Heritage and Highlands Discovery – 10 Days

Explore Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, misty hills, and sacred heritage sites.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Negombo (Approx. 30 min)

• Meet & Greet at Bandaranaike International Airport by your tour representative.

• Transfer to Negombo, a coastal town known for its Dutch-era buildings and fishing community.

• Check-in to your hotel and relax after your journey.

• Optional: Sunset beach walk or seafood dinner by the ocean.

• Overnight stay: Negombo

Day 2: Negombo to Anuradhapura (Approx. 4.5 hrs)

• Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

• Visit iconic historical sites including:

  • Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (the world’s oldest documented tree)

  • Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba

  • Jetavanaramaya and Thuparamaya

  • Abhayagiri Monastery Complex

• Learn about the origins of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

• Overnight stay: Anuradhapura

Day 3: Mihintale & Aukana Buddha Statue

• Early morning visit to Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

  • Climb the sacred steps and enjoy panoramic views from the summit.

• Continue to Aukana Buddha Statue, a 12-meter-tall marvel carved from a single granite rock.

• Return to hotel and relax or enjoy a walk around the ancient tank (reservoir).

• Overnight stay: Anuradhapura

Day 4: Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Evening Village Tour (Approx. 2 hrs)

• Drive to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as the Lion Rock, with its ancient frescoes and royal gardens.

• In the evening, enjoy a village experience in Hiriwadunna:

  • Traditional bullock cart ride

  • Boat ride across the lake

  • Sri Lankan village lunch with locals

• Overnight stay: Sigiriya/Dambulla

Day 5: Dambulla Cave Temple – Drive to Kandy – Cultural Show (Approx. 3 hrs)

• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its 150+ Buddha statues and vibrant cave paintings.

• Drive to Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings.

• On arrival, check-in and attend a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance performance in the evening.

• Overnight stay: Kandy

Day 6: Kandy City Tour – Temple of the Tooth – Botanical Gardens

• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the holiest Buddhist temple in the country.

• Walk around Kandy Lake and explore the Kandy Viewpoint.

• Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens – home to over 4,000 species of flora.

• Free time for shopping or a local market visit in the evening.

• Overnight stay: Kandy

Day 7: Scenic Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya – Tea Factory Visit

• Morning transfer to Peradeniya or Kandy Railway Station.

• Board the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, passing misty mountains, tea estates, and waterfalls.

• Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England.”

• Visit a tea plantation and factory to see the tea-making process and sample fresh Ceylon tea.

• Evening leisure walk around Gregory Lake.

• Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya to Ella – Little Adam’s Peak – Nine Arches Bridge (Approx. 2.5 hrs)

• After breakfast, travel to Ella, a charming hill town.

• Hike up Little Adam’s Peak – a moderate walk with breathtaking views.

• Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era railway viaduct amidst lush greenery.

• Optional: Relax at a local café with views over the valley.

• Overnight stay: Ella

Day 9: Ella to Colombo (Approx. 5.5 hrs) – Evening Shopping or Leisure

• After breakfast, begin your return journey to Colombo.

• Check-in to your hotel and unwind.

• Optional evening city tour or shopping at Odel, Laksala, or Dutch Hospital precinct.

• Enjoy your farewell dinner in the capital.

• Overnight stay: Colombo

Day 10: Departure from Colombo

• Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or final walk by the seaside promenade.

• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.

✅ Inclusions:

• Private A/C vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide

• Accommodation with breakfast (can be customized)

• All entrance tickets to listed attractions

• Train tickets from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (subject to availability)

🏞️ Highlights:

• Sacred cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy

• World Heritage sites: Sigiriya & Dambulla

• Hill country scenic train journey

• Cultural immersion with local experiences