9-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour
9 Days 8 Nights- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Climb the ancient Lion Rock with breathtaking panoramic views
- Dambulla Cave Temple – Explore sacred caves with 150+ Buddha statues and ancient frescoes
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City – Discover well-preserved ruins of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital
- Temple of the Tooth – Experience sacred Buddhist rituals in Kandy’s holiest shrine
- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – Stroll through 147 acres of stunning tropical flora
- Tea Plantations – Walk through emerald hills and taste fresh Ceylon tea
Scenic Train Journey – Ride one of the world’s most beautiful railway routes - Nine Arch Bridge – Visit Ella’s iconic colonial-era railway viaduct
- Yala National Park Safari – Spot leopards, elephants, and exotic wildlife
- Galle Fort – Walk through historic Dutch colonial ramparts by the ocean
- Golden Beaches – Relax on palm-fringed shores of the south coast
- 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Immerse in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy
Tour Overview
Embark on the ultimate Sri Lankan adventure with this comprehensive 9-day round tour that unveils the island’s most captivating treasures. Journey through the legendary Cultural Triangle, where ancient kingdoms carved magnificent monuments into rock and cave. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, and wander through the atmospheric ruins of Polonnaruwa’s medieval capital.
Discover Kandy, Sri Lanka’s spiritual heartland, where the Temple of the Tooth preserves Buddhism’s most sacred relic. Ascend into the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya, where rolling tea plantations paint the hillsides emerald green. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through hill country to charming Ella, home to the famous Nine Arch Bridge and spectacular mountain vistas.
Feel the thrill of wildlife encounters on an exhilarating Jeep safari at Yala National Park, renowned for the world’s highest density of leopards. Walk through the historic ramparts of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Dutch colonial grandeur. Conclude your journey relaxing on golden beaches along the pristine south coast.
This perfectly paced itinerary delivers the complete Sri Lankan experience, seamlessly blending culture, nature, wildlife, history, and relaxation into one unforgettable adventure.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Airport → Sigiriya
- Airport pickup and welcome
- Transfer to Cultural Triangle region
- Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Watch elephant bathing in the river
- Arrive Sigiriya and check-in
- Evening at leisure
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 02: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya
- Early morning climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- View ancient frescoes and Lion’s Paw entrance
- Enjoy 360-degree views from summit
- Visit Sigiriya Museum
- Afternoon excursion to Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO)
- Explore Royal Palace ruins
- See Gal Vihara Buddha statues
- Visit Parakrama Samudra reservoir
- Return to Sigiriya
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 03: Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
- Explore five sacred caves with Buddha statues
- Depart for Kandy
- Stop at Matale Spice Garden
- Learn about Ayurvedic herbs and spices
- Arrive in Kandy
- Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO)
- Watch traditional Kandyan Dance show
- Evening stroll around Kandy Lake
- Overnight in Kandy
Day 04: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
- Explore orchid house and palm avenues
- Depart for Nuwara Eliya
- 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 05: Nuwara Eliya → Ella
- Morning at leisure or optional Horton Plains excursion
- Scenic train journey to Ella (or drive)
- Pass through stunning hill country landscapes
- Arrive in Ella
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Short hike to viewpoint
- Evening at leisure in Ella town
- Overnight in Ella
Day 06: Ella → Yala
- Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak
- Panoramic views of Ella Gap
- Photo stop at Ravana Falls
- Depart for Yala region
- Scenic drive through southern highlands
- Arrive and check-in near Yala
- Afternoon at leisure
- Overnight near Yala
Day 07: Yala Safari → Galle/South Coast
- Early morning Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
- Spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and birds
- Breakfast after safari
- Depart for Galle
- En route photo stop at Stilt Fishermen
- Walking tour of Galle Fort (UNESCO)
- Visit lighthouse and ramparts
- Explore boutique shops and cafes
- Continue to beach hotel
- Overnight on South Coast
Day 08: South Coast – Beach & Leisure
- Morning at leisure on the beach
- Optional: Whale watching in Mirissa (seasonal)
- Optional: Madu River boat safari
- Visit mangrove forests and cinnamon island
- Optional: Turtle hatchery visit
- Afternoon beach relaxation
- Water sports available
- Sunset on the beach
- Overnight on South Coast
Day 09: South Coast → Colombo → Airport
- Breakfast at hotel
- Depart for Colombo
- Optional: Colombo city tour
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple
- See Independence Square
- Stroll at Galle Face Green
- Shopping time (if desired)
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Departure with wonderful memories
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- 8 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
- Scenic train tickets (Nuwara Eliya to Ella)
- All parking and toll fees
- Bottled water during travel
- All applicable taxes
- Lunch and dinner
- Entrance fees to attractions and sites
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Camera and video permits
- Optional activities (whale watching, boat rides)
- Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why should I choose a 9-day tour over shorter options?
A 9-day tour offers the perfect balance of comprehensive exploration and comfortable pacing. Unlike shorter tours, you'll have time to fully experience each destination without rushing, including an extra day at the beach for relaxation. This duration allows deeper cultural immersion and more wildlife safari time while still being suitable for most holiday schedules.
2. Is the scenic train journey included in this tour?
Yes, the iconic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is included in this package. Often rated as one of the world's most beautiful train rides, it passes through stunning tea plantations and misty mountains. We arrange reserved seats in advance. Alternatively, if you prefer driving, we can customize the itinerary accordingly.