Highlights
- Climb 1,200 steps to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya
- Explore the peaceful Sri Lankan countryside by bike and boat
- Admire the grand temples and shrines of Kandy's Royal Palace
- Tour a working tea estate in the lush mountains around Ella
- Unwind and recharge on the palm-fringed beaches of Unawatuna
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo | Negombo |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Sigiriya, Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress | Sigiriya |
| Day 3 | Explore Pidurangala, Rural Village Trail in Habarana | Sigiriya |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Kandy via Dambulla, Temple of the Sacred Tooth & Cultural Show | Kandy |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Ella, Visit Lipton's Seat & Tea Estate | Ella |
| Day 6 | Free Day in Ella | Ella |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Unawatuna via Galle Dutch Fort | Unawatuna |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo
Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the Colombo Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in the laid-back beach town of Negombo. Known as "Little Rome" for its strong Catholic influence, Negombo transitioned over the centuries through Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule. Today its sandy beaches, welcoming locals, meandering canals, and colorful streets make it the perfect spot to enjoy your first evening in Sri Lanka.
Day 2: Transfer to Sigiriya, Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Your driver will pick you up at the hotel today and take you northeast toward Sigiriya, located in the Central Province. Known by locals as the "eighth wonder of the world," this iconic monument holds important cultural significance to Sri Lankans. The rocky monolith rises high out of the lush jungle and is home to the remains of an ancient fortress built in the late fifth century.
Take your time and admire the beautiful water fountains, boulder gardens, frescos, mirror walls, and relics of the castle as you explore the UNESCO-listed site. The name translates to "Lion Rock," a reference to the way visitors traditionally began their final ascent, passing through the open jaws and throat of a lion. Today only the gigantic paws sculpted into the rock remain.
Day 3: Explore Pidurangala, Rural Village Trail in Habarana
Located next to the more famous Sigiriya, the magnificent rock temple of Pidurangala dates back to the 3rd century BCE and was the site of an ancient monastery. Once home to over 500 monks, this morning, you'll visit the vast reclining Buddha statue within and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and nearby Sigiriya Rock.
Get out into the countryside next on a guided cycling tour through the rice paddies and back roads around Habarana. You'll have the chance to interact with local farmers and learn about Sri Lankan rural life before pedaling to a quiet lake, where you can enjoy a scenic boat trip out onto the water. Afterward, cycle around the lake, keeping your eyes open for exotic birds. Break for a cup of tea or a fresh coconut along the journey, then sit down for a lunch of curry and rice with a local family inside a mud hut.
Day 4: Transfer to Kandy via Dambulla, Temple of the Sacred Tooth & Cultural Show
Your driver will pick you up today for the journey south to Kandy, which serves as a welcoming gateway to Sri Lanka's Hill Country. Along the way, stop to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla. This sacred cave temple complex dates to the first century BCE and is home to some of the country's finest religious artifacts. Wander through caves to marvel at gilded interiors, dramatic murals, and an incredible collection of holy statues, including a 47-foot (14 m) reclining golden Buddha. Then climb to the temple's rocky clifftops for views across the surrounding forests and countryside.
Continue to Kandy and get settled in, then spend the afternoon touring Kandy's historical Royal Palace on the edge of Lake Kandy. Stroll through the palace's shrines, temples, and gardens before visiting its crown jewel: Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). The intricate temple complex was built in the 16th century and is home to Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic: a tooth from the Buddha. As evening falls, you'll attend a fascinating cultural show to see some great examples of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Ella, Visit Lipton's Seat & Tea Estate
Day 6: Free Day in Ella
Day 7: Transfer to Unawatuna via Galle Dutch Fort
It's time to head to the beach! This morning your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you south to the popular coastal town of Unawatuna. Stop en route at the UNESCO-listed city of Galle, where you can explore 300-year-old Dutch fortifications surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. After a tour of the city's historical past, you'll have time to browse its Dutch-colonial buildings, historic mosques, grand mansions, and museums. Wander the streets and discover stylish cafés, shops, and boutique hotels owned by local and ex-pat artists and designers.
The rest of the day is free for you to unwind on the white sand beaches of Unawatuna. Sheltered by an offshore coral reef, the turquoise waters here are warm and tranquil, making them perfect for swimming and watersports. For a more active afternoon, hike the nearby Japanese Peace Pagoda for sweeping views over the coast, visit a local sea turtle farm and hatchery, or join a whale and dolphin watching boat trip. As evening falls, head to one of the many local restaurants serving mouthwatering Sri Lankan cuisine and watch a colorful sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Day 8: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
More Great Sri Lanka Itineraries
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