Tour Code: SRI-8D-01

This Sri Lanka 8 days itinerary covers the island's greatest hits in one easy loop: Sigiriya Lion Rock, the cultural capital Kandy, Nuwara Eliya's tea country, the hills of Ella and the beaches of Bentota, finishing in Colombo. Two nights in Kandy give you time to slow down, and private transport with dinner every night keeps the trip relaxed. It is ideal for first-time visitors, couples and families.

Tour highlights

Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dambulla Cave Temple and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy
Tea plantation visit with tea tasting, Ramboda Falls and Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya
Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Falls and Ravana Cave
Turtle hatchery and beach time in Bentota, with an optional Madu River boat ride
7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and a private air-conditioned car throughout

Sri Lanka 8 days itinerary at a glance

Day	Route	Overnight	Meals
1	Colombo Airport – Pinnawala – Sigiriya	Sigiriya	D
2	Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy	Kandy	B, D
3	Kandy sightseeing	Kandy	B, D
4	Kandy – Nuwara Eliya	Nuwara Eliya	B, D
5	Nuwara Eliya – Ella	Ella	B, D
6	Ella – Bentota	Bentota	B, D
7	Bentota – Colombo	Colombo	B, D
8	Colombo city tour – Airport	–	B

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Colombo, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya

Our representative meets you at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake. Drive north, stopping at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your hotel. Overnight: Sigiriya · Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy

Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock early, before the heat, for views over the jungle. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, then drive to Kandy and check in. Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Kandy city tour and Temple of the Tooth

Spend a full day in Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and a gem museum, then walk around Kandy Lake. Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya tea country

Drive into the hills, stopping at Ramboda Falls and a tea plantation for a factory tour and tea tasting. In Nuwara Eliya, "Little England", visit Hakgala Botanical Garden and Gregory Lake. Overnight: Nuwara Eliya · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Ella: Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Falls and Ravana Cave

Drive to Ella through tea estates and valleys. See the famous Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Falls (Rawana Falls) and Ravana Cave. Overnight: Ella · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Ella to Bentota beach

Head down to the south-west coast. Visit a sea turtle hatchery, then relax on Bentota beach or at your hotel pool. Overnight: Bentota · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Madu River boat ride and Colombo

Optional morning boat safari on the Madu River, or water sports in Bentota. Drive up the coast to Colombo and check in. Overnight: Colombo · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Colombo city tour, shopping and departure

After breakfast, enjoy a Colombo city tour and some shopping, then transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast

("click here") with: Shorter trip? See our 6 days Sri Lanka adventure itinerary. Want the north? See our Sri Lanka 7 days itinerary: Jaffna & temples.

Sri Lanka 8 Days Itinerary: Sigiriya, Ella & Bentota

MYR 1,950.00

Quantity

Airport pickup and drop off.

Welcome to the Airport by our representative.

Government tax and service charge.

English speaking Guide

Air-conditioned private transport

Round trip Hotel Transfers.

Accommodation as mentioned or similar.

7 X Breakfast at the hotel

7 X Dinner at hotel

Tour as per itinerary
Air tickets are not included.

Sightseeing/activity charges

Camera & video permits.

Personal expenses.

Visa Processing charges.

Travel and medical insurance.

Anything other than specified in inclusions
Is 8 days enough to see Sri Lanka? Yes. Eight days covers the four regions most visitors want: the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla), Kandy, the hill country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella) and the south-west beaches. You will not cover the north or east, which suit a separate trip.

What is the best time to follow this itinerary? This route is best from about December to April, when the hill country and west coast are driest. It works year-round, but May to September can bring rain to Bentota and Colombo.

Can I take the Ella train instead of driving? Often yes, as an add-on. The scenic Nanu Oya to Ella train is popular, and seats sell out, so ask us when you book.

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka? Most visitors need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), applied for online before arrival, and some nationalities are visa-free. Rules change often, so check the official Sri Lanka ETA website for your passport.

Which airport do I fly into? Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), about 35 km north of Colombo. Flights are not included; arriving before midday gives you the most time on Day 1.

How hard is the Sigiriya climb? It takes most people about 1.5 to 2 hours up and down, with around 1,200 steps. Go early in the morning and bring water.

Can this tour be customised? Yes. We can change hotels, add a Yala or Udawalawe safari, or swap Bentota for Galle and Mirissa. WhatsApp us at +60 12-425 0469.