7 Days Private Sri Lanka Tour with Star Hotel: Sigiriya & Ella

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Air Port or Any Hotel - Wilpattu
1 stop
1
Wilpattu National Park Sri Lanka
Explore the wild beauty of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park, famous for its natural lakes (“villus”) and high leopard population. Your safari begins with a comfortable 4x4 jeep ride led by an experienced local driver/guide. As you journey through dense forest, open grasslands, and scenic water lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to spot Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles, buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species. The park’s unique landscape of natural sand-rimmed lakes attracts wildlife throughout the day, offering excellent photography opportunities. Your guide will help you track animals safely while explaining the ecosystem and wildlife behavior. This safari experience offers an authentic and peaceful wildlife adventure away from crowded parks, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
5 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Wilpattu - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya
3 stops
2
Sri Maha Boodhi Temple
Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Temple in Anuradhapura, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. This ancient temple is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. During your visit, you will walk through the peaceful temple complex surrounded by prayer flags, golden statues, and devotional offerings. Your guide will explain the religious significance of the sacred Bodhi tree, its 2,000+ year history, and the importance of Anuradhapura as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers will have time to observe local devotees performing religious rituals, offer flowers, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this historic site. This stop provides a meaningful cultural and religious experience while exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient capital.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
3
Ruwanwelisaya
Visit the magnificent Ruwanweli Maha Seya, one of the most sacred and impressive Buddhist stupas in Sri Lanka, located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Built in the 2nd century BC by King Dutugemunu, this massive white dagoba is an architectural masterpiece and an important pilgrimage site. During your visit, you will walk around the beautifully restored stupa and observe the intricate stone carvings and rows of elephant sculptures surrounding the base. Your guide will explain the historical significance of the monument and its importance in Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage. Travelers will have time to experience the peaceful spiritual atmosphere, watch local devotees performing religious rituals, and take memorable photographs of this iconic landmark of the ancient capital. This stop offers a deep insight into Sri Lanka’s rich history, culture, and religious traditions.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
4
Pidurangala Rock
In the evening, climb Pidurangala Rock for one of the most breathtaking sunset views in Sri Lanka. Located near Sigiriya, this rock offers a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock and the surrounding jungle landscape. The climb takes approximately 20–30 minutes and includes stone steps followed by a short rock scramble near the summit. Your guide/driver will assist you and ensure a safe and comfortable experience. At the top, enjoy stunning 360-degree views of forests, lakes, and distant mountains as the sun sets over the horizon. This is one of the best photography spots in the Sigiriya region and a peaceful way to end the day. Travelers will have time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty before descending.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Sigiriya
4 stops
5
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
Explore the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most famous historical landmarks. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, this ancient rock fortress rises nearly 200 meters above the surrounding plains. Your visit begins with a walk through the beautifully landscaped royal gardens, including water gardens, fountains, and symmetrical pathways. As you climb the rock, you will pass the famous Sigiriya frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and the impressive Lion’s Paw entrance. At the summit, discover the ruins of the ancient royal palace and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, lakes, and countryside. Your guide/driver will explain the fascinating history, architecture, and legends connected to this extraordinary site. This experience offers a perfect combination of history, adventure, and stunning scenery.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
6
Experience authentic rural life in Sri Lanka with a traditional village tour in Hiriwadunna. This immersive experience allows travelers to explore the countryside and learn about local farming, village culture, and traditional cooking methods. Begin with a peaceful walk through the village, passing paddy fields, vegetable gardens, and local homes. Enjoy a traditional bullock cart ride and a canoe ride across a scenic lake surrounded by nature. During the cookery session, you will join a local family to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes using fresh ingredients and clay pots over a wood fire. Learn about local spices, coconut preparation, and authentic cooking techniques before enjoying the freshly prepared meal. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with local people and understand Sri Lanka’s rural lifestyle and traditions.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
7
Enjoy an exciting 4x4 jeep safari in either Kaudulla National Park or Minneriya National Park, depending on wildlife movements and seasonal conditions. These parks are famous for their large gatherings of Asian elephants, especially during the dry season. Your safari begins with a comfortable jeep ride accompanied by an experienced local driver/guide. As you explore the park’s grasslands, wetlands, and forest areas, you may encounter herds of elephants, deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. During certain times of the year, visitors can witness the spectacular “Elephant Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants come together near the reservoir one of Asia’s most impressive wildlife events. This safari offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife and natural beauty in a safe and memorable way.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
8
After an active day exploring Sigiriya and the surrounding attractions, enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic wellness experience at a traditional Ayurveda center in Sigiriya. This session includes a traditional Sri Lankan herbal oil massage performed by experienced therapists using natural oils prepared with local medicinal herbs. The treatment is designed to help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation. Guests will learn about the principles of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka’s ancient healing system, and how natural therapies are used to balance the body and mind. The peaceful environment provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and refresh after sightseeing activities. This experience offers a soothing and authentic wellness touch to your Cultural Triangle journey.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
