Highlights
- Visit the 344 elephant statues at Anuradhapura's Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba stupa
- Tour the ancient carvings and impressive gold interiors of Dambulla Cave Temple
- See elephants and other wildlife on a Jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park
- Walk the bustling, narrow streets and see historic Dutch architecture at Galle Fort
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo, Explore | Negombo |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Anuradhapura, Guided Visit of Yapahuwa Kingdom | Anuradhapura |
| Day 3 | Visit the Ancient Sites of Anuradhapura | Anuradhapura |
| Day 4 | Discover Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Ancient Polonnaruwa, Transfer to Giritale | Giritale |
| Day 5 | Biking in Rural in Habarana, Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex | Giritale |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Kandy, Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth | Kandy |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, Explore Horton Plains National Park | Nuwara Eliya |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Udawalawe, Safari in Udawalawe National Park | Udawalawe |
| Day 9 | Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home | Udawalawe |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Unawatuna, Explore the Dutch Fort of Galle | Unawatuna |
| Day 11 | Enjoy the Beaches of Unawatuna | Unawatuna |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo, Explore
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your flight arrives in the city of Colombo, where a driver will meet you and transfer you to Negombo, a coastal resort town known for its expansive beaches, meandering canals, and colorful streets. Arrive and get settled at your hotel, then you're free to explore the city on your own.
Known as "Little Rome" for its strong Catholic influence, Negombo transitioned over the centuries through Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule. Today, it is considered one of Sri Lanka's major commercial hubs, with a centuries-old fishing industry as well as production in cinnamon, ceramics, and brass. You can start your self-guided tour with a visit to local sites such as Angurukaramulla Temple, where you'll find a large dragon head as part of the entrance and a 19-foot (6 m) Buddha statue, or the old Dutch Fort, originally built in the 1600s and now used as a prison.
If you're looking for outdoor fun, you can also head to Hamilton Canal, commonly known as the Dutch Canal. This waterway stretches for 9 miles (14.5 km) between the cities of Puttalam and Colombo, passing through Negombo. The canal and its adjacent lagoon are home to a large population of birds and other wildlife, and you can hire a boat to take you out if you'd like. Of course, you won't want to miss the city's famed Negombo Beach, whose white sand and turquoise waters make it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of travel.
Day 2: Transfer to Anuradhapura, Guided Visit of Yapahuwa Kingdom
This morning, take a private transfer to Anuradhapura. The country's first historic capital, modern Anuradhapura is a vibrant metropolis with plenty of things to see and do. Enjoy the scenic, 3.5-hour drive, then after you've gotten checked in at your accommodations, meet your local guide for a visit to the citadel of Yapahuwa.
Located in the Wayamba province of Sri Lanka, between Anuradhapura and Kurunegala, this 13th-century citadel, built around a huge granite rock rising more than 320 feet (100 m), was once a bustling capital city. It now serves as a Buddhist monastery, exuding a sense of quiet serenity as you walk the grounds. Immerse yourself in ancient pathways and history as your guide shares more information about the site. Finish with a climb to the top via the stone stairway, taking in panoramic views that seamlessly blend the citadel's grandeur with nature and making you feel as if you've stepped back in time.
Day 3: Visit the Ancient Sites of Anuradhapura
See more of Anuradhapura with a private tour of this ancient city's UNESCO-listed wonders. Sri Lanka's first capital dates back to the 4th century BCE when it was founded by King Pandukhabaya during the Sinhala civilization. Located along a picturesque riverbank, the town still boasts a fascinating series of ancient ruins, monasteries, palaces, and temples.
Start with a visit to Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, a giant stupa guarded by 344 elephant statues, and Sri Sarananda Maha Pirivena, which has a meditation area with a large white Buddha. Bask in the serenity of white dagabas—chambers that housed sacred relics—and see the network of reservoirs and canals that once served as the city's irrigation system. End with the serene grounds of Mahamewuna Garden, home to the revered Sri Maha Bodhi—a 2,000-year-old fig tree said to have been grown from a branch of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
Day 4: Discover Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Ancient Polonnaruwa, Transfer to Giritale
Check out of your hotel and meet your guide to drive to one of Sri Lanka's most treasured monuments, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock. Rising 1,144 feet (349 m), Sigiriya, also known as "Lion Rock," is a masterpiece that goes back to the era of the Sinhalese Kingdom, in the late 5th century CE. You'll start at the colossal carved lion paws at the main entrance, ascending the 1,200 granite-carved steps. Along these dramatic stairways, you'll find beautiful fountains, boulder gardens, frescos, mirror walls, and relics of the castle, culminating with incredible views at the top.
From here, continue to the ruins of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries. Enclosed by stone walls, the city was once dotted with palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds, and irrigation lakes—many of which remain today. Learn more about this ancient site as your guide shares insight into the history and legends that accompany it, and be sure to stop at the Gal Vihara temple complex, where you'll find dozens of statues of reclining, sitting, and standing Buddhas.
Afterward, you'll be transported to Giritale, a small city located in the Polonnaruwa district, not far from the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Check into your hotel and regroup, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or do some sightseeing around town.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Biking in Rural Habarana, Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex
Discover Sri Lankan local life with a guided bike excursion through Habarana, part of the Anuradhapura district and located near the Habarana jungle. Meet your guide and, after a safety and equipment briefing, hop on bicycles and cruise past rice paddies, forests, and farms. You'll have a chance to interact with local farmers and learn more about their daily lives, then pedal to a quiet lake for a boat trip across the water. The tour ends with a final cycle around the lake and a delicious curry lunch prepared by a local family.
