A compact one-week trip for people who want history, elephants and tea, without spending the whole week in a car. Works well most of the year because the Cultural Triangle is in the dry zone.
Highlights
- Sigiriya and the Dambulla cave temple
- Cycling the ruins of Polonnaruwa
- Elephant safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla
- Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
- Tea factory visit and tasting in Nuwara Eliya
Day by day
- Day1
Arrive and rest
Airport pickup and a short drive to Negombo. Easy evening by the beach.
Overnight: Negombo
- Day2
Into the dry zone
Drive to Sigiriya (about 4 hours). Afternoon climb of Pidurangala for sunset views of Lion Rock.
Overnight: Sigiriya
- Day3
Sigiriya and safari
Climb Sigiriya Rock early. Afternoon elephant safari.
Overnight: Sigiriya
- Day4
Polonnaruwa by bicycle
Day trip to Polonnaruwa. Cycle between the ruins and the Gal Vihara statues, then return to Sigiriya.
Overnight: Sigiriya
- Day5
Dambulla and Kandy
Dambulla cave temple in the morning, then on to Kandy (about 2.5 hours). Evening at the Temple of the Tooth.
Overnight: Kandy
- Day6
Tea country
Scenic drive up to Nuwara Eliya past waterfalls and tea estates, with a tea factory visit and tasting.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
- Day7
Back to the airport
Drive back to the airport (about 5 to 6 hours) for an evening flight, or add a night in Colombo.
Overnight: Flight home
Places on this route
Negombo → Sigiriya & Dambulla → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya