Arrival in Sri Lanka – Negombo Beach Welcome

Bandaranaike International Airport - Greet your dedicated Sithiyam Travel Advisor for a warm welcome at the airport. Look for a personalized name board and a welcome garland for easy identification.

Transfer in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your beachfront hotel in Negombo.

Negombo - Arrive in Negombo from the airport.

Negombo is a charming coastal town just 15–20 minutes from the international airport. Despite its proximity, it boasts a unique character.

Negombo’s identity is shaped by its Catholic heritage, Dutch canals, and enduring fishing traditions. Early morning fish markets offer authentic experiences; calm lagoon boat rides provide serenity; and its beach scene is light, friendly, and relaxed. For many travelers, Negombo is the perfect start or gentle introduction to their trip.

Check in to your Hotel:

Name: Hotel J Negombo (3* Hotel by Jetwing)

Description: Comfortable stay near the beach. All accommodations are handpicked 3–4 star or boutique-level with breakfast included.

Type: Hotel
Included: Yes
Night(s): 1

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

All times indicated are approximate based on our estimates. Actual times may vary.

Negombo Beach - After checking in to your beautiful hotel, depending on your arrival time, you may choose to enjoy a sunset walk on Negombo Beach.

A popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering water sports, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere with beachfront cafes and hotels.

Have a restful night on your first night in Sri Lanka.

Negombo → Polonnaruwa – Into the Cultural Triangle

Negombo Fish Market - After your first breakfast in Sri Lanka, proceed to check out of your hotel to start your scenic journey to Polonnaruwa.

With a quick stop - Negombo Fish Market

At sunrise, the Negombo Fish Market comes alive — not just as a place of trade, but as a full-bodied cultural experience. This isn’t a performance for tourists; it’s an unfiltered window into the rhythm of coastal Sri Lankan life. Here, the sea isn’t just scenery — it’s livelihood, heritage, and identity.

Soak in the busy morning of a Sri Lankan fisherman.

Negombo Lagoon - Optional: If time permits, try the Negombo Lagoon Boat Tour for panoramic views of Negombo from a boat.

Dutch Fort - Optional: If time permits, consider visiting the Dutch Fort in Negombo.

A historic fort built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch, the Negombo Fort is located near the lagoon and is a remnant of the colonial era. While much of the fort is now in ruins, it offers scenic views of the surrounding area.

Polonnaruwa - Where Anuradhapura is sacred and spiritual, Polonnaruwa is regal and reflective, which is why we chose this destination. (Contact us to add Anuradhapura to your plan.)

After your scenic drive from Negombo, check in to your hotel in Polonnaruwa for a quick reset.

This ancient capital showcases the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval golden age: intricate stone carvings, enormous Buddha statues, royal baths, and urban planning that still astounds. Unlike the crowds of more famous sites, Polonnaruwa allows for unhurried exploration — often on a bicycle — through spaces that still hold silence. For travelers with an eye for architecture or a love for the ancient world, this is where imagination and history blend beautifully.

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Polonnaruwa - At your own leisure, explore the ancient city sustainably. Rent an e-bike to cycle across the city and contribute to the preservation of the UNESCO site.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, featuring well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and statues, including the famous Gal Vihara rock carvings.

From Polonnaruwa to Dambulla

Samudra Parakrama - Waking up in Polonnaruwa, start your day with breakfast, and head out to explore the UNESCO site.

Drive around and learn more about Samudra Parakrama.

An ancient irrigation reservoir built by King Parakramabahu the Great in Polonnaruwa, known for its sheer size and historical significance. The reservoir is still in use today, providing water to the surrounding area.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage - We stop at:

A circular relic house built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage is one of the best-preserved structures in the ancient city, featuring intricate stone carvings and four Buddha statues.

Gal Vihara - We stop at:

Located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Gal Vihara is a group of impressive rock-cut Buddha statues, considered some of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan rock sculpture.

Minneriya National Park - (Our Top Pick): This is an experience you should not miss. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness something majestic.

Known for its large elephant population, Minneriya National Park is home to the famous “Gathering of the Elephants” where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya tank during the dry season.

Dambulla - After our safari, we head on to Dambulla. Enjoy the drive from Polonnaruwa to Dambulla, witnessing the streets come to life.

This cultural duo represents the heart of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO triangle. Sigiriya — the Lion Rock Fortress — rises abruptly from the jungle like a myth made real. Climbing it feels like ascending into legend, rewarded with panoramic views and ancient frescoes. Nearby Dambulla, with its cave temples adorned in gold and 2,000-year-old paintings, complements that epic scale with a quiet, intimate reverence. Together, they tell a story of kings, monks, and devotion — making this area a non-negotiable anchor for any culturally rich itinerary.

