Sri Lanka

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

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.

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

• 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

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

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

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

9-Arch Bridge

Yala National Park

• Dinner and drinks at Café Chill followed by bar/restaurant hopping.

• Return to Ella Red Rock.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paradise Beach Club