From USD 1200.00

Cultural Triangle Journey – 14 Days / 13 Nights

14 days Private Tour or Small Group
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Tour Overview

Description

From ancient kingdoms and sacred temples to tea-clad highlands and golden beaches, this 14-day journey reveals the very best of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and beyond. Travel from Colombo’s colonial streets to the UNESCO cities of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa, before heading into the misty hills of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Ride the famous highland train to Ella, embark on a leopard safari in Yala, and finish by wandering the cobbled streets of Galle Fort and relaxing at Unawatuna Beach.

This itinerary blends history, culture, wildlife, and coastline — ideal for curious travelers seeking a balanced and immersive Sri Lankan experience.

Details

  • Tour Start: Colombo
  • Tour End: Colombo
  • Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
  • Destinations: Colombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Galle, Unawatuna
  • Transport: Private Vehicle, Scenic Train, Safari Jeep
  • Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo (2 nights); Miridiya Lake Resort, Anuradhapura (2 nights); Hotel Sigiriya (2 nights); Swiss Residence, Kandy (2 nights); Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Nuwara Eliya (2 nights); EKHO Safari Hotel, Yala (1 night); The Merchant Galle Fort Hotel, Galle (2 nights)
  • Group Size: Private Tour or Small Group
  • Age Range: Any
  • Physical Rating: Easy

Photos

Itinerary

Meet your Green Isle Tours representative upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Private transfer to the historic Galle Face Hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy seaside charm.

Evening Schedule:
6:00 PM – Welcome briefing with your guide
7:00 PM – Group welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Transport: Airport → Colombo (Approx. 45 min / 40 km)
Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo (or similar)
Meals: Dinner (not included)

After breakfast, embark on a guided city tour. Visit the National Museum, Pettah Bazaar, Gangaramaya Temple, and Independence Square. Afternoon free for shopping, colonial architecture, or sunset at Galle Face Green.

Transport: Private vehicle (city tour)
Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Drive north with a stop at Munneshwaram Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s revered Hindu shrines. Arrive in Anuradhapura and explore sacred landmarks — Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and monastic ruins.

Transport: Colombo → Anuradhapura (Approx. 4.5 hrs / 200 km)
Accommodation: Miridiya Lake Resort, Anuradhapura (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Full day exploring UNESCO-listed ruins and Buddhist monasteries. Optional climb at Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism. Evening free by the lakeside.

Accommodation: Miridiya Lake Resort, Anuradhapura (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Sigiriya. En route, stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple with its painted murals and Buddha statues. Later, experience a village safari: tuk-tuk ride, catamaran boat, and authentic lunch.

Transport: Anuradhapura → Sigiriya (Approx. 2.5 hrs / 100 km)
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya, Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (included in village experience)

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise for breathtaking views. Afternoon excursion to Polonnaruwa to see the Royal Palace ruins, Gal Vihara Buddha statues, and Parakrama Samudra Reservoir.

Transport: Private vehicle (Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa day trip, 2 hrs each way)
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya, Sigiriya (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Drive south to Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden in Matale. In the evening, experience a Kandyan cultural dance show and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Transport: Sigiriya → Kandy (Approx. 3 hrs / 95 km)
Accommodation: Swiss Residence Hotel, Kandy (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Relaxed day: explore the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, join a cooking class, or stroll through Kandy’s markets and lakeside promenade.

Accommodation: Swiss Residence Hotel, Kandy (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Travel into the central highlands. Stop at Ramboda Falls and visit a working tea plantation & factory for tasting. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England.”

Transport: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 2.5 hrs / 80 km)
Accommodation: Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Nuwara Eliya (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Option 1: Early morning trek at Horton Plains National Park to World’s End.
Option 2: Relax with a walking tour of colonial-era Nuwara Eliya town and gardens.

Accommodation: Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Nuwara Eliya (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Board the scenic train journey to Ella (3–4 hrs). Explore Ella briefly — Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak. Continue south to Yala. Afternoon safari jeep ride in Yala National Park.

Transport: Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Train, 3–4 hrs), Ella → Yala (Approx. 3.5 hrs / 150 km)
Accommodation: EKHO Safari Hotel, Tissamaharama (Yala)
Meals: Breakfast

Morning drive along the southern coastline to Galle. Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, its Dutch-era ramparts, cobblestone streets, and boutiques. Sunset walk along the fort walls.

Transport: Yala → Galle (Approx. 4 hrs / 180 km)
Accommodation: The Merchant Galle Fort Hotel, Galle (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day trip to Unawatuna Beach. Swim, snorkel, or visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Afternoon return to Galle for leisure time.

Transport: Private vehicle (Galle ↔ Unawatuna, 20 mins each way)
Accommodation: The Merchant Galle Fort Hotel, Galle (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer back to Colombo Airport for your onward flight.

Transport: Galle → Colombo Airport (Approx. 2.5 hrs / 150 km)
Meals: Breakfast

What's Included

Included

  • 11 nights accommodation in hotels, resorts, and homestays
  • Daily breakfast and select meals (lunches and dinners on specified days)
  • All ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
  • English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip
  • Colombo city tour
  • Entrance fees to all included attractions and sites
  • Village experience in Sigiriya and Digana
  • Train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Jeep safari at Yala National Park
  • Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Temple of the Tooth

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Sri Lanka
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activities (e.g., Horton Plains trek, Ayurveda treatments)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
  • Visa fees for Sri Lanka
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Camera or video permits at heritage sites and national parks
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From USD 1200.00