Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is like a glittering teardrop-shaped island that will sneak upon you gently – and then bam! You would be hooked to Sri Lanka tourist places where you can sunbathe gold-kissed beaches, stroll through the lush meadows, watch the elephants move freely and sipthe famous Ceylon tea amidst the misty hills. Apart from the famous Sri Lanka tourist places to see, the warmth and welcoming aura of the locals will make you feel like home.
Whether you visit here for peace, wildlife or just enjoy some time at its laid-back beaches – Sri Lanka tourist spots check all the boxes. And once you are here, you might not want to leave. And to make it all effortless, we bring to you ‘Highlights of Sri Lanka’ tour that will take you to the best places to see and do – plus a few smart travel tips that you must know!
It’s time to discover the best of Sri Lanka with this 9-day escape that covers the popular Sri Lanka tourist places as well as offbeat spots (that most travelers miss).
Explore the Best of Sri Lanka Tourist Places with Our 9-day Adventure!
Our ‘Highlights of Sri Lanka’ tour isn’t just a check-list of sights but a sensory adventure. You would sense the scent of cinnamon in the air, the peppy beats of the traditional beats, take a scenic train ride to Ella and the feeling of peace as you relax in our comfortable stays while sipping the world-famous Ceylon tea– all you need to do is show up.
Lets discover it together!
- Highlights of Sri Lanka (8 Nights/9Days)
Day 1: Colombo Airport – Drive to Hotel
Touchdown in Colombo! You will be greeted by our representative at the Airport and then driven to the booked hotel. Relax and give your jet-lagged minds enough time to get ready for the big adventure starting tomorrow.
Day 2: Pinnawala → Habarana
Wake up and settle for breakfast at hotel. Later, checkout from the hotel and proceed with a visit to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Here you can watch the elephants playfully bathing (visit timings: 9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 5 PM).
Later, we continue our journey to Habarana, a populat spot for historical gems, nature views and seriously cool wildlife. Upon reaching, check-in at the hotel. Refresh and relax for the day. You can also head for a rejuvenating walk around the resort under the moonlight.
Day 3: Day tour to Anuradhapura
Morning breakfast at hotel. Head for a day tour to Anuradhapura, a 5th century BCE (UNESCO World Heritage) city where you can wander through the ancient stupas and well-manicured gardens. Here you would also spot a 2,200‑year-old Bodhi Tree and gorgeous palaces built centuries ago.
After a day of exploring timeless gems, drive back to Habarana. Spend the rest of your day relaxing and probably talk about the best part of the day over a sumptuous dinner.
Day 4: Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa Tour
Today after breakfast, get prepped up for a heart-racing adventure to the Sigiriya’s Lion Rock. Climb 1200 steps to reach at the rock’s peak to soak in the surrounding vistas and gorgeous sunrise. Tour continues with discovering the cultural wonders of Polonnaruwa. It is said to be a city that was planned ahead of its time and is the epicenter of culture, art and history.
Day 5: Dambulla → Matale → Kandy
After breakfast, day begins with a sightseeing tour of Dambulla Cave temples that house huge statues and intricate murals. After being stunned by this architectural brilliance, welcome to the iconic spice garden in Matale. Sense the aroma of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and many more, connect with the local farmers and know more about the spices. You can even buy local spices and herbal oils to take back home. Or you can also pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic therapy using organic oils. After a spicy sightseeing tour of Matale, proceed to the sacred heartland of Sri Lanka. Reach Kandy, check-in at the hotel and after some relaxation, settle for a spectacular dance performance with traditions drum beats that would have you tapping your feet.
Day 6: Sacred Gems of Kandy
Today, you would explore the spiritual charms of Kandy. Tour begins with visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic that is believed to house the relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth. Though not directly seen, it’s placed in a golden casket. The energy here is moving and blissful. Tour continues with a visit to the most celebrated Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (just a short drive away from Kandy).
It is an open-air museum of palms, vibrant orchids and also houses a giant Java fig tree. Originally, this largest park of Kandy was a 14th century pleasure spot for the British. If you can spare some time, do attend the holy ceremony at the temple in the evening.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya (Little England)
Today, visit the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka – the Nuwara Eliya. Once you reach. Wrap yourself in a traditional costume and wander through the lush tea plantations. Join the locals to pluck the aromatic tea leaves and also visit the little tea factory. Here you would learn how the famous Ceylon tea is made. You can also indulge in tea tasting and take some home as souvenir.
As the sun sets, curl up in your hillside cottage and let the cool breeze drift you off to sleep. Nuwara Eliya is one of the charming places to visit outside India, offering a perfect blend of landscapes and cultural experiences.
Day 8: Bentota – Colombo
Wake up with a fresh mind, relish a delicious mor ning breakfast. Pack your bags and proceed with a drive to Colombo (approx. 2 hours). Reach here and start with a day sightseeing tour covering Dutch Church, Sea Street, majestic replica of Avukana Buddha, Independent Gardens and the Cinnamon Gardens etc.
Day 9: Colombo Sightseeing + Departure
We are now at the last day of the tour. After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and drive to Colombo. Once you reach this city that never stills, kick off this day with visits to lively Pettah market and 19th century Gangaramaya Buddhist temple. This iconic gem houses a giant statue of Lord Buddha and has Beira Lake on its sides.
There’s a lot more to admire here. (for female travelers, please dress conservatively). You can do last-minute shopping like buying spices, ceramics, Ceylon coffee, elephant statues and so much more. Now you would be driven to Colombo Airport or Bandaranaike International Airport to board flight back home.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Sri Lanka?
Yes. December is a really good time to visit Sri Lanka with temperatures ranging between 22 to 30 degrees celsius. Carry a pair of light woolens for chilly mornings and evenings. With the pleasant weather conditions and hardly any rainfall, this is the perfect best places to visit in december. Kalpitiya and Mirissa are popular spots offering blue whale and sperm whale spotting during this season.
Let this enchanting island take you an adventure worth remembering!
