Colombo, Caves and Kandy Cultural & Scenic Journey

Get ready for an unforgettable journey across Sri Lanka, where every stop is packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin your adventure in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, where guided tours will lead you through the historic Old Fort and the sacred Gangaramaya Temple. Step back in time at Polonnaruwa, the UNESCO-listed ancient city filled with majestic ruins from Ceylon’s royal past. Next, climb the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress and marvel at the legendary frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens. Explore the spiritual marvel of Dambulla, home to over 150 serene Buddha statues carved into its famous cave temple. Drift into traditional Sri Lankan life at Kayanwala Village, where you’ll paddle a canoe and prepare a local meal with a warm-hearted family. At Matale, wander through fragrant spice gardens and learn about the healing herbs that have shaped Sri Lankan wellness traditions.

Head into the heart of culture in Kandy, where you'll visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, ride a tuk tuk through bustling streets, and witness a colorful cultural performance. Dive into the country’s tea heritage with a visit to the Giragama Tea Factory, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest operating tea estates.

Enjoy a breathtaking scenic train journey through lush plantations and misty waterfalls, leading you to Nuwara Eliya, the cool-climate town lovingly known as "Little England." Finally, set off on a thrilling safari in Udawalawe National Park, where herds of majestic Asian elephants roam free.

Tour Overview

Duration: 07 Nights/ 08 Days

Start: Colombo

End: Colombo

Arival and Departure Transfers: Provided

Tour Guide: Provided

Meals Included: All 3 Meals

Hotel Rating: 4 Star or Above

Way of transport

Tour Highlights

Colombo – Discover the vibrant capital on a guided tour, exploring the historic Old Fort area and the impressive Gangaramaya Temple.
Polonnaruwa – Step back in time as you explore the ancient ruins of Ceylon’s former capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sigiriya – Climb the legendary 5th-century Lion Rock fortress and marvel at the iconic frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens.
Dambulla – Visit the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple, home to over 150 stunning Buddha images carved into rock.
Kayanwala Village – Paddle by canoe to this charming village, where you'll help prepare and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch with a local family.
Matale – Explore fragrant spice gardens and learn about the healing properties of Sri Lanka’s famous herbs and spices.
Kandy – Tour the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a lively tuk tuk ride, and take in a colorful cultural performance.
Giragama Tea Factory – Discover the art of tea production at one of Sri Lanka’s oldest working tea factories.
Scenic Train Journey – Enjoy a breathtaking train ride through lush tea plantations and waterfalls, followed by a scenic drive through Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England."
Udawalawe National Park – Embark on an exciting game drive to spot wildlife, including the largest herd of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka.

Included

Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe and Colombo
Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or fewer)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Activities: Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Colombo. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city's vibrant streets or relaxing at the hotel.

Day 2: Colombo – Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla

Activities: Depart Colombo and drive inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a local market in Naramwela Town. Visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, renowned for its ancient Buddhist murals and statues. Continue to Polonnaruwa to explore the impressive ruins of this ancient capital, including the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara. Return to Dambulla for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Kayanwala Village – Kandy

Activities: Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness panoramic views and ancient frescoes. Proceed to Kayanwala Village for a traditional Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and lunch. En route to Kandy, stop at a spice garden in Matale to learn about Sri Lanka's rich spice heritage.(TourHub)

Day 4: Kandy Exploration

Activities: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a significant Buddhist site. Enjoy a scenic drive around Kandy Lake, explore a local bazaar, and visit a gem museum. Experience a traditional cultural performance in the evening.

Day 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Activities: Embark on a picturesque train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing lush tea plantations and waterfalls. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate.

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawe National Park

Activities: Drive to Udawalawe, home to a significant population of wild elephants. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, where you may also spot leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species.

Day 7: Udawalawe – Ratnapura – Colombo

Activities: Travel back to Colombo, stopping en route at Ratnapura, known as the 'City of Gems'. Visit a gem mine and museum to learn about Sri Lanka's gem industry. Upon arrival in Colombo, enjoy a guided city tour, including the Fort area and Gangaramaya Temple.

Day 8: Departure from Colombo

Activities: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, concluding your Sri Lankan adventure.

Hotels

Radisson Hotel Colombo

Contemporary hotel located in Havelock Town, known for its excellent service.

Granbell Hotel Colombo

Features modern amenities and is centrally located near major attractions. (The Times, Hotels.com)

Ekho Lake House

Offers serene lake views and is close to ancient city ruins.

Hotel Sudu Araliya

Features a large pool and is situated near the Polonnaruwa archaeological sites.

Hotel Sigiriya

Offers direct views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and is surrounded by lush greenery.

Sigiriya Jungles

Combines modern luxury with natural surroundings, featuring spacious rooms and a large pool.

Occidental Paradise

Set amidst tropical gardens, offering a peaceful retreat with modern amenities.

Rangiri Dambulla Resort

Known for its excellent service and proximity to the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Radisson Hotel Kandy

Modern hotel offering scenic mountain views and upscale comfort.

Amaya Hills Kandy

Located on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. (Radisson Hotels)

Grand Hotel

A colonial-era hotel set amidst lush gardens, offering elegant rooms, high tea service, and a blend of old-world charm with modern amenities in the "Little England" of Sri Lanka.