7 Days of Sri Lankan Wonders: From Historic Kandy to the Pristine Beaches of Mirissa!

7 Days 7 Destinations

Type tour
Group
Language
English

Overview

This 7-day tour takes you through Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital Colombo, the cultural heart of the island in Kandy, the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and Dambulla, the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, the colonial charm of Galle, and the idyllic beaches of Mirissa. From history and culture to nature and relaxation, this itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of Sri Lanka’s best offerings.

Highlights

Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Galle, Mirissa

Itinerary

Morning: Arrival and Transfer to Colombo

Pick-Up at Colombo Airport: Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport. After clearing customs, your private driver will take you to your hotel in Colombo, located around an hour from the airport.
Check-in and Relax: Check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to refresh before starting your sightseeing.

Afternoon: Explore Colombo

Galle Face Green: Start your tour with a visit to Galle Face Green, Colombo’s expansive seafront park. It’s a popular place for both locals and tourists to enjoy the sea breeze, stroll along the promenade, or watch a cricket match.
Gangaramaya Temple: Visit Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples. The temple complex also includes a fascinating museum with a blend of cultural and religious artifacts from Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and China.
Colombo National Museum: If time permits, visit the National Museum of Colombo, which houses a rich collection of Sri Lankan art, historical artifacts, and royal treasures.

Evening: Relax and Enjoy Colombo’s Nightlife

Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Indulge in Sri Lankan cuisine with a dinner of rice and curry, hoppers, and seafood at one of Colombo’s top restaurants.
Overnight in Colombo: Stay overnight in Colombo, with options ranging from modern city hotels to boutique accommodations.

Morning: Drive to Kandy

Departure to Kandy: After breakfast, depart for Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, about a 3-4 hour drive from Colombo. The journey takes you through beautiful rural landscapes, offering views of rice fields, small villages, and hills.

Afternoon: Explore Kandy

Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa): Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. This temple enshrines the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world.
Kandy Lake: After visiting the temple, take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake, situated right next to the temple. The calm waters and the surrounding hills create a serene atmosphere.
Royal Botanical Gardens (Optional): If time permits, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, just a short drive from Kandy. The gardens are home to a vast collection of tropical plants and trees.

Evening: Kandyan Cultural Show

Kandyan Dance Performance: In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance, featuring vibrant drumming, graceful dances, and fire-eating acts, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
Overnight in Kandy: Spend the night in Kandy, where you’ll find a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to charming guesthouses.

Morning: Drive to Sigiriya

Departure to Sigiriya: After breakfast, drive for approximately 2.5 hours to Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. The journey offers scenic views of rural life, with lush green fields and small villages along the way.

Afternoon: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb Sigiriya Rock: Upon arrival, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient royal palace and fortress, located atop a massive rock, offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The climb to the top takes you past stunning frescoes of celestial maidens and through the Lion’s Gate, eventually leading to the summit where the ruins of the royal palace await.
Explore the Gardens: At the base of Sigiriya Rock, explore the beautifully landscaped water gardens, which once served as the royal gardens of King Kashyapa.

Evening: Relax in Sigiriya

Overnight in Sigiriya: After your exploration, check into a hotel in Sigiriya or nearby Dambulla for a peaceful evening. Many hotels offer spectacular views of Sigiriya Rock at sunset.

Morning: Dambulla Cave Temple

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple: After breakfast, take a 30-minute drive to the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The complex consists of five caves filled with over 150 Buddha statues and beautiful frescoes. The temple is perched on a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Afternoon: Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Departure to Nuwara Eliya: After exploring Dambulla, embark on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s “Little England.” This hill station is known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and lush tea plantations.
Route Highlights: As you drive, enjoy the beautiful landscape, with terraced tea plantations and mist-covered mountains.

Evening: Relax in Nuwara Eliya

Gregory Lake: Upon arrival, visit Gregory Lake, a colonial-era lake surrounded by hills. You can take a boat ride or simply relax along the shores.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Stay in one of Nuwara Eliya’s colonial-style hotels or charming guesthouses.

Morning: Drive to Ella

Departure to Ella: After breakfast, head to Ella, a picturesque town nestled in the southern highlands, about a 2.5-hour drive from Nuwara Eliya. The drive takes you through lush valleys, tea plantations, and small villages.

Afternoon: Explore Ella

Little Adam’s Peak: Upon arrival in Ella, embark on a hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a shorter and easier trek with spectacular views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and tea plantations.
Ravana Falls: After your hike, visit Ravana Falls, a beautiful 25-meter waterfall. The area is a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Evening: Relax in Ella

Overnight in Ella: Stay overnight in Ella, where you can enjoy the cool mountain air and the serene beauty of the town.

Morning: Drive to Galle

Departure to Galle: After breakfast, depart for Galle, a 4-5 hour drive from Ella. As you approach the southern coast, the landscape will shift to tropical beaches and coastal towns.

Afternoon: Explore Galle

Galle Fort: Upon arrival, visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century Dutch fort is surrounded by colonial buildings, narrow streets, and charming cafes. Wander through the cobbled streets and enjoy the blend of Dutch and British colonial architecture.
Galle Lighthouse: Visit the Galle Lighthouse, located at the edge of the fort, for a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Evening: Relax by the Sea

Overnight in Galle: Spend your evening relaxing by the beach or enjoying a meal at one of the local seafood restaurants. Overnight in Galle.

Morning: Drive to Mirissa

Departure to Mirissa: After breakfast, take a 30-45 minute drive to Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beach towns. Mirissa is famous for its golden sandy beaches, calm waters, and vibrant beach atmosphere.

Afternoon: Beach Time and Relaxation

Beach Time: Spend your final afternoon enjoying the beach. You can relax on the golden sands, go for a swim, or enjoy water sports like snorkeling or whale watching (seasonal).
Lunch at the Beach: Enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant, savoring the freshest catches of the day.

Evening: Return to Colombo

Departure to Colombo: After a relaxing day, return to Colombo in the late afternoon (approximately a 3-hour drive).
Airport Transfer: Your driver will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable 7-day Sri Lankan adventure.