5 Days and 4 Nights Sri Lanka Highlights Private Tour

listing image 1
Show all photos
5 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 2 more

Journey through Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and hill country in 5 unforgettable days—climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore ancient UNESCO World Heritage cities like Polonnaruwa and Dambulla, spot wild elephants on a Minneriya safari, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and get your adrenaline pumping with white water rafting in Kitulgala. With comfortable hotel stays, breakfast included daily, and a knowledgeable guide throughout, this tour blends history, culture, wildlife, and adventure into one seamless experience.

What's Included

Breakfast (Optional[4])
Breakfast

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We offer convenient pickups from your hotel lobby or the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) arrival hall. If you are arriving at the airport, our driver/guide will be waiting right outside the arrival terminal holding a signboard with the lead traveler's name. For hotel pickups, please be ready in the lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Airport • Negombo • Dambulla • Sigiriya

    3 stops
  • 1
    Negombo

    Enjoy a relaxing drive through the vibrant coastal city of Negombo, experiencing the tropical atmosphere and a glimpse of local coastal life before heading toward the Cultural Triangle.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Dambulla Cave Temple

    Explore this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, featuring ancient Buddhist murals and stunning statues housed within the rock caves.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Matale Herbal and Spice Garden

    Visit a traditional spice garden in Matale to learn about the cultivation and uses of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other world-renowned Sri Lankan spices in a lush, fragrant setting.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa • Minneriya

    3 stops
  • 4
    Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress

    Climb the majestic Lion Rock, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site, discovering the ancient water gardens, world-famous frescoes, and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit palace ruins.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

    Explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, including well-preserved stupas, ancient palaces, and the impressive Gal Vihara with its magnificent Buddha statues carved directly into granite rock.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Minneriya National Park

    Enjoy an exciting afternoon Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for the 'Elephant Gathering', observing large herds of wild elephants along with diverse birdlife and wildlife.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 3

    Sigiriya • Matale • Kandy

    6 stops
  • 7
    Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil

    A brief stop to admire the vibrant, intricately decorated architecture of a traditional Hindu temple in Matale, reflecting Sri Lanka's rich cultural diversity.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Matale

    Witness local artisans demonstrating the traditional Sri Lankan craft of wood carving, showing how intricate designs and traditional masks are made using centuries-old techniques.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Natural Gems and Gemmological Museum

    Discover Sri Lanka's rich history of gem mining, learning about the process of extracting and polishing precious stones, including the world-famous Ceylon Sapphires.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

    Visit the most revered Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, located in the royal palace complex of the former kingdom of Kandy, and experience its spiritual atmosphere and UNESCO-listed architecture.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show

    Enjoy a vibrant, energetic evening performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dances, including spectacular fire-walking and rhythmic drumming unique to the island's heritage.

    1 minute • Admission ticket included
  • 12
    Kandy Lake

    Take a peaceful, leisurely evening stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), located right next to the Temple of the Tooth.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    Kandy • Kitulgala

    2 stops
  • 13
    Adventure LK white water rafting kitulgala sri lanka

    Experience an adrenaline-pumping 7 km white water rafting adventure along the scenic Kelani River, navigating thrilling rapids surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 14
    Kitulgala

    Trek through the dense, green forests of Kitulgala with a guide, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature and discovering local flora and fauna before relaxing at your riverside hotel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 5

    Kitulgala • Colombo • Airport

    4 stops
  • 15
    Colombo City Tours

    Discover the vibrant commercial capital of Sri Lanka on a guided drive, seeing a fascinating mix of modern developments, historical colonial architecture, and bustling local markets.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Independence Square

    Visit this historic national monument built to commemorate Sri Lanka's independence from British rule, admiring its traditional Kandyan-style architecture and peaceful surrounding gardens.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 17
    Galle Face Green

    Enjoy the ocean breeze at this iconic urban park stretching along the coast of the Indian Ocean, a favorite spot for locals to relax, fly kites, and watch the sunset.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Colombo City Centre

    Conclude your trip with a shopping experience in Colombo, picking up souvenirs, world-renowned Ceylon tea, and local crafts before being dropped off at the airport.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Lanka Unveiled

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Archaeology Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Show more
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}
Book Now