Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Negombo
You'll arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and get picked up for the short 20-minute drive to Negombo. This coastal town becomes your first base, and you'll have the rest of the day to settle in and start unwinding. Whether you prefer the pool, a beach walk along the golden sand, or just relaxing at your beachfront hotel, it's all about easing into island life after your flight.
Optional Activities
- Lounge by the pool
- Swim in the Indian Ocean
- Evening stroll along Negombo Beach
Landmarks/POIs Bandaranaike International Airport Negombo Beach - Day 2
Negombo to Anuradhapura
After a hearty breakfast with fresh tropical fruits, crispy hoppers, and Ceylon tea, you'll head north through lush countryside. The drive takes you past rice fields and villages toward Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once there, you'll walk through this ancient sacred city, see the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and check out the Ruwanweliseya Stupa that dates back to 140 BC.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Sri Lankan breakfast with fresh tropical fruits, crispy hoppers, and Ceylon tea or local coffee)
Included Activities
- Explore Anuradhapura sacred city
- Visit Sri Maha Bodhi tree
- Visit Ruwanweliseya Stupa
Landmarks/POIs Sri Maha Bodhi Ruwanweliseya Stupa - Days 3 - 4
Pasikudah Beach
You'll travel east across the island's interior toward Pasikudah, watching the landscape shift from green fields to palm-lined coasts and turquoise waters. The next two days here let you unwind in this peaceful beach destination. The shallow, reef-protected bay is safe for swimming, and you'll have time for snorkeling or quiet evening walks along the shore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Relax on Pasikudah Beach
- Swimming in reef-protected bay
- Snorkeling in clear sea
Optional Activities
- Evening beach walks
Landmarks/POIs Pasikudah Beach - Day 5
Pasikudah to Sigiriya via Polonnaruwa
Leaving Pasikudah behind, you'll head inland into the Cultural Triangle to explore Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site with well-preserved ancient ruins and giant Buddha statues. You'll cycle through the archaeological areas, then switch to a jeep safari in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. That's where you'll get chances to see wild elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Bicycle tour of Polonnaruwa ancient city
- Jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
Landmarks/POIs Polonnaruwa Minneriya National Park Kaudulla National Park - Day 6
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Cultural Village
Start early to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, that massive 5th-century palace rising nearly 200 meters. You'll see water gardens, mirror walls, and beautiful frescoes before reaching the top for views across forests and villages. In the afternoon, you'll experience local village life through a tuk tuk ride past rice fields, a lake catamaran ride, and a cooking demonstration at a family home followed by authentic home-cooked lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Sri Lankan breakfast with Ceylon tea or coffee), Lunch (Authentic home-cooked lunch served Sri Lankan way at local family home)
Included Activities
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
- Tuk tuk ride through village paths and rice fields
- Catamaran boat ride on lake
- Local Sri Lankan cooking demonstration
- Authentic home-cooked lunch at farmer's house
Landmarks/POIs Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Day 7
Sigiriya to Kandy
You'll travel toward Kandy, the cultural heart set on a lush plateau surrounded by green hills and tea plantations. On the way, stop at Dambulla Cave Temple to see five cave sanctuaries with wall paintings and over 150 Buddha statues. Once in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, then end your evening with a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Dambulla Cave Temple visit
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic visit
- Kandy viewpoint visit
- Traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance
Landmarks/POIs Dambulla Cave Temple Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Kandy Lake - Day 8
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Heading into the highlands toward Nuwara Eliya, you'll see why locals call it 'Little England' with its red-brick buildings and rose gardens. You'll visit a Gem Museum to learn about sapphires, rubies, and moonstones, then check out the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya with over 300 orchid species. Later, drive through tea plantations, visit a working tea factory to see Ceylon tea production, and explore Nuwara Eliya's colonial town center.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Gem Museum visit
- Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya visit
- Tea factory tour and Ceylon tea tasting
Optional Activities
- Explore Nuwara Eliya town center
- Visit fruit and vegetable market
Landmarks/POIs Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya Nuwara Eliya - Day 9
Nuwara Eliya to Haputale by Train
You'll take one of the world's most famous train rides from Nanu-Oya to Haputale, winding through tea-covered ridges, past villages, and through clouds. The landscape is pretty spectacular throughout. Once you arrive in Haputale, head to the viewpoint for panoramic views that stretch all the way to the southern coast. You'll spend the evening in the crisp mountain air.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train journey from Nanu-Oya to Haputale
- Haputale Viewpoint visit
Landmarks/POIs Haputale Viewpoint - Day 10
Haputale to Tissamaharama
Start with a walk through Ella village to see the Nine Arch Bridge and possibly Mini Adam's Peak if you have the energy. Then stop at Ravana Waterfall, a famous cascade connected to the Ramayana epic. From there, you'll descend from the highlands to reach Tissamaharama, the gateway to Yala National Park, which you'll learn is known for its leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, and diverse bird life.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Nine Arch Bridge visit
- Ravana Waterfall visit
Optional Activities
- Mini Adam's Peak hike in Ella
- Relax at Ella hillside café
Landmarks/POIs Nine Arch Bridge Ravana Waterfall Yala National Park - Days 11 - 12
Yala Safari & South Coast Beach
You'll start early for a game drive in Yala National Park when animals are most active. Keep an eye out for elusive leopards, elephant herds, crocodiles, and colorful birds. After your wildlife adventure, travel south along the coastal road to Mirissa and check into your beach resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool, on the beach, or in the ocean with powdery sands and turquoise water all around.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Early-morning Yala National Park game drive
Optional Activities
- Jet skiing
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Deep-sea fishing
- Boat ride
- Scuba diving
- Beach walks
- Massage at resort
Landmarks/POIs Yala National Park Mirissa Beach - Day 13
South Coast to Bentota
You'll travel along the sunny southern coastline where golden sands meet history. Stop near Matara to see stilt fishermen balancing on narrow poles in the water, a traditional way of life that's disappearing. Then walk through Galle Fort's cobbled streets, a UNESCO site with Dutch colonial buildings, galleries, and cafes, plus the historic ramparts. Visit a sea turtle conservation center to learn about protection efforts and see baby turtles before they're released into the ocean. End the day in Bentota.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stilt fishermen viewing near Matara
- Galle Fort UNESCO World Heritage Site tour
- Sea turtle conservation center visit
Landmarks/POIs Galle Fort Bentota Beach - Day 14
Bentota to Colombo & Departure
After breakfast by the beach, you'll travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital where old history blends with modern life. Your city tour covers the Red Mosque, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and Galle Face Green, plus trendy shopping options. Have a farewell lunch or dinner at one of the city's restaurants, then head to the airport for your flight home or transfer to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Red Mosque visit
- Gangaramaya Temple visit
- Independence Square visit
- Galle Face Green or shopping district visit
Optional Activities
- Last-minute shopping at malls
- Farewell lunch or dinner at renowned restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Red Mosque Gangaramaya Temple Independence Square Galle Face Green
