9 Days • 8 Nights
Classic Sri Lanka: Cultural Triangle, Kandy & Hill Country
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll climb the astonishing Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, explore the cave temples of Dambulla and the ancient ruins of the Cultural Triangle, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, ride the famously beautiful hill-country train through emerald tea estates, and take in the 'Little England' charm of Nuwara Eliya. Elephants, spice gardens and rice-and-curry feasts fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, a private driver-guide and the key experiences arranged, all you have to do is take in this beautiful island.
Trip Highlights
- The astonishing Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress
- The golden cave temples of Dambulla
- The sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- A Kandyan cultural dance performance
- The scenic hill-country train through tea estates
- The 'Little England' tea town of Nuwara Eliya
- A tea plantation and factory visit
- A blend of ancient culture and hill scenery
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle, settling in with a welcome dinner of Sri Lankan flavours.
Climb the astonishing Sigiriya Lion Rock, a 5th-century palace-fortress atop a sheer rock, with its frescoes and water gardens, then the golden cave temples of Dambulla.
Travel to Kandy, the hill capital, visiting a spice garden and the Matale temple en route, with an evening Kandyan cultural dance show.
Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, the serene Kandy Lake and the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Board the famously beautiful hill-country train, winding through emerald tea estates and misty peaks to Nuwara Eliya, 'Little England'.
Explore the tea estates with a plantation and factory visit and a tasting, the colonial town and its cool gardens and lake.
Descend from the hills to the coast and Colombo, the vibrant capital, with an afternoon to settle in and stroll Galle Face Green.
A city tour of Colombo — the colonial Fort, the markets of Pettah, the temples and the seafront, with a final free afternoon.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Colombo airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 2N Sigiriya, 2N Kandy, 2N Nuwara Eliya, 2N Colombo
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock and the Dambulla cave temples
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth and a cultural show
- A reserved-seat hill-country train journey through the tea estates
- A tea plantation and factory visit in Nuwara Eliya
- A Colombo city tour and all listed entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
How hard is climbing Sigiriya?
It is a steady climb of around 1,200 steps to the summit, taking an hour or so, with rewarding views and shaded rest stops. A reasonable level of fitness makes it very achievable; the nearby Pidurangala rock is a gentler alternative.
Is the scenic train really worth it?
Absolutely — the hill-country train through the tea estates is regularly named one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, a highlight of any Sri Lanka trip. We reserve your seats in advance.
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