Check in to your Hotel:
Name: Pelwehera Village Resort (a 4* Hotel by Oak Ray Hotels)
Type: Hotel
Included: Yes
Night(s): 1

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Exploring Amazing Dambulla

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - (Our Top Pick) - This is the one we are waiting for.

Start early, load up after breakfast, and start the hike to Sigiriya Lions Rock. Climb to the summit and witness the views that will imprint in your memory forever.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and palace located on a massive rock column. It is famous for its frescoes, landscaped gardens, and stunning panoramic views from the summit.

Traditional village tour 3 - Assuming you are hungry after your climb on top of the Lion (you definitely will be), we will go into the village to eat. But before that, we will ride the bullock carriage, cross the lake in a boat, and get to the village. Don’t forget your cameras.

Lunch will be cooked and served in your presence. Witness life in a village in Dambulla.

It’s been a long day. We know.

Why not recover with an Ayurvedic treatment? Rejuvenate your mind and body for the rest of your trip. (Our Recommendation) - 1 and a half-hour full body with Shirodhara - an Ayurvedic therapy involving a continuous, gentle stream of warm oil poured over the forehead, specifically the “third eye” area.

Enough said. Enjoy the massage. Prepare for tranquility.

It’s your last night in Dambulla. Get a great night of sleep.

Off Dambulla -> On to Kandy

Dambulla Cave Temple - Start your day with breakfast. Another early start but another fantastic day ahead. We are going to Kandy.

En Route: (Optional)

A series of cave temples with Buddhist murals and over 150 statues of Buddha. The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Sri Lanka.

Kandy - After your transfer from the cultural capital to the temple city - Kandy.

Check in to your Hotel:
Name: Oak Ray City Hotel (a 3* Hotel by Oak Ray Hotels)
Type: Hotel
Included: Yes
Night(s): 1

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Kandy sits at the spiritual center of Sri Lanka. Cradled by hills and wrapped around a tranquil lake, it’s where heritage feels alive — in the rhythm of traditional drumming from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, in the lanterns of evening processions, in the hum of markets filled with incense, textiles, and fresh produce. It’s not just a destination; it’s a mood. For spiritually curious or culturally engaged travelers, Kandy offers emotional resonance. It’s a city that asks you to slow down, look inward, and feel the depth of Sri Lanka’s soul.

Take a short break, freshen up before heading out.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - We start in Kandy with the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, said to house the tooth relic of the Buddha.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - After your lunch, proceed to witness the dance spectacle featuring the unique art and culture of Kandy - The Traditional Kandyan Dance.

Kandy Lake - Evening at your leisure, take a slow walk around the lake.

A man-made lake located in the heart of Kandy, offering peaceful surroundings and a scenic backdrop to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Kandy View Point - By sunrise time, we want to be here, the viewpoint that will be your one-stop for a full look at Kandy from the top.

With that view, retire back to your hotel for your well-deserved rest for an early start the next day.

From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Royal Botanical Gardens - First stop Day 2 - Kandy

A vast botanical garden home to over 4,000 species of plants, including a renowned orchid collection. Located near Kandy, the garden features giant bamboo groves, palm avenues, and scenic landscapes.

Ambuluwawa Tower - (INSTAWORTHY) - This tower is made for Instagram. Climb up to the top of the Ambuluwawa Tower, not only for the pictures but for the mountain views and nature.

Ambuluwawa isn’t just a viewpoint — it’s a spiritual spiral, a quiet marvel perched above the clouds. Rising above Gampola, this tower is the crown of a biodiversity complex that blends religion, nature, and architecture in one remarkable location. Its winding white structure, reminiscent of a DNA helix, offers panoramic views that stretch from the Central Highlands to the southern plains — if you dare to climb it.

Nuwara Eliya - You arrive in NE after the breathtaking views of tea plantations, bendy roads, temperature change, and waterfalls. You arrive in the “Little England” of Sri Lanka.

Nuwara Eliya is the kind of place that shifts a journey’s tempo entirely. Known as “Little England” for its colonial architecture, it trades heat for mist, palm trees for pine, and bustling cities for a world of quiet charm. Here, tea fields roll endlessly across the hills, horses trot by Gregory Lake, and travelers cozy up by the fire in 19th-century bungalows. It’s a romantic refuge, especially for couples or wellness-seeking guests, and a scenic break from the tropical heat. Every sip of tea here tastes like history, and every walk feels like stepping into a dreamscape.

Check in to your Hotel:
Name: Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze
Type: Hotel
Included: Yes
Night(s): 1

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Have a good rest at your leisure in Nuwara Eliya.

Exploring Hills of Nuwara Eliya

Pedro Tea Factory - We stop at: Located in Nuwara Eliya, Pedro Tea Estate offers guided tours of its tea factory and plantations, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the tea-making process, from leaf to cup.

