From sacred Buddhist temples to rugged mountains, this six-day tour will take you through the best Sri Lanka offers. Split your time between historic cities, ancient stone fortresses, and the Sri Lankan Highlands as you soak up this unique country's history, culture, and landscapes.

Highlights

  • Explore historic Negombo, known as "little Rome"
  • Take in the beautiful, UNESCO-recognized Cave Temple
  • Experience the ancient city of Sigiriya (Lion Rock)
  • Explore the rugged mountains of the Sri Lankan Highlands
  • Visit a sacred Buddhist temple in Kandy

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Negombo Negombo
Day 2 Transfer to Sigiriya via Dambulla  Sigiriya
Day 3 Visit Sigiriya, Transfer to Knuckles Knuckles
Day 4 Hike Knuckles Mountain Range, Transfer to Kandy Kandy
Day 5 Explore Kandy & Visit Temple of the Tooth Kandy
Day 6 Depart Kandy  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Negombo

Colorful boats of Negombo
Colorful boats of Negombo

Welcome to Negombo, a town with a rich history and strong Catholic influence, often referred to as "little Rome." When you arrive, check in at your guesthouse and then head out to explore the town. The lagoon here is famous for its lobsters, crabs, and prawns. Fish auctions regularly take place on the beach (and are worth experiencing). Architecture buffs may appreciate the old Dutch and Portuguese Colonial buildings. And strolling along the area's many canals is a treat.

Day 2: Transfer to Sigiriya via Dambulla 

Cave Temple of Dambulla
Cave Temple of Dambulla

After breakfast, pack your bags and hit the road. Today, you're off to Dambulla, known for its Cave Temple, impressive mural paintings, and 157 statues, including a 47-foot-long statue of the recumbent Buddha. Recognized as a sacred pilgrimage site (as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this cave monastery is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The history of the five caves, containing over 150 images of Buddha, goes back to first-century BCE when King Valagambahu took refuge here. From here, continue on to Sigiriya, where a comfortable lodge awaits.

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Day 3: Visit Sigiriya, Transfer to Knuckles

UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya
UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya

Wake in the ancient city of Sigiriya, a premier Sri Lankan eco-tourism destination and another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its imposing, ancient rock fortress. After breakfast, visit the fortress, where visitors used to climb through the open jaws and throat of what looked like a stone lion to get to the top. Unfortunately, most of the lion carving has worn away, but watch for the paws, still visibly sculpted into the side of the rock. When you've had your fill of the fortress, board your transport and make your way to Knuckles for the night.

Day 4: Hike Knuckles Mountain Range, Transfer to Kandy

Kunckles Mountain Range
Kunckles Mountain Range

Lace up your hiking boots! After breakfast at your hotel, it's time to head into the rugged mountains of the Knuckles  Mountain Range. Trek along scenic trails across mountains, crystal-clear rivers, dense forests, flowing waterfalls, lush tea plantations, colorful home gardens, terraced rice paddies, and traditional little villages—a world away from the fast-paced life of the city. After your trek, relax, pack, and hit the road again, this time making your way to the bustling city of Kandy, where you'll stay the night in a homestay.

Day 5: Explore Kandy & Visit Temple of the Tooth

Beautiful town of Kandy
Beautiful town of Kandy

Spend your final day in Sri Lanka exploring Kandy, the capital of the central province and home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Strategically nestled amid three mountain ranges and known as the gateway to the hill country, Kandy was initially built as a natural fortress against attack, and it was not an easy target for foreign invaders. After breakfast, head out into the city for a tour that includes the Temple of the Tooth and the Peradeniya Botanical Garden.

Day 6: Depart Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka
Before you leave Kandy, be sure to check out the Temple of the Tooth

After breakfast, it's time to bid Sri Lanka a fond farewell, load your luggage into the transfer vehicle, and head to the airport for your homeward flight.

More Great Sri Lanka Itineraries

 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other Sri Lanka itineraries, explore different ways to spend six days in Sri Lanka, or discover the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Map

Map of Best of Sri Lanka - 6 Days
Map of Best of Sri Lanka - 6 Days