#29 Essence of Lanka 8 Days of Culture, Coast & Highlands 8 Days

#29 Essence of Lanka 8 Days of Culture, Coast & Highlands – 7 Nights 8 Days

Discover Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, lush highlands, and golden beaches on this 8-day journey. Explore ancient cities like Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa, experience culture in Kandy, enjoy cool hill country in Nuwara Eliya, adventure in Kitulgala, relax in Bentota, and wrap up in the vibrant city of Colombo.

Tour Highlights

Experience the heart of Sri Lanka in just eight unforgettable days. Begin your journey in the Cultural Triangle with a visit to Dambulla’s iconic cave temple, followed by the breathtaking ascent of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Step back in time among the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Kandy, the island’s cultural capital, where you’ll witness traditional dance and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth. Travel through lush tea country to the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” then dive into soft adventure with white-water rafting or nature treks in Kitulgala. Unwind on the golden beaches of Bentota, perfect for relaxation or water sports, before ending your journey in the vibrant capital, Colombo, with its blend of colonial charm and modern energy. This well-balanced tour offers a perfect mix of history, nature, adventure, and leisure.

Day 1 – Colombo Airport - Arrival - Dambulla.

Approximate travel time 4.00 hrs. Distance 160 kms.

* Meet and greet at the Colombo airport (BIA) and transfer to Dambulla.

* Visit Dambulla Cave temple.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Dambulla.

Day 2 – Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa - Dambulla

Approximate travel time 3.00 hr. Distance 150 kms. Both ways.

* After breakfast visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

* Visit Polonnaruwa Archeological Site.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Dambulla.

Day 3 – Dambulla – Kandy.

Approximate travel time 2.5 hrs. Distance 75 kms.

* After breakfast at the hotel leave for Kandy.

* Visit Dambulla cave temple.

* Pay a visit to Temple of the tooth (Dalada Maligawa).

* Traditional Kandyan cultural show.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

Day 4 – Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Approximate travel time 2.00 hrs. Distance 75 kms.

* After breakfast at the hotel leave for Nuwara Eliya.

* Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden.

* On route visit tea plantation tea factory.

* Nuwara Eliya city tour Gregory’s Lake & Victoria Park.

*Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 5 - Nuwara Eliya - Bentota

Approximate travel time 5.5 hrs. Distance 220 kms.

* After breakfast proceed to Bentota.

* On route stopover in Kitulgala for water rafting or Belilena cave visit.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota.

Day 6 – Bentota

Approximate travel time 0.00 hrs. Distance 0 kms.
* Full day to relax by the beach.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota.

Day 7 – Bentota - Colombo

Approximate travel time 2.00 hrs. Distance 80 kms.

* Transfer to Colombo.

* Colombo city tour

* Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo.

Day 8 – Colombo – Colombo Airport (BIA) – Departure.

Approximate travel time 2.00 hrs. Distance 40 kms.
* Leave Colombo depending on your flight time and to reach airport before 3.00 hrs. of your flight.

* Drop you off and end of the tour.