Day 1 : Arrival & Negombo
Airport Transfer & Coastal Relaxation
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to Negombo (30 minutes). This vibrant fishing town offers the perfect introduction to Sri Lankan culture. Explore the bustling fish market, colonial-era churches, or simply relax on the golden beach. Evening at leisure to recover from jet lag and prepare for your adventure ahead.
Overnight: Negombo | Activities: Beach relaxation, local exploration
Day 2 : Negombo to Anuradhapura via Yapahuwa
Ancient Capital & Medieval Fortress
Early departure to Anuradhapura (4 hours) with a fascinating stop at Yapahuwa Rock Fortress. Climb the ornate stone stairway to the 13th-century palace ruins that once served as Sri Lanka's capital. The site offers panoramic views and intricate stone carvings. Continue to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, established in the 4th century BC. Evening arrival and check-in.
Overnight: Anuradhapura | Activities: Historical site exploration
Day 03 : Anuradhapura & Aukana to Polonnaruwa
Sacred City & Standing Buddha
Full morning exploring Anuradhapura's sacred sites including Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bo-tree grown from Buddha's enlightenment tree), Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Thuparamaya, and Jetavanaramaya. Experience the spiritual atmosphere where Buddhism flourished for over 1,000 years. En route to Polonnaruwa, visit the magnificent Aukana Standing Buddha statue - a 5th-century masterpiece carved from a single granite block, standing 12 meters tall. Evening arrival in Polonnaruwa.
Overnight: Polonnaruwa | Activities: Ancient city tour, Buddha statue visit
Day 04 : Gal Vihara & Minneriya Safari
Ancient Sculptures & Elephant Gathering
Early morning visit to Gal Vihara, home to four exquisite Buddha statues carved from a single granite wall in the 12th century - considered the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpture. Explore Polonnaruwa's royal palace complex, Lotus Pond, and other archaeological wonders. Afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park to witness "The Gathering" - the world's largest wild elephant congregation where 200-300 elephants gather during dry season (July-October).
Overnight: Polonnaruwa | Activities: Archaeological tour, wildlife safari
Day 05 : Sigiriya & Dambulla to Kandy
Rock Fortress & Cave Temples
Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 5th-century palace ruins, ancient frescoes, and mirror wall with graffiti from 1,500 years ago. The 200-meter climb rewards you with spectacular views. Afternoon visit to Dambulla Cave Temple complex with five caves containing over 150 Buddha statues and intricate ceiling paintings. En route to Kandy, stop at a spice garden in Matale to learn about Ceylon spices.
Overnight: Kandy | Activities: Historical climbing, temple exploration, spice tour
Day 06 : Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Sacred Temple & Hill Country Journey
Early morning visit to Temple of the Tooth Relic, housing Buddha's sacred tooth relic and witness the morning puja ceremony. Depart for Nuwara Eliya (3 hours) through winding mountain roads. En route, visit a working tea plantation and factory to learn about Ceylon tea production from leaf to cup, including tasting sessions. Stop at scenic waterfalls including Ramboda Falls. Arrive in "Little England" - Nuwara Eliya at 1,868 meters elevation.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya | Activities: Temple visit, tea plantation tour, waterfall visits
Day 07 : Scenic Train Journey to Ella
World's Most Beautiful Train Ride
Early morning transfer to Nanu Oya railway station for the legendary train journey to Ella - voted one of the world's most scenic train rides. This 3-4 hour journey traverses misty mountains, emerald tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and mountain tunnels. The train winds through elevation changes offering breathtaking views of the hill country. Pickup from Ella station and visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural marvel built without steel.
Overnight: Ella | Activities: Scenic train ride, bridge photography
Day 08 : Ella Adventures to Tissamaharama
Little Adam's Peak & Ravana Falls
Early morning hike to Little Adam's Peak (1,141m) for spectacular 360-degree views of Ella Gap and surrounding valleys - an easier alternative to Adam's Peak with equally stunning panoramic vistas. The 45-minute trek through tea plantations rewards you with breathtaking sunrise views. Depart for Tissamaharama (3.5 hours) with a memorable stop at the majestic Ravana Falls, a 25-meter cascade named after the legendary king Ravana from the Ramayana epic. Perfect spot for photography and refreshing break.
Overnight: Tissamaharama | Activities: Hiking, waterfall visit, scenic drive
Day 09 : Yala Safari & Coastal Transfer
Wildlife Safari & Beach Destination
Pre-dawn departure for Yala National Park safari - Sri Lanka's most visited and second-largest national park. Famous for having the highest density of leopards in the world, Yala also hosts Asian elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, and over 215 bird species. The park's diverse ecosystems include grasslands, scrublands, and lagoons. After the thrilling safari experience, transfer to the beautiful coastal town of Mirissa (2.5 hours), renowned for its pristine beaches and whale watching opportunities.
Overnight: Mirissa | Activities: Wildlife safari, coastal transfer
Day 10 : Mirissa Beach Relaxation
Beach Paradise & Leisure Day
Full day at leisure in Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful and pristine beaches. Relax on golden sandy shores, swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, or try your hand at surfing on the renowned surf breaks. Explore coconut palm-fringed beaches, enjoy fresh seafood at beachside restaurants, and experience spectacular sunsets. Optional activities include snorkeling, beach volleyball, or simply unwinding with a book under swaying palm trees. Perfect day to recharge after your cultural and adventure-packed journey.
Overnight: Mirissa | Activities: Beach relaxation, optional water sports
Day 11 : Whale Watching & Galle Fort to Colombo
Marine Giants & Dutch Colonial Heritage
Early morning whale watching excursion from Mirissa harbor - one of the world's best whale watching destinations. Spot magnificent blue whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, and playful dolphins off Sri Lanka's southern coast. The continental shelf's proximity to shore makes this a year-round whale watching paradise. Afternoon visit to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing 16th-century Dutch colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, rampart walks, and charming boutiques. Evening transfer to Colombo (2 hours).
Overnight: Colombo | Activities: Whale watching, historical fort tour
Day 12 : Colombo Departure
Final Departure
Final day of your comprehensive Sri Lankan adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy optional Colombo city tour including visits to Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Red Mosque, or shopping at Pettah markets and modern malls. Experience the bustling capital's blend of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant street life. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality.
Activities: Optional city tour, airport transfer