Day 01 – Colombo

Bandaranaike International Airport - Day 01 – Colombo

Arrive at Colombo International Airport and be warmly welcomed by Kalum Niriella or an associate, followed by a transfer to a hotel in Negombo. Enjoy an overnight stay in Negombo.

Sunset on Sri Lanka

Day 02 – Negombo / Anuradhapura

Negombo - Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, with an overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura Stupa

This city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a hub of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Located 205 km north of Colombo in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, it sits on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally and one of Sri Lanka’s eight World Heritage Sites. Founded in the 4th century BC, it served as the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the early 11th century AD. During this time, it was a stable and enduring center of political power and urban life in South Asia, known for its wealth, unique culture, and great civilization. Today, this sacred city to Buddhists, with its surrounding monasteries covering over sixteen square miles (40 km²), is one of the world’s major archaeological sites.

Day 03 – Anuradhapura / Mihintale / Ritigala

Mihintale Buddha Statue - මිහින්තලය බුද්ධ ප්‍රතිමාව - Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Now a pilgrimage site, it features several religious monuments and abandoned structures. Located eight miles east of Anuradhapura, near the Anuradhapura – Trincomalee Road, “Missaka Pabbata” stands 1,000 feet (300 m) high and is part of a mountainous range. Thera Mahinda arrived from India on the full moon day of Poson (June) and met King Devanampiyatissa and the people, preaching the doctrine. The traditional meeting spot is revered by Sri Lankan Buddhists, who make pilgrimages to Anuradhapura and Mihintale during Poson. “Mahinda” was the son of Emperor Ashoka of India.

Ritigala Forest Monastery - The Ritigala mountain range consists of four peaks, with the main and highest peak in the south named Ritigala Kanda. This 3776-acre (1582 ha) Strict Nature Reserve is located in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone. The summit’s climate contrasts sharply with the hot and dry climate at the base, being cooler. It records the highest rainfall in the entire dry zone during the northeast monsoon. The mist and cloud cover during the southwest monsoon result in high vapor condensation, keeping the earth moist even when the surrounding plains are in drought.

Day 04 – Habarana / Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa - As the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE, reuniting the country under local leadership. While Vijayabahu’s victory and the strategic shift to Polonnaruwa are significant, the true hero of Polonnaruwa’s history is his grandson, Parakramabahu I. During the brief Chola reign, the city was also known as Jananathamangalam. Today, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is one of the best-planned archaeological relic sites in the country, showcasing the discipline and greatness of the kingdom’s early rulers.

Day 05 – Habarana / Sigiriya / Dambulla / Aluviharaya / Matale Hindu Temple

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya, often considered the eighth wonder of the world, features an ancient castle used by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD. The Sigiriya site includes the remains of an upper Sky Palace on the rock’s flat top, a mid-level terrace with the Lion Gate and Mirror Wall, the world-famous Sigiriya Frescoes, a lower palace on the rock’s slopes, and moats, walls, and gardens extending hundreds of meters from the rock’s base. The site serves as both a palace and fortress, offering visitors a stunning insight into the builders’ ingenuity and creativity. The upper palace on the rock’s top includes cisterns cut into the rock that still hold water. The moats and walls surrounding the lower palace remain exquisitely beautiful.

Dambulla Cave Temple - Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this world heritage site (1991) in Sri Lanka is located in the country’s central part, 148 km (92 mi) east of Colombo and 72 km (45 mi) north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, with the rock towering 160 m (525 ft) over the surrounding plains. There are over 80 documented caves in the area, with major attractions spread over five caves containing statues and paintings related to Lord Buddha and his life. The site features 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses, including two Hindu gods, Vishnu and Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters, depicting scenes like Buddha’s temptation by Mara (demon) and Buddha’s first sermon.

Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple - The Aluvihare Rock Temple (also known as Matale Alu Viharaya) is a sacred Buddhist temple in Aluvihare, Matale District, Sri Lanka. Surrounded by hills, the Aluvihare cave temple is located 30 km north of Kandy on the Matale-Dambulla road. The temple’s history dates back to the 3rd Century B.C. during King Devanampiyatissa’s reign. It is believed that the King built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling, and founded the temple after Buddhism’s introduction to the country during his reign. Aluvihare Rock Temple is historically significant as the location where the Pāli Canon was first completely written down on ola (palm) leaves. Many monastery caves, some with frescoes, are situated near this temple.

