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8-day trip from Colombo visiting Dambulla Golden Temple, Overnight Stay in Sigiriya and Early Morning Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb. Operated by Sanjeewa and Thirandi Tours - Sri Lanka.
Highlights
- Discover Sri Lanka's culture, wildlife, and landscapes on an 8-day tour
8-Days Sri Lanka Tour: Nature +Culture +Adventure: Key Facts
| Price | From $604 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days |
| Group size | Up to 3 people |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
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8-Days Sri Lanka Tour: Nature +Culture +Adventure
Full description
A 8-day trip out of Colombo taking in Dambulla Golden Temple, Overnight Stay in Sigiriya, Early Morning Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb and Sigiriya Village Tour. There are 25 stops in all.
The running order is Dambulla Golden Temple, then Overnight Stay in Sigiriya, then Early Morning Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb, then Sigiriya Village Tour, then Traditional Sri Lankan Village Lunch, and on from there.
The price covers pickup and drop-off from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, Air-conditioned Vehicle with English speaking driver guide, Fuel costs and Parking Charges. It does not cover international flights, Entrance tickets for the attractions and Meals not specified in the itinerary, so budget for those separately.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
CMB Airport Pickup & Transfer to Sigiriya
Meet your private driver at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and begin your Sri Lankan adventure. Travel towards Sigiriya through the island’s scenic countryside, passing lush landscapes, villages, and local communities. Enjoy a comfortable private transfer while your driver shares useful information about Sri Lanka and the places you will visit.
Dambulla Golden Temple
Stop at the magnificent Dambulla Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist landmarks. Explore the ancient cave temples filled with impressive Buddha statues, religious artwork, and colorful murals. Discover centuries of Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage before continuing towards Sigiriya.
Transfer to Sigiriya
Continue your journey from Dambulla to Sigiriya through peaceful rural landscapes and traditional villages. Arrive in Sigiriya and check in to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for the following morning’s early climb of the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Overnight Stay in Sigiriya
Relax at your accommodation in Sigiriya after your first day of exploring Sri Lanka. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this cultural region surrounded by tropical greenery and countryside. An early start is planned for the next morning to explore Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Early Morning Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb
Start your day around 7:00 AM with a climb of the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock. Explore the ancient fortress, landscaped gardens, historic remains, frescoes, and dramatic rock formations. Reach the summit for breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding jungle and countryside before descending.
Sigiriya Village Tour
Experience authentic rural Sri Lankan life during a village tour around Sigiriya. Discover traditional farming, local homes, village surroundings, and everyday customs while learning about the close relationship between local communities and nature. This experience offers a more personal look at Sri Lankan life beyond the main tourist attractions. You can enjoy tractor driving, bull cart riding, boat riding and walking through local paddy fields.
Traditional Sri Lankan Village Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared using fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Taste authentic rice and curry, vegetables, sambols, and other local dishes while experiencing the warm hospitality of a rural Sri Lankan setting.
Wildlife Safari – Minneriya / Kaudulla / Hurulu (Eco)
At around 3:00 PM, begin an exciting wildlife safari. Depending on weather, season, water levels, vegetation, and current animal movements, your safari will take place at the most suitable nearby park, such as Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park. Look for wild elephants, deer, buffalo, crocodiles, and many species of birds.
Overnight Stay in Sigiriya
Return to Sigiriya after your wildlife adventure and relax at your hotel. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the tropical countryside before continuing your journey to Kandy the following morning.
Sigiriya to Kandy Scenic Transfer
After breakfast, leave Sigiriya and travel towards Kandy through Sri Lanka’s beautiful central countryside. Enjoy views of tropical vegetation, villages, farmland, and changing landscapes as you gradually approach the island’s historic hill capital
Herbal & Ayurvedic Spice Village
Visit a traditional herbal and Ayurvedic spice village to discover Sri Lanka’s famous spices and medicinal plants. Learn about cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and other local ingredients, how those plants grown, as well as their traditional uses in Ayurvedic practices.
Matale Hindu Temple
Stop at a colorful Hindu temple in Matale and discover an important part of Sri Lanka’s Hindu heritage. Admire the detailed architecture, religious statues, and vibrant decorations while learning about the cultural traditions practiced by the local community.