Ramboda Waterfall - Get closer to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. If you feel like it, take a swim.

Head back to your hotel for a hill country sleep.

All Aboard Nuwara Eliya to Ella Train

Nanu Oya railway station - Get your breakfast and check out of the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Prepare to board one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Nuwara Eliya to Ella aboard a 1st Class train.

Your chauffeur guide will drop you at the station to see you off. He will meet you again in Ella to pick you up.

All aboard!!

(Train class and timing of travel are subject to change)

Ella - Ella is more than just a scenic stop — it’s a soul-soothing mountain retreat wrapped in mist, greenery, and slow-living magic. Perched in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Ella draws you in not with grandeur, but with gentleness. It’s where nature feels personal: tea hills you can hike through, waterfalls you stumble upon unexpectedly, and sunrises that feel like private performances from the sky. The vibe is laid-back and bohemian, attracting everyone from solo backpackers to honeymooners and wellness seekers.

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Ella Rock - We stop at: Ella Rock (viewpoint)

A popular hiking destination in the hill country, Ella Rock offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations, and mountains. The hike is challenging but rewarding, making it a favorite among trekking enthusiasts.

If you feel like it, plan a hike. Contact us for more.

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - Don’t let the name fool you — Little Adam’s Peak delivers big in beauty, symbolism, and soul-soothing calm. Nestled in the heart of Ella, this gentle hike offers the kind of reward-to-effort ratio that travelers dream of: just 30–45 minutes of walking through tea plantations and forest paths leads you to sweeping ridge-top views of Sri Lanka’s southern highlands.

Climb to the peak.

P.S - (Honorable Mention) Try the Flying Ravana Zipline if you are feeling adventurous. It’s at the base of Little Adam’s Peak.

As this is the last stop of your day in Ella, head back to your hotel and have a good stay.

Exploring Ella and Off to Yala

Nine Arches Bridge - This spot deserves the early morning start. In order to catch the most beautiful train crossing across the epic (fan favorite) Nine Arch Bridge, you need to be there by 6 AM with your cameras ready. P.S. We know some secret spots for the best pictures.

The Nine Arch Bridge isn’t just an architectural marvel — it’s a moment. Tucked between the lush hills of Ella, this iconic stone viaduct seems to rise out of the jungle like something out of a dream. Built entirely from brick, stone, and cement — no steel — during the British colonial era, it has quietly become one of the most photographed and emotionally resonant landmarks in Sri Lanka.

Head back to your hotel for breakfast, take a leisure break, and check out of your hotel for us to head over to Yala.

Ravana Ella Falls - Begin your scenic drive from hill country to wilderness, Tissamaharama.

En route, witness the majestic Ravana Falls.

Located near Ella, Ravana Falls is a popular stop for visitors exploring the hill country. The waterfall is easily accessible and is part of local folklore, said to be connected to the legendary King Ravana of Sri Lanka.

The falls are named after King Ravana, the legendary ruler from the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, who is said to have hidden Princess Sita in a nearby cave behind the waterfall. Whether you take the story as folklore or history, there’s no denying the mythic energy in the air — the kind that makes the sound of rushing water feel like more than just nature.

Tissamaharama - Tissamaharama (often shortened to Tissa) is the quiet gateway to wild beauty. Once a thriving capital of an ancient Sinhalese kingdom, it now serves as the launchpad for wildlife adventures — especially safaris in Yala and Bundala National Parks. But Tissa isn’t just a jumping-off point. Surrounded by lakes, paddy fields, and serene stupas, it offers a calm and rural contrast to the tourist energy found elsewhere.

Check in to your Hotel:
Name: Rain Tree by Oak Ray (a 4* Hotel by Oak Ray Hotels)
Type: Hotel
Included: Yes
Night(s): 1

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Yala National Park - (RECOMMENDED) - Go on a safari at the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is famous for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.

It offers guided safaris for visitors to explore the park’s varied ecosystems.

Contact us for reserving your safari in Yala National Park.

From Yala to Coastal Town of Mirissa

Mirissa - Well-rested, start your day with another breakfast in Sri Lanka before checking out of your hotel to head to Mirissa.

Mirissa is where paradise softens into ease. Unlike some of the west coast’s resort-heavy beaches, Mirissa keeps its allure simple: swaying palms, golden curves of sand, mellow cafés, and those iconic ocean swings that appear on every traveler’s Instagram. But beyond the laid-back beach scene, there’s a deeper pull: Mirissa is one of the best whale-watching hubs in the world, offering sightings of blue whales and dolphins just a few kilometers offshore.

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Coconut Tree Hill - (INSTAWORTHY) - We stop at Coconut Tree Hill.

