Short on time
Five days for Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy and Colombo — a focused first look at Sri Lanka for short trips and stopovers.
When time is short, it is better to see a few places well than many in a rush. This five-day loop focuses on the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, with a final night in Colombo for a city tour before your flight.
It works in most months because it stays inland until the last day.
Sigiriya – Kandy – Colombo
Straight from the airport to the Cultural Triangle, with Dambulla Cave Temple on the way if time allows.
Climb Sigiriya early; elephant safari in the afternoon.
Spice garden, Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth.
Peradeniya gardens, then down to Colombo for an afternoon city tour.
Transfer to the airport.
We suggest hotels at the level you choose — good-value, comfortable, boutique or premium — and explain why each one suits the route. You can swap any hotel before anything is booked.
You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle sized for your group and luggage, with the same driver or chauffeur guide throughout. Licensed site guides can be added at major heritage sites.
Most of the year.
Availability depends on season and your dates — we confirm before adding anything. Tick the ones you like in the form below.
The Cultural Triangle pairs ancient sites with village life and elephant country.
Sigiriya area · 3 – 4 hours
Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park · About 3 hours
Sigiriya · 2 hours
Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya or Anuradhapura · 2 – 4 hours
Kandy is the home of Kandyan dance and a good place to learn Sri Lankan cooking.
Kandy · 1 hour
Kandy, Sigiriya, Ella or Galle · 2 – 3 hours
You could swap Kandy for Galle and the south coast, but we recommend focusing on one region in five days.
Adjust anything below, or just tell us your dates. A consultant replies personally — this is not a booking and nothing is charged.
Updated . Travel conditions change — we confirm details when we plan your trip.
8 days · Best first trip
Eight days that string together Sri Lanka’s greatest hits — Sigiriya, Kandy, tea country, the Ella train and a Yala safari — at a pace that still leaves room to breathe.
Private tour · price on request
10 days · Culture, hills, safari & beach
Ten days that add breathing space and a beach finish to the classic route: two nights each in Sigiriya and Kandy, the tea country train, a Yala safari and the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
14 days · Two weeks, the whole island
Two weeks to see Sri Lanka properly: both great ancient capitals, Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country, a Yala safari, quiet southern beaches and Galle Fort.
Private tour · price on request
Day tours that fit around this itinerary.
Half day · from Colombo
A private half-day introduction to Colombo: Pettah’s bazaars, Gangaramaya Temple, the colonial Fort and sunset at Galle Face Green.
Half day · from Colombo
Taste Colombo’s many cultures through its food — short eats, hoppers, kottu and sweets — on a guided walk and drive.
Half day · from Colombo
See Colombo lit up: the seafront, illuminated temples and colonial buildings, and a dinner stop of your choice.
Half day · from Kandy
Kandy’s highlights in a half day: the Temple of the Tooth, the lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and a cultural show.
