8-day tour of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the best holiday destinations in the world, a country rich in culture and history. Sri Lanka is a country of year-round pleasures, from the magnificence of Sri Lanka cultural triangle to the pristine beaches around it, the hill country of Sri Lanka with its verdant highlands, and the amazing wildlife found in its national parks. leading expert on Sri Lankan vacations, Seerendipity Tours, provides a well-planned 8-day tour of Sri Lanka, allowing you to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka.
15 Must-See Places in 8-day tour of Sri Lanka
What are the places to visit on an 8-day tour of Sri Lanka? What would be the best itinerary for an 8-day tour of Sri Lanka? What are the places included in an 8-day tour of Sri Lanka? These are a few of the frequently asked questions by our readers. An 8-day tour of Sri Lanka is particularly popular with foreign visitors, and Seerendipity Tours offers twelve of these tours each month. The majority of those who reserve these 8-day tours of Sri Lanka are international tourists.
I decided to write this blog article under the title “Best Places to Visit in an 8-Day Tour of Sri Lanka” for two reasons. First, I was getting emails from clients asking me what the top 8 sites to visit in Sri Lanka are. The second reason is the recently introduced 8-day tour itinerary for Lanka,which includes the 15 locations listed below that may be visited in 8 days.
The purpose of this 8-day tour of Sri Lanka is to cater to the growing number of tourists who want to spend their time visiting the island’s major sites. Travelers on this Sri Lanka tour will see historical buildings, tea gardens, forts, Buddhist temples, gorgeous scenery, and a host of other fascinating locations. But I’ve only included a list of 15 locations in this post that I think you shouldn’t miss.
How can I book an 8-day tour of Sri Lanka?
For an eight-day journey to Sri Lanka, a private vehicle with a native driver or guide is seen as the ideal option. Like the majority of Seerendipity’s other tour packages, the eight-day trip to Sri Lanka is a private tour. With a native driver-guide, all ground transportation and sightseeing excursions are private.
What are the 15 best places for an 8-day tour of Sri Lanka?
There are many variations of the 8-day tour of Sri Lanka, such as, Sri Lankan 8-day cultural tour, the Sri Lankan 8-day nature tour, the Sri Lanka 8-day beach tour, etc. Depending on the tour you book, the places included in the The program varies depending on the tour you book. In this article, we discuss mainly the Sri Lanka cultural tour with beaches and hill country. The tour includes a limited number of places due to time constraints. However, this 8-day tour of Sri Lanka gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of important tourist destinations. This trip includes the following main tourist attractions:
1.Sigiriya Rock
One of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations is the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. One of the most significant historical sites on the island is Sigiriya, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the first day of the eight-day tour of Sri Lanka, this is the first place visited.
2. The Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla
One of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world, the Dambulla Gold Temple, dates to the first century BC. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple. More than 150 statues can be found hidden in the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, which is included in the majority of Sri Lanka travel packages along with day tours to the country’s cultural triangle.
3.Tooth Relic Temple
3. The most revered Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka is the tooth-relic shrine in Kandy. The temple enjoys widespread popularity among Buddhists worldwide in addition to being a well-liked religious location in Sri Lanka. Thousands of Buddhist devotees visit the temple every day.
4. Kandyan Cultural Exhibition
Traditional dance and music performances from Sri Lanka are showcased in the cultural program. The hour-long cultural performance is available to see in a few locations throughout Kandy.
5.Botanical Garden
The most well-known and exquisite botanical garden in Sri Lanka is the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. Every visit to Peradeniya, which is close to Kandy, includes a visit to its botanical park.
6.Kandy downtown
During their Kandy sightseeing tour, travelers are taking in the bustling downtown of Kandy. During the two-hour trip, which takes you through the bustling city center, visitors can visit stores, a café, souvenir shops, jewelry stores, clothes stores, and many more.
7. Plantations and factories that produce tea
Any trip to Sri Lanka must include a visit to a tea factory and plantation. From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, there are plenty of tea plantations where you can stop and observe the traditional tea-making process.
One of Sri Lanka’s most significant exports is tea, which brings in millions of dollars for the nation. Sri Lanka is a country that enjoys tea, and it is home to the top tea brand in the world, “CEYLON TEA.”