Coconut Tree Hill is where the coast turns cinematic. Just a short walk from the laid-back surf town of Mirissa, this rust-red promontory — dotted with a perfectly spaced grove of swaying coconut palms — has quietly become one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and Instagrammed coastal spots. But beyond the photos, it holds something quieter and deeper: a feeling of calm, rhythm, and natural grace.

Dondra Head Lighthouse - We stop at: Dondra Head Lighthouse.

At the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, where the land quietly slips into the sea, stands the Dondra Head Lighthouse — proud, white, and unwavering. Built by the British in 1889, it’s the tallest lighthouse in the country and one of the tallest in all of South Asia. But more than a navigation tool, it’s a symbol of edge and clarity — a place that feels like the boundary between worlds.

Take more pictures.

Mirissa Beach - Get ready to swim. We stop here for a while and take the rest of the time in Mirissa enjoying and resting by the beach. It serves as a sun-kissed middle chapter in a bigger island loop.

Mirissa Beach is where the idea of a tropical escape becomes reality — not just for a moment, but for a mood. Curved like a gentle smile and fringed with palm trees, the beach has a softness to it — in the air, the colors, the pace. The sand is golden and fine, the water warm and gently lapping, and everything feels a little slowed down, a little sweeter.

Exploring Galle / Unawatuna and Beach Stay

Galle - Final UNESCO city in the plan, Galle is where we are going next. As always, start with your breakfast and check out of your hotel in Mirissa.

It’s a short drive, but enjoy various beaches while you drive.

Galle is where history and style walk hand in hand. The fortified old city — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is a beautifully preserved blend of Dutch colonial architecture, cobbled streets, spice-scented boutiques, art galleries, and elegant cafés tucked into 400-year-old buildings. But it’s not just the aesthetic that matters — Galle carries emotional weight. It tells stories of trade, colonization, resilience, and reinvention.

Check in to your Hotel:
Name: Hotel J Unawatuna
Type: Hotel
Included: Yes
Night(s): 1

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Galle Fort - First stop in Galle - Galle Dutch Fort isn’t just a place — it’s a beautifully preserved time capsule. A living, breathing UNESCO World Heritage Site where history, architecture, and island rhythm all coexist. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, the fort stands as a monument to the many layers that make up Sri Lanka’s cultural identity.

Galle Fort Lighthouse - (INSTAWORTHY) Take your cameras out for your next stop.

Standing quietly at the edge of the ramparts, Galle Fort Lighthouse is more than just a beacon — it’s a symbol of stillness, perspective, and elegance. First constructed by the British in 1848 (and rebuilt in 1939 after a fire), it’s the oldest working lighthouse in Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort Clock Tower - Last stop within Galle Dutch Fort - The Galle Fort Clock Tower rises from the heart of the fort’s ramparts — sturdy, silent, and dignified. Built in 1883 in memory of a colonial-era doctor, it has stood for over a century as a symbol of time’s steady passage through a place layered with stories. It’s not ornate, but it doesn’t need to be. Its strength lies in its simplicity, its permanence — a stone structure that has watched over decades of shifting skies, salt winds, and generations of footsteps.

Unawatuna - After Galle Fort, transfer to your hotel in Unawatuna.

Unawatuna Beach - Rest leisurely on one of the most beautiful beaches on the southern coast.

Beach Stay in Unawatuna - Departure

Unawatuna Beach - Unawatuna beach stay.

Colombo - Colombo city tour.

Check in to your Hotel:
Name:
Description:
Type: Hotel
Included: Yes
Night(s): 1

Upgrades to 5-star or luxury villas available on request. Contact us to customize this trip.

Bandaranaike International Airport - Departure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• On-board WiFi
• Admission fees
• Surcharges on fuel
• Full Tour Program with Free Day by Day Customization Option

• Meals
• International flights and visas are not included, feel free to talk to us if you need any assistance
• Late Check-In and Check-outs are subject to availability and at the discretion of the Hotel.
• Optional excursions and meals not specifically stated are excluded

At Sithiyam, trips are not just planned — they are crafted into meaningful journeys infused with local essence, genuine connections, and personalized attention.

Here’s what sets these experiences apart:
Curated, Not Crowded - Each journey is uniquely designed. No recycled templates, no inflexible group schedules. The pace, interests, and travel style are tailored to you. Consider it your story — with assistance in writing the chapters.

Concierge Care, Start to Finish - Support is provided before, during, and after your trip. With real-time assistance and thoughtful surprises, the concierge approach ensures you feel acknowledged, supported, and secure at every stage.

Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, tours are crafted to delve deeper — beyond the postcard image of Sri Lanka, into the rich, unforgettable layers that make this island remarkable.

Why Travelers Choose Sithiyam

Because here, you’re not just a booking number— you’re a story in progress. And that story is cared for as if it were your own.

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