Heritage & Hill Country Express
Discover the cultural wonders of ancient Sri Lanka and the scenic beauty of its hill country in this 5-day express tour.
4 Iconic Destinations
Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
5 Days / 4 Nights
Duration
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Sigiriya & Temple of the Tooth
Tour Overview
Embark on a journey through the cultural heartland and scenic hill country of Sri Lanka. This 5-day express tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Sri Lanka's heritage and natural beauty in a compact timeframe.
From the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya to the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and the picturesque tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic exploration.
Ancient Heritage
Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient kingdoms
Scenic Landscapes
Journey through misty mountains and lush tea plantations
Tea Country Experience
Visit tea estates and learn about Ceylon tea production
Culinary Delights
Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine throughout your journey
Detailed Itinerary
Day-by-day breakdown of your Heritage & Hill Country Express journey
Arrival & Journey to Sigiriya
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative and begin your journey to Sigiriya. En route, stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Check into your hotel in Sigiriya and in the late afternoon, visit a local village for an authentic cultural experience. Enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing about your upcoming adventure.
Today's Highlights
- Airport pickup and scenic drive to Sigiriya
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Check into your hotel
- Village cultural experience
- Welcome dinner and tour briefing
Accommodation
Hotel in Sigiriya
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave Temple
After an early breakfast, climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the ancient ruins, frescoes, and the breathtaking views from the summit. Later, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. After lunch, travel to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Check into your hotel and in the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural dance show.
Today's Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
- Dambulla Cave Temple visit
- Scenic drive to Kandy
- Traditional cultural dance show
Accommodation
Hotel in Kandy
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Kandy Cultural Experience & Journey to Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, explore Kandy's cultural treasures including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, home to Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, known for its extensive collection of orchids and other tropical flora. After lunch, begin your scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, stopping at a tea factory along the way to learn about Ceylon tea production. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England," and check into your hotel.
Today's Highlights
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Tea factory tour and tasting
- Scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation
Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Nuwara Eliya Exploration
Spend the day exploring the charms of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation to see tea pluckers at work and learn about the tea-making process. Explore the town's colonial architecture, including the iconic post office and hill club. Visit Gregory Lake for a relaxing boat ride or stroll along its shores. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit a local vegetable market or simply relax and enjoy the cool climate of this beautiful hill station.
Today's Highlights
- Tea plantation visit
- Gregory Lake boat ride
- Colonial architecture exploration
- Local market visit (optional)
Accommodation
Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Return to Colombo & Departure
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Colombo. En route, stop at Ramboda Falls for photos and enjoy the scenic views of the hill country descending to the plains. Arrive in Colombo and depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief city tour including Independence Square and Gangaramaya Temple. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight with beautiful memories of your Sri Lankan adventure.
Today's Highlights
- Scenic drive through hill country
- Ramboda Falls photo stop
- Optional Colombo city tour
- Airport transfer for departure
Accommodation
No accommodation (end of tour)
Meals
Breakfast
What's Included
Everything you need for an unforgettable Sri Lankan heritage and hill country experience
Included
- 4 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees to mentioned sites
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress entrance
- Dambulla Cave Temple entrance
- Temple of the Tooth entrance
- Royal Botanical Gardens entrance
- Tea factory tour and tasting
- Traditional cultural dance show in Kandy
- Bottled water during tours
- Government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches (unless specified)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any services not mentioned in inclusions
Pricing Options
Choose the accommodation style that suits your Heritage & Hill Country Express adventure
Tour Gallery
Preview the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences awaiting you
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Heritage & Hill Country Express
The Sigiriya Rock climb involves approximately 1,200 steps and is considered moderately challenging. The climb takes about 1-2 hours round trip depending on your fitness level. There are resting points along the way, and the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, bringing water, and taking your time. The climb is not recommended for those with severe mobility issues or heart conditions.
Nuwara Eliya, located in the hill country, has a cooler climate compared to the rest of Sri Lanka. Temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can be quite chilly in the evenings and early mornings, so we recommend bringing warm clothing. The area also receives more rainfall than other parts of the island, so it's a good idea to have a light rain jacket or umbrella handy.
Yes, this tour is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by children aged 6 and above. The itinerary includes a good mix of activities that appeal to different age groups. However, please note that the Sigiriya climb might be challenging for younger children. We can customize the itinerary to better suit families with specific needs - just let us know when booking.
The best time for the Heritage & Hill Country Express is from December to April when the weather is generally dry and pleasant across most of the island. However, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with each season offering its own unique charm. The hill country is pleasant throughout the year, though it can be cooler and rainier. The cultural triangle (Sigiriya, Kandy) experiences its dry season during these months, perfect for exploring ancient sites.
Absolutely! While we've designed this itinerary to showcase the best of Sri Lanka's heritage and hill country in 5 days, we understand that every traveler has different preferences. We can customize the tour by extending stays in particular destinations, adding specific activities, adjusting the accommodation level, or incorporating special interests like wildlife, photography, or culinary experiences. Please discuss your preferences with us when booking.
Ready for Your Sri Lankan Adventure?
Contact us today to book your spot or ask any questions