The Sri Lanka 8-Day Classic Tour includes 7 nights of accommodation. During this journey, we will take you to the must-see attractions in the Cultural Triangle, the central highlands, and the southern province of Sri Lanka. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in various activities such as wildlife safaris, rock climbing, waterfall viewing, boat rides, swimming, and surfing.
Main Attractions to Visit:
Brief Itinerary Overview
Upon your arrival for the Sri Lanka 8 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 classic tour, you will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This city is the second-oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka and served as the country’s second capital after Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993. Along with the Chola-built Brahmanic temples, Polonnaruwa features beautiful remnants of Parakramabahu’s magnificent garden city, established in the 12th century. The city is rich in archaeological treasures, including temples, shrines, castles, and ruins. Discover all there is to know about the palace of King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186). The 50-room structure, which was once quite expansive, still retains its original walls. Stone elephants with intricate carvings line the walls of the king’s audience hall, while lion sculptures stand guard. The king’s swimming pool is adorned with giant crocodile mouth statues that spout freshwater. A stone structure known as Shiva Devale No. 2 lies hidden in a small forest and is the second-oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa.
After exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, we will head to Minneriya National Park. Many tourists visit this wildlife reserve to see Sri Lankan elephants. During the dry season, 150–300 wild elephants may gather near Minneriya Tank. The 888.4-hectare Minneriya National Park is also home to a variety of exotic wildlife, including native monkeys, sloth bears, buffalo, and Sri Lankan Sambar deer. You’ll then be transported back to Sigiriya for the night.
On the third day, you will embark on a rock climbing adventure before traveling to Kandy, known for the Sigiriya rock fortress. Sigiriya, commonly referred to as the “Lion Rock,” was the capital and administrative seat under King Kashyapa. The rock rises 180 meters high, and it is said that a massive lion-shaped doorway was constructed halfway up the cliff by King Kashyapa. Its shape earned it the name “Lion Rock.” The fortress was abandoned after the king's death but continued to serve as a Buddhist monastery until the fourteenth century. The remaining ruins are still visible today and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next, we will visit the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Dambulla Golden Temple. This five-chambered complex is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple. Murals cover a total area of 2100 m², and the temple contains 157 statues in total. The existence of the temple is a natural wonder due to the enormous 150 m-tall rock that forms its roof. Following extensive renovations, a massive 15-meter-tall golden statue and pagoda were constructed, and the temple itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our next stop will be the village of Hiriwadunna, close to the rural countryside. This charming little community of only 2,500 residents serves as a glimpse into the past. It’s fascinating to witness how the villagers go about their daily lives. You can also enjoy bullock cart and boat rides and savor a delicious traditional Sri Lankan meal.
Following that, we will visit a Spice Garden, a wonderful place filled with aromas and greenery. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the various uses of spices in both cuisine and medicine. Our next destination is the Matale Muthumariamman Temple. The name Muthumariamman combines the words Muthu, meaning pearl; Mari, meaning rain; and Amman, meaning mother. This temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu goddess of fertility and rain. Visiting the temple is a joyful experience, and many come for religious ceremonies and weddings. The chariot festival, a vibrant celebration, is the main religious event held at the temple in March. After that, we’ll head straight to Kandy, where you can dine and spend the night.
On your fourth day of the Sri Lanka 8-Day Classic Tour, you will travel to the beautiful city of Kandy, and we’ll also take you to a few nearby attractions. After breakfast, our vehicle will pick you up from your hotel. One of the places we’ll visit is the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a highly popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. It is a sacred site that holds immense significance for Buddhists worldwide, as it is the temple where the Buddha’s left canine tooth is revered. It was designated a treasure of global culture by UNESCO in 1988.
Next, we will visit the Bahirawakanda Temple, located on Bahirawakanda hill, known for its impressive Buddha statue. We will then proceed to the Kandy viewpoint, which provides a panoramic view of the city. After that, we will stop at a local market where you can shop for a variety of products, including organic foods and souvenirs. The National Gems and Gemmological Museum will be our next destination, where you can learn about the gems of Sri Lanka and its extensive history dating back 4.6 billion years. The museum also showcases some of the most remarkable minerals ever discovered.
Later, we will visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, a magnificent 147-acre space home to over 4,000 different plant species. The gardens are located about 5.5 kilometers from Kandy and are bordered by the famous Mahaweli River. Our next outing will be to the Kandy Cultural Dance Show, a mesmerizing performance that showcases Sri Lankan dance, emotion, and cultural heritage. You shouldn’t miss this event, as the dancers from the Kandy Lake club have been performing since around 1982. Their main aim is to present every Sri Lankan dance form on one platform. The Kandy retail mall will be our last stop. After spending the entire day exploring these locations, you will be taken back to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
On the fifth day, you will travel to the picturesque village of Ella, located in the mountains of the Central Province. As you journey into the highlands, you will encounter stunning mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Along the way, we will make a few stops, including the 109-meter Ramboda Falls, which is the eleventh tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Next, we will visit the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden, the country’s oldest tea institution, where you can enjoy tea samples and a free factory tour. On our way to the quaint village of Nuwara Eliya, we will stop at notable places like Gregory Lake, where you can enjoy a pony ride and a delicious lunch. After that, we will visit the Nuwara Eliya post office, known for its unique architecture and being one of Sri Lanka’s oldest post offices. Following this, you will be taken to the Nanu Oya Railway Station to board the train for an unforgettable journey to the stunning city of Ella. This is one of Sri Lanka’s most romantic train rides, offering breathtaking views of the island’s beautiful green tea estates, mountains, bridges, valleys, and lush wilderness. It’s an ideal way to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture, as vendors board the train at each station to sell delicious snacks while you chat with other passengers and wave to children running alongside the tracks. After the train ride, you will be escorted to your accommodation for the night.
On day six, we will head to Yala, making a few stops along the way, including a visit to Little Adam’s Peak. Commonly known as Mini Adam’s Peak, Little Adam’s Peak was named after the famous Adam’s Peak due to the similarities in their summits (Sri Pada). A simple trek to Little Adam’s Peak leads you through tea plantations and offers breathtaking views of the lush landscape. This hike is truly unforgettable.
Next, we will visit the Nine Arch Bridge, a remarkable sight that showcases the engineering and beauty of this colonial-era viaduct bridge. Following this, we will venture into Yala National Park for a safari experience. This park is the second-largest national park in the country, bordered by the Indian Ocean. Only two of the park’s five blocks, Ruhunu and Kumana national parks, are accessible to the public. Established as an animal sanctuary around 1900, Yala is home to a variety of wildlife. After the safari, you will be driven to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
On day seven, you’ll be taken directly to Galle, where you will explore the famous Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka. After that, you will return to Mirissa.
In Mirissa, we’ll visit Coconut Tree Hill, which might be the most famous spot in the area. This mineralized headland overlooks the Indian Ocean and is about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the road along the beach. When you reach the summit, take in the stunning views of the beach and Mirissa Bay and be sure to capture a picture in this beautiful setting. Afterward, you may explore the town before heading to your accommodation for the night.
On the final day of your amazing Sri Lanka 8-Day Classic Tour, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and drive you back to the airport in time for your flight home. Your nine-day adventure with Ceylon Waves has been nothing short of fantastic and unforgettable.
