Classic Sri Lanka
Overview
A balanced introduction combining ancient heritage, Kandy, tea country, wildlife and the coast.
Day 1 is the arrival day and the final day is the departure day. Depending on international flight times, additional sightseeing can be added on either of these days.
Itinerary
Arrive and transfer to Negombo to rest by the beach and recover from the flight before the tour begins.
Overnight Stay: NegomboHighlights:
- - Rest and orientation
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Fish market
- - Dutch canal walk
- - St. Mary's Church
Drive north to Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, a sprawling sacred city of dagobas and monasteries still active as a place of pilgrimage.
Overnight Stay: AnuradhapuraHighlights:
- - Sacred city: Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya dagobas
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Abhayagiri Dagoba
- - Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna)
- - Isurumuniya Temple
- - Mihintale hill
Continue to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, compact and well preserved, before finishing the day at Sigiriya.
Overnight Stay: SigiriyaHighlights:
- - Ancient royal city ruins at Polonnaruwa
- - Continue to Sigiriya
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Gal Vihara rock carvings
- - Parakrama Samudra lake
- - Vatadage
A full day dedicated to Sigiriya's rock fortress and the surrounding cultural triangle, with an optional afternoon safari for elephants.
Overnight Stay: SigiriyaHighlights:
- - Climb Sigiriya Rock
- - Dambulla Cave Temple
- - Optional Minneriya/Kaudulla elephant safari
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Pidurangala Rock sunset
- - Village bullock cart and catamaran tour
- - Sigiriya Museum
Travel south into the hill capital, stopping at a spice garden, and spend the evening at the island's most revered Buddhist shrine.
Overnight Stay: KandyHighlights:
- - Spice garden
- - Temple of the Tooth
- - Cultural dance performance
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Kandy Lake
- - Local bazaar
- - Bahirawakanda viewpoint
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens before climbing into tea country on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara EliyaHighlights:
- - Peradeniya Botanical Gardens en route
- - Scenic hill-country train
- - Tea plantation walk
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Gregory Lake
- - Victoria Park
- - Pedro Tea Estate
Continue through tea country to the laid-back village of Ella, a base for short hikes and iconic viewpoints.
Overnight Stay: EllaHighlights:
- - Little Adam's Peak hike
- - Nine Arches Bridge
- - Ravana Falls
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Ella Rock hike
- - Demodara Nine Arch train-spotting
- - Lipton's Seat (half-day)
Descend to the dry southeast for an afternoon safari among elephants, leopards and abundant birdlife.
Overnight Stay: Tissamaharama / Yala areaHighlights:
- - Transfer south
- - Afternoon wildlife safari (elephants, leopard)
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Second game drive
- - Elephant Transit Home (Udawalawe)
A final stop at the fortified city of Galle before transferring to Colombo for departure; timing allows for a short walk along the ramparts.
Highlights:
- - Galle Fort walking tour
- - Transfer to Colombo airport
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Galle Lighthouse
- - Maritime Museum
- - Boutique shopping — subject to flight time