8-Day Sri Lanka Tour: History, Nature, Culture, Wildlife

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s captivating landscape. This 8-day tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending history, nature, culture, and wildlife. From exploring ancient cities to marveling at breathtaking scenery, travelers will enjoy the island’s diverse treasures. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching exploration of Sri Lanka’s finest gems. What awaits those who take the plunge?

Key Points

• Explore Sri Lanka’s ancient history through visits to renowned archaeological sites like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya rock fortress.
• Discover the country’s natural beauty by trekking through tea plantations and observing elephants in Udawalawe National Park.
• Immerse in Sri Lankan culture by visiting cultural landmarks like the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and learning local cooking techniques.
• Experience a blend of history, nature, and culture through various activities such as city tours, train rides, and guided treks.
• The 8-day tour provides a rundown of Sri Lanka’s diverse heritage, landscapes, and wildlife at an affordable price point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This 8-day Sri Lanka tour offers an immersive experience in the country’s rich history, diverse nature, vibrant culture, and captivating wildlife.

Priced from $1,300 per person, the tour includes 7 nights’ accommodation, 7 breakfasts and dinners, private transportation, and a local guide.

It features highlights like visiting ancient cities, climbing Sigiriya’s ruined fortress, exploring tea plantations, and spotting elephants in Udawalawe National Park.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying anything upfront.

The tour isn’t suitable for certain medical conditions or physical limitations.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour starts in Colombo, where travelers explore the historic city before heading north to Anuradhapura.

They’ll visit the ancient ruins and sacred sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.

The journey continues to Kandy, where they’ll tour a spice garden, the Tooth Relic Temple, and the National Museum.

Travelers will tour a spice garden, the Tooth Relic Temple, and the National Museum in the historic city of Kandy.

A scenic train ride takes them to Bandarawela, where they’ll learn local cooking techniques.

Hikers enjoy trekking through tea plantations to Haputale.

In the south, they’ll spot elephants at Udawalawe and cruise along the Bentota River.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Dutch Fort in Galle.

Day 1: Colombo to Anuradhapura

Your Sri Lanka tour begins with a transfer from Colombo to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. This former capital dates back to the 4th century BC and is renowned for its well-preserved ruins and sacred sites. You’ll explore the city’s highlights, including the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, the Samadhi Buddha statue, and the Bodhi Tree, a sacred fig tree under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

| Attraction | Description | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Ruwanwelisaya Stupa | Towering 338 feet, one of the largest dagobas in Sri Lanka | 1 hour |

| Samadhi Buddha Statue | Exquisite carved statue depicting Buddha in a meditative pose | 30 minutes |

| Bodhi Tree | Sacred fig tree, a cutting from the original tree in India | 45 minutes |

Day 2: Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

Leaving Anuradhapura, the tour continues to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka dating back to the 11th century.

Visitors explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, including the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihara, and the Lankathilaka Temple.

Next, the group travels to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Climbing 1,200 steps, they reach the ancient palace ruins atop the 200-meter-high rock.

Marveling at the exquisite frescoes and water gardens, the travelers soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

This eventful day provides a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history and architectural wonders.

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Day 3: Sigiriya to Kandy

After exploring the impressive Sigiriya rock fortress, the tour continues its journey to the historic city of Kandy.

Along the way, the group stops at a spice garden to learn about the aromatic herbs and spices that are integral to Sri Lankan cuisine.

Next, they visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country.

The tour then explores the National Museum and the lush Botanical Gardens before enjoying a relaxing evening in this cultural capital.

Day 4: Scenic Train Journey to Bandarawela

As the tour departs Kandy, passengers embark on a scenic train journey to the hill town of Bandarawela. The historic railway line winds through lush tea plantations, verdant valleys, and misty mountain landscapes.

Along the way, travelers can:

• Admire the stunning vistas from the train’s large windows

• Savor a cooking demonstration in a local home, learning about traditional Sri Lankan cuisine

• Enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, far from the bustling cities

Upon arrival in Bandarawela, the group settles into their accommodations, eager to explore the charming town and its surroundings.

Day 5: Hiking From Bandarawela to Haputale

Travelers embark on a scenic hike from Bandarawela to Haputale, winding through the lush tea plantations that blanket the rolling hills.

The trail passes by small villages, where locals greet hikers with friendly waves. The path climbs steadily, offering panoramic vistas of the verdant landscape. Hikers pause to marvel at the terraced tea fields and observe workers plucking leaves.

The trek provides an immersive experience of the Hill Country’s tea culture. Upon reaching Haputale, travelers can explore the town’s colonial architecture and visit a tea factory to learn about the process from harvest to cup.

Day 6: Exploring the Hill Country and Udawalawe

On the sixth day, travelers stroll through the picturesque Hill Country, marveling at the lush tea plantations that blanket the rolling hills.

They then drive to Udawalawe, where they spend the night at a cozy jungle camp.

The highlights of the day include:

• Exploring the serene Hill Country, dotted with verdant tea estates

• Driving through scenic landscapes, catching glimpses of the region’s natural beauty

• Settling into a comfortable jungle camp, immersed in the tranquility of the wilderness

After a day of leisurely exploration, the group looks forward to the optional elephant spotting expedition at Udawalawe National Park the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do if I Have a Dietary Restriction?

If you have a dietary restriction, you should notify the tour operator in advance. They’ll accommodate your needs and provide appropriate meals during the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay in Sri Lanka After the Tour?

Absolutely! You can extend your stay in Sri Lanka after the tour. The tour operator can assist with arranging additional accommodations, transportation, and activities to suit your needs and preferences beyond the 8-day itinerary.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour Instead?

Yes, this tour can be booked as a private tour. Travelers can arrange a private tour with their own group and customize the itinerary to their preferences. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized experiences.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size averages 12-18 travelers, though the maximum capacity is 20. The smaller group size allows for more personalized experiences and easier navigation through the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka.

Can I Request a Specific Guide or Driver for the Tour?

Travelers can’t request a specific guide or driver for this tour. The tour operator assigns guides and drivers based on availability, though they aim to provide knowledgeable, friendly staff throughout the journey.

The Sum Up

This 8-day Sri Lanka tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s captivating history, stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife. From ancient cities to tea plantations, scenic train journeys to elephant encounters, travelers will enjoy the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan heritage. With comfortable accommodations, delicious cuisine, and expert guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the country’s treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: