10 Days of History, Culture & Nature

Activities: Relaxation at Negombo Beach

Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to the coastal town of Negombo. Known for its scenic beaches and vibrant fishing community, Negombo is the perfect place to unwind after your journey. Spend the day relaxing on the golden sands or exploring the town’s colonial architecture and bustling markets.

• Overnight stay: Negombo

Activities: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage/ Dambulla Rock Cave Temple/ Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Once breakfast is enjoyed, depart for Sigiriya with a stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe elephants bathing and feeding. Continue to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Buddhist statues and ancient frescoes. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace built atop a massive rock, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya

Activities: Polonnaruwa City Tour/ Jeep Safari at Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park

Begin your day with a visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ruins of this once-thriving capital, including the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya (rock-cut Buddha statues), and Parakrama Samudra (a vast man-made reservoir). In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari at either Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park, where you may spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife amidst beautiful natural scenery.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya

• Activities: Mihintale Temple/ Anuradhapura City Tour

Following a sumptuous breakfast, visit Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and climb to the peak for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the Mihintale Temple, which includes a variety of ancient stupas and shrines. In the afternoon, transfer to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals. Discover the city’s sacred sites, including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (the sacred fig tree), Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and Isurumuniya Temple.

• Overnight stay: Anuradhapura

• Activities: Matale Spice Garden/ Kandy City Tour/ Kandyan Dance Show

Leave Anuradhapura and head to Kandy, stopping en route at the Matale Spice Garden, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s rich spice heritage. Upon arrival in Kandy, enjoy a city tour that includes a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. In the evening, attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance, where you’ll be mesmerized by colorful costumes and energetic movements.

• Overnight stay: Kandy

• Activities: Scenic Train Journey/ Gregory Lake

Begin the day with a scenic train ride from Peradeniya to Nuwara Eliya, passing through misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and waterfalls. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England” for its cool climate and colonial architecture, visit Gregory Lake, where you can take a leisurely walk around the water or enjoy a boat ride. Spend the evening relaxing in the cool climate.

• Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya

• Activities: Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Following a delightful breakfast, transfer to Yala, Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, renowned for its leopard population and other wildlife species, including elephants, deer, and various bird species. In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari through Yala National Park, where you can experience the thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat.

• Overnight stay: Yala

• Activities: Tissa Wewa Reservoir/ Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara/ Leisure at Mirissa Beach

Begin your journey to Mirissa with a stop at the serene Tissa Wewa reservoir, followed by a visit to the ancient Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara temple. Before continuing to Mirissa, try a traditional type of buffalo milk curd, a local delicacy. Once you arrive in Mirissa, spend the evening relaxing by the beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoying a seafood dinner by the ocean.

• Overnight stay: Mirissa

• Activities: Whale Watching Boat Safari/ Galle Fort/ National Maritime Museum/ Lighthouse

Start your day with an early morning whale-watching boat safari, where you might spot blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Afterward, head to Galle to explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the National Maritime Museum and the iconic Galle Lighthouse within the fort before continuing your journey.

Overnight stay: Galle

• Activities: Colombo City Tour/ Shopping/ Transfer to Airport

After breakfast, drive to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Enjoy a brief city tour that includes visits to the National Museum, Independence Square, and a few of Colombo’s popular shopping destinations like Odel and House of Fashions. After the tour, proceed to the airport in time for your departure, or alternatively, drop off at your hotel in Colombo if you are extending your stay.