Essential Sri Lanka: 7-Day Discovery Tour
Experience the best of Sri Lanka with our Sri Lanka Discovery Tour. This journey takes you from ancient wonder to breathtaking landscapes. Our tours are expertly guided and include private transportation, so you can travel in comfort.
In addition , you can choose your ideal getaway from our available options. We will help your create unforgettable memories across this enchanting island.
Tour Highlights In Sri Lanka Discovery Tour.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Climb the iconic UNESCO-listed Lion Rock with breathtaking views.
Polonnaruwa – Discover the ruins of Sri Lanka’s second kingdom, including the famous Gal Vihara.
Temple of the Tooth – Visit the sacred Buddhist temple that houses Buddha’s tooth relic.
Tea Plantation & Factory (Nuwara Eliya) – Learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon tea.
Map
Itinerary
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to Sigiriya. This is a scenic 4-hour drive through lush landscapes and charming villages.
Once you check in at your hotel, you can take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey. You can enjoy the serene surroundings, unwind by the pool, or take a gentle walk to soak in the local atmosphere.
If you’re feeling refreshed, you can also explore a nearby village or enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal.
Start your day early with a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This ancient rock citadel, built by King Kashyapa, features stunning frescoes, the famous Mirror Wall, and breathtaking panoramic views from the top. The climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the experience is truly unforgettable.
After exploring Sigiriya, we’ll continue to Dambulla Cave Temple. This sacred site is just a short drive away. **Inside,** the temple complex is home to beautifully preserved Buddhist murals and over 150 Buddha statues inside its five ancient caves.
Once we’ve completed our visits, we’ll return to Sigiriya for a relaxed evening. **You can** take time to unwind at your hotel, enjoy a swim, or opt for an Ayurvedic spa treatment.
After breakfast, we’ll leave Sigiriya and head to Polonnaruwa. This is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-preserved city offers a glimpse into the grandeur of medieval Sri Lankan civilization, with impressive palaces, stupas, and rock carvings.
We’ll explore the Royal Palace ruins, the Quadrangle, and the famous Gal Vihara, where four magnificent Buddha statues are carved into granite. **Other highlights include** the Lankathilaka Temple, Rankoth Vehera, and the Parakrama Samudraya, an ancient reservoir built by King Parakramabahu.
After the tour, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our journey to Kandy, the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, passing lush landscapes and small villages.
Upon arrival in Kandy, you can check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, **you can** take a stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake or enjoy an optional cultural dance show to experience the city’s vibrant heritage.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Wake up in Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by misty hills and a rich cultural heritage. Today, we’ll explore the city’s UNESCO-listed sites, vibrant streets, and serene landscapes.
Our first stop is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This is Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temple and is home to a relic of Buddha’s tooth. **Afterward,** we’ll visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, where you can stroll through beautiful orchid gardens and giant palm avenues.
Later, enjoy a scenic drive through Kandy’s charming streets and stop by a local tea factory. Here you can learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea-making process.
In the evening, you can take a peaceful walk around Kandy Lake or enjoy an optional cultural dance performance. This showcases Sri Lanka’s traditional music and dance.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
After breakfast, we’ll leave Kandy and head to Nuwara Eliya, which is known as “Little England.” It has a colonial charm and a cool climate. The drive takes around 2.5 – 3 hours, passing through misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and waterfalls.
Along the way, we’ll stop at Ramboda Falls, a stunning cascading waterfall. **After that,** we’ll visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the famous Ceylon tea-making process.
In the afternoon, you can explore Gregory Lake, where you can take a peaceful walk or enjoy an optional boat ride. **Afterward,** we’ll also visit Seetha Amman Temple, a sacred site from the Ramayana legend.
In the evening, you can relax at your hotel or take a stroll through the town’s charming British-era buildings.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast, we’ll leave Nuwara Eliya and begin our journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital. The drive takes approximately 5 hours, offering scenic views as we descend from the lush hill country to the coastal plains.
Upon arrival in Colombo, we’ll explore the city’s mix of colonial heritage, modern attractions, and vibrant culture. Our first stop is Independence Square, a landmark celebrating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. **Following this,** we’ll visit the Gangaramaya Temple. This is a unique Buddhist temple that blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade where you can enjoy the ocean breeze and local street food. **Furthermore,** we’ll also see the Old Parliament Building and visit the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, a colonial-era building now home to boutique shops and cafes.
For those interested in shopping, we’ll stop at Odel or Pettah Market, where you can find souvenirs, clothing, and Sri Lankan handicrafts. After the tour, you can check in at your Colombo hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
On your final day in Sri Lanka, enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel in Colombo. After breakfast, you can take some time to pack, unwind, or explore the city at your own pace.
If time allows, you can take a morning walk along Galle Face Green. You can also pick up some last-minute souvenirs from Odel or Laksala, or even indulge in a refreshing Ayurvedic spa treatment.
At the scheduled time, we’ll provide a comfortable transfer to the airport, **thus** ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure.
As your journey with us comes to an end, we hope you leave with wonderful memories of Sri Lanka and look forward to welcoming you again!
Safe travels! ✈️
What’s Included
Start Your Sri Lankan Adventure Today!
Ready to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka? With Colacs Tours, your unforgettable journey awaits! From ancient temples to serene beaches and lush landscapes, we offer personalized tours that capture the essence of this beautiful island. Let us take care of the details while you create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to begin your adventure!
