Sri Lanka

Written By Kelsey Ciera Drew Adventurers
Map of Places
Large Buddha statue inside the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple in Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

Three people posing in front of Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Two people walking along the ancient stone stairs at Ritigala Archaeological Reserve in Sri Lanka.

Ritigala Archaeological Reserve

Notes

  • Type G adapter needed.

Book a Private Driver / Tour Guide

  • You can send this exact itinerary to drivers and request quotes via Car and Driver Hire. Check that your driver is also a certified tour guide to enhance your experience and learn more about local culture. Recommended guide: Jagath Tours.

Day 1: Dambulla → Sigiriya

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

  • Arrive as early as possible; your driver will meet you at the airport and drive (~2.5 hrs) to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.

  • Carved into natural rock, the temple features painted ceilings, hundreds of Buddha statues, and religious artifacts.

  • There are 364 steps to the cave entrance — bring socks as you must remove shoes. Macaque monkeys frequent the site.

  • Your guide will explain the history and religious significance; dress modestly (knees & shoulders must be covered).

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  • Climb early to avoid heat and crowds. This 5th-century fortress/monastery features advanced ancient engineering and frescoes.

  • Expect many steps and steep sections — wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

  • Evening: dinner in town (ask your guide for recommendations) and try a Lion Lager.

  • Overnight at Nice View Lodge (1 night) for amazing views of the rock.

Day 2: Cultural Tours & Elephant Safari

Ritigala Archaeological Reserve

  • Have your guide arrange for an early, peaceful visit. The Buddhist ruins are spread among forested hills and feel very different from Dambulla.

  • Keep an eye out for purple-faced langurs — we were lucky to spot some in the trees.

Woman cooking traditional food with prepared dishes displayed during Hiriwadunna Village Tour in Sri Lanka.

Hiriwadunna Village Tour

Hiriwadunna Village Tour

  • Have guide arrange this genuine cultural tour: tuk-tuk through town, bullock cart ride, canoe across a small lake, climb an authentic elephant hut, and watch a cooking demo.

  • Lunch is a home-cooked Sri Lankan curry. Note: animal husbandry practices may differ from Western norms; research if this concerns you.

Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari

  • Have your guide arrange, Minneriya is famous for the 'Gathering' — large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants gather here during the dry season (May-Septmber).

  • You may also see langurs, mongoose, and many bird species.

  • After the safari, drive to Trincomalee (~2 hours) and overnight at Esha Beach Resort (1 night). Dinner at the resort upon arrival.

Day 3: Trincomalee

Scuba Diving / Snorkel Pigeon Island

Three people scuba diving underwater, surrounded by clear blue water off Sri Lanka coast

Diving Guru - Scuba Diving

  • If visiting between April 15 and October 10, book a scuba/snorkel trip to Pigeon Island with a reputable operator (we used a local PADI shop Diving Guru)(book in advance).

  • Be prepared to set up and carry your own gear down to the boat; sightings included eels, lionfish, and colorful corals.

  • If out of season, plan to snorkel/dives in Mirissa later in the trip.

Nilaveli Beach

Musician standing in front of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Tooth Relic

  • Relax at Nilaveli Beach for an afternoon swim and lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Swim at your own risk; waves can be strong.

  • Late afternoon: long drive to Kandy (≈5–6 hours). Overnight at Hotel Thilanka (1 night). Consider pre-ordering dinner with your driver if arriving late.

Day 4: Kandy → Ella

Temple of the Tooth Relic

  • Early morning stroll around Kandy Lake, then visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (houses a sacred tooth of Buddha). Viewing times vary; your guide will advise.

  • Respect local customs and photography rules inside the temple complex.

Drive to Ella via Tea Country

Three hikers with their guide pausing at the top of Ella Rock hike in Sri Lanka.

Ella Rock

  • Stop for lunch at Ramboda Inn with river views. Visit a tea factory in Nuwara Eliya to learn about Ceylon tea production, have your guide arrange.

  • Ask your guide to stop for photo ops among the tea plantations. Overnight at Ella Red Rock (2 nights).

Day 5: Ella

Ella Rock Hike

Two women smiling and leaning out of a moving train in Sri Lanka, enjoying the ride.

Train to Haputale

  • Early morning hike to Ella Rock (~6 miles round trip). Hike from the train station; the final ascent is steep.

  • Bring water and snacks; there's sometimes a vendor at the top. Stay alert — we saw a scorpion at the summit!

Train to Haputale & 9‑Arch Bridge

  • On the return, take a local train to Haputale for a raw, cultural experience, then catch the tourist train for the 9‑Arch Bridge photo stop, buy tickets day of.

  • Arrange for your guide to pick you up at the end of the 9‑Arch Bridge route.

Evening in Ella

View of the Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka with two girls smiling in the distance.

9-Arch Bridge

Leopard standing alert in the wild at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park

Day 6: Ella → Yala National Park

Little Adam’s Peak & Ravana Falls

  • Hike Little Adam’s Peak early — it's mostly paved and takes about an hour round trip.

  • Stop at Ravana Waterfall; vendors can be persistent, so politely decline if uninterested.

Birding & Flying Fox Viewpoint

  • Visit Debarawewa Lake for birding — a good spot for aquatic and shore birds.

  • Stop at the flying fox viewpoint to watch thousands of fruit bats hanging in trees— a highlight.

Yala National Park Safari Prep

  • Check into The Grand Yala Hotel (1 night) and schedule a licensed safari guide (separate from your driver). Ask your driver to arrange this.

  • Aim to arrive at the park gate before afternoon opening; lines form and early entry increases chances of seeing leopards.

Water buffalo standing in a river at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park

Day 7: Yala National Park

Full-Day Jeep Safari

  • Full-day safari with a licensed guide. Early entry is key for predator sightings. Bring a packed lunch from the hotel.

  • We saw multiple leopards, a tusker elephant, and a sloth bear — but sightings vary; trust your guide's knowledge.

  • Mid-day the park enforces a break; relax at lunch spot and walk around exploring the area. After lunch, resume the afternoon session safari.

  • After the safari, collect belongings and head to Paradise Beach Club (1 night). When checking in ask the hotel to hold luggage and allow pool/beach use after check-out the next day if possible.

Tail of a blue whale emerging from the ocean near Mirissa, Sri Lanka during a whale-watching tour.

Blue Whale (endangered)

Day 8: Mirissa & Departure

Whale & Dolphin Watching

  • Morning whale/dolphin watching with reputable operators (seasonal) — we recommend booking in advance with Eagle Eye Whale Watching.

  • Keep an eye out for spouts and call them out to the crew for closer viewing.

Bottlenose dolphin partially breaching the water’s surface off the coast of Sri Lanka.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Mirissa Beach & Last Night

  • Spend the afternoon at Paradise Beach Club; have lunch poolside and dinner at Suduweli Beach Bar (tables in the sand).

  • If you have a late-night flight begin the airport transfer. If departing next morning, book a night near the airport.

Lion Lager beer placed between two colorful fruity cocktails at Paradise Beach Club.

Paradise Beach Club

Passport Chapters
Kelsey Ciera Drew Adventurers
Previous

Iceland
Next

Tanzania