6-Day Nature and Culture Tour from Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella

Ella to Nanu Oya narrow-gauge train ride through scenic tea plantations and mountain tunnels

A 6-day guided tour from Negombo through Sri Lanka's interior, combining ancient sites, wildlife reserves and mountain scenery. The itinerary moves through Sigiriya and Dambulla's cave temples, Polonnaruwa's royal ruins, tea country around Ella and Nuwara Eliya, and ends in Kandy at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Private air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, driver meals and accommodations, and passenger insurance are included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Sigiriya And Dambulla Cave Temple

• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
• Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Day 2: Polonnaruwa And Evening Safari

• Tour Polonnaruwa Ancient City
• Evening safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla

Day 3: Ella Sightseeing

• Visit Dunhinda Falls
• See Nine Arch Bridge
• Explore Ella town

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya And Train Ride

• Hike Little Adam's Peak
• Visit Ravana Falls
• Train trip from Ella to Nanu Oya
• Visit Lake Gregory

Day 5: Kandy City Tour

• Visit Ramboda Falls
• Attend Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show
• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Tour Kandy city

Day 6: Kandy To Airport

• View city from high angle spot
• Visit Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
• Visit Negombo city

The experience

The tour opens at Dambulla Cave Temple, a World Heritage complex 160 metres high with five major caves holding 153 Buddha statues, murals covering 2,100 square metres, and depictions of Buddha's life and teachings. From there you move to Sigiriya, a 200-metre rock fortress built as King Kashyapa's palace in the 5th century, with coloured frescoes still visible on its sides and a massive lion gateway halfway up the climb.

Day two takes you to Polonnaruwa, the second-oldest kingdom capital, now a World Heritage Site with royal ruins from the 10th-century Chola dynasty. An evening safari follows in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, both designated wildlife reserves in the North Central Province. The route then climbs into the hill country around Ella, where you visit Dunhinda Falls (five kilometres from Badulla), the Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era railway viaduct, and take a train ride from Ella to Nanu Oya that winds through tea estates, tunnels and mountains. Nuwara Eliya sits at 1,041 metres elevation in dense tea country. Stops there include Little Adam's Peak for sunset views, Ravana Falls (one of the country's widest), and Lake Gregory, built in 1873 during the British colonial period.

The final stretch moves to Kandy, where you see Ramboda Falls (109 metres high, at 945 metres altitude) and spend time in the city itself. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic sits in the royal palace complex and houses the Buddha's tooth relic. The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show performs Sri Lankan dance forms unique to different regions, using traditional drums and costumes. The tour ends with a stop in Negombo on the west coast before returning to your airport or hotel.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport throughout the 6 days.
• English-speaking guide.
• driver meals and accommodations.
• passenger insurance.
• fuel surcharge and parking fees.
• no time limits on activities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Travel With Asa

Is this one for you?The tour moves between six different regions over six days with early starts and full days of sightseeing and travel, so it suits travelers comfortable with a steady pace and ready to spend mornings and afternoons on the road or at sites. Children from age one are welcome, and the itinerary is suitable for all fitness levels, though Sigiriya's climb and some walking at temples and ruins are part of the experience.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

61 verified traveler reviews

5 ★61

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 14 years); Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

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 the Dambulla Cave Temple like when you arrive?

Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, with five major caves spread across a 160-metre rock tower. Inside are 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, four statues of gods and goddesses including Vishnu and Ganesha, and murals covering 2,100 square metres depicting Buddha's life, his temptation by the demon Mara, and his first sermon.

How does the train ride from Ella to Nanu Oya work?

The train travels among tea estates, through tunnels and mountain passes between Ella and Nanu Oya, offering views of the tea country landscape. It is included as part of the Nuwara Eliya day and is one of the scenic railway stretches in the central highlands.

What wildlife might you see on the evening safari?

The safari takes place in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, both designated wildlife reserves in the North Central Province. The specific park and animals depend on the season and conditions on the day of your visit.

Does the tour include a guide, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a live English-speaking guide is included throughout the 6 days. Private air-conditioned transport with a driver is also provided, and the driver's meals and accommodations are covered.

What happens on the final day in Kandy?

You visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, located in the royal palace complex and housing the Buddha's tooth relic, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. You also have the option to see the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show, which performs Sri Lankan dance forms unique to different regions using traditional drums and costumes. The tour then continues to Negombo before ending.

Are there any fees or costs not included in the tour price?

Camera or video fees at monuments and sites, tips to guides and restaurant staff, and any expenses not listed in the price inclusions are not covered. Tipping is expected as part of local custom.