Kandy City Tour
Arrive in Kandy and explore the historic hill capital of Sri Lanka. Discover Arthur's seat viewpoint, big buddha statue, gem museum, lively streets, colonial influences, local markets, and beautiful surroundings while learning about the city’s history and importance as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
Evening Walk Around Kandy Lake
Take a relaxing evening walk around beautiful Kandy Lake. Enjoy views of the water, birds around lake, surrounding hills, historic buildings, and the atmosphere of the city as it becomes quieter in the evening.
Kandy Cultural Dance
Experience a traditional Kandy Cultural Dance performance featuring energetic dances, traditional costumes, drumming, and centuries-old cultural traditions. Enjoy an entertaining introduction to Sri Lanka’s performing arts and heritage.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites. Explore the temple complex and learn about the history and religious significance of the sacred relic preserved here. During ceremony time you'll be able to see the traditional pooja performance and the golden casket.
Overnight Stay in Kandy
Return to your hotel and relax after a full day exploring Kandy’s cultural and historical highlights.
Kandy to Pinnawala Transfer
After breakfast, leave Kandy and travel towards the Pinnawala area. Enjoy the scenic countryside and views of Sri Lanka’s lush central region as you make your way to the elephant experience.
Ambuluwawa Tower
Continue to Ambuluwawa, a unique multi-religious and biodiversity complex surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. Climb the iconic spiral tower for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding hills, forests, valleys, and villages. The tower offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in central Sri Lanka.
Return to Kandy
After exploring Ambuluwawa, travel back to Kandy through the scenic central highlands. Enjoy the changing landscapes and relax after a day combining wildlife, culture, and spectacular mountain views.
Overnight Stay in Kandy
Return to your hotel in Kandy and enjoy a relaxing evening. Get ready for the following day’s scenic journey through the tea-covered highlands towards Nanu Oya and Ella.
Kandy to Nanu Oya Transfer
After breakfast, depart Kandy and travel towards Nanu Oya Railway Station. The journey takes you through the spectacular central highlands, with views of mountains, tea plantations, waterfalls, valleys, and traditional hill-country communities.
Nanu Oya to Ella Scenic Train
Board the train from Nanu Oya to Ella and experience one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular railway journeys. Watch the scenery change from misty mountains and tea plantations to dramatic valleys and lush forests as the train winds through the highlands.
Ella Railway Station Pickup
On arrival at Ella Railway Station, your driver will meet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Relax after the scenic train journey and enjoy your first evening surrounded by Ella’s beautiful mountain landscape.
Overnight Stay in Ella
Check in to your Ella accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening in the cool mountain atmosphere.
Nine Arch Bridge
Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive colonial-era railway bridge surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and mountains. Enjoy a short walk to the viewpoint and capture photographs of one of Ella’s most recognizable landmarks.
Transfer to Southern Coast
Leave the cool highlands of Ella and travel towards Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast. Watch the landscape gradually change from mountains and tea plantations to tropical forests, palm trees, and coastal scenery.
Overnight Stay on Southern Coast
Check in to your coastal hotel and relax after the journey. Enjoy the tropical atmosphere and spend the evening at leisure.
Explore Southern Coast
Enjoy a full day exploring the Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast. Visit a turtle hatchery and learn about sea turtle conservation, experience a scenic Madu River boat safari through mangroves and waterways, and discover traditional gemstone mining at the moonstone mines. Depending on the season and sea conditions, you can also enjoy blue whale watching, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Finish the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying the tropical coastal atmosphere before your overnight stay.
Southern Coast to Colombo Transfer
After breakfast, begin your journey from the southern coast towards Colombo. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel along Sri Lanka’s coastal and inland landscapes
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
- Air-conditioned Vehicle with English speaking driver guide
- Fuel costs
- Parking Charges
- Highway tolls
- Travel insurance
- Visit to Dambulla Golden Temple
- Climb of Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Sigiriya village tour with traditional lunch
- Wildlife safari in Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park
- Visit to Ceylon herbal and Ayurvedic spice village
- Visit to a Hindu temple in Matale
Excludes
- International flights
- Entrance tickets for the attractions
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Important information
Meeting point
The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts