Cultural & Heritage
Glimpse To Sri Lanka
A fast-paced 6-day Sri Lanka highlights tour, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya's hill country and a Yala safari, finishing with whale watching and Galle Fort.
Overview
About this tour
This fast-paced 6-day Sri Lanka highlights tour is built for a first visit on a tight schedule, moving from Pinnawala and Sigiriya to Kandy, the hill country around Nuwara Eliya, and a Yala National Park safari, before closing with whale watching and Galle Fort. Every day covers real ground, so it suits travellers who want a genuine introduction to the island rather than a single-region trip.
Tour highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
- Full-day safari inside Yala National Park
- World's End trek at Horton Plains National Park
- Whale watching off Mirissa
- Galle Fort walking tour
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Day by day
Your itinerary
- Day01
Airport / Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage / Dambulla
Pick up from Colombo Airport and depart for Dambulla, visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: gates open 8.30am on a 25-acre property, home to about 90 elephants since 1975; daily bottle feeding at 9.15/13.15/17.00 and river bathing at 10.00 & 14.00. Dambulla Golden Cave Temples: a moderate 2-hour climb to a 30m Buddha statue in the Dhamma Chakka posture across five 1st-century-BC cave shrines. Overnight stay at Dambulla.
Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageDambullaElephant Bottle FeedingElephant River BathingElephant Orphanage Visit - Day02
Dambulla / Sigiriya / Kandy
Breakfast then depart for Sigiriya. Sigiriya: a 200m rock fortress with a royal palace at its summit, 1,200 steps, fifth-century frescoes and the mirror wall graffiti. Kandy Tooth Temple: home to the sacred left canine relic of the Buddha, an easy 2-hour visit. Folk Show: an hour of 12 traditional dances and a fire-walking ceremony. Overnight stay at Kandy.
DambullaSigiriyaKandyMirror Wall & FrescoesTraditional Folk Show - Day03
Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast then depart for Nuwara Eliya, passing scenic landscapes, waterfalls and a working tea factory and estate. City tour: Golf Course, Race Course, Gregory Lake and Victoria Park. Seetha Amman Temple: the world's only Seetha temple, at the spot legend holds Seetha was held captive by Ravana. Hakgala Botanical Gardens: established 1861, known today for orchids and roses. Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
KandyNuwara EliyaWaterfall VisitBotanical Garden VisitTea Factory Tour - Day04
Horton Plains / Yala
Early morning visit to Horton Plains National Park. A 5am jeep transfer precedes a 3-hour, 9.5km trek past World's End (Small and Big), Baker's Falls and Chimney Pool. Depart for Yala, with an optional stop in Ella. Overnight stay at Yala.
Horton PlainsYalaWorld's End TrekNature Trek - Day05
Yala / Mirissa
Early morning Full Day Game Safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's foremost parks, known for leopards, elephants, sloth bear, wild water buffalo and crocodiles; roam the park for 10-12 hours with lunch inside. Depart for Mirissa. Overnight stay at Mirissa.
YalaMirissaFull-Day Game Safari - Day06
Whale Watching / Galle / Negombo or Colombo Airport
Whale Watching: doable year-round, peak November-April, with blue, Bryde's, sperm and occasionally killer whales plus several dolphin species; boats depart around 7am for roughly 4 hours. Galle Fort: built in the 17th century, one of the best-preserved forts in South Asia, with colonial villas, the Dutch Reformed Church, a museum and the Clock Tower. Depart to Colombo Airport or to a hotel in Negombo as per departure schedule.
Whale WatchingGalleDolphin WatchingFort Exploration
Good to know
What’s included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Fuel, parking and highway toll charges
- Driver accommodation and meals
- Daily breakfast at listed hotels
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Entrance tickets to sites and national parks
- Lunches and dinners unless noted
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Questions
About this tour
What is the daily pace like on this 6-day tour?
It moves briskly, typically one region change every one to two days, so it suits travellers comfortable with a fuller schedule.
Is this tour suitable for a first visit to Sri Lanka?
Yes, it is designed specifically as a first-timer's introduction, hitting the wildlife, hill country, culture and coast in a single week.
What is included with the Yala safari?
The safari includes park entrance and a 4×4 safari jeep with tracker; it does not include lunch inside the park unless separately arranged.
Can hotel categories be upgraded?
Yes, hotels can be upgraded to boutique or 5-star category at any point on this route.
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Ready to make this trip yours?
We will adjust the route, hotels and pace to suit you. No obligation.