Sigiriya - Kandy
5 stops
9
Matale Herbal and Spice Garden
Visit a traditional Herbal and Spice Garden in Matale, where you will discover Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices and medicinal plants. During this guided walk, you will see how cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, vanilla, cocoa, and many other spices are grown and processed. The local guide will explain the health benefits and traditional uses of various herbs and Ayurvedic plants used in Sri Lankan cooking and natural medicine. You will also learn about herbal remedies, essential oils, and natural treatments that have been practiced for centuries. Guests will have the opportunity to experience a short demonstration of herbal products and taste freshly prepared spice tea. This visit offers an educational and cultural insight into Sri Lanka’s rich spice heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
10
Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil
Visit Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil in Matale, one of the most colorful and beautifully decorated Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. This vibrant temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman and is an important place of worship for the local Hindu community. During your visit, admire the detailed Dravidian-style architecture, featuring intricately carved statues of Hindu deities, bright sculptures, and impressive tower structures (gopuram). Your guide/driver will explain the cultural and religious significance of the temple and the rituals practiced here. Travelers will have time to observe local devotees offering prayers, experience the peaceful spiritual atmosphere, and take photographs of the temple’s unique architectural details. This stop offers a meaningful cultural experience and insight into Sri Lanka’s diverse religious heritage.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
11
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. During your visit, explore the beautiful temple complex located beside Kandy Lake. Admire the traditional Kandyan architecture, golden roof, intricate wood carvings, and detailed paintings that decorate the shrine rooms. If visiting during prayer time (Pooja ceremony), travelers will witness traditional drumming and devotional rituals performed by local worshippers. Your guide/driver will explain the religious and historical importance of the temple and its role in Sri Lanka’s heritage. This experience offers a meaningful cultural and spiritual insight into Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist traditions.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
12
Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show
Enjoy an evening of traditional Sri Lankan culture at the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show. This vibrant performance showcases the rich heritage of Kandyan dance, music, and traditional rituals that have been passed down for generations. The show features colorful costumes, energetic drum performances, and various traditional dance forms from different regions of Sri Lanka. Highlights include Kandyan Ves dancers, mask dances, fire walking, and thrilling fire performances. Travelers will experience the rhythm of traditional Sri Lankan drums and witness impressive acrobatic and cultural displays in a comfortable indoor setting near Kandy Lake. This performance provides a perfect cultural ending to your day in Kandy, offering insight into the island’s artistic traditions and folklore.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
13
Kandy View Point
Stop at the Kandy View Point to enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Kandy. Located on a hill overlooking Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this viewpoint offers one of the best photo opportunities in the city. From the top, travelers can admire the scenic landscape of rolling hills, lush greenery, and the peaceful lake at the heart of Kandy. Your guide/driver will briefly explain the layout of the city and highlight important landmarks visible from the viewpoint. This short stop provides a perfect opportunity to capture memorable photographs and appreciate the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Kandy - ella
4 stops
14
Ambuluwawa Tower
Visit Ambuluwawa Tower in Gampola, a unique multi-religious sanctuary and biodiversity complex located on a hilltop with stunning 360-degree views. The highlight of this visit is the spiral white tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys. Travelers can climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top of the tower for an adventurous and memorable experience. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views of the central highlands, including distant mountain ranges and lush greenery. The Ambuluwawa complex also features symbols representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reflecting Sri Lanka’s religious harmony. This stop offers a combination of light adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insight.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
15
Blue Field Tea Factory
Visit the Blue Field Tea Factory in Ramboda, located in the scenic hill country of Sri Lanka. This working tea factory offers an insightful experience into how world-famous Ceylon tea is produced. During the guided factory tour, travelers will learn about the full tea-making process from plucking fresh tea leaves in the plantations to withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and grading. The guide will explain the differences between various tea types such as black tea, green tea, and white tea. After the tour, guests can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of pure Ceylon tea while admiring the beautiful mountain views surrounding the factory. There will also be an opportunity to purchase high-quality tea directly from the source. This stop provides both an educational and scenic experience in Sri Lanka’s tea country.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
16
Ramboda Waterfall
Stop at Ramboda Waterfall, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located in the scenic hill country near Pussellawa. Surrounded by lush greenery and tea plantations, this impressive waterfall cascades down approximately 109 meters, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Travelers can enjoy a short walk to the viewpoint to admire the waterfall and take memorable photographs. The cool mountain climate and peaceful environment make this a refreshing stop during your journey through the central highlands. Your guide/driver will provide information about the surrounding area and allow time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty before continuing the tour. This stop offers a perfect scenic break while traveling between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
17
