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Sun, Sand and Culture
Tours/Sun, Sand and Culture

Sun, Sand and Culture

Tour Overview

Suitable for: Couples, Families and Groups

Sun, Sand and Culture is a perfectly balanced journey through Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, scenic hill country, abundant wildlife, and stunning beaches. From ancient cities and sacred temples to misty tea plantations, iconic train rides, thrilling safaris, and relaxing coastal escapes, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that captures the true essence of the island in one seamless adventure.

Tour Theme

🏛️ Cultural Heritage & History
⛰️ Scenic Hill Country
🏖️ Golden Beaches
🐘 Wildlife & Nature Adventures
🚆 Iconic Train Journeys
🌾 Authentic Experiences
☀️ Relaxation & Leisure
📸 Photography & Scenic Views

Number of Cities10

Negombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawa, Mirissa, Colombo

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your pre-booked hotel to rest and relax after your long flight. Proceed on a city tour of Negombo, including a visit to the vibrant fish market, where you can observe the daily catch brought in by local fishermen. Continue with a relaxing boat ride on the Negombo Lagoon, surrounded by mangroves and traditional fishing villages. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along Negombo Beach, taking in the coastal atmosphere and sunset views. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Negombo.

Activities

Airport pick-up, Negombo city tour, Fish market, Boat trip

Negombo highlight 1
Negombo highlight 2
Negombo highlight 3
Negombo highlight 4
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Airport > Negombo

Drive

20 minutes

After an early breakfast at 08:00 hrs, depart from Negombo and travel towards Sigiriya. En-route, visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, followed by a stop at the Elephant Dung Paper Factory, where eco-friendly paper is produced using recycled elephant dung. Continue the journey to Kurunegala to visit the Selyn Handloom Factory, well known for its beautifully crafted traditional handloom products. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, check in to your pre-booked hotel. In the evening, visit and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire its ancient frescoes, landscaped gardens, and panoramic views. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Activities

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Elephant Dung Paper Factory, Selyn Handloom Factory, Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya highlight 1
Sigiriya highlight 2
Sigiriya highlight 3
Sigiriya highlight 4
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Negombo > Pinnawala > Kurunegala > Sigiriya

Drive

03 hours

Early morning at 05:15 hrs, set out to climb Pidurangala Rock Temple to witness a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding plains. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Thereafter, enjoy time at leisure, relaxing by the swimming pool or opting for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage (optional). At 11:30 hrs, depart for an immersive village tour, featuring a bullock cart ride, canoe ride, traditional cooking demonstration, and a local lunch, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life. In the afternoon, proceed to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka, to explore its well-preserved ruins and archaeological highlights. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Activities

Pidurangala Rock Temple, Ayurvedic massage, Village Tour, Sightseeing at Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya highlight 1
Sigiriya highlight 2
Sigiriya highlight 3
Sigiriya highlight 4
Sigiriya highlight 5
Sigiriya highlight 6
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa > Sigiriya

Drive

02 hours

After breakfast, begin a scenic journey to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. En-route, explore the magnificent Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cave paintings and Buddha statues. Continue to Matale, where you will visit a fragrant Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices, followed by a visit to a Hindu Temple reflecting the island’s rich spiritual diversity. Upon arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) to witness the revered evening ceremony, a deeply spiritual and memorable experience. Conclude the day with a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance performance, showcasing traditional music and dance forms of Sri Lanka. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.

