ICONIC SRI LANKA WITH ELLA
8 Nights | 9 Days
ICONIC SRI LANKA WITH ELLA
The Cultural Triangle is named after three important historic sites that form a triangle. Anuradhapura is located to the north, Polonaruwa is located to the east, and Kandy is located to the south-west. Other points of interest inside the triangle are Mihintale, Ritigala, and Dambulla. Experience the enchanting essence of this magnificent nation: explore the Cultural Triangle, discover the captivating town of Kandy, and immerse yourself in the verdant tea plantations of the hill country and an amazing train ride to Ella.
- Colombo
- Negombo
- Polonnaruwa
- Sigiriya
- Minneriya
- Dambulla
- Kandy
- Ella
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Overnight stay at Goldi Sands, Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Take a leisurely drive to Negombo, where your journey begins. Check-into the hotel, recover any jetlag and spend your time at leisure.
Highlights: Negombo lagoon at sunset
Drive: 30 min
DAY 2
Negombo to the Cultural Triangle
Depart Negombo and drive to the Cultural Triangle, your base for the next three nights. If you don’t mind an early start, pay a visit to the fish market in Negombo before you leave where you can see local fisherman selling the catch of the day. Ask your consultant to add this experience.
Highlights: Negombo Fishing Village
Drive:
DAY 3
Polonnaruwa
Visit the former capital of Polonnaruwa, built during the 11th and 12th Centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of its ancient Royal Palace and temples before an afternoon at leisure.
Highlights: Polonnaruwa Day Tour
Drive:
DAY 4
Sigiriya & Minneriya NP
Begin your day at Sigiriya, also known as the majestic ‘Lion Rock’, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a moderately challenging hike to the summit and be rewarded with mesmerizing rock frescoes, the remnants of a 5th-century palace, and breathtaking vistas of the picturesque countryside. Conclude your day by driving to Minneriya National Park for an exhilarating wildlife safari.
Highlights: Sigiriya
Drive:
DAY 5
Cultural Triangle to Kandy
Commence your journey at the remarkable Dambulla cave temples, a collection of five caves adorned with captivating Buddha images and statues. Reach the summit by embarking on a scenic hike up a sloping rock. Next, proceed to Kandy, the charming capital of the hill country, with the possibility of making a detour to visit a spice garden along the way.
Highlights: Dambulla Cave Temple
Drive:
DAY 6
Kandy
Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Visit the bustling market and the British Garrison Cemetery then head to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanic Gardens located outside the town for a leisurely stroll. Return to your hotel to relax and later enjoy a show of Sri Lankan music and dance before a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Highlights: Temple of Tooth Relic
Drive:
DAY 7
Kandy to Ella
Continue your journey to the charming town of Ella; a small village nestled in a valley peering straight through the Ella Gap and surrounded by hilly countryside perfect for walks. Do stop to admire the cascading Ravana Ella waterfalls and the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. Retreat to your luxurious resort in the hills. Set amidst stunning mountains, spend your evening leisurely in this paradise resort enjoying the breath taking vistas!
Highlights: Train Ride by hill countryside
Drive:
DAY 8
Ella
Begin your day with a delightful morning hike up Little Adam’s Peak, offering stunning views of the valley and Ella Rock. Afterwards, explore the charming town of Ella at a relaxed pace. Make sure to visit Demodara station and take a brief stroll along the track to witness the remarkable engineering feat known as the Demodara loop. Continue your journey to a scenic viewpoint to admire the iconic and picturesque Nine Arch Bridge.
Highlights: Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock
Drive:
DAY 8
Ella to Colombo
Transfer to Colombo airport or choose to extend your stay in Sri Lanka and head to one of the beach hotels on the west or south coast .
Highlights:
Drive:
