Sri Lankan Heritage & Tea Discovery

Overview

Discover the rich heritage and lush highlands of Sri Lanka on this nine-day journey through culture, nature, and tea country. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, then experience authentic village life in Habarana. Wander through Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and bustling local markets. Take a scenic train through misty tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya and trek Horton Plains to World’s End for breathtaking vistas. This itinerary blends cultural immersion, scenic adventures, and tea discovery for an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.
  • Sigiriya
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Kandy
  • Tea plantation tours
  • Horton Plains.
  • Accommodation
  • Private Driver/Guide
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Entrance Tickets
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Airport Drop-off
  • Government Taxes
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Entry fees to attractions in Sri Lanka not listed above
  • Lunch during the tour
  • Meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional services or personal expenses at the hotel
  • Visa-related costs or arrangements

Itinerary

Day 1 Colombo Arrival & Orientation

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Colombo. Take some time to relax before heading out in the late afternoon for a guided orientation tour of the capital, visiting Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and the Galle Face Green promenade. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before overnighting in Colombo.

Day 2 – Colombo to Sigiriya via Dambulla

After breakfast, depart for the Cultural Triangle. En route, explore the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, famed for its ancient murals and Buddha statues carved inside five sacred caves. Continue to Sigiriya for check-in; spend the evening at leisure enjoying your nature resort.

Day 3 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Experience

In the morning, climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO site with royal ruins, water gardens, and panoramic views at the summit. Afterwards enjoy an authentic village experience in Habarana, travelling by bullock cart, canoe, and trying a traditional Sri Lankan village lunch cooked in clay pots. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 4 – Sigiriya to Kandy (Temple of the Tooth & Cultural Show)

Travel south into the hill country towards Kandy, stopping briefly at a spice garden in Matale. In the afternoon visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and take a stroll by Kandy Lake. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance showcasing Kandyan drumming and traditional costumes. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 5 – Kandy & Surrounds

Start the day at the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to palms, orchids and over 4,000 plant species. Afterwards, return to explore Kandy’s bazaar streets, gem shops and local markets at your own pace. Enjoy downtime at your hotel or optional visits to craft workshops. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 6 – Scenic Train to Nuwara Eliya & Tea Country

Board the famous hill-country train to Nuwara Eliya, travelling through lush green highlands, misty valleys, and endless tea carpeted slopes. On arrival, tour a tea plantation and factory to learn about plucking and processing Ceylon tea – and sample a fresh brew. Evening free to enjoy cool colonial-style Nuwara Eliya. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7 – Horton Plains Trek & High Tea

Early departure for Horton Plains National Park for a trek to World’s End, where the cliff drops nearly 900m revealing dramatic views over the southern plains. Return to Nuwara Eliya for lunch and freshen up before enjoying an elegant high tea on the lawns of an old planter’s bungalow. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya to Colombo via Kitulgala (optional rafting)

After breakfast begin your descent back to Colombo, stopping at Kitulgala, the island’s adventure hub. Enjoy an optional white-water rafting session on the Kelani River or take a short rainforest walk. Arrive in Colombo by late afternoon. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 9 – Departure

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps some final shopping in the city. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward departure.

Inquire Tour

More Tours