Sri Lanka Grand Cultural Journey
Sigiriya · Anuradhapura · Polonnaruwa · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Yala · Galle · Bentota
Overview
The ultimate island-wide Sri Lanka experience, covering every major UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient kingdoms, misty hill country, Yala wildlife safari, and golden beaches at Bentota. A comprehensive 9-day journey through 2,500 years of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Tour Highlights
- ✓ Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- ✓ Anuradhapura ancient city & Mihintale (UNESCO)
- ✓ Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- ✓ Polonnaruwa ancient city (UNESCO)
- ✓ Dambulla Golden Cave Temple (UNESCO)
- ✓ Matale Spice Garden
- ✓ Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy & Cultural Show
- ✓ Tea Plantation & Ramboda Falls
- ✓ Nuwara Eliya, Gregory Lake & Park
- ✓ Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Cave, Ravana Falls, Little Adam's Peak
- ✓ Yala National Park Safari (entrance & jeep included)
- ✓ Galle Dutch Fort & Lighthouse (UNESCO)
- ✓ Madhu River Boat Ride & Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Airport → Pinnawala → Sigiriya
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, welcomed by your Perk Travels representative. Check in to a hotel close to the airport, freshen up, then proceed to Sigiriya. En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established 1975, witness herds bathing in the river, bottle-feeding of baby elephants, and observe their natural behaviour (2 hours). Check in to Sigiriya hotel. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Anuradhapura & Mihintale
Breakfast at hotel. Tour Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's most celebrated ancient city (capital 5th BC–10th AD), featuring Ruvanveliseya Dagoba (2nd century BC, 300 ft diameter), Jetawanarama (370 ft), Thuparama Dagoba (collarbone of the Buddha enshrined), and the Sacred Bo Tree (world's oldest authenticated tree, 2,250 years). Visit Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with 1,840 granite steps to summit shrines and panoramic views (~1.5 hours Anuradhapura, ~1 hour Mihintale). Return to Sigiriya. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa
Breakfast at hotel. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO), 5th century citadel built by King Kashyapa (477–495 AD), rising 200 metres from jungle, with world-famous frescoes of Heavenly Maidens, water gardens, moat, and ramparts (3 hours). Visit Polonnaruwa (UNESCO), 11th–12th century royal capital, with ruins of the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya (4 stunning Buddha statues in Upright, Sedentary, and Recumbent postures carved from rock), Audience Hall, Lotus Bath, statue of King Parakramabahu, Parakrama Samudraya, Shiva Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, Galpotha, Kiri Vehera, and remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic (3 hours). Return to hotel. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Dambulla Cave Temple → Matale Spice Garden → Kandy
Early breakfast, transfer to Kandy. Visit Dambulla Golden Cave Temple (UNESCO), built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC, five caves with over 2,000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceilings (the largest cave painting area in the world), containing over 150 images of the Buddha including a colossal rock-carved figure spanning 14 metres (2 hours). Optional: Matale Spice Gardens, learn about Sri Lankan spices and herbal medicine, complimentary head massage with traditional herbs. Kandy City Tour: Kandy Lake (built by last Sinhala king, 1798), Bazaar area, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum. Evening: Kandyan Cultural Show. Check in. Overnight in Kandy.
Kandy → Tea Plantation → Ramboda Falls → Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit a Tea Plantation and Ramboda Falls. Check in to hotel and relax. Optional evening: Gregory Lake and Park ($5 per person). Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Yala. En route visit Ella, a small town at 1,041m elevation with rich biodiversity. Sights: Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Cave, Ravana Falls, Little Adam's Peak. Continue to Yala. Check in and relax. Overnight in Yala.
Yala Safari → Galle → Bentota
Pack breakfast and proceed to Yala National Park safari (3 hours). Yala is Sri Lanka's second largest park, home to the largest breed of leopards in the world (best sighting: January–July), elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, plus two prominent pilgrim sites. After safari, proceed to Bentota. En route: Galle city tour including Galle Dutch Fort (UNESCO) with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, cafés, museums, and boutique shops, and the iconic Galle Lighthouse with stunning ocean views (1–2 hours). Overnight in Bentota.
Bentota
Breakfast at hotel. Attend Madhu River Boat Ride, serene estuary with over 60 small islands, mangrove forests, and rich biodiversity (2 hours). Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, observe sea turtle egg incubation, witness hatchlings, and learn about conservation efforts. Optional: water sports in Bentota, Jet ski, Banana Ride, Sofa Ride. Return to hotel. Overnight in Bentota.
Bentota → Airport → Departure
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Included
- ✓ Private transport with English-speaking driver/guide
- ✓ Meet & assist at the airport
- ✓ 9 Breakfasts & 8 Dinners
- ✓ 2 × 500ml water bottles per person per day
- ✓ Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- ✓ Anuradhapura city tour
- ✓ Mihintale
- ✓ Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- ✓ Polonnaruwa ancient city
- ✓ Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
- ✓ Matale Spice Garden
- ✓ Temple of the Tooth Relic
- ✓ Kandyan Cultural Dance
- ✓ Kandy city tour
- ✓ Tea Plantation & Ramboda Falls
- ✓ Gregory Lake & Park
- ✓ Nine Arch Bridge & Ravana Falls
- ✓ Yala National Park Safari entrance fees & jeep rental
- ✓ Galle city tour & Galle Lighthouse
- ✓ Madhu River Boat Ride
- ✓ Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
- ✓ All applicable local taxes
Not Included
- ✗ Return international flight ticket
- ✗ Driver/guide tips
- ✗ Lunch
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Visa fees & bank charges
- ✗ Camera fees & personal expenses
- ✗ Porterage & restaurant tips
- ✗ Optional tours or services not mentioned above
