Cultural Tour Sri Lanka in 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Dambulla

Morning: Arrival and Check-In

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport: Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in Dambulla, approximately a 3-4 hour drive from the airport.
• Check-in at Hotel: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up after your journey. Relax and prepare for the exciting week ahead.

Afternoon: Dambulla Cave Temple

• Lunch at Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
• Dambulla Cave Temple: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This ancient Buddhist complex consists of five caves adorned with impressive murals and statues of Buddha. The temple dates back to the 1st century BC and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Evening: Relaxation and Dinner

• Return to Hotel: After the temple visit, return to your hotel to relax.
• Dinner at Hotel: Enjoy a delightful dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s experiences.

Day 2: Dambulla to Sigiriya

Morning: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Breakfast at Hotel: Have an early breakfast at your hotel.
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock. This ancient rock fortress and palace complex is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks. Climb to the top of the rock, exploring the beautiful frescoes, water gardens, and the remnants of the ancient palace along the way. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking and worth the effort.

Afternoon: Village Tour and Lunch

• Village Tour: Experience the rural life of Sri Lanka with a village tour. Take a traditional bullock cart ride, enjoy a boat ride on a serene lake, and visit a local village to learn about traditional farming and cooking methods.
• Traditional Lunch: Enjoy a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by the villagers. This is a great opportunity to taste authentic local flavors and interact with the friendly villagers.

Evening: Return to Dambulla

• Return to Dambulla: After an enriching day, return to your hotel in Dambulla. Relax and unwind, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Day 3: Dambulla to Kandy

Morning: Travel to Kandy

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast.
• Drive to Kandy: Check out from your hotel and drive to Kandy, a city renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Afternoon: Kandy City Tour

• Temple of the Tooth Relic: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. The temple houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is a significant pilgrimage site. Explore the temple complex and witness the traditional rituals and offerings.
• Kandy Lake: Take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk. The lake is located in the heart of the city and offers a tranquil setting for a relaxing stroll.

Evening: Cultural Show

• Cultural Show: In the evening, attend a traditional Kandyan dance and cultural show. Experience the vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and intricate dance performances that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Morning: Scenic Drive to Nuwara Eliya

• Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
• Drive to Nuwara Eliya: Check out from your hotel and drive to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England” due to its cool climate and colonial architecture. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours and offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and lush landscapes.

Afternoon: Tea Plantation and Factory Visit

• Tea Plantation Tour: Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the process of tea production. Walk through the lush tea fields and see how tea leaves are plucked and processed.
• Lunch at Tea Estate: Enjoy a delicious lunch at the tea estate, with a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Tea Tasting: Participate in a tea tasting session and sample a variety of Ceylon teas.

Evening: Explore Nuwara Eliya

• Victoria Park: Take a leisurely stroll through Victoria Park, a beautifully landscaped garden in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna and is a perfect place to unwind.
• Dinner at Local Restaurant: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Sri Lankan and international cuisine.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Morning: Train Journey to Ella

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast.
• Train Journey to Ella: Embark on a scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, known for its breathtaking views of lush tea plantations, mountains, and picturesque villages. The train ride is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Afternoon: Arrival in Ella

• Check-in at Hotel: Upon arrival in Ella, check-in to your hotel and relax. Ella is a charming hill town known for its cool climate and stunning landscapes.

Evening: Explore Ella

• Nine Arches Bridge: Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of engineering set amidst lush greenery. It’s a popular spot for photography and a great place to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
• Ella Gap: Take a short hike to Ella Gap, a natural gap in the mountains that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the distant southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Day 6: Ella to Galle

Morning: Travel to Galle

• Breakfast at Hotel: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
• Drive to Galle: Check out from your hotel and drive to Galle, a historic city known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Afternoon: Galle Fort Exploration

• Lunch at Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Galle.
• Galle Fort: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, a fortified city built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch. Walk along the fort walls, visit the historic buildings, and browse the charming shops and cafes.

Evening: Sunset at Galle Fort

• Sunset at Galle Fort: Enjoy a breathtaking sunset from the fort walls, with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
• Dinner at Fort Area: Dine at one of the many restaurants within the fort area, offering a variety of cuisines and a unique dining experience.

Day 7: Galle to Hikkaduwa

Morning: Travel to Hikkaduwa

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast.
• Drive to Hikkaduwa: Check out from your hotel and drive to Hikkaduwa, a popular beach destination known for its vibrant coral reefs and lively atmosphere. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Afternoon: Beach Activities and Coral Reef Exploration

• Hikkaduwa Beach: Spend the afternoon relaxing on Hikkaduwa Beach. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, and take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
• Coral Reef Exploration: Go snorkeling or take a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life that Hikkaduwa is famous for.

Evening: Beachfront Dinner

• Beachfront Dinner: Enjoy a delightful dinner at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and local dishes while listening to the soothing sound of the waves.

Day 8: Hikkaduwa to Colombo

Morning: Travel to Colombo

• Breakfast at Hotel: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
• Drive to Colombo: Check out from your hotel and drive to Colombo, the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Afternoon: Colombo City Tour

• Galle Face Green: Start your city tour with a visit to Galle Face Green, a popular ocean-side urban park. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy the sea breeze, and perhaps try some local street food.
• Gangaramaya Temple: Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a significant Buddhist temple known for its eclectic architecture and vibrant religious artifacts. The temple complex includes a museum, library, and a serene lake.
• Independence Square: Explore Independence Square, a historic site commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. The square is surrounded by beautiful gardens and colonial-era buildings.

Evening: Shopping and Departure

• Shopping: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs and local products at popular shopping destinations like Odel, Laksala, and Pettah Market.
• Dinner: Enjoy your final dinner in Sri Lanka at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
• Departure: After dinner, you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable 8-day journey around Sri Lanka.