5-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour

5 Days 4 Nights

Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Scale the ancient Lion Rock with stunning 360-degree views
Dambulla Cave Temple – Discover five sacred caves with 150+ Buddha statues
Temple of the Tooth – Experience sacred Buddhist rituals in Kandy
Tea Plantations – Stroll through lush green hills and taste fresh Ceylon tea
Nuwara Eliya – Explore Sri Lanka’s charming “Little England” hill station
Yala National Park – Spot leopards, elephants, and exotic wildlife on safari
Galle Fort – Walk through historic Dutch colonial ramparts by the sea
Spice Gardens – Learn about aromatic herbs and Ayurvedic traditions
Scenic Mountain Drive – Journey through breathtaking hill country landscapes
4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Immerse in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage

Tour Overview

Experience the essence of Sri Lanka in just five unforgettable days with this perfectly curated round tour. Begin your adventure in the Cultural Triangle, where ancient kingdoms carved magnificent monuments into rock and cave. Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views, and explore the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple adorned with centuries-old Buddha statues and vibrant frescoes.

Journey to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s spiritual heart, where the Temple of the Tooth Relic preserves one of Buddhism’s most sacred artifacts. Ascend into the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya, where rolling tea plantations paint the hillsides emerald green and colonial charm fills every corner of this enchanting hill station.
Travel through spectacular mountain scenery to Ella, taking in dramatic valleys and the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Experience thrilling wildlife encounters on a Jeep safari at Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, and exotic birds. Conclude your journey at the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Dutch colonial architecture against stunning ocean backdrops.

This compact itinerary delivers maximum experiences for travelers with limited time, combining culture, nature, wildlife, and history into one seamless adventure across Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Airport → Sigiriya

Airport pickup and welcome
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Watch elephant bathing in the river
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
Climb to cave complex viewpoint
Check-in and overnight in Sigiriya

Day 02: Sigiriya → Kandy

Early morning climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
Visit Sigiriya Museum
Stop at Matale Spice Garden
Arrive in Kandy
Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO)
Watch traditional Kandyan Dance show
Evening stroll around Kandy Lake
Overnight in Kandy

Day 03: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
Photo stop at Ramboda Falls
Tour Tea Factory and Plantation
Tea tasting experience
Nuwara Eliya city tour
Visit Gregory Lake
Explore Victoria Park
See colonial post office and buildings
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Day 04: Nuwara Eliya → Yala

Scenic drive through hill country
Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
Photo stop at Ravana Falls
Arrive at Yala region
Evening Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
Spot leopards, elephants, and wildlife
Overnight near Yala

Day 05: Yala → Galle → Airport

Drive to southern coast
Photo stop at Stilt Fishermen
Walking tour of Galle Fort (UNESCO)
Visit lighthouse and ramparts
Optional: Madu River boat safari
Transfer to Colombo Airport
Departure

Tour Inclusions

Tour Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop-off
4 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels (3-4 star)
Daily breakfast at hotels
Air-conditioned private vehicle throughout
English-speaking chauffeur guide
Jeep safari at Yala National Park
All parking and toll fees
Bottled water during travel
All applicable taxes

International airfare
Lunch and dinner
Entrance fees to attractions and sites
Personal expenses and tips
Travel insurance
Camera and video permits
Optional activities (boat rides, train tickets)
Alcoholic beverages
Visa fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I see all the highlights of Sri Lanka in just 5 days?

Yes, this carefully designed itinerary covers Sri Lanka's must-see highlights including ancient ruins, sacred temples, tea plantations, wildlife safari, and colonial history. While more time allows deeper exploration, five days provides an excellent introduction to the island's diverse offerings with comfortable pacing.

Is this 5-day tour suitable for first-time visitors?

Absolutely! This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience Sri Lanka's essential highlights. It covers the most iconic destinations including Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle, giving you a comprehensive taste of the country's culture, nature, and history.

What is the best time to take this 5-day tour?

The west and south coasts enjoy dry weather from December to April, making it the peak season. However, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with different regions experiencing varying weather patterns. We can adjust the itinerary based on seasonal conditions to ensure the best experience.

4. How physically demanding is this tour?

The tour involves moderate physical activity. Climbing Sigiriya Rock requires approximately 1,200 steps, and Dambulla Cave Temple has 300-400 steps. These can be skipped if needed. The Yala safari is comfortable in a Jeep. We can adjust activities based on your fitness level and preferences.

5. Can the itinerary be extended or modified?

Yes, the tour is fully customizable. Popular extensions include adding beach time in Mirissa or Bentota, whale watching in Mirissa, white-water rafting in Kitulgala, or extra nights in preferred destinations. Contact us to create your personalized itinerary based on your interests.

6. What should I budget for entrance fees?

Entrance fees are not included, giving you flexibility to choose which attractions to visit. Estimated fees total approximately $100-150 USD per person for all major sites including Sigiriya, Dambulla, Temple of the Tooth, and Galle Fort. We provide a detailed breakdown before your trip for easy budgeting.