Enjoy a scenic city tour of Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most charming hill country towns. Surrounded by lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountain views, Ella offers a perfect combination of nature and relaxation. During the tour, travelers will visit popular attractions such as the famous Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak viewpoint, and Ravana Falls (depending on time availability). Enjoy panoramic views of the Ella Gap and the surrounding valleys while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of this mountain town. The tour provides excellent photography opportunities and light adventure experiences, making Ella one of the highlights of the hill country journey.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
ELLA - Hikkaduwa
5 stops
18
Nine Arches Bridge
Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most photographed landmarks. Surrounded by lush green tea plantations and dense jungle, this impressive colonial-era railway bridge was built entirely of stone and brick without the use of steel. Travelers will enjoy a short walk through scenic pathways to reach the bridge viewpoint. If timing allows, you may witness a train passing over the bridge a memorable and picturesque moment perfect for photography. From the viewing area, admire the beautiful arches stretching across the valley and the peaceful hill country landscape surrounding the bridge. This stop offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to experience one of Ella’s most famous attractions.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
Little Adam's Peak View Point
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella for one of the most rewarding and easily accessible viewpoints in Sri Lanka’s hill country. This gentle trek takes you through lush tea plantations and scenic pathways with breathtaking views along the way. The hike is suitable for most fitness levels and typically takes about 30–45 minutes to reach the summit. At the top, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the Ella Gap, surrounding mountains, valleys, and rolling tea estates. This experience offers a perfect mix of light adventure and stunning natural scenery, making it one of the highlights of visiting Ella. It is also an excellent location for photography, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Ravana Ella Falls
Stop at Ravana Ella Falls, one of the widest and most impressive waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located along the scenic road near Ella. Surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic rock formations, this beautiful waterfall cascades down from a height of approximately 25 meters. According to local legend, the falls are connected to the ancient Ramayana story, where King Ravana is believed to have hidden Princess Sita in nearby caves. Your guide/driver will briefly explain the cultural and historical significance of the area. Travelers can enjoy the refreshing mountain air, take memorable photographs, and admire the natural beauty of this popular hill country attraction. This stop offers a relaxing and scenic break during your journey through Ella.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
21
Experience an adrenaline-filled adventure at Flying Ravana Adventure Park in Ella, home to Sri Lanka’s first mega dual zipline. Set amidst the stunning hill country landscape, this adventure activity offers breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and lush greenery. Travelers will enjoy an exciting zipline ride stretching over 500 meters at high speed, safely guided by trained instructors and equipped with professional safety gear. The park also offers additional adventure activities such as ATV rides and abseiling (optional, depending on availability). This experience combines thrill and scenic beauty, making it a perfect activity for adventure lovers visiting Ella. It provides a unique way to enjoy the spectacular surroundings from above.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
22
Elephant Transit Home (ETH)
Visit the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawa, a rehabilitation center dedicated to caring for orphaned and injured baby elephants. Established to protect and rehabilitate young elephants, the center provides a safe environment until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild. During your visit, travelers will observe the scheduled feeding session, where baby elephants gather to receive milk and nutritional supplements. This is a heartwarming experience and a unique opportunity to see elephants up close in a responsible and ethical setting. Unlike some elephant attractions, there is no direct contact with the animals, ensuring their natural behavior and well-being are preserved. This visit offers meaningful insight into Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation efforts.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 7
Hikkaduwa
3 stops
23
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
Visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, a dedicated center focused on protecting and conserving endangered sea turtle species along Sri Lanka’s southern coast. During the visit, travelers will learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, egg protection programs, and rehabilitation efforts for injured turtles. The center cares for rescued turtles and safely incubates collected eggs before releasing hatchlings back into the ocean. Guests will have the opportunity to observe different species of sea turtles, including baby hatchlings and rescued adult turtles undergoing care. The staff will provide information about conservation challenges and ongoing environmental protection efforts. This educational and meaningful experience offers insight into marine wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
24
Kalutara Bodhiya
Visit Kalutara Bodhiya, a sacred Buddhist temple located along the southern coastal road. This historic site is centered around a revered Bodhi tree believed to be one of the 32 saplings of the original Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. Travelers can explore the peaceful temple grounds and admire the large white stupa (dagoba) situated near the Kalu River. The temple provides a calm and spiritual atmosphere where visitors can observe local devotees offering flowers and prayers. Your guide/driver will briefly explain the religious importance of the Bodhi tree and the significance of this temple in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. This stop offers a meaningful cultural experience and a peaceful break during your journey along the south coast.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
25
Enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the beautiful Madu Ganga River in Balapitiya, one of Sri Lanka’s most important wetland ecosystems. This scenic river safari takes you through a network of mangrove forests, small islands, and calm waterways rich in biodiversity. During the boat ride, travelers may spot various bird species, monitor lizards, and other wildlife while learning about the local ecosystem. The tour typically includes visits to small river islands, where you can see traditional cinnamon cultivation and experience local village life. Guests may also stop at a small fish spa island (optional) and explore the peaceful surroundings of this protected wetland area. This boat safari offers a relaxing and nature-filled experience, making it a perfect activity along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
4 hours • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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