Heritage & Culture Trails – Sri Lanka

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Tour Type: Cultural | Heritage | Scenic | Spiritual
Route: Negombo → Anuradhapura → Mihintale → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle → Colombo

Day 1 – Arrival / Negombo

  • Warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport.
  • Transfer to Negombo, a charming coastal town.
  • Explore the Dutch Canal, fishing village, or relax on the beach.
    Overnight: Negombo

Day 2 – Negombo → Anuradhapura

  • Travel to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Explore ancient ruins, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya, and royal palaces.
    Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 3 – Anuradhapura / Mihintale

  • Visit Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
  • Climb the sacred hill for panoramic views.
  • Evening at leisure or visit a local village.
    Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 4 – Anuradhapura → Sigiriya

  • Drive to Sigiriya, the “Lion Rock Fortress.”
  • Explore the royal gardens, frescoes, and summit ruins.
  • Evening visit to Dambulla Cave Temple with its magnificent Buddha statues.
    Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 5 – Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa

  • Full-day excursion to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka.
  • Visit the Gal Vihara, Parakrama Samudra, and ancient royal complexes.
  • Optional: Minneriya Safari to see elephants in the wild.
    Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 6 – Sigiriya → Kandy

  • On the route visit a Spice Garden in Matale.
  • Arrive in Kandy, the last royal capital.
  • Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and enjoy an evening cultural dance show.
    Overnight: Kandy

Day 7 – Kandy Sightseeing

  • Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
  • Explore Kandy city, market, and lake.
  • Optional visit to a local handicraft or gem workshop.
    Overnight: Kandy

Day 8 – Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

  • Scenic journey through the misty hills.
  • Visit a Tea Plantation & Factory.
  • Explore colonial Nuwara Eliya, “Little England.”
    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 9 – Nuwara Eliya → Ella (by Train)

  • Enjoy the breathtaking train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella.
  • Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
    Overnight: Ella

Day 10 – Ella → Yala

  • Transfer to Yala National Park.
  • Evening Jeep Safari to spot elephants, leopards, and exotic wildlife.
    Overnight: Yala

Day 11 – Yala → Galle / Bentota

  • Drive along the southern coast.
  • Visit the Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
  • Continue to Bentota for beach leisure or water activities.
    Overnight: Bentota

Day 12 – Bentota → Colombo / Departure

  • Drive to Colombo for a short city tour and shopping (if time permits).
  • Transfer to the airport for departure.