Matale - The main Hindu temple in Matale is dedicated to Muthumariamman. The goddess Mariamman (pronounced “Muri-um-man”) is very popular among Tamils in India and Sri Lanka. The prefix “Muthu”, meaning “pearl”, is an honorific title similar to “Sri”. The last part of the name, “Amman”, means “mother”. “Mari” means “rain”, recalling the deity’s origins as an ancient Tamil fertility goddess. Today, Mariamman is revered as a helper against febrile diseases, particularly as the smallpox goddess in southern India.

Day 06 – Kandy City Tour / Temple of Tooth / Botanical Garden / Culture Dancing Show

Kandy City Center - Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province. It is the second-largest city in the country after Colombo and was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst hills in the Kandy plateau, the city is surrounded by tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy serves as both an administrative and religious city and is the capital of the Central Province. It is home to The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - The “Sri Dalada Maligawa” or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built within the royal palace complex, it houses the Buddha’s tooth relic, venerated by Buddhists. The relic has played a crucial role in local politics since ancient times, as it is believed that whoever holds the relic governs the country, prompting ancient kings to protect it diligently. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815, fortified by the mountainous terrain and difficult approach. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site, partly due to the temple.

Peradeniya - The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is located about 5.5 km west of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, attracting 2 million visitors annually. It is renowned for its diverse collection of orchids, featuring over 4000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. The National Herbarium of Sri Lanka is attached to it. The botanical garden spans 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, with a 200-day annual rainfall.

Kandyan Cultural Centre - Kandyan Dancers

The Kandy Dance cultural show is a renowned evening event in this heritage city, a major highlight of any visit. Starting in the evening, the show captivates with spectacular displays of local culture and art. Covering various aspects of Sri Lanka’s traditions, expect to see drummers, fire dancers, and more in a cultural spectacle not to be missed.

Day 07 – Kandy / Nuwara-Eliya

Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara-Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Its name means “city on the plain (table land)” or “city of light”. The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, known for its picturesque landscape and temperate climate. At an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft), it is a key location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, and is known for its cool, temperate climate — the coolest area in Sri Lanka.

Day 08 – Nuwara-Eliya / Worlds End – Horton Plains / Train Journey

Horton Plains National Park - Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau, at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 meters (6,900–7,500 ft), is rich in biodiversity, with many endemic species. The vertebrate fauna includes 24 mammal species, 87 bird species, nine reptile species, and eight amphibian species. The Sambar Deer is the largest and most commonly seen mammal, with research estimating a population of 1500 to 2000, possibly exceeding the plains’ carrying capacity.

Nuwara Eliya - The train journey from Colombo Fort to Badulla or Kandy to Ella is a popular route among tourists, passing through tea plantations and scenic landscapes in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Most travelers take the Kandy to Ella leg. The train travels up to Peradeniya on the Colombo Fort – Kandy line, then switches tracks towards Badulla, passing through Hatton, Thalawakale, Great Western, Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya), Ambewela, Pattipola, Ohiya, Haputale, Diyatalawa, Bandarawela, Ella, and Demodara stations through tea estates, misty mountains, and valleys. This is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.

Day 09 – Ella / Yala

Yala National Park - Yala National Park is the most visited and second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are open to the public, along with adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names, such as Ruhuna National Park (block 1) and Kumana National Park or ‘Yala East’ for the adjoining area. Located in the southeast region of the country, it spans Southern Province and Uva Province, covering 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi) and situated about 300 kilometers (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and, along with Wilpattu, was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, designated in 1938. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, playing a crucial role in conserving Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and aquatic birds.

Day 10 – Tissa / Tangalle

Tangalle - Tangalle serves as the gateway to the expansive beaches of southeast Sri Lanka. It is the last sizable town before Hambantota and retains some old-world charm. Visitors come here to find and enjoy their perfect beach.

Day 11 – Relaxed on the beach

Tangalle Beach - Tangalle has the potential to become a major tourist destination, but for now, it remains a relaxed beach town with few tourists, local fishermen, excellent seafood, and a long sandy beach.

Day 12 – Tangalle / Galle

Galle - Before the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (though Ibn Batuta in the 14th century referred to it as Qali) and was the island’s main port. Galle reached its peak development in the 18th century during the Dutch colonial period. It is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showcasing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onwards. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.

Day 13 – Galle / Colombo / Negombo

Colombo City Centre - Galle Face Green is a stretch of green space in the heart of the city along the Indian Ocean coast, popular with tourists and residents alike. The Galle Face Hotel is a historic landmark on the southern edge of this promenade. Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo’s most important temples, showcasing an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park) is an urban park next to the National Museum of Colombo and the Town Hall. It is the oldest and largest park in Colombo, featuring a large Buddha statue.

• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch

• All ca travel

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.