Sri Lanka on a Shoestring - 13 Days

On arrival at the Bandaranayke International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; a representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to Sigirya.

Overnight stay at Wewa Addara - Standard room

After breakfast climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress, which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.

Overnight stay at Wewa Addara - Standard Room

Breakfast at the hotel & visit Minneriya National Park. Minneriya National Park is the perfect choice for nature lovers, especially if you want to witness a glorious elephant gathering. The park is also one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Sri Lanka. Apart from the largest mammal on earth, the elephant, the park also inhabits two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka i.e. purple-faced langur and toque macaque, deer species, sloth, grey slender loris, leopard, bear, a lot of bird species and reptilians.

Overnight stay at Wewa Addara - Standard Room

After breakfast, transfer to Kandy. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, and is also a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit Kandy town and the Bazaar, the arts & crafts Centre, a gem museum and a lapidary.

Optional: Visit Dambulla
Dambulla is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The popular cave temple complex in Dambulla, dated to the 2nd century BC, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are over 80 caves in Dambulla, some of which are used for meditation by monks. The Famous Rock Temple has five separate caves containing 153 magnificent Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 Hindu deities.

Overnight stay at Oak–Ray Serene Garden Hotel - Standard Room

After breakfast, the day is free for you to explore.

Overnight stay at Oak–Ray Serene Garden Hotel - Standard Room

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kandy Railway station to enjoy a train ride to Ella. Ella is the beautiful hill country village surrounded by mountains, tea plantations and greenery everywhere you go. It is the best place to relax, wind down and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The Ella Gap offers a stunning view and on a clear night, you can see the subtle glow of the Great Basses Lighthouse on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The Ravana Ella Falls is another spectacular sight in Ella, the perfect place for a quick dip in the cool waters. Ella’s Rock offers a breathtaking view of the countryside, the walk up to the rock itself is beautiful, passing through rail tracks and tea plantations.

Upon arrival check in to the hotel and relax.

Note: The train ride will be subjected to availability. If the train tickets are not available, you will be transferred to the destination by the vehicle used to do the tour.

Overnight stay at Downtown Hostel - Shared Dorm

After breakfast, spend the day at leisure or you can explore activities in the area..

9 Arch Bridge
Built during the British Colonial period, located almost 3100 feet above the sea level with 99.6ft high When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches. This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. The bridge was finally commissioned in 1921.

Visit Ella Gap
No entrance fees, but there are Trekker charges (USD 23 net - not included).

The Ella Gap offers a stunning view and on a clear night you can see the subtle glow of the Great Basses light house in the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak has become an attraction to local and foreign tourist. Many people visit the area to admire its scenic beauty. It is located about 2 km from the Ella town. From this location Kataragama and the Hambantota beach which are hundreds of kilometers away can also be seen. The Namunukula, Poonagala and Narangala mountain ranges also located on near this place.

Overnight stay at Downtown Hostel - Shared Dorm

After breakfast, the day is free for you to explore.

Overnight stay at Downtown Hostel - Shared Dorm

After breakfast transfer to Tissamaharama & visit Yala National Park in the evening. Yala National Park is located on the southern tip of Sri Lanka on the border of the Southern and Uva provinces. It covers an area of 377.9 square miles (978.8 sq km). The national park features a diverse ecosystem that includes monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, thorn forests, marine and freshwater wetlands, grasslands, marshes, and sandy beaches along the coast. Yala is comprised mostly of metamorphic rock with reddish-brown and grey soil topping most of the area. The park is located in a dry semi-arid region with rain occurring mostly during the northeast monsoon season.

There are 215 species of birds calling the area home; the area is one of 70 areas classified as important bird sanctuaries for the country of Sri Lanka. There are 44 species of mammals with some of the more popular being elephant, water buffalo, sloth bear, and leopard. Yala National Park has one of the densest populations of leopards in the world.

Overnight stay at Magampura Eco Village Resort - Deluxe Room

After breakfast, transfer to Ahangama.

Overnight stay at Insight Resort - Bunk-bed Room

After breakfast, the day is free for you to explore.

Overnight stay at Insight Resort - Bunk-bed Room

After breakfast proceed to airport for the flight back home. This is the end of the tour.

Accommodation at specified hotels or similar standard hotels on BB basis.
Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees to
- Sigiriya
- Minneriya National Park + Jeep
- Temple of tooth
- Train ticket