Sri Lanka 8-day tour Package: July-August special by The Visit Lanka Tours
Duration
8 Days
Duration
General Tours
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure with The Visit Lanka Tours, a premier inbound tour agency renowned for crafting personalized travel experiences in Sri Lanka. Designed for the vibrant July-August season, this itinerary takes you from the untamed wilderness of Yala National Park to the misty highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, the cultural heart of Kandy, the ancient wonders of Sigiriya, and the sun-kissed beaches of Pasikudah or Trincomalee. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers, this tour seamlessly blends wildlife safaris, cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and coastal relaxation, showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse treasures with expert guidance.
The short version of Sri Lanka 10 Days Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Yala
- Day 2: Yala safari and transfer to Ella
- Day 3: Ella to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy
- Day 4: Exploring Kandy
- Day 5: Kandy to Sigiriya
- Day 6: Sigiriya to Pasikudah or Trincomalee
- Day 7: Pasikudah or Trincomalee beach day
- Day 8: Pasikudah or Trincomalee to airport
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival and transfer to Yala
Your journey begins at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, where the warm tropical breeze welcomes you to Sri Lanka. A friendly chauffeur from The Visit Lanka Tours greets you at the arrivals lounge, ready to escort you on a scenic 5-hour drive to Thissamaharama, the gateway to Yala National Park. As you pass through lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and quaint villages, the anticipation builds for the wildlife adventure ahead. Thissamaharama, a serene southern town, is steeped in history with ancient stupas and reservoirs, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rural charm. Check into a comfortable hotel, where you can unwind by the pool or take an evening stroll to soak in the tranquil ambiance, preparing for an exciting safari the next day.
Overnight: Thissamaharama
Day 02
Yala safari and transfer to Ella
Rise early for a thrilling morning safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve, spanning over 970 square kilometers and renowned for having one of the world’s highest leopard densities. Aboard a rugged 4×4 jeep with an expert ranger, traverse diverse ecosystems—savannahs, jungles, and wetlands—home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife like the Sri Lankan peacock and painted stork. The park’s coastal lagoons and rocky outcrops add dramatic beauty, especially in July-August when wildlife is active.
After a 3–4-hour safari, enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a takeaway meal. Then, embark on a picturesque 2.5–3-hour drive to Ella, a charming hill town in the central highlands. In the afternoon, visit Ravana Falls, a 25-meter cascade linked to the Ramayana legend, where mist rises from its base amidst lush greenery. Stroll across the Nine Arches Bridge, a 1921 colonial-era marvel with nine elegant stone arches, framed by tea plantations and offering stunning photo opportunities.
End the day with a 1-hour hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a gentle trail leading to panoramic views of Ella’s rolling hills and dramatic valleys, glowing under the afternoon sun. Settle into a cozy guesthouse, where the cool mountain air promises a restful night.
Overnight: Ella
Day 03
Ella to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy
Begin your day with an optional train ride from Ella to Nanu Oya, often hailed as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys (book early due to high demand in July-August). This 2–3-hour ride winds through emerald tea plantations, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls, offering breathtaking views of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Upon arriving in Nanu Oya, your chauffeur from The Visit Lanka Tours drives you to Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England” for its colonial bungalows, cool climate, and manicured landscapes.
Visit a working tea factory to explore the art of Ceylon tea production, from hand-picking leaves to processing world-famous blends, and wander through sprawling tea estates where workers in colorful saris dot the green slopes. Explore Gregory Lake, a serene spot ideal for a peaceful walk, surrounded by pine trees and misty hills. Via a scenic mountain road to Kandy, stopping to admire a glistening waterfall, cascading amidst lush forests. Arrive in Kandy, the cultural capital, and settle into your hotel, ready to immerse yourself in its heritage.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 04
Exploring Kandy
After breakfast, dive into Kandy’s cultural heart with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine, housing a relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth. This 16th-century temple, adorned with intricate woodwork and golden roofs, buzzes with devotees in July-August, offering a deep spiritual experience. Take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake, a serene artificial lake built in 1807, surrounded by lush hills and the temple’s white walls, perfect for peaceful reflection.
