Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Bentota
Lion Rock, the Temple of the Tooth, tea country by train and a beach finish
Overview
The island in a week: climb Sigiriya, the rock fortress of King Kashyapa, see the cave paintings of Dambulla, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, then ride one of the world’s prettiest train lines through the tea hills to Ella before ending on the beach at Bentota.
Highlights
- Sigiriya rock fortress — about 1,200 steps to the summit palace
- Dambulla cave temple with its painted Buddhas
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
- Scenic train through the tea country to Ella and the Nine Arches Bridge
- Beach and river safari at Bentota
Itinerary
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Day1
Meet your chauffeur-guide and drive north through coconut country to the cultural triangle.
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Day2
Climb Sigiriya early, before the heat — the frescoes and the Lion’s Paw terrace are on the way up. Afternoon at the Dambulla cave temple.
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Day3
Spice garden at Matale on the way. Evening puja at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a walk round Kandy Lake.
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Day4
Climb into the tea hills past Ramboda Falls; tea-factory visit and tasting. Evening in “Little England”.
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Day5
The scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella through tea estates and tunnels. Afternoon at the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
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Day6
Drive down to the south-west coast via the Southern Expressway. Afternoon on the beach.
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Day7
Madu river safari in the morning if time allows, then airport transfer.
- Hotels with breakfast and dinner
- Private air-conditioned car with English-speaking chauffeur-guide
- Reserved train seats (Nanu Oya – Ella)
- Airport transfers
- Flights
- Sri Lanka ETA (apply online before travel)
- Monument entry fees (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Temple of the Tooth)
- Lunches and tips
Special notes
- Indian passport holders apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before travel; check the current fee on the official ETA site.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples; shoes and hats are removed before entering.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
30–15 days: 25%.
14–7 days: 50%.
Less than 7 days: no refund.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Airport pick-up was on time, every hotel had our booking ready and the guide explained the history really well.
Loved the stays and food. One travel day was longer than expected because of traffic, but the driver made good stops.
3 reviews · 1 traveller photos
Well organised from start to finish
Airport pick-up was on time, every hotel had our booking ready and the guide explained the history really well.
Great trip, one long drive
Loved the stays and food. One travel day was longer than expected because of traffic, but the driver made good stops.
Our honeymoon highlight
They decorated the room with flowers and arranged a candle-light dinner without us asking twice. Very professional.
