5-Day Sri Lanka Tour: Sigiriya, Elephant Safari & Tea Estates

Five days across Sri Lanka's culture, wildlife and highlands in one route

A 5-day guided tour of Sri Lanka with private transport, covering Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an elephant safari at Minneriya National Park, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, tea estates and waterfalls near Nuwara Eliya, Nine Arches Bridge, and coastal stops in Bentota. The route includes visits to ancient temples, a cultural show, and a turtle hatchery, with a driver who speaks English and four other languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Sigiriya, Safari, Cultural Show

• Visit Ridi Viharaya Silver Temple
• Explore Dambulla Cave Temple
• Afternoon elephant safari
• Attend evening cultural show

Day 2: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Kandy Tour

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Visit Nalanda Gedige temple
• Tour Sri Lanka's national spice garden
• Walk around Kandy lake and city
• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Day 3: Kandy to Ella via Nuwara Eliya

• Visit botanical garden and gem museum
• See Ramboda Falls waterfall
• Tour tea factory and taste tea
• City tour of Nuwara Eliya

Day 4: Ella to Bentota via Scenic Sites

• Visit Nine Arches Bridge
• Trek Mini Adams Peak
• See Ravana Ella and Mahamewna Monastery
• Visit Hiriketiya Beach
• Visit Coconut Tree Hills viewpoint
• Tour Galle Dutch Fort

Day 5: Bentota to Airport with Wildlife and City Tour

• Visit turtle hatchery
• Boat safari in Madu river mangroves
• City tour of Colombo

The experience

The tour starts at Ridi Viharaya, a 2nd-century Buddhist temple in Kurunegala, then moves to Dambulla's cave temple complex: a rock formation 160 meters high holding five sanctuaries. An afternoon elephant safari at Minneriya National Park follows, and the first day ends with a cultural show. You stay overnight near Sigiriya.

Day two takes you to Sigiriya Rock Fortress itself, the 5th-century stone structure that anchors the route. On the way to Kandy you pass Nalanda Gedige, an ancient stone temple, and walk through a national spice garden before reaching Kandy. There you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (a World Heritage Site housing the Buddha's tooth), and walk around Kandy Lake. Day three continues south through Nuwara Eliya's botanical garden (established in the British colonial era), past Ramboda Falls, and through a tea factory where you get a free cup of Ceylon Tea. The route then turns east toward Ella.

Days four and five move through the lowlands and coast. You see the Nine Arches Bridge and watch a train pass through it, trek to Mini Adams Peak, visit Ravana Ella waterfall and Hiriketiya Beach, and stop at Coconut Tree Hills for views. Galle Dutch Fort, built during the colonial period, comes next. On the final day before heading to the airport, you visit a turtle hatchery to watch baby turtles and take a boat safari through Madu River mangroves, then tour Colombo.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation throughout the five days.
• parking fees.
• a live guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.
• pickup included.
• a free traditional meal and tea at Ridi Viharaya.
• a free cup of Ceylon Tea at the tea factory.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Sri Lanka Tour Driver with Car

Is this one for you?Book this if your group includes Spanish, Italian, or French speakers. Your driver provides commentary in all three languages, so no one misses the cultural context.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Dutch.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Sigiriya Rock Fortress and why is it on this tour?

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an ancient stone structure built around the 5th century AD, rising as a dramatic landmark in central Sri Lanka. It is the centerpiece of day two and represents the architectural and planning achievements of its era. The tour includes time to visit and explore it.

Do I need to book hotel rooms separately, or are they included?

Hotel accommodation is not included in this tour. You book and pay for your own lodging for the four nights. The tour provides the transport, guide, and access to attractions, and overnight stops are planned in Sigiriya area, Kandy, Ella, and Bentota so you can arrange rooms in those towns.

What happens on the elephant safari at Minneriya National Park?

The afternoon elephant safari at Minneriya National Park is part of day one. Entry to the park and the safari itself are not included in the tour price, so you pay separately when you arrive. The guide takes you there and accompanies you.

What is included in the tour price and what do I pay for separately?

The tour includes private air-conditioned transport, parking fees, the driver's services, and GST. Entry fees to all attractions (temples, Sigiriya, the safari, the tea factory, the turtle hatchery, and others) are paid separately at each site. Meals and hotel accommodation are also your own expense.

How much walking or physical activity is involved over the five days?

The tour includes treks to Mini Adams Peak and climbs to viewpoints, plus walking around temples, gardens, and town centers. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.