Activities

Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Garden, Matale Hindu Temple, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Cultural Dance Show

Kandy highlight 1
Kandy highlight 2
Kandy highlight 3
Kandy highlight 4
Kandy highlight 5
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Sigiriya > Dambulla > Kandy

Drive

02 hours

After an early breakfast, depart at 08:00 hrs for the cool hill town of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England.” En-route, visit a tea factory and tea plantations, where you can witness the traditional process of Ceylon tea production and enjoy the fresh aroma of world-famous Sri Lankan tea. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city tour of Nuwara Eliya, including a visit to the local marketplace, offering a glimpse into daily life in the hill country. Thereafter, proceed to Nanu Oya Railway Station to board the iconic train to Ella. This scenic train journey, regarded as one of the most beautiful rail routes in Sri Lanka, winds through misty mountains, lush tea estates, eucalyptus forests, deep valleys, mountain tunnels, and the famous Nine Arch Bridge, providing breathtaking panoramic views throughout the journey. On arrival at Ella Railway Station, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Check in and enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Ella.

Activities

Tea Factory, Tea Plantation, Nuwara Eliya marketplace, Train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella

Ella highlight 1
Ella highlight 2
Ella highlight 3
Ella highlight 4
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Kandy > Nuwara Eliya > Ella

Drive

03 hours

Begin the day early at 05:15 hrs with a climb to Little Adam’s Peak, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise view over Ella’s misty hills and lush landscapes. Return to the hotel for breakfast and some relaxation. After breakfast, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge at 09:00 hrs to witness a train gracefully crossing this colonial-era marvel, set amidst dense greenery. Thereafter, depart for Udawalawa, stopping en-route at the picturesque Ravana Ella Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls. Upon arrival in Udawalawa, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting jeep safari at Udawalawa National Park, renowned for its large herds of wild elephants, diverse birdlife, and natural beauty. Return to the hotel in the evening to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Udawalawa.

Activities

Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Ella Falls, Safari at Udawalawa National Park

Udawalawa highlight 1
Udawalawa highlight 2
Udawalawa highlight 3
Udawalawa highlight 4
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Ella > Udawalawa

Drive

03 hours

After breakfast, travel to the beautiful coastal town of Mirissa and check in to your hotel for a relaxing beach stay. Spend the afternoon at leisure, unwinding on the golden sandy beach, listening to the soothing rhythm of the waves, or simply relaxing by the shore while enjoying the tranquil coastal scenery. Mirissa’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views provide the perfect setting for rest and relaxation.

Activities

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa highlight 1
Mirissa highlight 2
Mirissa highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Udawalawa > Mirissa

Drive

03 hours

Early in the morning, you may choose to embark on an optional whale-watching excursion, a memorable experience offering the chance to spot majestic blue whales and dolphins in the deep waters off Mirissa. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely morning at the beach, relaxing by the shore, soaking up the sun, and embracing the calm and serene coastal atmosphere of Mirissa.

Activities

Whale watching, Rest and relax on the beach

Mirissa highlight 1
Mirissa highlight 2
Mirissa highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Mirissa

Drive

After breakfast, depart for Colombo International Airport. En-route, explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in colonial charm, followed by a visit to the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, where conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles can be observed. Continue with a brief city tour of Colombo, taking in some of the city’s key highlights that reflect its vibrant blend of modern life and colonial heritage. Thereafter, proceed to the airport to board your departure flight, concluding your Sri Lankan journey with unforgettable memories of this beautiful island.

Activities

Departure transfer, Galle Dutch Fort, Turtle Hatchery, Highlights of Colombo city

Departure highlight 1
Departure highlight 2
Departure highlight 3
Departure highlight 4
Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Route

Mirissa > Galle > Kosgoda > Colombo > Colombo International Airport

Drive

05 hours

Sun, Sand and Culture - Tour Route Map

What's Included

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Accommodation in 2 to 3 star hotels on given meal plan basis
  • Tour guide
  • Tour guide fee, food and lodging
  • A/C transportation
  • Fuel
  • Highway entrance tickets
  • Train tickets from Ella to Nanu Oya
  • Jeep hire charges to Udawalawa National Park
  • Village tour in Sigiriya

Starting from

1375

per person

* Prices vary based on travel dates, hotel category, and group size

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Group Size
2 pax and above
Rating
5/5

100% customisable

Contact Us

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