Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Treasures of Sri Lanka
8 Days
Colombo • Pinnawala • Dambulla • Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa • Matale • Kandy • Peradeniya • Nuwara Eliya • Negombo
A richly varied journey through Sri Lanka, blending ancient kingdoms, sacred temples, dramatic landscapes and the island’s celebrated tea country. From Colombo’s cosmopolitan character and the cultural treasures of the Cultural Triangle to Kandy’s spiritual heritage and Nuwara Eliya’s misty plantations, the journey reveals a graceful succession of history, nature, tradition and colonial-era charm.
Highlights
Colombo’s historic and cultural landmarks
Elephants at Pinnawala
Dambulla’s celebrated cave temple
Climb the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Ruins of Polonnaruwa
Traditional spice garden visit
Historic Kandy and its temple
Journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country
Explore colonial-era Nuwara Eliya
DAY 01 — ARRIVAL IN COLOMBO
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to settle into the atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s lively commercial capital. Colombo combines historic districts, religious landmarks, contemporary city life and the remnants of its colonial past, creating an engaging introduction to the island.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
DAY 02 — COLOMBO • PINNAWALA • DAMBULLA
After breakfast, depart Colombo and travel inland towards Pinnawala. Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where rescued elephants are cared for in a dedicated environment. Continue towards Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, a remarkable complex of cave shrines containing Buddhist images and murals.
The journey then continues into Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where ancient heritage and rural landscapes begin to define the character of the journey.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
DAY 03 — DAMBULLA • SIGIRIYA • POLONNARUWA • DAMBULLA
Begin the day with an excursion to Sigiriya, dominated by the dramatic fifth-century rock fortress rising above the surrounding landscape. Explore the archaeological remains and ascend the rock for expansive views across the forested plains.
Continue to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, once a major medieval centre of the island. Explore its historic ruins, including the celebrated Gal Vihara and its finely carved Buddha figures, before returning to Dambulla.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
DAY 04 — DAMBULLA • MATALE • KANDY
Depart Dambulla and travel south through the changing landscapes of central Sri Lanka. En route, visit a spice and herb garden in Matale, where aromatic plants and traditional spices offer an insight into the island’s agricultural heritage.
Continue to Kandy, the historic hill-country city associated with Sri Lanka’s former royal tradition. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and experience the atmosphere of the city around Kandy Lake. The day concludes with a traditional cultural performance featuring music and drumming.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 05 — KANDY • PERADENIYA • TEA COUNTRY • NUWARA ELIYA
Leave Kandy after breakfast and continue towards Nuwara Eliya. Stop at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, known for their extensive collections of tropical and subtropical plants.
The road then climbs into Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where cultivated tea estates cover the surrounding slopes. Visit a working tea plantation and gain an insight into the production of Ceylon tea before continuing to Nuwara Eliya, whose cool climate, green hills and colonial character give it a distinctive atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 06 — NUWARA ELIYA
Spend the day exploring Nuwara Eliya and its surrounding highland scenery. The landscape is defined by rolling tea-covered slopes, cool mountain air and waterfalls, while the town retains elements of its British-era architectural character.
Enjoy a relaxed exploration of this distinctive hill station and its scenic surroundings, with time to appreciate the contrasting atmosphere between Sri Lanka’s tropical lowlands and its cooler central highlands.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 07 — NUWARA ELIYA • NEGOMBO / COLOMBO
After breakfast, depart Nuwara Eliya and descend from the central highlands towards the western side of the island. The journey offers a final opportunity to appreciate the changing scenery as tea country gives way to the warmer lowlands.
Continue towards the coastal plain and the Colombo area, with time to experience the character of the western region before the final night of the journey.
Overnight stay in Negombo.
DAY 08 — NEGOMBO • COLOMBO • DEPARTURE
After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Colombo. Depending on the departure arrangements, there is an opportunity to experience further aspects of the capital, including Independence Square, Pettah and Gangaramaya Temple.
Later, transfer to the airport for the onward or homeward journey, bringing the Sri Lankan journey to a close.