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9-day itinerary in Sri Lanka: adventure and culture

Explore Sri Lanka in 9 days with our complete guide: from beaches to culture and nature.

Get ready for a magical adventure on the Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka. This trip, led in our case by expert guide Prasanna (+94 77 418 9345), offers a perfect blend of culture, nature and relaxation, from majestic historical ruins to tranquil dreamy beaches.

Here is a detailed itinerary for an unforgettable experience in this South Asian gem.

The Sri Lanka itinerary combines cultural explorations, nature adventures and relaxation on paradisiacal beaches, with luxury accommodation options that ensure an unforgettable travel experience. Immerse yourself in the magic of Sri Lanka and enjoy every moment of this exceptional trip!

Day 1: Welcome to Colombo and First Explorations

 

Arrival in Colombo Your journey begins in Colombo, where Prasanna (Private Guide) will meet you and guide you through a fascinating itinerary.

First Stop: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can feed and bathe elephants, and even ride on them. This sanctuary is an impressive example of Sri Lanka's wildlife conservation efforts.

Sri Lanka - Elephant
Elephant in Sri Lanka

Second Stop: Lucky Safari Enjoy an authentic Lucky Safari by cow cart and wooden boat. Experience the local culture with a typical meal served in a traditional way and learn about the preparation of rice.

Third Stop: Dambulla Temple Explore the Dambulla Temple, known as the Golden Temple. The climb can be demanding, but the view and the experience are worth the effort. Wear socks to protect yourself from the hot ground and remember to respect the temple dress code.

Fourth Stop: Sigiriya Rock Visit Sigiriya Rock and explore the surroundings by tuk-tuk. If you decide to climb, be prepared for a climb of approximately 2 hours and 2,000 steps. It is advisable to do it in the morning to avoid the extreme heat.

Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock

Second Stop: Lucky Safari Enjoy an authentic Lucky Safari by cow cart and wooden boat. Experience the local culture with a typical meal served in a traditional way and learn about the preparation of rice.

Third Stop: Dambulla Temple Explore the Dambulla Temple, known as the Golden Temple. The climb can be demanding, but the view and the experience are worth the effort. Wear socks to protect yourself from the hot ground and remember to respect the temple dress code.

Fourth Stop: Sigiriya Rock Visit Sigiriya Rock and explore the surroundings by tuk-tuk. If you decide to climb, be prepared for a climb of approximately 2 hours and 2,000 steps. It is advisable to do it in the morning to avoid the extreme heat.

Overnight at: Amanwella For a luxury experience near Sigiriya, the Amanwella is an exceptional choice. Set in a tropical setting, it offers private villas with pools, impeccable service and panoramic views that allow you to relax in an exclusive environment.

Amanwella Hotel
Sri Lanka - Amanwella.
Swimming pool Hotel Amanwella.

Day 2 and 3: Sigiriya to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya

 

Morning in Kandy Head to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth Buddha, a sacred jewel. Then explore the Jewelry Museum, with its fascinating collection and a hidden store that is a real find.

Tea Plantation Visit a tea plantation to learn about the production process, although the larger plantations along the way offer even more impressive views.

Sri Lanka - Tea plantation
Sri Lanka - Tea plantation

Train ride to Ella Enjoy an exciting train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, with spectacular views along the way.

Overnight at: Ceylon Tea Trails In Ella, the Ceylon Tea Trails offers a luxury experience in the heart of the tea plantations. Enjoy elegant period bungalows, exceptional service and breathtaking views of the tea fields and exquisite cuisine.

Train ride to Ella Enjoy an exciting train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, with spectacular views along the way.

Two nights at: Ceylon Tea Trails In Ella, the Ceylon Tea Trails offers a luxury experience in the heart of the tea plantations. Enjoy elegant period bungalows, exceptional service and breathtaking views of the tea fields and exquisite cuisine.

Ceylon Tea Trails Hotel swimming pool
Ceylon Tea Trails Hotel food

Days 4 and 5: Explorations in Ella and Safari in Yala

 

Jungle Trail Explore a jungle trail near Ella, which takes you to the famous bridge over which the train passes, offering unique views of the surrounding nature.

Yala Safari Take an exciting safari in Yala, where you will see elephants, buffalo, birds and crocodiles. Although leopard sightings may be rare, the experience of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is unforgettable.

Sri Lanka - Cheetah Safari in Yala
Sri Lanka - Elephant Safari in Yala

Two nights at: Cinnamon Wild Yala For a luxury Yala experience, the Cinnamon Wild Yala offers luxurious safari tents and villas overlooking the park. Enjoy an immersion in nature without sacrificing comfort, with exceptional service and top-notch amenities.

Cinnamon Wild Yala
Cinnamon Wild Yala Pool
Cinnamon Wild Yala
Cinnamon Wild Yala Hotel Room
Cinnamon Wild Yala
Cinnamon Wild Yala Dining Room

Day 6: Relax in Ahangama and Paradisiacal Beaches

 

Relaxation at Ahangama Arrive at Ahangama and enjoy a relaxing day at the hotel, with time to rest and recharge your batteries.

Dinner at Ceylon Slide Dinner at Ceylon Slide, a beach bar known for its delicious cocktails and exceptional food in a relaxed setting.

Playa Kalabana Spend the day at Playa Kalabana, ideal for sunbathing and surfing. Some options include excursions to see turtles and whales, although the season may affect the chances of sightings.

Dinner at Crust Enjoy dinner at Crust, a beachfront beach bar famous for its excellent pizza and lively atmosphere.

Overnight at: Cape Weligama In Ahangama, the Cape Weligama offers a luxury experience with private villas, panoramic ocean views and attention to detail that guarantees an exceptional stay. Enjoy the private pool and direct access to the beach in a luxurious setting.

Cape Weligama Hotel
Cape Weligama Hotel
Chef Hotel Cape Weligama
Delicious food Cape Weligama Hotel
Cape Weligama Hotel Room

Days 7, 8 and 9: Hikkaduwa to Colombo

 

En route to Hikkaduwa En route to Hikkaduwa, visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda and explore Galle, a picturesque coastal town full of historical charm.

Hikkaduwa: Tourist Area and Beaches In Hikkaduwa, enjoy the beach and local stores. The area is ideal for surfing and offers a variety of dining and souvenir shopping options.

Hikkaduwa Beach
Hikkaduwa Beach

Dinner at Sea Salt Society Enjoy dinner at Sea Salt Society, known for its excellent food and relaxed atmosphere.

Three nights at: Taru Villas 906 In Hikkaduwa, Taru Villas 906 provides a private villa with a pool and direct beach access. The service is impeccable, the food is excellent and the setting guarantees a luxurious experience.

Impressive, Taru Villas 906
Impressive, Taru Villas 906
Swimming pool, Taru Villas 906
Swimming pool of the hotel Taru Villas 906
Hotel room Taru Villas 906
Hotel room Taru Villas 906
hotel bathroom Taru Villas 906
Bathroom of the hotel Taru Villas 906

 

Return to Colombo Finally, drive to Colombo for an overnight stay at a hotel near the airport, preparing for your early flight the next day.

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