McCullum Holidays

Ultimate 10-day Sri Lanka

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Specks and spots of tradition, treks and time, this 10-day retreat hands first-time visitors a boundless taste of Sri Lanka. From the olden capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the revered rhythms of Kandy and tea-scented Nuwara Eliya, travellers face ruins, rock fortresses, and cultural miracles before proceeding with safaris, seaside leisure, and Galle’s timeless fort.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Colombo to Anuradhapura and Sigiriya

Pick-up from Colombo or Negombo, visit Anuradhapura ancient city to see stupas and the sacred Bodhi tree, then continue to Sigiriya; overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 2

Sigiriya

Early morning hike to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore palace ruins, frescoes, water and boulder gardens; afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park to witness the elephant gathering; overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 3

Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa

Drive to Polonnaruwa, explore ancient city highlights including Gal Vihara Buddha statues, Royal Palace, and Rankot Vihara; village tour in Habarana; overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 4

Sigiriya to Dambulla and Kandy

Visit Dambulla Golden Temple with its impressive caves and murals, Spice/Herbal Garden, Nalanda Gedige stone temple, and a Hindu temple; transfer to Kandy; overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 5

Kandy

Explore Kandy city, including Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Gem Museum, and downtown markets; witness a traditional Kandyan cultural show; overnight in Kandy.

Day 6

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Drive to Nuwara Eliya with stops at Ramboda Falls and a tea plantation; visit a tea factory for a guided tour and tasting session; overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7

Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Short visits to Gregory Lake and Victoria Park; board the scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (subject to ticket availability), enjoy picturesque views; hike Little Adam’s Peak; overnight in Ella.

Day 8

Ella to Yala

Drive to Tissamaharama, stopping at Rawana Falls and Buduruwagala Rock Temple; evening safari option at Yala or Udawalawe National Park; overnight in Tissamaharama.

Day 9

Yala to South Coast

Drive to the south coast, enjoy whale-watching at Mirissa, lunch at a local seafood restaurant, visit UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, relax on beaches, and witness sea turtle nesting; overnight at a south coast hotel.

Day 10

Galle and Bentota to Colombo

Breakfast at hotel, visit Galle Fort, Bentota beach, and Colombo city tour; transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.

Summary

This 10-day private tour is deliberately designed for first-time visitors seeking a perfect cocktail of culture, nature, adventure, and relaxation in Sri Lanka. With ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla, which offer awe-inspiring experiences of Sri Lanka’s historical and spiritual heritage. Highlights include climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring medieval ruins, and witnessing the Minneriya elephant gathering.

The cultural segment of the tour continues in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, with visits to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Gardens, tea plantations, and a soul-soothing hill country train ride to Ella. Adventure and wildlife experiences include hikes at Little Adam’s Peak, Buduruwagala Rock Temple, and an optional safari in Yala or Udawalawe National Parks.

The tour concludes with three days of relaxation along Sri Lanka’s pristine south-west coast, complemented by whale-watching in Mirissa, exploration of Galle Fort, and leisure on golden beaches in Bentota. Combining heritage, wildlife, impressive landscapes, and tropical beaches, this itinerary offers a comprehensive and marvellous introduction to Sri Lanka.