Highlights
- Climb atop the ancient Sigiriya rock, famous for its palace ruins and gardens
- Take a guided biking tour and stop to have tea and lunch with locals
- Pick up local spices and handmade batik cloth for one-of-a-kind souvenirs
- See a sacred fig tree that came from a branch where Buddha gained enlightenment
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Explore | Colombo |
Day 2 | Transfer to Anuradhapura, Visit Mihintale Rock | Anuradhapura |
Day 3 | Discover Anuradhapura's Ancient Sites, Transfer to Sigiriya | Sigiriya |
Day 4 | Village Cycling Tour at Hiriwadunna, Explore Polonnaruwa | Sigiriya |
Day 5 | Transfer to Kandy, Visit the Matale Spice Garden | Kandy |
Day 6 | Tour of Historic Kandy, Transfer to Nuwara Eliya | Nuwara Eliya |
Day 7 | Transfer to Koslanda, Swim in the Ellewala Waterfall | Koslanda |
Day 8 | Hike to Little Adam’s Peak, Swim in the Ravana Falls | Koslanda |
Day 9 | Visit the Elephant Transit Home, Climb Mulkirigala, Transfer to Tangalle | Tangalle |
Day 10 | Free Day in Tangalle | Tangalle |
Day 11 | Transfer to Colombo & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Explore
Welcome to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka! Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city. Once you check into your hotel, take the rest of the day to explore at your own pace.Day 2: Transfer to Anuradhapura, Visit Mihintale Rock
After breakfast at your hotel in Colombo, you'll be picked up by a private driver for your four-hour transfer north to the UNESCO-listed city of Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival in the North Central Province, you'll have a few hours to spend at Mihintale Rock, the place that is historically recorded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Legend has it that this rock was the meeting place of the Buddhist monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, and King Devenampiyatissa.Day 3: Discover Anuradhapura's Ancient Sites, Transfer to Sigiriya
Step into the past today as you explore more of the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Dating back to the fourth century BCE, Sri Lanka's ancient capital remains the heart of the island's Buddhist culture and heritage, with a remarkable number of important pilgrimage sites and world-renowned wonders in the vicinity. Not only will you find the island's oldest Buddhist shrines here, but also palaces, monasteries, temples, white dagobas (relic chambers), intricately carved monuments, and an irrigation system of reservoirs and canals.Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Village Cycling Tour at Hiriwadunna, Explore Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, you'll head out into the countryside on a guided 1.8-mile (3 km) cycling tour through the area's picturesque rice paddies. As you pedal on back roads at a relaxed pace, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peace and quiet while keeping an eye out for native birds and wildlife.
During the ride, you and your guide will make a stop at a local house for a refreshing cup of tea served by a villager. Then continue to a local temple for a good luck blessing before ending the adventure with an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch freshly prepared by a local family (you can also join them for a cooking session). This experience lasts about three hours.You'll have the afternoon to explore the hidden history of UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka. Once a thriving city that ruled the island from the 11th through 13th centuries, today you'll find the incredibly preserved ruins of this ancient city with impressive palaces, shrines, and statues. While here, wander through the Gal Vihara temple complex, where you'll find dozens of reclining, sitting, and standing Buddha statues.
Day 5: Transfer to Kandy, Visit the Matale Spice Garden
Today, you'll take a two to three-hour transfer to Sri Lanka's UNESCO-listed royal city of Kandy. This is also the gateway to Sri Lanka's picturesque Hill Country, an area that is surrounded by a stunning landscape of hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.For the rest of the day, take a self-guided tour of Kandy. Wander through the lively city streets and then visit the unique Gem Museum, where you will be captivated by the beauty of its dazzling exhibits. You can also browse some of the city's shops for souvenirs, and discover local batik factories to learn more about the ancient art of dying colorful cloth. End your self-guided tour at Kandy's Bahirawakanda Buddha statue for spectacular views over the city.
