experiences
• Pre/post-tour accommodation
• Hot air balloon rides (Sigiriya or Dambulla)
• Additional safaris in Yala or Udawalawe
• Water sports in Bentota (jet skiing, banana boating)
• Luxury beach extension or honeymoon upgrade

What’s Not Included 

• International airfare to/from Sri Lanka
• Lunches (except where mentioned)
• Entrance fees to UNESCO Heritage Sites
• Personal expenses and hotel extras
• Alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, and visa fees
• Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
• Early check-in or late check-out fees

Tour Map 

Negombo > Sigiriya > Anuradhapura > Polonnaruwa > Dambulla > Kandy > Nuwara Eliya > Ella > Yala > Mirissa > Galle > Colombo

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