Day 1: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya
Welcome at Colombo Airport, drive to Anuradhapura, the first royal city of Sri Lanka. Explore the massive stupas (Buddhist structures) and significant ruins of the ancient city with numerous temples and monastic complexes dating back to pre-Christian times. Anuradhapura was the centre of Sinhalese and Buddhist culture for over 14 centuries. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Explore the famous 5th-century fortress of Sigiriya. The geometrically designed water garden with its fountain is the oldest man-made garden in Asia. Alternatively, for the adventurous: instead of Sigiriya, challenging Pidurangala Rock (surcharge €28 (approx. UK £24 / USD $30)). Afterwards, village tour with a home visit, then transfer to Polonnaruwa. Explore the Gal Vihara rock temple from the 12th century and the impressive Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Optional: bike tour through the ruins, possibly greeting some of the local monkeys (surcharge €7 (approx. UK £6 / USD $8)). Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 3: Dambulla – Kandy
Drive to Dambulla, visit the magnificent 1st-century BC cave temples with their wall paintings and impressive Buddha statues (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Optional short stop at the spice garden, continue to Kandy. Afternoon city tour in Kandy with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Evening dance performance. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Peradeniya – Pinnawela – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, transfer to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. Then visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Randeniya. Museum tour, elephant walk, feeding, and bathing (approx. 45 minutes) and visit to the elephant dung paper factory. On the way to Nuwara Eliya, in the green highlands, breathtaking views of tea plantations. Stop at the hotel, then explore the colonial city, also known as "Little England". Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya - Yala
Drive towards the southern dry zone to Yala via one of Asia's most beautiful routes with several viewpoints e.g., Ella, Ravana Waterfall. Afternoon safari in Yala National Park, home to many rare mammals, reptiles, and birds. With a bit of luck, you might see elephants, leopards, or sloth bears during a Jeep safari tour. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Yala - Hambantota - Galle
Continue along the coast via Hambantota to Galle. En route, visit the stilt fishermen of Weligama and the Galle Dutch Fort, before heading back to the airport. (Transfer to the hotel at an additional cost).
Below you will find the detailed itinerary as a PDF.