Kandy City & Cultural Day Tour

For travelers who want it all – from ancient ruins and cultural treasures to misty hills and golden beaches.

This comprehensive itinerary is designed for those who want to experience the full diversity of Sri Lanka in ten unforgettable days. Explore ancient cities, climb UNESCO World Heritage sites, traverse scenic tea plantations, enjoy hill country landscapes, and unwind on pristine southern beaches.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, two of Sri Lanka’s most important ancient cities

• Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Discover the Dambulla Cave Temple with its centuries-old murals and Buddha statues

• Experience Kandy, including the Temple of the Tooth and Gem Museum

• Scenic train ride through Nuwara Eliya to Ella with photo stops at Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge

• Relax at Mirissa Beach with optional Ayurveda Spa treatments

• Colombo city tour including shopping and cultural highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Negombo

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport.

• Private transfer to Negombo, a coastal town known for its canals and fishing villages.

• Evening at leisure to relax after your journey.

• Overnight stay in Negombo.

Day 2 – Negombo → Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Drive to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Explore ancient stupas, temples, and sacred Bodhi trees.

• Learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history as you tour the preserved ruins.

• Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Day 3 – Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa Ruins

• After breakfast, transfer to Polonnaruwa, the island’s medieval capital.

• Guided tour of archaeological sites including the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, and ancient reservoirs.

• Evening at leisure.

• Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa.

Day 4 – Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple

• Early morning climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, famous for its frescoes and panoramic views.

• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, featuring exquisite Buddha statues and vibrant murals.

• Overnight stay near Sigiriya or continue to Kandy.

Day 5 – Transfer to Kandy → Temple of the Tooth → Gem Museum

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Drive to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.

• Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites.

• Explore the Gem Museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous gemstones.

• Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 6 – Kandy → Tea Plantations → Nuwara Eliya

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Drive through scenic hill country stopping at tea plantations and a tea factory.

• Enjoy the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya, “Little England,” and stroll along Gregory Lake.

• Optional visit to a local strawberry farm or Hakgala Botanical Gardens.

• Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7 – Scenic Train to Ella → Little Adam’s Peak → Nine Arches Bridge

• Take the famous scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, passing lush tea gardens and misty mountains.

• Visit Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views.

• Explore the iconic Nine Arches Bridge.

• Overnight stay in Ella.

Day 8 – Transfer to Mirissa → Ayurveda Spa or Beach Time

• Drive to Mirissa on the southern coast.

• Relax at the beach or enjoy optional Ayurveda Spa treatments.

• Evening at leisure to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

• Overnight stay at a beachfront resort in Mirissa.

Day 9 – Transfer to Colombo → City Tour

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Drive to Colombo.

• Colombo city tour: visit Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and shop at local markets or malls such as ODEL or Barefoot.

• Overnight stay in Colombo or optional evening departure.

Day 10 – Airport Drop

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

Key Notes

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for heritage and hill walks.

• Modest clothing required when visiting temples.

• This itinerary is fully customizable to fit traveler preferences.

• Best travel season: Year-round; November–April ideal for southern coast and beach activities.

Package Includes

• Airport pickup and drop-off

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide

• Accommodation for 9 nights with breakfast (based on hotel preference)

• Entrance fees to all included attractions

• Scenic train tickets (Nuwara Eliya to Ella)

• Bottled water during transfers

Package Excludes

• Lunch and dinner unless requested

• Optional activities (Ayurveda spa, whale watching, etc.)

• Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities