Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo or Colombo. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight, with an optional evening stroll along the beach or a fish market visit.
Highlights:
Travel north to the Cultural Triangle. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress for panoramic views over the surrounding jungle, then visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex in the afternoon.
Overnight in the Sigiriya or Habarana area.
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Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa by bicycle or tuk-tuk, taking in its well-preserved temples, stupas and the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues.
In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park in search of wild elephants, especially rewarding during the seasonal elephant gathering.
Highlights:
Drive south to Kandy, stopping at the Matale Spice Garden en route to learn about Sri Lanka’s spice trade.
Settle into Kandy for a two-night stay, with the evening free to explore the lakeside town.
Highlights:
Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and a local market for fresh produce and spices.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance and drumming performance.
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Drive to Nuwara Eliya, stopping at a tea plantation and factory for a tour and tasting, plus a visit to Ramboda Falls.
In the afternoon, board Sri Lanka’s famous scenic train through tea country to Ella, one of the most photographed rail journeys in Asia.
Highlights:
Explore Ella at a relaxed pace: walk across the Nine Arch Bridge, hike up Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping valley views, and browse the town’s cafes and boutiques.
Overnight in Ella.
Highlights:
Drive south to the Yala region, home to one of the highest leopard densities in the world alongside elephants, sloth bears and abundant birdlife.
Head out on an afternoon jeep safari inside Yala National Park before an overnight stay nearby.
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Travel to the south coast and spend the afternoon wandering Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, colonial architecture, boutique shops and ocean-facing ramparts.
Continue to your beach hotel for an evening at leisure by the sea.
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Enjoy a final relaxed morning on the south coast, with time for a swim, a turtle hatchery visit, or last-minute souvenir shopping, before transferring to Colombo airport for your departure flight.
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