A Leisure Journey from Beaches to Highlands
Explore the best of Sri Lanka in 10 unforgettable days, perfectly timed for the August season! This curated itinerary takes you through golden beaches, lush hill country, ancient cultural wonders, and vibrant cities. From the historic heart of the Cultural Triangle to the sun-kissed shores of Pasikudah and Arugam Bay, and the cool mountains of Ella and Nuwara Eliya – this tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation, nature, and discovery. Ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a slow-paced yet enriching travel experience during Sri Lanka’s dry season on the east coast.
Highlights of the Tour
- 🏖️ Sunbathing & swimming on East Coast beaches (Pasikudah & Arugam Bay)
- 🗿 Sunrise climb of the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- 🛕 Explore Dambulla’s ancient cave temples with 150+ Buddha statues
- 🏰 Discover the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa's royal city
- 🌅 Chill surf town vibes & sunset walks in Arugam Bay
- 🐘 Optional wildlife safari in Kumana National Park
- 🏞️ Scenic drive through remote valleys to Ella’s lush mountains
- 🌉 Snap photos at Nine Arches Bridge & hike Little Adam’s Peak
- 🚂 Optional train ride through Sri Lanka’s emerald tea country
- 🍃 Stroll through Nuwara Eliya’s tea estates & colonial gardens
- 🍵 Taste Ceylon tea straight from the source
- 🛕 Pay homage at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy
- 🌸 Wander Peradeniya’s Royal Botanical Gardens
- 🏙️ Explore Colombo’s mix of temples, markets & colonial charm
- 🛍️ Shop for souvenirs at Barefoot, Odel & One Galle Face Mall
Includes:
- Comfortable dual A/C vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Free driver accommodation
- Transport service for the entire tour
- Tour guides for the Cultural Triangle
- Bottled water during tours.
- Bicycle and Tuk Tuk
Excludes:
- Entrance tickets to all sites
- Accommodation
- Meals and desserts
- Cost for safari jeep
Customize & Book Your Leisure Tour
Discover Sri Lanka’s best beaches, hill country, and ancient wonders in just 10 days. Relax, explore, and reconnect with nature.
Sun, Culture & Highlands: 10-Day Leisure Tour of Sri Lanka (August Special)
Day 1: Coastal Welcome – Arrival & Beachside Bliss in Negombo(Overnight: Negombo)
Welcome to Sri Lanka! After landing at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be transferred to the nearby coastal town of Negombo, known for its golden beaches, colonial charm, and lagoon canals. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the sea or enjoy a sunset boat ride in the Muthurajawela Wetlands.
Highlights:
- • Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- • Transfer to Negombo (30 mins).
- • Relax by the beach or enjoy a lagoon boat ride.
Day 2: Sacred Caves to Citadels – Journey to Sigiriya via Dambulla(Overnight: Sigiriya)
Head inland toward Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 2,000-year-old Buddha statues and cave murals. Continue to Sigiriya, the ancient fortress town surrounded by lush jungle.
Highlights:
- • Drive to Sigiriya via Dambulla Cave Temple.
- • Check in to your hotel and rest.
Day 3: Kings & Coastlines – Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa & Pasikudah(Overnight: Pasikudah)
Begin with an early climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural marvel from the 5th century. Afterward, explore the majestic ruins of Polonnaruwa, a medieval kingdom with temples, palaces, and giant Buddha statues. In the afternoon, head east to Pasikudah, famous for its shallow turquoise bay.
Highlights:
- • Morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- • Explore Polonnaruwa Ancient City.
- • Continue to Pasikudah beach (approx. 2 hrs).
Day 4: East Coast Escape – From Tranquil Shores to Arugam Bay(Overnight: Arugam Bay)
Enjoy a relaxing morning swim or walk along Pasikudah Beach. Then travel south along the scenic east coast to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s premier surf destination with a chilled tropical atmosphere. Watch the sunset with your feet in the sand.
Highlights:
- • Morning at leisure.
- • Drive to Arugam Bay (approx. 3.5–4 hrs).
Day 5: Sun, Surf & Safari – Leisure and Adventure in Arugam Bay(Overnight: Arugam Bay)
Spend your day as you wish: relax by the beach, take a surf lesson, or explore the surrounding nature. Optional excursions include a jeep safari in Kumana National Park, a climb to Elephant Rock, or a lagoon boat tour with birdwatching.
Highlights:
- • Enjoy the beach, surf, or do a Kumana National Park safari.
- • Optional visits to Elephant Rock or Peanut Farm Beach.
Day 6: From Surf to Summit – Scenic Drive to Ella’s Highlands(Overnight: Ella)
Leave the coast behind and ascend into the lush hill country. Journey through remote villages and scenic valleys to reach Ella, a charming mountain village. Settle in and enjoy views of misty peaks and waterfalls.
Highlights:
- • Scenic drive to Ella (approx. 3.5–4 hrs).
- • Visit Ravana Falls, unwind at a hill-view café.
Day 7: Hill Country Charms – Ella Wonders & Train to Nuwara Eliya(Overnight: Nuwara Eliya)
Start with a walk to Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak. Later, travel to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England” for its cool climate and colonial-era architecture. Explore Gregory Lake or visit a tea factory en route.
Highlights:
- • Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
- • Drive or take the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya.
Day 8: Tea Trails & Temples – From Nuwara Eliya to Kandy(Overnight: Kandy)
Travel through scenic hills and tea estates to reach Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a sacred relic of the Buddha, and enjoy a Kandyan cultural show in the evening.
Highlights:
- • Visit a tea factory and plantations.
- • Drive to Kandy (approx. 2.5 hrs).
- • Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic in the evening.
Day 9: Garden City to Capital Buzz – Kandy to Colombo(Overnight: Colombo)
Start with a tranquil morning at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Then journey down to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Enjoy a free evening for shopping or try some of the city’s diverse cuisine.
Highlights:
- • Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
- • Scenic drive to Colombo (approx. 3.5 hrs).
- • Leisure evening in the city.
Day 10: Urban Culture & Farewell – Colombo City Tour & Departure(Departure Bandaranaike International Airport)
Spend your final day on a Colombo city tour, covering highlights like Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, and the Old Parliament. Shop for last-minute souvenirs at One Galle Face Mall, Dutch Hospital, or Barefoot Gallery before your airport transfer for departure.
Highlights:
- • Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Old Parliament, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo Fort, and Lotus Tower (external).
- • Odel, Barefoot Gallery, Dutch Hospital, or One Galle Face Mall.
- • Enjoy lunch at a popular Colombo café or rooftop restaurant.
- • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.