Day 6: Tour of Historic Kandy, Transfer to Nuwara Eliya
Today begins with a guided tour of historic Kandy. This is a great opportunity to visit the Royal Palace overlooking serene Lake Kandy, which houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha in the Dalada Maligwa ("Temple of the Tooth"). An important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, the highlights of this complex include a series of shrines, temples, and gardens.From here, you'll take an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, boarding a train to Nanu Oya, a small village in the foothills. The famously scenic three-hour route meanders through lush mountains and narrow tunnels, with sweeping views across manicured tea plantations, steep valleys, and dramatic waterfalls.
Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day to explore nearby Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" for its cooler climate, rolling green hills, and historic colonial-style homes and gardens. Walk around and admire the town’s gardens, temples, museums, and tea plantations before settling in for a peaceful evening in the highlands. A good place to start is by taking a walk in Gregory Lake with paddleboats and jet skis for rent. Meanwhile, Victoria Park offers nearly 30 acres of green space with a wide range of trees, flowers, and bird species.
Day 7: Transfer to Koslanda, Swim in the Ellewala Waterfall
Today you'll make your way from Nuwara Eliya to Koslanda, a journey of about two to three hours, where you'll spend a few days in Sri Lanka's pristine natural surroundings. For a refreshing break, head to the Ellewala Waterfall near Wellawaya, where you can walk to a beautiful cascade hidden in the dense jungles. The gentle falls plunge into a natural turquoise swimming hole, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing swim—and it's even suitable for children with areas of shallow water.Day 8: Hike to Little Adam’s Peak, Swim in the Ravana Falls
Admire a marvel of Sri Lankan engineering today with a train ride over the famous Nine Arch Bridge in the town of Ella. Located along the beautiful winding Demodara railway loop, the gracefully arched bridge spans 298 feet (91 m) and rises 78 feet (24 m) above the dense jungle and pastoral fields.
Next, put on a pair of walking shoes and take a memorable climb past lush tea estates, waterfalls, and rice fields to reach one of Sri Lanka's highest trails. Rising 3,743 feet (1,141 m) above the surrounding landscape, the gentle trek up to Little Adam's Peak rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views across the valleys and fields below.Day 9: Visit the Elephant Transit Home, Climb Mulkirigala, Transfer to Tangalle
Today you'll have an opportunity to visit an Elephant Transit Home, located about 3.2 miles (5 km) from the Udawalawe National Park. This organization cares for elephants in need and acts as a halfway home so that the elephants can be released back into the wild when they are ready.
Then it's time to stretch your legs again with a visit to the temples of Mulkirigala, whose magnificent rock-cut caves date back to the third century BCE. Walk up a series of stairways and terraces past ancient carvings, statues, and inscriptions toward a sacred fig tree. Admire the remarkable intact paintings depicting Buddhist history, and climb to the top to reach the historic white stupa, where you'll be rewarded with incredible views across the countryside. From here, you'll transfer two to three hours to a town on the south coast called Tangalle. Make sure to head to the coast in time for sunset!Day 10: Free Day in Tangalle
It's time to hit the beach! Tangalle offers a protected bay and gorgeous white-sand shores, not to mention a mild climate, making it an ideal spot to kick back and enjoy the Indian Ocean.
If you have the energy for more sightseeing, you can always visit nearby Galle, which sits on a large bay and has the distinction of once being the chief port of Sri Lanka. The Dutch first arrived in 1602 and colonized the island mainly to protect their trading interests in the Indian Ocean. In this charming town, you'll find many well-preserved buildings that once acted as Dutch law courts and administrative centers. Today you'll find cafés, boutiques, and art galleries, instead.
However, the most iconic structure is Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed site that was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. The fort complex sits on a rocky peninsula on the bay's north end and spans about 130 acres. It also enjoys the distinction of being Asia's largest colonial-built fort.
Day 11: Transfer to Colombo & Depart
It's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka! At the appointed time, your driver will pick you up for the drive up the coast to the airport in Colombo, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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