Experience the Best of Sri Lanka in 6 Days: From Colombo’s Charm to Nuwara Eliya’s Serenity!

6 Days 6 Destinations

Type tour
Group
Language
English

Overview

This 6-day tour takes you from Sri Lanka’s bustling capital Colombo to the cultural richness of Kandy, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the historical Dambulla Cave Temple, and the scenic highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, ancient sites, or breathtaking mountain landscapes, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Tour Summary

This 6-day Sri Lankan tour offers a perfect mix of cultural exploration, breathtaking nature, and relaxation. From the vibrant city of Colombo to the serene highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and iconic cultural landmarks like Sigiriya and Dambulla, this itinerary ensures a memorable experience of Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions.

Tour Highlights at a Glance

Day 1:
- Arrival in Colombo
- Visit Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, and Colombo National Museum
- Overnight in Colombo
Day 2:
- Scenic drive to Kandy
- Visit Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake
- Kandyan dance performance
- Overnight in Kandy
Day 3:
- Drive to Sigiriya
- Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 4:
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
- Drive to Nuwara Eliya
- Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Day 5:
- Drive to Ella
- Hike Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak
- Overnight in Ella
Day 6:
- Drive to Colombo
- Leisure time in Colombo
- Departure from Colombo

Itinerary

Morning: Arrival and Transfer to Colombo

Pick-Up at Colombo Airport: Your Sri Lankan adventure begins with a warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport. After clearing customs, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Colombo, which takes about 1 hour.
Check-in and Relax: After checking in, take some time to relax and refresh before heading out for your city tour.

Afternoon: Colombo City Tour

Galle Face Green: Begin your exploration of Colombo with a visit to Galle Face Green, a popular oceanfront park where locals gather to enjoy the sea breeze. It’s a great spot to unwind and experience the lively atmosphere of the capital.
Gangaramaya Temple: Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples. The temple’s architecture blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles, and its museum houses a fascinating collection of religious artifacts.
Colombo National Museum: If time allows, head to the Colombo National Museum, which showcases Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage through ancient artifacts, sculptures, and artworks.

Evening: Colombo’s Culinary Scene

Savor Local Dishes: For dinner, indulge in Sri Lankan cuisine at one of the city’s top restaurants. Don’t miss iconic dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and seafood.
Overnight in Colombo: Stay overnight in one of Colombo’s comfortable hotels.

Morning: Scenic Drive to Kandy

Departure to Kandy: After breakfast, enjoy a 3-4 hour scenic drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and rural villages.
Route Highlights: The drive offers beautiful views of rolling hills and vibrant countryside, giving you a glimpse of the island’s rural life.

Afternoon: Explore Kandy

Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa): Upon arrival, visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. The temple houses the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is an important symbol in Sri Lankan Buddhism.
Kandy Lake: After the temple visit, take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake, a serene spot right beside the temple, where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding views.

Evening: Kandyan Cultural Show

Kandyan Dance Performance: In the evening, enjoy an exciting Kandyan dance performance featuring energetic drumming, graceful dances, and fire-eating acts. This traditional performance will give you a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Overnight in Kandy: Spend the night in Kandy, where you can choose from boutique hotels to large resorts.

Morning: Departure to Sigiriya

Drive to Sigiriya: After breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. The scenic route passes through small villages, rice fields, and lush greenery.

Afternoon: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb Sigiriya Rock: Visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient palace and fortress built atop a massive rock is a marvel of engineering. The climb takes you past stunning frescoes of celestial maidens and the impressive Lion’s Gate, culminating in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore the Gardens: After descending, explore the lush water gardens, moats, and pathways at the base of the rock, offering insight into the royal lifestyle of ancient Sri Lanka.

Evening: Relax in Sigiriya

Overnight in Sigiriya: After a day of exploration, unwind at one of Sigiriya’s charming hotels. Enjoy a leisurely dinner either at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Optional: Visit Pidurangala Rock: If you’re up for more adventure, consider visiting Pidurangala Rock for stunning views of Sigiriya from a different vantage point.

Morning: Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple: After breakfast, take a 30-minute drive to the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple complex, perched on a hilltop, consists of five caves adorned with over 150 statues of Buddha and intricate murals. It is one of the best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka.
Cultural Insight: Explore the caves and learn about Sri Lanka’s religious history and the significance of the artwork and statues.

Afternoon: Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Departure to Nuwara Eliya: After visiting Dambulla, embark on a 3.5-hour scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" for its cool climate and colonial architecture. The journey takes you through lush tea plantations and misty hills, offering picturesque views of Sri Lanka’s highlands.

Evening: Relax in Nuwara Eliya

Evening at Gregory Lake: Upon arrival, enjoy a peaceful evening at Gregory Lake. Take a boat ride or simply stroll along the shore, taking in the fresh mountain air and stunning views.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Stay in one of Nuwara Eliya’s colonial-style hotels or cozy guesthouses.

Morning: Drive to Ella

Departure to Ella: After breakfast, enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Ella, a picturesque town nestled in Sri Lanka’s southern highlands. The journey passes through tea plantations, valleys, and waterfalls.

Afternoon: Explore Ella

Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak: Upon arrival, embark on a short hike to either Ella Rock, for panoramic views, or Little Adam’s Peak, a shorter trek offering equally spectacular vistas.
Ravana Falls: After your hike, visit Ravana Falls, a stunning 25-meter-high waterfall, perfect for photography or simply relaxing by the water.

Evening: Enjoy Ella’s Charm

Overnight in Ella: Spend your evening in Ella, soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility. Stay in one of the town’s boutique hotels or eco-lodges.

Morning: Scenic Drive to Colombo

Departure to Colombo: After breakfast, embark on a 5-6 hour drive back to Colombo. The route takes you through the picturesque southern Sri Lankan countryside, with options to stop at towns like Matara or Galle for a brief exploration.

Afternoon: Leisure Time in Colombo

Last-Minute Shopping or Relaxation: Upon arrival in Colombo, you’ll have some free time for shopping at local markets or relaxing in a café or hotel before your flight.

Evening: Departure

Drop-Off at Airport: After your leisure time, your driver will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home, concluding your 6-day Sri Lankan adventure.