Essence of Sri Lanka 8 Day Tour with Gotrex Tours

8 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Perfect short tour to explore Sri Lanka’s top sights, culture, nature & 4 UNESCO sites with your local travel partner.
We recommend this tour if you have limited time to spend in Sri Lanka. The tour includes must-visit places and activities you should experience during your short visit to Sri Lanka. In this tour, you will be able to explore breathtaking nature and wildlife, glimpse 2500 years of history, ancient architectural marvels, delicious food, Buddhist culture, vibrant cities and stunning beaches. The tour includes 4 out of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The itinerary has been designed to give you the best value both in terms of money and time while enabling you to spend quality time with a touch of luxury. You experience this wonderful island in a comfortable private car/minivan with our experienced driver-cum-guide. We are more than happy to tailor this itinerary/activities to suit your personal preferences, so feel free to ask for adjustments if required.

What's Included

English speaking driver guide.
Private safari jeep for the safari at Udawalawe National Park.
Train tickets (2nd or 3rd class depending on the availability).
Lunch (Optional[2])
Lunch
Air conditioned private car or mini van depending on the group size.
Breakfast (Optional[7])
Breakfast
Sigiriya ticket
Habarana village tour
Traditional Ayurvedic massages
Kandyan cultural dance

Meeting and pickup

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

We pick up our clients from hotels within a 5 km radius of Negombo city.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Negombo and Dambulla

    2 stops
  • 1
    Negombo Fish Market

    Step into the heart of Sri Lanka’s fishing culture at the Negombo Fish Market, located near the bustling lagoon and beachside fishing villages. This vibrant market offers a raw, authentic glimpse into the daily lives of coastal communities. From the early morning auctions to rows of freshly caught tuna, crabs, prawns, and exotic reef fish, the market is a hive of activity. Watch fishermen haul in their catch, traders negotiate prices, and families sort seafood under the rising sun. It's not just a market—it's an experience filled with energy, color, and tradition.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Dambulla Cave Temple

    Visit the Dambulla cave temple on your way, the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka with glorious Buddha statues and paintings. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have plenty of photo opportunities

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 2

    Sigiriya

    3 stops
  • 3
    Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress

    Early in the morning, leave the hotel to enjoy the golden sun rise and to explore the ancient city and kingdom of Sigiriya; an ancient extravagant civilisation with breathtaking Sigiri frescos, great urban gardening, engineering and architectural marvel. For this reason, Sigiriya is known as the 8th wonders of the world. Learn about the glorious history, architectural masterpieces and artistry of 2500 years of history.

    3 hours Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan village on a bollock car and a traditional lunch.

    3 hours Admission ticket not included
  • 5

    Enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage to relax your body and mind after a long day.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • Day 3

    Kandy

    4 stops
  • 6
    Matale Herbal and Spice Garden

    Visit a spice garden and explore highly rated Sri Lankan spices on your way.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Explore one of the best Gem museums in the country and learn about precious gems and the traditional mining industry.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

    explore the vibrant city of Kandy and the Temple of the sacred tooth relic, one of the most sacred and iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. This revered Buddhist temple enshrines a relic believed to be the tooth of Buddha, making it a significant spiritual destination for Buddhists worldwide. Embrace the lively vibes of vivid rituals and cultural activities of Buddhist devotees.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 9

    In the late evening, you will have the opportunity to witness the unforgettable spectacle of traditional cultural dance with dazzling costumes, adorned with intricate embellishments, and the rhythmic beats of the drums and the dynamic choreography.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • Day 4

    Nuwara Eliya - Ceylon tea country

    2 stops
  • 10
    Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden

    Leave Kandy to discover the ethereal beauty of the tea-growing hill country. This is one of the best scenic drives in the country, which may take about 3-4 hour drive. Visit a tea factory to learn about world-famous Ceylon tea and taste a rich cup of tea on your way. Enjoy salubrious weather, beautiful landscapes throughout the journey. Walk through beautiful parks, enjoying Tudor-style architecture at Nuwara Eliya.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 11

    Witness the beautiful Rabboda waterfall on your way. You will have plenty of photo opportunities.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 5

    Ella

    2 stops
  • 12

    After breakfast, you will be escorted to a nearby train station to take the train to Ella. The train trip to Ella is often hailed as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world; a mesmerizing adventure that takes you through Sri Lanka’s enchanting hill country. This scenic route promises breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable memories with including rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls, rivers and forests. The Ella train journey isn’t just about getting to Ella—it’s about the experience itself. As you wind through Sri Lanka’s most picturesque landscapes, you’ll feel a deep connection to the country’s natural beauty and charm. It’s a trip that will stay in your heart long after you’ve disembarked. However, train tickets are sold out quickly and cannot guarantee that we can reserve tickets. However, can travel in the train without a reserved seat or continue the journey in the private car/minivan. The train journey is about 3-4 hours.

    4 hours Admission ticket included
  • 13
    Nine Arches Bridge

    Explore the Nine Arch Bridge which is a stunning piece of colonial-era railway architecture — and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. This is a historical stone viaduct with nine graceful arches, set amidst lush tea fields and dense jungle near the town of Ella. You will have lots of photo opportunities. Later of the day, you will have time to chill out at the small but vibrant Ella town.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Day 6

    Udawalawa

    2 stops
  • 14
    Udawalawe National Park

    Leave after breakfast to embark on a safari in the afternoon to witness wild Asian elephants and other exotic wildlife at the Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is renowned for its thriving population of wild elephants. Spot herds of these gentle giants roaming freely in their natural habitat; a truly awe-inspiring sight.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 15
    Elephant Transit Home (ETH)

    Visit the ETH to enjoy feeding baby elephants. ETH was established to rescue orphaned or abandoned elephant calves in the wild, provide them with care, and reintroduce them to the wild when they’re ready. Visiting this place supports the conservation of elephants as well.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • Day 7

    Mirissa

    1 stop
  • 16
    Mirissa Beach

    After breakfast, you will be heading down south beaches where you can stretch out on the soft, golden sands of Mirissa, letting the gentle sound of the waves lull you into relaxation all evening and night. Enjoy a plethora of delicious tropical seafood. What a better way to unwind than on the serene, sun-kissed beaches of the southern coast!!!

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 8

    Galle and Colombo

    1 stop
  • 17
    Galle Dutch Fort

    After breakfast, embark on Historic Galle Fort on your way to Colombo. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, Galle Fort is a historic landmark features charming cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and breathtaking ocean views. Wander through boutique shops, quaint cafés, and centuries-old churches while soaking in the fort’s unique atmosphere. You may have the opportunity to enjoy your lunch in one of the boutique restaurants inside the fort. Galle Fort is a live and vibrant must-visit place in Sri Lanka; you would love it. After visiting Galle Fort, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to end the tour.

    3 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Gotrex Tours

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
Additional fees
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Show more

from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}