Sri Lanka: Culture, Tea Hills & Beaches — 7-Day Private Tour
A 7-day private journey through Sri Lanka's ancient rock fortresses, sacred cities, misty tea hills and golden beaches — with 4-star half-board stays and a private car and driver throughout.
Overview
Ayubowan — "may you live long." This ancient Sri Lankan greeting is an invitation into a small island with an extraordinary story, where eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world-famous Ceylon tea and warm, generous hospitality sit side by side. Over seven days you'll trace the very best of it, travelling privately from the cultural heartland to the hills and down to the coast. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock and explore the cave temples of Dambulla; bow your head at Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic; wind up into the cool, misty tea country of Nuwara Eliya; then unwind on the golden beaches of Bentota with a mangrove safari along the Madu River. You'll stay in hand-picked 4-star hotels on half board and travel in a private air-conditioned car with an experienced driver throughout — every detail arranged by your dedicated Zaha Travels expert.
Who This Trip Is Perfect For
What's Included
Suggested Activities
Day 1 · Arrival & Transfer to Dambulla
Airport meet & greet, then a scenic drive inland with an en-route visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (time permitting). Check in near Dambulla and relax. (Dinner)
Day 2 · Dambulla Caves & Sigiriya Lion Rock
Explore the Rangiri Dambulla cave temple and a Sigiriya village, then climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — in the cool of late afternoon. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 · Sacred Kandy
Visit a Matale spice garden en route to Kandy, then the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Ceylon Tea Museum and Kandy Gem Museum, finishing with a traditional Kandyan cultural dance show. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 · Into the Tea Hills — Nuwara Eliya
Climb into the highlands past Ambuluwawa Tower and Ramboda Falls, stopping at a working tea plantation and factory. Explore colonial Nuwara Eliya, its red-brick post office and Gregory Lake. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 · To the Coast — Bentota via Kitulgala
Drive south with an optional adventure/white-water stop at Kitulgala, arriving at the golden beaches of Bentota by evening to relax by the pool or sea. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 · Bentota Beaches & Madu River Safari
Optional morning water sports, then a scenic Madu River mangrove safari and a visit to the Kosgoda sea turtle hatchery before relaxing back at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 · Departure
Breakfast at the hotel, then a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (Breakfast)
