Sigiriya Rock Fortress rising above the jungle

13 nights · 14 days

Sri Lanka in Full: Ancient Cities to the Southern Coast

Our most complete tour package: the ancient cities, the cultural heartland, tea country, Ella, Yala wildlife and the beaches of Bentota.

AnuradhapuraSigiriyaEllaYalaGalle Fort

Day by day

The suggested rhythm

Airport to Negombo

Welcome at Colombo International Airport and transfer to Negombo. Visit the fishing village and fish market. Dinner and overnight at Jetwing Blue or similar.

Anuradhapura to Habarana

Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura: Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweli Stupa, Isurumuniya, Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Water Garden), the moonstone and museums. Lunch at a Sri Lankan restaurant. Overnight at Habarana Lodge or similar.

Polonnaruwa and Minneriya

Discover the medieval capital, including the Gal Vihara Buddha statues, then see wild elephants at Minneriya National Park, famed for the largest gathering of Asian elephants.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century rock fortress, see the 1,500 year old Heavenly Maidens frescoes, the water and rock gardens, and the Sigiriya graffiti. Evening Kandyan folkloric dance.

Dambulla, Matale and Kandy

Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a batik factory and a spice garden in Matale with a complimentary herbal massage, then continue to Kandy. Overnight at Thilanka Hotel or similar.

Kandy and Kithulgala

Peradeniya Botanical Garden, then Kandy's Art and Crafts Centre, Gem Museum and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Continue to Kitulgala, with optional white water rafting and the Belilena Caves.

Kithulgala to Nuwara Eliya

Drive through tea country to the Little England of Sri Lanka, visit a tea plantation and factory, and see the Sita Amman Temple. Overnight at Grand Hotel or similar.

Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Optional early visit to Horton Plains, then drive via Haputale to Ella, home of the Nine Arch Bridge, Down Rock Temple and scenic hill-country trains. Overnight at Eco Ella or similar.

Ella at leisure

Sightsee in Ella or simply relax, with hiking trails and tea estates close by.

Ella to Yala

Stop at the 51 foot Buduruwagala Buddha carved into the rock face, then continue to Tissamaharama and Yala. Overnight at Jetwing Yala or similar.

Yala, stilt fishermen and Galle Fort

Optional morning 4x4 safari in Yala National Park, then see stilt fishermen at Weligama and the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort before continuing to Bentota.

Bentota

An optional boat ride on the Bentota River, a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and free time on the beach. Overnight at Bentota Beach or similar.

Bentota to Colombo

Drive to Colombo for a city tour including Independence Square, the Fort, Pettah and souvenir shopping. Farewell dinner at a Chinese restaurant; overnight at Cinnamon Red or similar.

Departure

Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home.

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