9-Day Sri Lanka Grand Tour: Cultural Triangle, Hill Country & Southern Beaches

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), our friendly chauffeur-guide will meet you. We'll begin our scenic drive towards Kandy, a city of immense cultural significance. En route, we'll visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary that cares for orphaned and injured elephants. In the evening, you'll experience a vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Show before visiting the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. Overnight stay in Kandy.

After breakfast, we'll travel to the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. We'll first visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing magnificent Buddhist art. Next, we'll make our way to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You will climb the 1,200 steps to the summit to witness the famous frescoes and enjoy an incredible 360-degree view. Overnight stay near Sigiriya.

Today, we'll drive to the central highlands, a region famous for its lush tea plantations. Our destination is Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England" for its cool climate and colonial architecture. The scenic journey will take you past breathtaking waterfalls and rolling hills. We'll visit a local tea factory and plantation to learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup and enjoy a fresh sample. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Get ready for one of the most picturesque train rides in the world! We'll take a stunning train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella, winding through verdant tea estates, tunnels, and dramatic landscapes. In Ella, a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere, you'll have free time to explore. Overnight stay in Ella.

Today is for exploring the natural beauty of Ella. After breakfast, you can choose between a moderate hike to the summit of Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views or a more challenging trek up Ella Rock. In the afternoon, we will visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering, perfect for photos. Overnight stay in Ella.

After a relaxed breakfast, we'll head south to the wildlife sanctuary of Yala. The afternoon is dedicated to a thrilling private jeep safari in Yala National Park, known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. You'll also have the opportunity to spot elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, and a variety of exotic birds. Overnight stay near Yala National Park.

We'll continue our journey along the southern coast to Galle, a historic port city. We will explore the magnificent Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Portuguese and extensively fortified by the Dutch. You can wander through its narrow streets, visit the lighthouse, and discover the unique blend of colonial and local culture. Overnight stay in Galle

Today is about relaxation and enjoyment of the southern coast. We'll drive to the beautiful beaches of Bentota, where you can relax by the sea, indulge in water sports, or simply soak up the sun. You'll also have an option for a boat safari on the Madu River to explore the mangroves and local islands. Overnight stay in Bentota.

Enjoy your final Sri Lankan breakfast before we make our way back to the airport. Depending on your flight schedule, we can have a brief city tour of Colombo or some time for last-minute souvenir shopping. Our guide will then transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure, bringing your memorable Sri Lankan adventure to an end.