8 Days - 7 Nights Cultural Triangle & Hill Country Tour
Ancient cities, tea country and a train ride through the clouds.
About This Tour
A week is enough to see the two sides of Sri Lanka most first-time visitors want most: the Cultural Triangle's ancient cities and the cool, green hill country around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. This route covers Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, a wildlife safari at Minneriya, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and finishes among the tea estates of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, with the famous train ride between them.
Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
- The Kandy–Ella train through tea country
- Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak in Ella
Key Information
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
January to April, or July to September
Group Size
Private & small groups
Transport
Private A/C vehicle throughout
Start Point
Colombo (Bandaranaike Airport)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Airport to Sigiriya
About a 3.5–4 hour drive north from Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) to the Cultural Triangle base of Sigiriya.
Day 2
Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa
A day trip east from Sigiriya (around 1 hour each way) to explore the ancient ruined capital of Polonnaruwa, returning to Sigiriya for the night.
Day 3
Sigiriya to Kandy
Roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive south from Sigiriya into the hill country, arriving in the cultural capital of Kandy.
Day 4
Kandy City Tour
A full day exploring Kandy itself — the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, and the surrounding sights, with no long drive required.
Day 5
Kandy to Ella
A scenic 5–6 hour drive (or the famous train ride) south through tea country to the mountain village of Ella.
Day 6
Ella to Yala
About a 2.5–3 hour drive south from Ella down to Yala National Park, timed for an early safari the next morning.
Day 7
Yala to Mirissa
Roughly a 3–4 hour drive west along the southern coast from Yala to the beach town of Mirissa.
Day 8
Mirissa to Airport
About a 2.5–3 hour drive back along the Southern Expressway from Mirissa to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.
Route Map
The stops from the itinerary above, in order.
What's Included
- Private A/C vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- English speaking tour guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Highway Fees
- Local Insurance for the vehicle
- Passengerinsurance cover
What's Not Included
- Meals
- Entrance tickets to sites and parks
- Personal expenses and tips
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Activities
Image Gallery
Enquire About This Tour
Message us your dates and group size, and we'll confirm availability directly.
Advance payment: 25% to confirm the itinerary and hotels
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 14 days before arrival