Classic Sri Lanka Discovery – 15 Days

Historical sites, nature, and cultural immersion
Best for: First-time visitors
Ideal Travel Style: Comfortable, educational, scenic

Day 1: Arrival – Colombo City Tour

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport

• Meet & greet by tour representative

• Transfer to Colombo (approx. 45 min)

• Afternoon: Guided city tour including Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and Old Parliament

• Optional: Dinner at a fine restaurant or rooftop dining experience

• Overnight: Colombo

Day 2: Colombo to Negombo – Fishing Village & Canal Boat Ride

• Drive to Negombo (approx. 45 min)

• Visit local fish markets and traditional fishing villages

• Boat ride along the historic Dutch Canal

• Explore Negombo Beach and relax

• Overnight: Negombo

Day 3: Negombo to Anuradhapura – Sacred City Exploration

• Morning drive to Anuradhapura (approx. 4.5 hrs)

• Explore the Sacred City: Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya, Isurumuniya Temple

• Visit ancient irrigation marvels like the twin ponds

• Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 4: Mihintale – Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

• Morning visit to Mihintale (20 mins from Anuradhapura)

• Climb stone steps to reach stupas and meditation caves

• Enjoy panoramic views and quiet reflection

• Optional evening visit to a nearby monastery

• Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 5: Anuradhapura to Sigiriya – Rock Fortress Climb

• Transfer to Sigiriya (approx. 2.5 hrs)

• Afternoon climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress – UNESCO site

• Explore frescoes, water gardens, and summit ruins

• Evening at leisure or local cultural experience

• Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 6: Dambulla – Cave Temple & Spice Garden

• Morning visit to Dambulla Cave Temple – a marvel of Buddhist art

• Explore colorful murals and Buddha statues in five cave shrines

• Visit a spice garden en route to learn about Ayurveda and local spices

• Overnight: Sigiriya or Dambulla

Day 7: Polonnaruwa – Ancient Kingdom Tour

• Day trip to Polonnaruwa (1.5 hrs each way)

• Explore Gal Vihara, Royal Palace ruins, and Parakrama Samudra

• Optional bicycle tour of the ancient city

• Return to hotel and relax

• Overnight: Sigiriya or Dambulla

Day 8: Habarana – Village Tour & Bullock Cart Ride

• Transfer to Habarana area

• Enjoy a village experience: bullock cart ride, canoe across the lake, traditional cooking demo and lunch with locals

• Optional: Elephant back safari or nature walk

• Overnight: Habarana

Day 9: Habarana to Kandy – Temple of the Tooth & Cultural Show

• Drive to Kandy via scenic roads (approx. 2.5 hrs)

• Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic

• Explore Kandy Lake and local crafts shops

• Evening: Attend Kandyan cultural dance performance

• Overnight: Kandy

Day 10: Peradeniya – Royal Botanical Garden & Leisure in Kandy

• Morning visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden – walk among orchids, giant fig trees, and exotic plants

• Return to Kandy for free time or optional visits (tea museum, gem museum)

• Optional cooking class in the evening

• Overnight: Kandy

Day 11: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – Tea Plantations & Colonial Charm

• Scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 3 hrs) via Ramboda Falls

• En route visit a tea factory & learn about Ceylon Tea

• Explore colonial landmarks: Gregory Lake, Post Office, Victoria Park

• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 12: Nuwara Eliya to Ella – Scenic Train Ride & Nine Arches Bridge

• Morning: Board the iconic train to Ella (4 hrs – 1st class reserved seats)

• Arrive in Ella and check in

• Afternoon: Visit Nine Arches Bridge and enjoy a short hike or relax in cafes with mountain views

• Overnight: Ella

Day 13: Ella to Yala – Wildlife Safari

• Drive to Yala (approx. 3.5 hrs) via Ravana Falls

• Afternoon: Jeep safari in Yala National Park to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and birds

• Optional: Beachside evening near Yala

• Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama

Day 14: Yala to Galle – Dutch Fort & Southern Beaches

• Drive to Galle (approx. 4.5 hrs) along the scenic southern coastline

• Explore Galle Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage site

• Stroll cobblestone streets, lighthouse, and colonial buildings

• Relax at Unawatuna or nearby beach

• Overnight: Galle

Day 15: Departure – Transfer to Colombo Airport

• Morning at leisure or beach time

• Drive to Bandaranaike International Airport (approx. 2.5 hrs) for departure

• Optional souvenir shopping stop if time permits

✅ Tour Highlights Recap:

• 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Cultural shows & local food experiences

• Iconic train journey

• Safari adventure

• Beaches, mountains, and ancient cities