Best of Sri Lanka Highlights
5
Nights
6
days
Experience the best of Sri Lanka in just six days with this whirlwind highlight tour. From ancient cultural treasures to misty highlands and wildlife safaris to golden beaches, this journey offers a perfect blend of heritage, nature, and relaxation.
Arrival – Dambulla Cave Temple – Sigiriya
- Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be warmly welcomed by your chauffeur.
- Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- En route, visit the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its ancient rock-cut statues and vibrant frescoes.
- (Optional: Stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe rescued elephants up close – depending on your interest and arrival time.)
- Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your hotel.
- Evening at leisure to relax after your journey.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom
- Early morning climb to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural marvel built in the 5th century.
- After a mini-break and refreshments, depart for Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site.
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, featuring royal palaces, temples, and wellpreserved ruins.
- Return to Sigiriya in the evening.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Village Tour – Kandy via Matale
-
After breakfast, enjoy a Sigiriya village experience:
- Travel by traditional bullock cart,
- Cross a lake by catamaran,
- Engage in an authentic Sri Lankan cooking session with a local family. - Post lunch, proceed to Kandy via Matale.
- (Optional: Visit a Matale Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices and Ayurveda herbs.)
- On arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel.
- In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
- Overnight stay in Kandy
Botanical Garden – Nuwara Eliya – Train Ride to Ella – Nine Arch Bridge
- After breakfast, visit the serene Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
- Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England”.
- Visit a tea plantation and factory to see how Ceylon Tea is made.
- Drive to Nanu Oya railway station and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides to Ella.
- Your chauffeur will meet you in Ella and take you to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering.
- Overnight stay in Ella
Little Adam’s Peak – Buduruwagala – Udawalawe Safari – Mirissa
- At dawn, begin the gentle trek to Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking sunrise views over Ella's lush landscapes.
- After breakfast, depart for Mirissa, a charming beach town on the southern coast.
- En route, visit the ancient rock carvings at Buduruwagala Temple.
- Stop at Udawalawe National Park for an exciting jeep safari, where you may spot elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and more.
- Continue to Mirissa and check in to your beach resort.
- Overnight stay in Mirissa
Beach Relaxation – Departure
- Enjoy a leisurely morning at the beach.
- (Optional: You can extend your stay and explore Ayurvedic Panchakarma wellness treatments for rejuvenation.)
- At the appropriate time, your chauffeur will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.
Inclusions
- Private transportation with Deutsch/English-speaking chauffeur guide
- 5 nights’ accommodation in selected hotel category (BB/HB as preferred)
- Daily breakfast (or half board if selected)
- All sightseeing as per itinerary
-
Entrance tickets to:
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City
- Temple of the Tooth (Kandy)
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden
- Tea factory visit
- Train ticket from Nanu Oya to Ella (2nd or 1st class, subject to availability)
- Udawalawe National Park safari with jeep - Village tour with bullock cart, catamaran ride, and local cooking experience
- Water Bottles & Snacks
- All government taxes
Exclusions
- International airfare & visa fees
- Lunches, dinners (unless half board selected)
- Optional visits (e.g., Pinnawala, Matale Spice Garden, Ayurveda treatments)
- Tips for chauffer & personal expenses
- Early check-in/late check-out (unless specified)
What are the must-see attractions included?
Highlights include:
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy)
• Scenic Train ride through the hill country (e.g. Nanu Oya–Ella)
• Nuwara Eliya tea plantations
• Galle Fort
• Yala or Uda Walawe National Park for wildlife safaris
Is transportation included?
Absolutely! a private air-conditioned vehicle and driver is typically included, and train tickets on scenic routes are arranged by the agency.
What types of accommodations are provided?
Comfortable mid-range hotels, Luxury Hotels, or guesthouses are usually included, with upgrade options available from boutique stays in the hills to coastal resorts.
Are meals included?
Most packages include daily breakfast, and often dinner at hotels. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are usually extra.
Is a guide included at heritage sites and parks?
A local driver-guide accompanies you, but specialist guides (e.g. for national parks or caves, Any other cultural areas) you can ask from Us for German/English Speaking guides.
What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
• October–April is ideal for the south, west, and hill country
• May–September suits the easterly regions For a full island highlights tour, December–March is generally optimal
What should I pack?
• Lightweight clothes, plus a warm layer for cooler hills (10–20 °C)
• Rain gear, as weather varies by region
• Good walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle
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