Ancient Ruins, Scenic Train Rides & Coastal Beauty in Sri Lanka - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Sigiriya, Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the airport in Colombo, your driver will be waiting to transfer you 3.5 hours northeast to Sigiriya, home to the UNESCO-listed rock fortress of the same name. Check in at your hotel and freshen up for a visit to the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a series of five rock-cut caves. Follow your guide through the first-century BCE complex to see the colorful murals depicting stories of Buddhism's long history in Sri Lanka and over 150 statues of Buddha, deities, and kings.

Some of the caves are still used by local monks, so you may catch glimpses of them praying. In the largest cave, known as the Maharajah Viharaya, you'll find a massive reclining Buddha statue that stretches over 46 feet (14 m) in length. Next, ascend the rocky hill to the temple at the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding plains, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. When you're done at the temple, transfer back to your hotel to grab dinner.

Day 2: Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Safari in Minneriya National Park

Leave Sigiriya behind for the day as you transfer 1.5 hours to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its well-preserved ruins that showcase the grandeur of Sri Lankan civilization during the 11th to 13th centuries. As you explore the archaeological site, you'll find the remains of royal palaces, intricately carved temples, and massive Buddha statues, including the iconic Gal Vihara, where three colossal Buddha figures are carved into a single granite rock.

After exploring the ancient city, transfer 30 minutes to Minneriya National Park for a three-hour safari across the 34-square-mile (89 sq km) protected area. The park is most famous for the "Gathering," a spectacular event during the dry season (June to September) when hundreds of elephants converge on the shores of the Minneriya Tank Reservoir, creating one of the largest wild elephant gatherings in the world. A safari through the park outside of the dry season is still amazing, as you can spot wildlife like sambar deer, toque macaques, and water buffalo.

Day 3: Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Village Cycling Tour from Hiriwadunna

Start your morning with a visit to one of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks. Sigiriya Rock Fortress is the former royal citadel of King Kashyapa, towering nearly 660 feet (201 m) above the surrounding landscape. To reach the top, you need to climb 1,200 steps, so make sure you stretch your legs before starting the ascent. Take breaks along the way to admire the iconic Lion's Gate, 1,600-year-old frescoes, and ancient water gardens. At the summit, explore the ruins of the royal palace, including the remains of the king's throne, swimming pools, and gardens, all offering panoramic views of the lush jungles and villages below.

The active adventure doesn't stop there, as your next stop is the charming village of Hiriwadunna, just 25 minutes away. There, you'll hop on a bike to discover the picturesque countryside, pedaling along dirt paths shaded by coconut palms and framed by lush paddy fields for 1.8 miles (3 km). Stop at a villager's house for a refreshing cup of tea or a herbal drink before continuing to a local temple for a blessing. After all that walking and cycling, end your day with authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry. If you want to learn how to make the dish yourself, join the local family in the kitchen for a cooking session.

Day 4: Transfer to Kandy via the National Spice Garden, Guided City Tour

Say goodbye to Sigiriya this morning as you set off on a two-hour transfer south into the Central Highlands to reach Kandy, considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. On your way, stop for a tour of the National Spice Garden of Sri Lanka in Matale. Stroll the verdant pathways lined with a variety of plants and trees that produce spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Gain fascinating insights into the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these spices, as well as their medicinal properties and culinary uses. Then, complete the drive to Kandy and hit the ground running on a city tour, starting at the Royal Palace.

Situated on the edge of Lake Kandy, this historic site was the residence of the Kandyan kings before the British colonial era. Admire the distinctive Kandyan architecture, with intricately carved wooden paths, elegant tiled floors, and expansive verandas that overlook the serene lake. Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, an on-site temple housing a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Then, walk through the city's lively streets to get to the Canbuy Gem Museum, home to a vast collection of gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, and topaz displayed in their raw and polished forms.

Enjoy some free time to shop for souvenirs before visiting local batik factories to learn about the ancient art of dying traditional motifs and contemporary designs on cloth. End the tour at Bahirawakanda, home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world at 88 feet tall (26 m). From the temple's hilltop location, you can also take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and cityscape below. If you're not too tired, opt for a cultural show in the evening, featuring traditional dances, energetic acrobatic performances, and stunts like plate-spinning and a dramatic fire walk.

Day 5: Scenic Train to Nanuoya, Transfer to Nuwara Eliya

One of the most popular ways to explore Sri Lanka's famous tea country is by train, so today, you set off on a three-hour journey to the charming village of Nanuoya. Meander through verdant valleys, crossing charming wooden bridges and passing quaint, colonial-era stations. The train's large windows offer unobstructed views of the landscape and allow you to fully appreciate the lush tea plantations, rolling green hills, and mist-covered mountains. Try to spot the tea pickers hard at work in their colorful saris before disembarking and transferring 20 minutes to Nuwara Eliya.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town often dubbed "Little England" for its colonial-era charm and the British influence evident in the architecture, climate, and overall ambience. Stroll past quaint villages, manicured lawns, and a serene lake, where you can rent paddleboards or Jet Skis. Head to Victoria Park to admire the well-maintained gardens, colorful flowerbeds, and tranquil ponds. When darkness falls, visit a local restaurant to try classic Sri Lankan dishes like kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood).

Day 6: Tour a Tea Plantation, Transfer to Yala National Park via Ravana Falls

Spend your morning touring a local tea plantation and on-site factory to learn about the meticulous process behind the island's famous Ceylon tea. Walk through the fields and work alongside the pickers plucking the tender tea leaves. Then, head inside the factory to observe each stage of tea production, from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying, using a mix of traditional techniques and modern machinery. At the end, participate in a tasting session to discover the difference between varieties and qualities of Ceylon tea. 

Return to the hotel to grab your bags, then set off on a four-hour transfer to Yala National Park, celebrated for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. On the way, stop at the 82-foot-tall (25 m) Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka's most accessible waterfalls, as it's right next to the road. Admire the cascade plunging into the crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush greenery before completing the drive to your hotel, nestled on the edge of the national park. Check in and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the on-site restaurants or bars.

Day 7: Morning Safari in Yala National Park, Transfer to Galle, Tour the Dutch Fort

Get ready for an early wake-up call, setting off on a safari through the national park before it gets too hot for the wild residents. Traverse the diverse habitats, including dense jungles, open grasslands, and shimmering lakes, in search of wildlife. The early morning hours are ideal for spotting leopards as they return from their nightly hunt, and you may also sight herds of elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species like peacocks and Sri Lankan junglefowl.

After the safari, bid farewell to the national park and transfer 3.5 hours west along the southern coast to your final destination of Galle, a city that blends historic charm and coastal beauty. When you arrive, join your guide on a tour of Galle Dutch Fort, built in 1588 by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. Within the fort, you'll find narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings, quaint boutiques, and vibrant cafés. Climb up to the ramparts and take in panoramic views of the glittering ocean and surrounding cityscape before heading to your hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to Colombo, Depart

In just over a week, you've explored five iconic destinations in Sri Lanka. Now the time has come to transfer two hours back to the airport in Colombo for your flight home. If there's time, your driver may opt for the coastal route, passing lush palm groves, serene lagoons, and traditional stilted houses rising from the Indian Ocean. Try to catch a glimpse of the fishermen perched on stilts waiting patiently to catch fish. Once you make it to the capital, head straight to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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