Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Drive to Negombo (20–30 min).
Negombo is a coastal town known for its Dutch canals, fishing industry, and golden beaches.
If time permits:
Explore the fish market (lively & colorful).
Visit St. Mary’s Church and the old Dutch Fort.
Evening: Relax at the beach with fresh seafood.
Overnight: Negombo
Depart for Sigiriya (approx. 4–5 hrs).
On the way, stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO site).
Features 150+ Buddha statues and ancient murals.
Evening climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock):
An ancient citadel built by King Kashyapa.
See frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic sunset views.
Overnight: Sigiriya
Morning visit to Polonnaruwa (2nd ancient capital of Sri Lanka).
Explore temples, palaces, and the Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
Afternoon: Safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.
Famous for the “Elephant Gathering”, where hundreds of elephants graze together.
Overnight: Sigiriya
En route to Kandy, stop at a Spice Garden in Matale (learn about cinnamon, pepper, cardamom).
Arrive in Kandy, the cultural capital.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine).
Evening: Watch a Kandyan cultural dance performance.
Overnight: Kandy
Morning: Stroll around Kandy Lake.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya (home to 4,000+ plant species, including orchids).
Optional: Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum or a viewpoint like Bahiravokanda Buddha statue.
Evening: Free time for shopping at Kandy Market.
Overnight: Kandy
Scenic drive/train to Nuwara Eliya (aka “Little England”).
Stop at a tea plantation & factory to see the tea-making process and taste pure Ceylon tea.
Explore Gregory Lake (boating & walking trails).
Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden or enjoy a colonial walk through town.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Morning: Board the world-famous train from Nanu Oya to Ella (approx. 3–4 hrs).
Known as one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
In Ella:
Visit Nine Arch Bridge (colonial-era stone bridge surrounded by jungle).
Hike Little Adam’s Peak for stunning mountain views.
Evening: Relax in a mountain-view café.
Overnight: Ella
Morning: Optional hike to Ella Rock (4 hrs, panoramic views).
Visit Ravana Falls (popular waterfall near Ella).
Free time: enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, massage, or cooking class.
Overnight: Ella
Morning drive (approx. 4 hrs) to Yala National Park.
Afternoon: Jeep safari inside Yala.
Famous for its leopard population, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Evening relaxation at your jungle lodge/camp.
Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama
Early breakfast, then drive along Sri Lanka’s southern coastal route (5–6 hrs).
Arrive in Galle (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Explore the Dutch Fort, a historic colonial town with cobbled streets, boutiques, cafés, and lighthouse views.
Sunset walk along the fort walls.
Overnight: Galle
Transfer to your preferred beach town:
Mirissa → Whale watching (Nov–April), laid-back beach bars.
Unawatuna → Calm beach near Galle, perfect for families.
Bentota → Luxury resorts, watersports, river safaris.
Day at leisure: swimming, surfing, or just relaxing.
Overnight: Beach resort
Morning: Relax at the beach.
Optional: Turtle hatchery visit (near Bentota) or water sports.
Drive to Colombo Airport (2–3 hrs depending on beach location).
If time allows: Short Colombo city tour (Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Old Dutch Hospital).
Departure.
History & Culture: Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy.
Nature & Scenic Travel: Tea country, Ella train, waterfalls.
Wildlife: Minneriya elephants, Yala leopards.
Beaches & Colonial Heritage: Galle, southern beaches.