7.Ramboda Waterfall
Through the Ramboda plateau lies one of the island’s most picturesque waterfalls. Hundreds of people visit the 90-meter-tall waterfall each day. To get up close and personal with the waterfalls, travelers must hike downhill. The mountains’ rainy season, which runs from May to November, is when the waterfalls are most breathtaking because of the deluge of rain that feeds them.
8. The City of Nuwara-Eliya
The most outstanding feature of this mountain resort is Nuwara Eliya’s healing climate. The lowland beach resorts of Bentota and Colombo pale in comparison to its verdant mountains, tea gardens, rivers, waterfalls, and forested areas.
9.Gregory Lake
Gregory’s Lake is nourished by perennial streams that rise in the Pidurutalagala highlands. Gregory Lake and its environs are kept up nicely and made to accommodate picnickers, families, and children visiting Nuwara Eliya. There are playgrounds for children, trails for strolling, and spacious open spaces for social events all around Gregory Lake. Among the most well-liked activities in this area are fishing, boating, and speed boating.
10. Temple of Seetha Amman
Seetha, the spouse of the god Rama, is honored in the Seetha Amman shrine, a Hindu shrine. Not only does the temple draw a lot of Hindu devotees from Sri Lanka, but also from all over the world, especially India.
11.Victoria Park
The lovely garden was first established in the early eighteenth century, during the period of British colonization. The garden’s abundance of trees and floral plants makes it appear modest yet magnificent nonetheless. The garden is particularly lovely in April and June, when the mountains are in full bloom. This is because the garden is multicolored.
12. Udawalawe National Park
The majority of travelers are aware of Udawalawe National Park because of its abundant wildlife and elephant transit camp. One of the greatest locations on the island for an elephant safari is Udawalawe National Park, where big herds of wild elephants frequently gather. Adjacent to Udawalawe National Park, the elephant transit camp serves as a foster home for orphan elephants that were discovered abandoned in the island’s woods.
13.Galle Fort
The most visited tourist destination in southern Sri Lanka is Galle Fort, which draws a sizable number of foreign visitors each day. Dating back to the 16th century, Galle Fort is the best-preserved Dutch fort in Asia. During the Dutch Ditch era in Sri Lanka, it served as the administrators’ dwelling quarters, complete with all the comforts of home (1656 AD until 1796 AD).
The Fort as a whole is still in excellent condition, and the structures that date back more than 200 years are still in use as hotels, cafes, galleries, museums, stores, and houses of worship. Walking around the Fort is a must-do activity when visiting southern Sri Lanka. It would seem as though you were strolling through a medieval European city from the 16th century with its winding cobblestone lanes.
14. Estuary of the Madu River
One of the best locations to view Sri Lanka’s abundant riverine flora and fauna is the Madu River Estuary, a Ramsar wetland. During the boat ride, visitors can witness Buddhist temples, a mangrove jungle, crocodiles, monkeys, monitors, and other bird species.
15. Bentota Beach
One of the island’s most picturesque beaches is Bentota, which attracts lots of beach vacationers. Bentota beach is great for a variety of exciting water sports, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boating, and surfing, in addition to being a great place to soak up the sun.
Synopsis of the 8-day itinerary for Sri Lanka
This eight-day itinerary in Sri Lanka offers a rare chance to explore the island’s rich historical past through visits to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include magnificent buildings with intricate architecture, enormous stupas, exquisite paintings, and wood and stone sculptures.
You will be in awe of the incredible historical monuments in Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy during your three days in the cultural triangle. You will also have many opportunities to meet locals, experience a taste of rural life, and learn how to cook Sri Lankan food by participating in a village cooking class.
What is the ideal time to take an 8-day vacation to Sri Lanka via the southern route?
The most well-liked 8-day trip in Sri Lanka is the southern route, especially for those from outside the country. The optimum time to do this eight-day tour of Sri Lanka is from November to April, if you’re wondering. The weather pattern for Sri Lanka indicates that from November to April, the west coast and southern region get mostly sunny, dry weather. In the south and west of the island, there is only infrequent rainfall during this time, and the temperature is generally around 30 degrees Celsius.
What is the itinerary for the 8-day tour of Sri Lanka?