Head to the Kandy Viewpoint, perched above the city, for sweeping vistas of red-roofed buildings nestled among emerald hills. In the afternoon, explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a 147-acre paradise established in 1821, showcasing over 4,000 plant species, including towering royal palms, a spice garden, and a vibrant orchid house blooming vividly in summer. Optionally, end the day with a cultural dance performance at a local theater, where Kandyan dancers in colorful costumes and drummers perform traditional routines, bringing Sri Lanka’s folklore to life. Return to your hotel, filled with the day’s cultural richness.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 05
Kandy to Sigiriya
Post-breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Sigiriya, stopping at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s oldest Buddhist sanctuaries. This 2nd-century BC rock monastery features five caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant frescoes, depicting ancient Buddhist stories under dramatic rock ceilings, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring experience. At your request, enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head to a nearby National Park for a safari, famous for the “Gathering,” a spectacular seasonal event (July-August) where up to 300 wild elephants congregate around ancient reservoirs, joined by deer, monkeys, and birds like the grey-headed fish eagle. This natural spectacle, set against golden grasslands, is a highlight of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Arrive in Sigiriya and check into your hotel, resting for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 06
Sigiriya to Pasikudah or Trincomalee
Start your day with an early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic 5th-century rock citadel rising 200 meters above the plains. Known as the “Lion Rock” for its ancient lion-shaped gateway, this fortress, built by King Kashyapa, features vibrant frescoes of celestial maidens, a polished mirror wall, and ruins of a palace atop its summit, offering panoramic views of jungles and distant hills. The climb, taking about 1–2 hours, is rewarding, especially in the cool morning air of July.
Then we drive 3–4 hours to your choice of Pasikudah or Trincomalee, two of Sri Lanka’s finest coastal destinations. Pasikudah is famed for its shallow, turquoise bay and vibrant coral reef, ideal for calm swimming, while Trincomalee boasts golden beaches like Nilaveli and cultural landmarks like the Koneswaram Temple, a colorful Hindu shrine perched on a cliff with ocean views. Check into a beachfront resort and spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or relaxing by the sea. Enjoy a tranquil beachside dinner under the stars, savoring fresh seafood.
Overnight: Pasikudah or Trincomalee
Day 07
Pasikudah or Trincomalee beach day
Enjoy a full day of leisure on the pristine shores of Pasikudah or Trincomalee, where July-August brings warm, sunny weather perfect for beach activities. Pasikudah’s crescent-shaped bay, with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, is ideal for swimming and snorkeling among colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
Trincomalee offers vibrant beaches like Uppuveli and opportunities to visit Pigeon Island, a marine national park perfect for snorkeling and spotting reef sharks. Opt for water sports like paddleboarding or jet-skiing for an adrenaline rush, or book an Ayurvedic spa session to rejuvenate with traditional Sri Lankan herbal massages using local oils. As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the beach, where the sky glows with hues of orange and pink. Savor a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant, reflecting on the serene beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast.
Overnight: Pasikudah or Trincomalee
Day 08
Pasikudah or Trincomalee to airport
After a final breakfast by the sea, bid farewell to the idyllic beaches of Pasikudah or Trincomalee and begin your 6.5–7-hour drive to Bandaranaike International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, make an optional stop at a local eatery for a quick lunch, or browse for souvenirs like handcrafted batiks, Ceylon tea, or gemstone jewelry in a roadside market.
Your chauffeur from The Visit Lanka Tours ensures a smooth and comfortable transfer, giving you time to reflect on the unforgettable memories of wildlife, highlands, culture, and beaches. Arrive at the airport with ample time for your departure, carrying the warmth of Sri Lanka’s hospitality and the beauty of its landscapes in your heart.