The 09-day Sri Lanka tour includes 8 nights, covering the cultural triangle, central hills, and southern province. During this journey, you'll explore popular tourist attractions and engage in activities like wildlife safaris, rock climbing, waterfall sightseeing, boating, swimming, and surfing.
Main Attractions to Visit:
Brief Itinerary Overview
Upon your arrival for the Sri Lanka 9 Days Sightseeing Tour, a representative from Ceylon Waves will be waiting to greet you at Bandaranaike International Airport. You will then be transported to your accommodation in the ancient town of Sigiriya, where you can relax and unwind for the remainder of the evening.
On the second day of your Sri Lanka 9 Days Sightseeing Tour, you will visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa. As the second-oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa served as the country’s capital after Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993. It houses stunning remains of Parakramabahu’s splendid garden city, built in the 12th century, along with the Chola-built Brahmanic temples.
The city is home to numerous archaeological treasures, including temples, shrines, castles, and ruins. Discover the fascinating details of King Parakramabahu I’s palace (1153–1186), where the original walls of this once 50-room structure still stand. The king’s audience hall is adorned with intricately carved stone elephants, while lion sculptures stand guard. The king’s swimming pool features giant freshwater-spouting crocodile statues. Hidden in a small forest, the stone structure of Shiva Devale No. 2 is the second-oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa.
Following your exploration of Polonnaruwa’s ancient city, the next adventure will be at Minneriya National Park, a well-known wildlife reserve where Sri Lankan elephants gather, particularly during the dry season. The 888.4-hectare park is home to a variety of exotic animals, including native monkeys, sloth bears, buffalo, and Sri Lankan Sambar deer. After an exciting day of exploring, you will return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay
Day three begins with a rock climbing experience at Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Known as the “Lion Rock,” Sigiriya served as the capital and administrative center under King Kashyapa. Standing at 180 meters high, the fortress features a colossal lion-shaped entrance halfway up the cliff. Abandoned after the king’s death, the site later became a Buddhist monastery and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next, visit the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Dambulla Golden Temple. The largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, it consists of five chambers adorned with murals covering an area of 2100 m² and housing 157 statues. The temple is crowned by a 150-meter-high rock that serves as its roof.
Continue to the charming village of Hiriwadunna, where you can experience traditional Sri Lankan life in a serene rural setting. Bullock cart rides, boat excursions, and a mouthwatering traditional Sri Lankan meal are some of the highlights.
Afterward, visit the Spice Garden to learn about the various uses of spices in cuisine and medicine. The day concludes with a visit to the Matale Muthumariamman Temple, dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu goddess of fertility and rain. The temple is well-known for its religious ceremonies and colorful chariot festival in March. The day wraps up with an evening journey to Kandy for an overnight stay.
Day four takes you to the beautiful city of Kandy and its surroundings. Start with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), where the revered left canine tooth of Buddha is housed. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple holds immense significance for Buddhists worldwide.
Next, visit the Bahirawakanda Temple, perched on Bahirawakanda hill, famous for its magnificent Buddha statue. Afterward, take in panoramic views of Kandy from the Kandy viewpoint. A visit to a local market follows, where you can shop for a range of goods, including organic produce and gifts.
Continue to the National Gems and Gemmological Museum, which showcases Sri Lanka’s precious gems and offers insight into the country’s 4.6 billion years of geological history. Later, explore the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, a lush 147-acre sanctuary featuring over 4,000 plant species. End the day by enjoying the Kandy Cultural Dance Show, which displays Sri Lanka’s dance heritage in a mesmerizing performance. After the show, visit the Kandy retail mall before returning to your hotel.
Day five is a journey to the picturesque town of Ella, nestled in the Central Province mountains. As you ascend to the highlands, you’ll pass breathtaking views of waterfalls and verdant landscapes. The first stop is at the 109-meter-tall Ramboda Falls, Sri Lanka’s 11th tallest waterfall.
Next, visit the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden, Sri Lanka’s oldest tea institution, for a tea sampling and factory tour. Continue to the quaint town of Nuwara Eliya, stopping at Gregory Lake for a pony ride and lunch. Afterward, visit the Nuwara Eliya post office, one of the country’s oldest.
You will then board a train at Nanu Oya Railway Station for a picturesque ride to the beautiful town of Ella. Along the way, admire the lush green tea estates, mountains, valleys, and forests. After this memorable train journey, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the night.
Day six includes visits to some of Ella’s most iconic sites. Start with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak, where you can witness the breathtaking views of tea plantations and valleys. The hike leads to a stunning peak shrouded in lush greenery.
Next, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the "Bridge in the Sky." This colonial-era viaduct is a marvel of engineering and offers picturesque views of the surrounding hills.
The day continues with an exhilarating safari at Yala National Park, the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park, founded as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants and leopards. After a thrilling day, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
On day seven, you’ll head to the coastal town of Mirissa. Begin by visiting the stunning Coconut Tree Hill, a headland with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Take in the breathtaking scenery before exploring the vibrant town of Mirissa. Afterward, settle into your accommodation for the night.
Day eight offers a once-in-a-lifetime whale-watching experience in Mirissa, where you’ll have the chance to see these majestic creatures up close. From November to April, Sri Lanka’s warm waters attract various marine species, including blue whales, sperm whales, and several dolphin species.
Next, travel to Bentota via Galle, stopping to visit the historic Galle Fort. Built in 1588 by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch in 1649, this iconic landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Turtle Hatchery Farm in Galle, which works to conserve baby turtles and increase their survival rates. End the day with a serene boat ride along the Madu River before returning to your hotel
On the final day of your Sri Lanka 9 Days Sightseeing Tour, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you back to the airport in time for your departure. Thank you for choosing Ceylon Waves for your unforgettable nine-day adventure in Sri Lanka!
