A grand island circuit through ancient kingdoms, sacred cities, tea mountains, wildlife plains, and the historic southern coast.

Golden Sands and Hills

8 Days 7 Nights Route Overview Available
Route Overview

Airport → Dambulla → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Matale → Kandy → Yala → Ella → Galle → Bentota → Colombo

Tour Overview

Discover the perfect blend of Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage, misty hill country, thrilling wildlife, and stunning southern coastline on this 8 day Golden Sands and Hills journey. Explore iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and Galle Fort. Experience authentic village life, scenic tea plantations, and breathtaking viewpoints before venturing on an unforgettable safari in Yala National Park. Continue through the picturesque hill town of Ella with its waterfalls and famous Nine Arches Bridge, then unwind along the golden beaches of the south, visiting hidden coastal gems, whale watching spots, turtle conservation projects, and mangrove forests. Conclude your adventure with a vibrant Colombo city tour, creating the perfect balance of culture, nature, wildlife, adventure, and relaxation in one unforgettable Sri Lankan escape.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival | Airport to Dambulla to Sigiriya
  • Airport pickup and private transfer to Sigiriya
  • Visit Dambulla Royal Cave Temple (UNESCO)
  • Habarana Village experience through rural landscapes
  • Evening climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress for sunset views
  • Overnight Stay: Fresco Water Villa, Sigiriya (UNESCO)
Day 02: Sigiriya Region Heritage
  • Early morning sunrise hike to Pidurangala Rock
  • Visit the ancient Pidurangala Rajamaha Viharaya
  • Full-day exploration of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (Royal Palace ruins, Sacred Quadrangle, Gal Vihara, Parakrama Samudra)
  • Overnight Stay: Fresco Water Villa, Sigiriya
Day 03: Sigiriya to Matale to Kandy
  • Visit Nalanda Gedige ancient stone temple
  • Tea plantation and factory experience in Giragama
  • Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO)
  • Gem museum & traditional wood carving center
  • Visit Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Tower
  • Evening Kandyan cultural dance show near Kandy Lake
  • Overnight Stay: Oak Ray Heritage Hotel, Kandy
Day 04: Kandy to Yala (Southern Plains)
  • Scenic drive from hill country to dry zone wilderness (5–6 hours)
  • Free evening relaxation in nature surroundings
  • Overnight Stay: Elephant Lake Cottages, Tissamaharama / Yala
Day 05: Yala Safari to Ella
  • Early morning jeep safari at Yala National Park
  • Continue journey to Ella
  • Ravana Waterfall roadside stop
  • Walk across Nine Arches Bridge
  • Overnight Stay: Ella 88, Ella
Day 06: Ella to Southern Coast to Galle
  • Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak
  • Visit Buduruwagala Rock Carvings
  • Hummanaya Natural Blow Hole
  • Visit Dondra Lighthouse
  • Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint
  • Visit Secret Beach Mirissa Beach
  • Visit Weligama Beach
  • Stilt fishermen photo stop
  • Overnight Stay: Lavandish Beach Resort, Galle / Unawatuna
Day 07: Galle to Bentota to Colombo
  • Morning whale watching (seasonal)
  • Explore Galle Fort and Lighthouse (UNESCO)
  • Madu River mangrove boat safari
  • Visit turtle hatchery conservation center
  • Overnight Stay: Mirage Colombo, Colombo
Day 08: Colombo City Tour to Departure
  • Red Mosque and Pettah Market streets
  • Galle Face Green promenade
  • One Galle Face Mall
  • Lotus Tower (external view)
  • Airport drop off

Tour Route Map

Visualize your journey across the island

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Tour Highlights

Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress and Pidurangala Rock climbs
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and Dambulla Cave Temple
Yala National Park jeep safari
Ella highlights: Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak
Southern coast wonders: Hummanaya Blow Hole, Dondra Lighthouse, Coconut Tree Hill
Galle Dutch Fort, Madu River boat safari, and turtle hatchery
Comprehensive Colombo city tour
What’s Included
  • Carefully selected hotel accommodation
  • Daily breakfast and dinner
  • Private air conditioned vehicle
  • SLTDA licensed English speaking chauffeur guide
  • Fuel, parking, highway charges and driver accommodation
  • Passenger insurance
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and activity charges
  • Jeep safaris, whale watching, and water sports fees
  • Train tickets (if required)
  • Lunch and personal expenses
  • Personal travel insurance
Ideal For

Heritage explorers | Nature lovers | Wildlife enthusiasts | Comprehensive island tours

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