Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Arrive in Sri Lanka, at Colombo’s international airport. You’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay Colombo.
Day 2: Colombo – Anuradhapura
After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a Tuk Tuk tour in Colombo with the visit to Gangaramaya temple and Seema malakaya. The colourful and busy streets of capital Colombo will be an exciting treat for the young ones, and riding the tuk tuk driven by your friendly local guide adds to the charm. You get to visit some of our guides favorite and secret locations, meet some of his friends and learn about the history of the area. The tour includes visits to a serene temple, a famous red-mosque and a visit to the main vegetable market, all places where you’ll love experiencing different cultures and religions. Enjoy a potent espresso at a coffee export merchant and a cold beer on a rooftop overlooking the port and a lot more.
Afterwards drive north to Anuradhapura (4.5 hrs)
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 3: Anuradhapura – Mihintale
Today, you’ll start with a visit to Anuradhapura’s ancient sacred ruins. Anuradhapura is considered the most extensive and the most important of the ancient cities in the northern region. It served as a capital city of this region for over 1000 years and hence was residence to many ancient kings from 377 BC. The city prospered and became a centre for Buddhist devotion.
Next you’ll visit the sacred mountain of Mihintale, the location where Buddhism was first introduced to the island of Sri Lanka. Learn about the historical and mythological versions of how Buddhism arrived at Mihintale. The mountain peak of Mihintale is approached by a grand stairway of 1840 granite steps, has many temples, lodgings for monks and several splendid statues of the Buddha.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 4: Anuradhapura-Ritigala-Dambulla
Today, you’ll visit Ritigala, a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. The Ritigala mountain consists of four peaks which rise steeply from the surrounding plain, making it the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. Taller than Sigiriya, Dambulla and Mihintale, Ritigala is also a nature reserve.
Afternoon leisure. Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Day 5: Dambulla-Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa-Dambulla
This morning, begin with a visit and climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the landscape and was both a military refuge as well as an aesthetic refuge for king who was a patron of the arts. Sigiriya became world famous for the frescos found on the western surface of the rock about 100 mts above the ground level. Ancient gardens from the 5th century survive at the foot of the rock.
Afterwards, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. From the tenth century AD the capital of the most powerful kingdom in the island shifted to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura. The greatest king of Polonnaruwa was Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). In his ‘golden reign’ the whole area flourished and several new building projects were started. The buildings were grand and impressive such as the Royal Palace and the Lankathilaka image house. The Gal Vihara with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Day 6: Dambulla – Kandy
After enjoying your breakfast, leave for Kandy. En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temples which is famous for rock paintings and sculptures. Dambulla is considered as the oldest art gallery of the country. The paintings found on the rock ceiling shows the influence of Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka.
Afterwards visit Peradeniya botanical garden near Kandy. This is a much-acclaimed botanical garden, which is also good for birds. It is bounded on three sides by the Mahaveli River, which snakes around the 60-hectare gardens. Before its use as a botanical garden, it had served as a royal pleasure garden. Peradeniya is the second largest botanical garden in Asia. Don’t miss the orchid house. In 1905, an avenue of palms was planted and now is one of the most photographed places in the gardens. Afterwards, arrive in Kandy and check into your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 7: Kandy
This morning visit the Temple of the Tooth where the Sacred Tooth Relic is an object of veneration to Buddhists. The temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. From ancient times kings have kept the Sacred Tooth Relic in their kingdoms as a symbol of power. It is a traditional belief that whoever takes possession of the Tooth Relic has the power to rule the people. Visit other temples in Kandy, such as Lankathilaka and Embekke.
Later in the day, visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island. Later in the evening, return to Kandy and enjoy a cultural show.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 8: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
This morning, you’ll experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Kandy railway station and pick you again from Nanu Oya railway station. Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
After the train ride, you’ll take a short drive to the nearby town of Nuwara Eliya and check into your hotel. This afternoon, visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports. A relaxed evening back at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya.
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya-Ella
After a relaxed breakfast, drive to the scenic city of Ella to explore its beautiful surrounds of Ella. First a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes 1.5 hours. The eye-catching views are not to be missed. Afterwards, visit the famed Nine Arches bridge and enjoy a walk around the town.
Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 10: Ella – Wellawaya
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed to Wellawaya and check into your hotel.
After a short break head out to explore the local village. Here you get to meet the friendly and welcoming locals going about their daily lives. Once again, an opportunity to engage in local cultures and soak in the unique ambiance of local life. Another highlight of your visit will be a home cooked meal full of customary Sri Lankan flavours, followed by hot tea and sweets.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the serene surroundings.
Overnight stay in Wellawaya.
Day 11: Wellawaya
Today, visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala. The complex consists of seven statues dating back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara. Later, enjoy a village tour to see a slice of rural Sri Lanka.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight stay in Wellawaya.
Day 12: Wellawaya – Mirissa
This morning, relax at your resort. Later, drive to the southern coast for Mirissa, where you’ll have time to chill by the stunning beach and watch the multicoloured fishing boats in the harbour.
Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Day 13: Mirrissa
Spend the day at leisure. The beach in Mirissa is excellent, and there are other beaches within easy reach along the coast to explore.
Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Day 14: Mirissa-Galle-Mirissa
After breakfast, proceed to the historic city of Galle, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the World Heritage city of Galle, with its colonial fort, churches and lighthouse. The city has a quaint laid back charm, inviting leisurely exploration.
Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Day 15: Mirissa-Bentota
After breakfast, proceed to Bentota.
Visit some of the most fascinating and enchanting garden estates associated with Sri Lanka’s finest architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
Lunuganga garden in Bentota is a fine example of an iconic country house and garden created by Bawa over a period of 40 years, a revelation of his architectural evolution where many of his trademark innovations sit alongside experimental flourishes.
Bawa’s brother Bevis lived near Lunuganga and his former country estate, Brief Garden is a more intimate property, its structured gardens and low slung, simplistic house brimming with detailed murals, ghoulish statues, personal photos and colonial-era antiques.
If interested and time permitting, you can visit the Victor Hasselblad Turtle Hatchery, which is among the oldest and most reputed hatcheries on the island. Here, you can see 4-5 species of turtles at very close quarters, and even get to touch and hold little hatchlings. Learn about the threats to turtles, and how hatcheries are helping conserve turtles.
Overnight stay in Bentota.
Day 16: Bentota-Negombo
After the breakfast leave for Negombo.
Take in the colours and sights of Negombo. Journey the streets of Negombo on foot. Here, fishermen bring fresh catch at the Negombo fish market. Temples and churches attest to the multi-faith community of the island. The remains of a Dutch fort show colonial remnants – much to explore on your morning city tour.
Spend some time after your tour to browse for souvenirs to bring home.
Enjoy the last afternoon/evening on your holiday at leisure, at your hotel.
Day 17: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day of your holiday, you’ll be driven to the airport (about 30 mins) in time to catch your return flight home.
Hotels:
Colombo – Jetwing Colombo Seven
Anuradhapura – Lake Forest
Sigiriya – Tropical Life
Kandy – Hotel Suisse
Nuwaraeliya – Araliya Green Hills
Ella – EKHO Ella
Wellawaya – Jetwing Kaduruketha
Mirissa – Mandara Mirissa
Bentota – Club Villa
Negombo – Arie Lagoon