Itinerary
- Day 1
Colombo to Negombo
You'll arrive at Colombo airport where your tour leader will be waiting for you. The transfer to Negombo takes just 20 minutes, so you can show up whenever your flight lands. If you get there early, spend some time relaxing by the hotel's beach and pool. Later in the evening, take a walk along the shoreline to catch the sunset and soak in the beach atmosphere.
Optional Activities
- Negombo Lagoon Tour - boat ride along the lagoon with views of mangroves, birdlife, and local fishermen (if time permits based on arrival time)
Landmarks/POIs Negombo Lagoon - Day 2
Negombo to Anuradhapura
Start with breakfast and some Sri Lankan tea or coffee before heading to Anuradhapura. On the way, you'll stop at the ancient Munneshwaram Hindu Temple to see its intricate sculptures and observe the sacred rituals happening there. After lunch, you'll do an exciting jeep safari through Wilpattu National Park. This area is known for its leopard population, though you might also spot elephants, deer, and various birds during your drive.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Munneshwaram Hindu Temple - ancient temple with intricate sculptures, sacred rituals, and cultural significance
- Jeep Safari Through Wilpattu National Park - wildlife safari through lakes and forests to spot leopards, elephants, deer, and birds
Landmarks/POIs Munneshwaram Hindu Temple Wilpattu National Park - Day 3
Anuradhapura
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll stand beneath the revered Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and see the magnificent Ruwanweli Seya Stupa with its golden dome. Later in the afternoon, head to the Isurumuniya Rock Temple to check out its intricate carvings of celestial beings and mythical creatures carved into the rock face.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Sri Maha Bodhi Tree - ancient sacred Buddhist tree with spiritual significance
- Visit Ruwanweli Seya Stupa - magnificent golden domed stupa testament to devotion and artistry
- Explore Isurumuniya Rock Temple - ancient temple with intricate rock carvings of celestial beings and mythical creatures
Landmarks/POIs Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Ruwanweli Seya Stupa Isurumuniya Rock Temple - Day 4
Anuradhapura to Sigiriya
After breakfast, you'll head toward Sigiriya with a first stop at Ritigala Monastery, an ancient secluded site known for its meditative setting and unique rock structures surrounded by forests. Then comes a cultural village tour where you'll take a bullock cart ride and a canoe ride on a scenic lake, followed by a traditional lunch served on lotus leaves. In the afternoon, you'll tackle Sigiriya Rock Fortress, climbing 200 meters to see ancient frescoes and royal palace ruins with panoramic views from the top.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional lunch at farmer's house served on lotus leaves), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Ritigala Monastery - ancient secluded meditation site with unique rock structures in lush forests
- Cultural Village Tour - guided tour including bullock cart ride, canoe ride on scenic lake, and traditional lunch on lotus leaves with insight into rural Sri Lankan farming, crafts, and hospitality
- Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress - UNESCO World Heritage Site; climb 200 meters to explore ancient frescoes, royal palace ruins, and enjoy sweeping panoramic views from the summit
Landmarks/POIs Ritigala Monastery Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Day 5
Sigiriya to Minneriya/Kaudulla
Following breakfast, explore Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Sinhalese artistry on display. You'll see the Royal Palace, impressive Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, and the intricate Vatadage structure. That afternoon, you'll go on a 4x4 jeep safari in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. Elephants roam freely there alongside deer, monkeys, and exotic birds, and it's part of one of Asia's largest seasonal elephant gatherings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City - UNESCO World Heritage Site explore Royal Palace, Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, and Vatadage showcasing ancient Sinhalese artistry
- 4x4 Jeep Safari in Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park - wildlife safari to observe elephants, deer, monkeys, and exotic birds during one of Asia's largest seasonal elephant gatherings
Landmarks/POIs Polonnaruwa Ancient City Minneriya National Park Kaudulla National Park - Day 6
Sigiriya to Kandy
After breakfast, head toward Kandy, the former capital, with stops along the way. You'll visit Royal Cave Temple Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with hundreds of Buddha statues and frescoes perched on a hill with sweeping plains views. Next, stop at Matale Herbal Garden to discover Sri Lanka's herbal plants and try some tastings. When you reach Kandy, visit the Temple of Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist temples in a beautiful lakeside complex. The evening features a vibrant cultural dance show with traditional Kandyan dances, drumming, and fire-walking.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Royal Cave Temple Dambulla - UNESCO World Heritage Site with hundreds of Buddha statues and religious frescoes carved into rock walls; hilltop location provides sweeping views of plains
- Visit Matale Herbal Garden - discover uses and healing properties of Sri Lanka's famous herbal plants with tastings and demonstrations
- Visit Temple of Tooth Relic - UNESCO World Heritage Site; one of the most revered Buddhist temples holding Buddha's tooth relic set in stunning lakeside complex with intricate architecture and artwork
- Cultural Dance Show - vibrant performance showcasing traditional Kandyan dances, drumming, and fire-walking
Landmarks/POIs Royal Cave Temple Dambulla Matale Herbal Garden Temple of the Tooth Relic - Day 7
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, travel to Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England' for its British colonial-era buildings scattered throughout. Start at the Gem Museum to explore Sri Lanka's sapphire and ruby heritage and learn about gem mining and jewelry craftsmanship. You'll then visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, one of Asia's largest with over 4,000 plant species including orchids, spices, and towering palms. Later, experience a tea factory visit to see Ceylon tea production and sample different varieties while enjoying views of the rolling green landscapes. Wrap up with a city tour through colonial buildings, Victoria Park, and scenic Gregory Lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Gem Museum - explore Sri Lanka's gem heritage including sapphires, rubies, and insights into gem mining and jewelry making craftsmanship
- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden - one of Asia's largest botanical gardens with over 4,000 plant species including orchids, spices, medicinal herbs, and towering palms
- Tea Factory Visit - witness Ceylon tea production journey from leaf to cup, learn traditional tea-making methods, sample various teas, and view rolling green tea landscapes
- Nuwara Eliya City Tour - stroll through colonial-era buildings, Victoria Park, and enjoy scenic views of Gregory Lake
Landmarks/POIs Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden Gregory Lake Victoria Park - Day 8
Nuwara Eliya to Ella
After breakfast, catch one of the world's most scenic train rides from Nanu-Oya station heading to Ella village. You'll pass through misty hills, tea plantations, and forested landscapes with views of valleys, waterfalls, and small villages along the way. When you arrive in Ella (if time permits), check out the famous Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era engineering feat set in lush greenery where trains pass overhead. Take a moderate hike to Little Adam's Peak for 360-degree views of Ella Gap.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Train Ride from Nanu-Oya to Ella - one of the world's most scenic train journeys through misty hills, tea plantations, forested landscapes, valleys, waterfalls, and quaint villages (train tickets arranged at station; class subject to availability)
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge - colonial-era engineering marvel set amidst lush greenery in Ella where trains pass overhead (if time permits)
- Hike to Little Adam's Peak - moderate hike with stunning 360-degree views of Ella Gap, scenic views and cool mountain air
Landmarks/POIs Nine Arch Bridge Little Adam's Peak Ella Gap - Day 9
Ella
Following breakfast, explore attractions around Ella. Visit Lipton's Seat, a famous viewpoint with sweeping vistas of tea estates and distant hills, particularly beautiful at sunrise. Then head to Diyaluma Waterfall, Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall, where you can see the cascading waters and enjoy a refreshing dip or hike through rock pools if you're up for it. Finally, visit Adisham Bungalow, a Benedictine monastery once home to a British planter, surrounded by fragrant gardens showcasing colonial architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Lipton's Seat - famous viewpoint with sweeping vistas of tea estates and distant hills; offers particularly breathtaking sunrise views
- Visit Diyaluma Waterfall - Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall with cascading waters creating beautiful backdrop for hiking and exploring rock pools; opportunity for refreshing dip
- Visit Adisham Bungalow - Benedictine monastery once home to a British planter surrounded by fragrant gardens; showcases colonial architecture and heritage
Landmarks/POIs Lipton's Seat Diyaluma Waterfall Adisham Bungalow - Day 10
Ella to Mirissa/Weligama
You'll travel through coconut palms, mountains, and waterfalls on your way to Mirissa or Weligama's beaches. Along the route, stop at Ravana Waterfall near Ella for a quick photo opportunity. Once you reach your hotel, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach with a cocktail or beer in the shade of a palm tree, enjoying the tropical paradise with white sands and coconut palms stretching to the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Ravana Waterfall - picturesque waterfall near Ella suitable for photo stop
Optional Activities
- Relax on the Beach - enjoy beach time with cocktails or beer under palm tree shade
Landmarks/POIs Ravana Waterfall - Day 11
Mirissa to Bentota
After breakfast, you'll head out at dawn for a whale-watching tour where you might spot blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life in the waters. In the afternoon, drive to Galle and walk through the 16th-century Galle Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring charming colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods. The Historical Galle Lighthouse stands on the southeast tip. Later, take a relaxing boat ride through Madu River's mangroves and small islands while spotting birds and monitor lizards, and explore the local cinnamon industry. End by visiting a turtle hatchery center to learn about and observe sea turtles at various development stages.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Whale-Watching Tour - exhilarating dawn tour to spot blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life in natural habitat (seasonal and optional activity)
- Visit Galle Fortress - UNESCO World Heritage Site walk through 16th-century fortress with charming colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences; Historical Galle Lighthouse on southeast tip
- Madu River Boat Ride - relaxing boat ride through mangroves and small islands spotting birds and monitor lizards; explore local cinnamon industry and scenic island views
- Turtle Hatchery Center Visit - learn about and observe sea turtles at various stages of development from hatchlings to adults; emphasizes endangered species protection efforts
Optional Activities
- Whale-Watching Tour - seasonal activity to observe migrating whales and marine life
Landmarks/POIs Galle Fortress Galle Lighthouse Madu River - Day 12
Bentota to Colombo
After breakfast, explore Colombo, the capital city with history dating back to the fifth century. Once vital in East-West sea trade, it's evolved into a vibrant modern city with lively streets, diverse restaurants, and contemporary shopping malls. Do a city tour visiting the Red Mosque, Gangarama Temple, and Independent Square. Then head to the airport for your return flight or get dropped off at your hotel in Colombo or Negombo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Colombo City Tour - visit highlighted places including Red Mosque, Gangarama Temple, Independent Square, and other major landmarks
Landmarks/POIs Red Mosque Gangaramaya Temple Independence Memorial Hall
