THE GRAND TOUR: SOUTH AND CENTRAL HIGHLIGHTS

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Destinations: Sigiriya I Kandy I Nuwara Eliya I Udawalawe I Galle I Unawatuna

Starting Point: Bandaranaike International Airport

Tour Overview

This seven day, six night itinerary is the ideal program for a comprehensive first-time visit to Sri Lanka, offering a balanced and relaxed exploration of the island's most celebrated regions. The tour covers the entire spectrum: from the ancient heritage sites of the Cultural Triangle to the cool majesty of the Central Highlands (Tea Country and Horton Plains), concluding with thrilling Wildlife Safari and the historical South Coast.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 –  Arrival & The Ancient Citadel

The tour begins with a morning pickup at CMB and a direct transfer inland, immediately engaging with the island's millennia-old heritage.

• Morning Transfer (09:00 AM): Pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and immediate transfer to the Dambulla/Sigiriya region (Approx. 4 hours drive).

• Check-in & Lunch (01:00 PM - 02:30 PM): Arrive at the hotel, check in, and enjoy lunch.

• Afternoon Immersion (03:00 PM - 05:00 PM):

  • Dambulla Cave Temple: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Golden Temple of Dambulla, exploring the five main sanctuaries.

• Evening: Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Stay in Sigiriya/Dambulla.

Day 02 – Rock Fortress & Transfer to Kandy

Day two is dedicated to climbing the ancient citadel before transferring to the last royal capital, Kandy, in the afternoon.

• Morning Climb (07:00 AM - 11:30 AM):

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a quick, early breakfast.

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Commence the climb up Sigiriya (Lion Rock), exploring the Water Gardens and the palace ruins at the summit.

• Lunch & Transfer (11:30 AM - 03:00 PM): Check out, enjoy lunch, and commence the scenic transfer to Kandy (Approx. 2.5 hours drive).

• Evening Cultural Immersion (04:30 PM onwards):

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Check in to the Kandy hotel, then visit the revered Sri Dalada Maligawa and walk around the Kandy Lake.

• Overnight Stay in Kandy.

Day 03 – Gardens, Tea & Nuwara Eliya

The journey continues up into the highest parts of the Central Highlands, focusing on the country's famous tea heritage and colonial charm.

• Morning Exploration (08:30 AM - 11:00 AM):

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast.

  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya: Visit the world renowned gardens, known for their Orchid House and diverse flora.

• Transfer & Tea Experience (11:00 AM - 04:00 PM):

  • Scenic Drive: Enjoy the beautiful drive up to Nuwara Eliya.

  • Tea Factory Visit: Stop at a Tea Plantation/Factory to witness the production process and sample genuine Ceylon Tea.

• Evening: Check into the hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy the cool climate. Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 04 – High Altitude Challenge

An early start for the central highlands' most famous natural attraction, followed by a relaxed afternoon dedicated to local scenery.

• Pre Dawn Start (05:00 AM): Very early start with a packed breakfast (or light meal) and transfer to the entrance of Horton Plains National Park.

• Morning Trek (06:30 AM - 12:30 PM):

  • Horton Plains Trek: Embark on the challenging 9km loop to World's End cliff and Baker’s Falls.

• Lunch & Afternoon Relaxation (12:30 PM - 04:00 PM): Enjoy lunch in the Nuwara Eliya area. Relax and visit a local viewpoint or waterfall (e.g., Gregory Lake).

• Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05 – Scenic Descent & Wildlife Safari

The scenic descent from the mountains leads directly into the dry zone, culminating in an exhilarating afternoon safari.

• Morning Transfer (08:00 AM - 11:00 AM):

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast.

  • Scenic Drive: Drive down from the hills towards the lowlands.

• Lunch & Transfer to Safari Base (11:00 AM - 02:00 PM): Enjoy lunch en route and transfer to the Uda Walawe region.

• Afternoon Safari (03:00 PM - 06:00 PM):

  • Udawalawe National Park: Embark on an afternoon 4x4 jeep safari, famous for reliable sightings of large Asian Elephant herds and diverse birdlife.

• Overnight Stay near Udawalawe.

Day 06 – Conservation & South Coast History

Day six includes a conservation stop before transferring to the final destination, the South Coast, for a taste of colonial heritage.

• Morning Activity (08:00 AM - 09:30 AM):

  • Elephant Transit Home (ETH): Visit the ETH to observe the feeding of orphaned elephant calves (timing depends on the session).

• Check-out & Transfer (10:00 AM - 02:00 PM): Check out and commence the transfer to the Galle/Unawatuna region via the Southern Expressway.

• Check-in & Lunch (02:00 PM - 03:30 PM): Check into the coastal hotel and have lunch.

• Afternoon Exploration (04:00 PM onwards):

  • Galle Fort: Engage in a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, exploring the ramparts, Dutch architecture, and enjoying the sunset.

• Overnight Stay on the South Coast (Galle/Unawatuna).

Day 07 – Beach Leisure & Departure

The final morning allows for relaxation by the sea before the final, efficient transfer back to the airport.

• Morning Leisure (08:00 AM - 11:00 AM):

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast.

  • Beach Time: Final opportunity for a swim, sunbathing, or a stroll on the beach.

• Check-out & Lunch (11:30 AM - 01:00 PM): Check out from the hotel and enjoy a final coastal lunch.

• Departure (01:30 PM - 04:30 PM): Commence the comfortable return transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), utilizing the Southern Expressway.

This itinerary is fully customizable. We understand that travel needs change, so every aspect, from upgrading the safari experience and changing the hill country location to Ella for a train journey, to the standard of accommodation, can be adjusted to create your perfect experience. Would you like to make any changes to this itinerary or start working on the next 7 days package? Contact us directly via WhatsApp to customize your "The Grand Tour: South and Central Highlights" package now!