Day 1: visit the the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla
Day 2: Village tour, culinary class, and visits to Sigiriya Rock and Pollonnaruwa
Day 3: Cultural show, tooth relic shrine, Kandy.
Day 4:Hike to Ramboda waterfall, tea gardens, and Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5:Beach in Mirissa, Jeep Safari at Udawalawe.
Day 6: Leisure and whale watching
Day 7: Bentota and Galle
Day 8: Departure
You will witness a stunning country dominated by abundant greenery and experience amazement in a new way on this magical island when you travel to Sri Lanka. The historical sites along the Kandy-Pollonnaruwa-Anuradhapura circuit, which forms Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, are well-known, while the country’s highlands are home to breathtaking views and tumbling waterfalls. has immaculate beaches and provides a unique viewpoint towards the end of the excursion. In addition to seeing all these historical sites, you will also go to rural settlements and an elephant rescue center in Udawalawe, as well as Buddhist temples, mountains, and beaches.
This is a private tour package that is available for booking year-round. The eight-day itinerary for Sri Lanka is a pre-planned tour package, but it can be altered to accommodate each participant’s unique needs. We can make any alterations our customers request because it’s a private tour.
The excursion can also be paired with any other travel packages, including beach vacation packages, whitewater rafting in Kitulgala, wildlife tours in Udawalawe, and safari tours in Yala. Tour guides who speak other languages can be offered upon request; however, the tour is mainly given in English.
What are the primary attractions on the eight-day itinerary for Sri Lanka?
- Seeing the rock stronghold of Sigiriya
- Seeing the Golden Cave Temple at Dambulla
- Investigating the historic city of Polonnaruwa
- Take part in the Kandy Tooth Relic Temple’s evening ceremony.
- Take in the acrobatic display by Sri Lankan dancers.
- Safari in a four-wheel-drive jeep within the Udawalawe Wildlife Reserve
- Watch the young orphan elephants at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Camp being fed milk.
- Take a stroll to take in the midday sea breeze.
- Enroll in a village cooking class to learn how Sri Lankans prepare food.
Day 1 of an 8-day tour of Sri Lanka: Visit the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
An agent from Seerendipity Tours will meet and greet you as you head to the hotel in Sigiriya. You can begin your eight-day plan for Sri Lanka at the airport or any hotel of your choosing. While traveling, you will stop at the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, the first site on the eight-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
Dambulla’s Golden Temple
One of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in the world, the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, dates to the first century BC.
The temple is located in Dambulla, a bustling city in the central province that is undoubtedly a city of contrasts. The city has undergone rapid development in recent years, growing to become one of the largest and busiest in the region.
Hike to Dambulla Cave Temple
Following lunch, you climb with your guide to the cave temple of Dambulla, where you will be shown around five caves containing over 150 statues of gods, monarchs, and Buddhas. Examine thousands of ancient wall and ceiling murals that span multiple centuries at the same time. Unfortunately, owing to the caverns’ increased humidity, some of the paintings have faded over the past few decades.
Check into the hotel later in the day, then relax or go for a leisurely stroll to take in Sigiriya’s and the surrounding area’s natural splendor. This dry-zone area features a lot of lakes and greenery, with rice paddies growing out of the rocky outcrop and angular mountains in the distance. This island’s most well-liked location for bird watching is this wooded region with a dry zone, where visitors may easily view a variety of native bird species.
With a careful blend of new and old, contemporary homes and historic structures, this neighborhood’s customs, landmarks, flavors, and history will all be explored with the assistance of our knowledgeable guide. When visiting Sri Lanka, most foreign visitors congregate in Sigiriya or Habarana as part of the Cultural Triangle. Sigiriya/Habarana is conveniently situated in the middle of the cultural triangle, making it simple to visit the majority of its sites.
Remarks: When visiting a temple, please remember to observe its laws and regulations and dress appropriately.
Day 2 of the 8-day journey to Sri Lanka: morning excursion to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The second hike on this eight-day Sri Lanka itinerary takes place today at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The challenging hike at the Sigiriya rock fortress, which is far more taxing than the hike at Dambulla, served as a warm-up for the hike at the cave temple. Today, the guide will arrange for a somewhat earlier pick-up, and you will depart at approximately 7:00 AM.
Sigiriya rock fortress tour
It is best to begin the Sigiriya hike as early as possible to escape the intense heat in the region. High levels of humidity cause you to perspire more as you ascend, which causes your body to absorb a lot of fluid.
Possibly the most significant tourist destination in the cultural triangle, Sigiriya is one of the island’s most well-known tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of visitors each day. Dating back to the fifth century AD, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress boasts a sophisticated water management system, a well-designed garden, skilled builders, and exceptional creative abilities.
Remarks: The trip up and the trip down take about three hours. Wearing hiking-appropriate shoes is highly recommended, as well as cotton shorts and a t-shirt. It is recommended that you bring a bottle of water for the ascent of the rock. Please be aware that the location does not have restrooms.
Notes: The two-hour hike in Sigiriya may take two to three hours. It is not advised for women who are pregnant or for those who have back or knee issues. It is strongly advised to wear comfortable shoes when climbing the 2000 tight steps.
See the historical city of Polonnaruwa in the afternoon.
It takes around an hour to get from Sigiriya to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. A visit to the historic city of Polonnaruwa completes the half-day excursion to Polonnaruwa. It takes about two hours to complete the ancient city tour. The visitors to the Polonnaruwa city tour see a variety of fascinating locations, including palaces, temples, audience halls, pleasure gardens, lakes, and numerous other old buildings.
Tour to Sigiriya Village:
For most travelers, the highlight of this five-day itinerary in Sri Lanka is the village tour, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can only be found in Sigiriya. Cooking workshops are available all over the island, but this one in Hiriwadunna is particularly noteworthy since it immerses you in the everyday life of the locals.
The one-hour Hiriwadunna village trip includes a boat ride, a bullock cart ride, and a culinary class. A village family will be shown to you as you are led to a farm and a village residence. Together with the female chef, you will learn how to prepare and eventually get to sample your creations. Visit a local temple before making your way back to the Sigiriya hotel.
Day 3 of the 8-day tour of Sri Lanka: early morning visit to a spice garden
After breakfast, head to the Kandy hotel, stopping along the way to see the spice garden. An engaging activity that lets visitors observe a lot of trees and plants that produce different spices, sauces, and herbs is a walking tour of the Spice Garden. You will have the chance to learn about the Ayurvedic medical method, which is indigenous to India, during the two-hour stroll in the open garden.
After breakfast, head to the Kandy hotel, stopping along the way at the Matale spice garden. Sigiriya and Dambulla are only a short drive away from Matale; however, Matale is located in Sri Lanka’s rainy zone, which has exceptionally high annual rainfall. There are many Hindu temples visible as you approach Matale, a city with a sizable Tamil population.
Matale is primarily known for its spice gardens, where guests may have a closer look at a variety of herbs and spices. The primary region of Sri Lanka where spices are grown is Matale, where a sizable number of farmers actively work at growing spices. One of Sri Lanka’s primary sources of foreign exchange earnings is spices. You go to a hotel in Kandy after learning about the different spices and how they are used economically on the island.
You will arrive at the hotel in Kandy before noon, have a short break, and then start the Kandy city tour. You will see downtown Kandy, a silk garden, a gem museum, and a gem lapidary as part of the city trip. Watch the Kandyan
Cultural performance after the city tour.
Following the city tour, continue to the Kandyan Lake Club to see the Kandyan cultural show, which has dance troupes accompanied by flautists and drums. There are many people in attendance for the one-hour Kandyan cultural display. The Kandyan cultural event is a great way to see traditional music and dance performances from Sri Lanka.
The Kandyan cultural show ends at the same time as the evening ceremony at the tooth relic temple begins. Upon the conclusion of the Kandyan cultural show, guests head to the tooth relic shrine located adjacent to Lake Club.
Tooth relic temple tour
The most revered Buddhist temple on the island is the Tooth Relic Temple, which receives hundreds of daily visitors from both domestic and international travelers. The evening ceremony is the finest time to visit the temple; it begins at 06.30 and lasts for approximately one hour. The stunning temple was once home to Sri Lankan royalty, and it still houses the Buddha’s left eyetooth with pride.
