6-Day Tour of Sri Lanka's Highlights from Colombo (2024)

Highlights

Description

Start your tour with a visit to an orphanage of elephants and then move to the Dambulla Cave Temples before marvelling at the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Explore the markets of Kandy, ride in a train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella as you soak in the beauty of nature, and enjoy a game drive at Yala National Park. Spend your day at Mirissa beach and make your last stop at Galle.

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Colombo – Pinnewala – Dambulla – Sigiriya

   • Meet your Sri Lankan tourguide and driver at your Colombo or Negombo hotel in the morning. Pick up can be arranged from Bandaranaike International Airport for morning arrivals only.

   • Drive to Pinnewala in your air-conditioned vehicle (~3 hours).

   • Reach Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in time to see the orphaned baby elephants.

   • Have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the river, where the elephants can be seen bathing and playing.

   • Proceed to Dambulla after lunch (~3 hours).

   • Climb up to the world-renowned cave temples and admire the fascinating interiors with vibrant décor and impressive Buddha statues.

   • Get back on the road to Sigiriya later in the evening– a short 30 minutes to 1-hour drive.

   • Check-in, have dinner and stay overnight in Sigiriya.

2. Day 2: Sigiriya – Kandy

   • Beat the heat and crowds by visiting the Sigiriya Lion Rock in the morning after an early breakfast at the hotel.

   • Climb down and explore the Royal Water Gardens at the base and take stunning photos of the rock.

   • Proceed for lunch, followed by the drive to Kandy.

   • On route, you can visit a Spice & Herb Garden, the Nalanda Gedige (~3 to 5 hour drive depending on stopovers).

   • Check-in, have dinner and stay overnight in Kandy.

3. Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

   • Early in the morning, start your day with a visit to the world-famous 'Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic'.

   • Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kandy or go on a shopping spree. Kandy is well-known for gemstone shopping and Ceylon tea, batik textiles and local crafts, making for good souvenirs.

   • After lunch, get back on the road for the drive to Nuwara Eliya. En-route, see tea plantations and spectacular views, including waterfalls (~4 - 6 hour drive).

   • Reach 'Little England'in the evening and experience a transition in the landscape andweather,a welcome relief from the sweltering cities.

   Overnight stayat a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

4. Day 4: Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala National Park

   • After breakfast at your hotel in the morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya.

   • SeeGregory lake, take a stroll in Victoria Park, visit the Post Office operating in a colonial Tudor Manor or the Hakgala Botanical Garden.

   • Head to Nanu Oya Railway Station by noon to catch your train to Ella. After dropping you off at the station, your driver will travel to Ella with your luggage by road and wait for your arrival. Though it is only a short distance, the trail meanders through tea plantations, hills and nature at its best, giving you about 3 hours of uninterrupted picturesque views.

   • Upon arrival in Ella,meet your driver outside the station.

   • Drive towards Yala and reach by evening (~3 hours drive).

   Overnight stayin Yala.

5. Day 5: Yala National Park – Mirissa

   • Go fora game drive in Yala National Park early in the morning.

   • Get back on the road to Mirissa after having breakfast (~3 hours).

   • Reach Mirissa by afternoon.

   • Enjoythe rest of the day atMirissa Beach.

   Overnight stayin Mirissa.

6. Day 6: Mirissa – Colombo

   • Early in the morning, you could go on a Whale Watching tour. (Price not included in tour cost as it is optional)

   • Spend some time on the beach or enjoy activities like diving and snorkelling till noon.

   • After lunch, pack up and start your drive to Galle.

   • Visit Galle Fort.

   • Reach Colombo by evening for yourdrop-offat a hotel or place of your choice within the city.

   End of service.

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

• For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

  Refund of 80% of the tour price.