Later, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, otherwise known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Together with your guide, you'll step inside caves that were carved into the rocky cliffs and see some of the most important religious artwork in the country—some of which goes back to the second century BCE. Take your time exploring and discovering the stunning golden interiors, intricately painted frescoes, and the astounding collection of 153 Buddha statues placed within the cave walls. Some of these statues are still used by monks for meditation today.
Day 6: Transfer to Kandy, Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth
You're off to Sri Lanka's cultural capital today! The UNESCO-listed city of Kandy is most well-known for its Royal Palace, which sits on the edge of Lake Kandy and houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Your private transfer will collect you in the morning for the drive, which takes just under three hours. Once you've arrived and checked into your hotel, you'll take a guided tour of the palace and Temple of the Tooth.
Once the official residence of the kingdom's monarchs, the palace was originally constructed in the 14th century, then rebuilt in the 16th century after Portuguese invaders destroyed it. An important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, highlights of the complex include the Audience Hall, the Queen's Palace, the King's Palace, and the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, housing the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Tonight, you'll have the chance to watch a cultural show with traditional Sri Lankan dance and music.
Day 7: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, Explore Horton Plains National Park
Depart Kandy this morning and transfer to Nuwara Eliya, a town that sits nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka's tea country. The drive takes approximately three hours, taking you past crashing waterfalls, lush green tea plantations, and picturesque mountains, with a stop at Horton Plains National Park along the way.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by landscapes of rolling hills, dense forests, and rich grassland, is home to animals such as elk, deer, giant squirrels, wild boar, porcupines, and leopards. You'll have time to hike around the area, keeping your eyes peeled for the animals that live here as well as the many highland birds that the park's varied vegetation attracts. A highlight of the park is its towering escarpment that falls dramatically to the lowlands. Aptly nicknamed the "World’s End," the precipice offers a fabulous view of the tea estates below and out to the coast.
Arrive and check into your lodgings, then visit local sites around town. Situated high above sea level, this region has a climate unusual for Sri Lanka, with misty altitudes and cooler temperatures that make it a haven for growing colorful flowers and exquisite teas. Colonized by the British and often referred to as "Little England," Nuwara Eliya still retains an old-world atmosphere, evident as you stroll the city streets. Visit gardens, temples, and local museums, or stop by Gregory Lake, a large reservoir in the city center. The lake offers equipment and bike rentals, and has restaurants nearby, making it a great spot for dinner.
Day 8: Transfer to Udawalawe, Safari in Udawalawe National Park
Your next destination is Udawalawe, a small town located in the southern part of Sri Lanka's Ratnapura district. Meet your driver in the morning for the 3.5-hour drive, enjoying scenic views and stopping to stretch your legs a few times as you go. Arrive and drop your bags at your hotel, then depart for a thrilling wildlife safari in nearby Udawalawe National Park. This protected area houses considerable flora and fauna and is an important habitat for Sri Lankan elephants.
Traveling via 4WD Jeep, head into the park's more than 76,000 acres (30,821 ha), riding along remote roads and trails with your guide. Within the park's boundaries live an estimated 400 elephants, and you'll likely see a herd feeding and bathing at a watering hole, as well as sightings of water buffalo, monkeys, sambar deer, or the occasional leopard. Your guide will share information about the animal's habits, and you'll also want to keep a lookout for the many bird species that live here, such as hornbills, eagles, and the distinctive red-faced malkoha. Return to your hotel after the safari, where the rest of your day is free.
Day 9: Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
Experience Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are cared for and rehabilitated before being released into the wild. Take a guided tour of the facility and learn more about this program, which not only aids in the elephants' chances of survival but also offers an up-close look at the gentle giants. The center allows visitors during feeding times, and you'll get to see the youngest orphans follow their keepers into the enclosures, trumpeting impatiently as they wait for their bottle feeding. Tonight, enjoy your last night in Udawalawe with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Transfer to Unawatuna, Explore the Dutch Fort of Galle
The final leg of your travels takes you to the beach town of Unawatuna, known for its coral reef and palm-lined beaches. The drive from Udawalawe is a two-hour scenic cruise past towns, villages, and serene countryside. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel, then embark on a guided tour of the nearby town of Galle and the Galle Fort.
Together with your expert guide, you'll walk the bustling narrow streets of the fort and see its Dutch architecture, historic mosques, and museums. Visit sites such as the Galle Fort Lighthouse, Sri Lanka's oldest light station, and the Dutch Reformed Church, which has floors paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries. After the tour, wander on your own, popping into one of the city's many cafes, shops, or boutiques, then return to your hotel.
Day 11: Enjoy the Beaches of Unawatuna
Make the most of your last day in Sri Lanka with some beach time. Visit Unawatuna or Dewata Beach for surfing, or sunbathe and relax on the palm-lined Ahungalla Beach. And for a more low-key option, head to Wijeya Beach. The protective reef here creates a lagoon, making it ideal for safe swimming. Wijeya is also where you'll find some of the area's top restaurants and cafes, so be sure to come hungry!
If a beach day doesn't appeal to you, you can get out on the water with a whale and dolphin watching excursion (seasonal activity), or visit a local turtle hatchery and learn more about Sri Lanka's turtle preservation efforts. There are also several ancient temples and historic sites worth visiting, or you can just relax at your hotel and enjoy the amenities offered there.
Day 12: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
It's time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka. Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning, transferring you to Colombo airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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