Day 4 morning: Nuwara Eliya and Kandy
After a leisurely breakfast, head to your Nuwara Eliya hotel. Kandy is only 100 kilometers away from Nuwara Eliya, and a nonstop trip takes about two hours. However, because of the two stops at the Ranboda waterfall and tea factory, the trip will take about five hours today.
Visit Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, the golf course, the racetrack, and downtown Nuwara Eliya on the afternoon sightseeing tour.
Visiting the Tea Factory
The day’s first destination will be a tea factory in Ramboda, where you can observe the tea-making process in action. This important crop dominates the Sri Lankan mountains, covering a considerable portion of the country. The tea factory hosts a tea party where guests can sample freshly brewed tea and ultimately buy a sample of the finest Ceylon tea.
Seeing the Ramboda Waterfall
One of the most stunning waterfalls in Sri Lanka’s mountains, Ramboda Falls, is reached by trekking, and then you can visit a tea industry. After your guide stops at the Ramboda Falls so you can get a closer look at the tourist attractions, you will come across Gregory Lake and the Sita Amman temple.
Visit the Udawalawe elephant transit camp in the evening to witness a sizable herd of infant elephants fighting to survive in the wild. In the capable hands of their caregivers, they are now safe and well. Every day during feeding time, the juvenile jumbos make their way to the elephant transit camp, where they spend the remainder of the day acclimating to life in the wild. Once they reach adulthood, the babies are left on their own in the jungle, independent of the park administration.
Day 5 of the 8-day plan for Sri Lanka: Beaches and Udawalawe
Proceeds to Mirissa beach after breakfast, passing through Ella and Udawalawe. After checking into the hotel, the trip takes about two hours. Go on a safari in the Udawalwe National Park after that, and then stop at the elephant transit camp.
Day 6 of the 8-day plan for Sri Lanka: whale viewing excursion
The day begins early (at 06.00 am) when you head to Mirissa Harbour in your chauffeur-driven Mirissa beach hotel. Joining you on the specially built whale-watching boat will be a knowledgeable crew and a naturalist who will provide you with sailing instructions. The duration of the whale-watching tour is typically two to five hours, though it occasionally goes longer.
We have not scheduled any other significant activities for today’s programming because we are unsure how long the whale-watching boat cruise will last. As a result, following their whale-watching excursion, the visitors are free to relax on the beach.
Day 7 of an 8-day itinerary for Sri Lanka on Mirissa-Bentota
departs for a sightseeing tour of Galle after breakfast, then continues on to the beach hotel in Bentota. While traveling, take a walking tour of Galle Fort and stop at the effort to conserve marine turtles. leisurely afternoon spent at the beach resort.
Day 8: Bentota to Colombo
Proceed to the airport in Colombo after breakfast. We typically don’t have any big plans for the final day of this eight-day tour to Sri Lanka. We will drop you off at the airport so you can catch your next flight, or we may transport you to the beach resort of your choosing. We don’t even schedule the hotel’s departure time for today because it is heavily dependent on the specifics of your flight. On the other hand, you leave the hotel after breakfast if you are going to a beach resort.
8-day tour of Sri Lanka
Book an 8-day tour of Sri Lanka through Seerendipity Tours?
Colombo-based Seerendipity Tour is a travel company that is entirely local-owned. One of Seerendipity Tours’ greatest assets is its highly skilled local team, which can tailor your ideal Sri Lankan vacation.
The greatest deal is assured for your one-day vacation to Kandy.
We work directly with the local operator to arrange tours, so there are no middlemen and you can be sure you’re getting the best deal. Just contact us and let us know your preferred destinations and times of travel.
Plan the best 8-day tour of Sri Lanka
Seerendipity Tours has dozens of pre-planned 8-day tours of Sri Lanka on their travel cart at www.sirilaktours.com. You can choose one of those Sri Lankan trips, or you can seek the help of Seerendipity Tours to organize a totally customized tour of Sri Lanka to suit your requirements. You can modify the customized program that our staff creates for you until you discover the ideal plan. For further inspiration, peruse through our pre-made tour packages, each of which may be modified to match your exact specifications. Please contact us by phone at admin@seerendipitytours.com. 0094-77-440977, 0094-77-4440977 on WhatsApp
