Sri Lanka Cultural & Heritage Trail – 10 Days / 09 Nights

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Meet and greet by our representative. Short transfer to Negombo (30 minutes) for rest and recovery after the flight. Negombo offers a peaceful introduction to Sri Lanka with its coastal charm and Dutch colonial heritage. Overnight in Negombo.

Travel north toward Anuradhapura (approximately 4 hours), Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit ancient stupas, monasteries, and sacred Buddhist sites including the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. Explore the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and other remarkable monuments dating back over 2,000 years. Overnight in Anuradhapura.

Morning visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where Arahat Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and introduced Buddhism to the island. Climb the grand stairway to explore ancient monasteries, stupas, and enjoy panoramic views. Continue toward the Cultural Triangle region (approximately 1.5 hours). Evening at leisure in a natural setting surrounded by lush greenery. Overnight in Sigiriya area.

Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ascending 1,200 steps to the ancient sky palace. Explore the famous frescoes, Mirror Wall, and summit ruins while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views. Later explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved palaces, temples, massive Buddha statues, and ancient irrigation reservoirs. Cycle or walk through the archaeological park. Overnight in the Sigiriya area.

Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five cave shrines filled with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 Buddha statues dating back to the 1st century BC. Proceed to Kandy (approximately 3 hours) with optional stops at spice gardens in Matale along the way to learn about Sri Lanka's aromatic spices. Arrive in the sacred city of Kandy. Overnight in Kandy.

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Buddhism's most sacred shrine housing a tooth relic of the Buddha. Witness the daily rituals and ceremonies. Kandy city tour including a visit to a traditional gem museum to learn about Sri Lanka's precious stone heritage. Stroll around scenic Kandy Lake. Evening Kandyan cultural dance performance showcasing traditional drumming, fire walking, plate spinning, and vibrant costumes. Overnight in Kandy.

Scenic drive through hill country landscapes and terraced tea estates toward Nuwara Eliya (approximately 2.5 hours). Stop at a working tea plantation and factory en route to learn about Ceylon tea production from leaf to cup, with guided tasting of different tea grades. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day at leisure to explore colonial-era landmarks including the historic Grand Hotel, Victoria Park, and charming British-style architecture. Visit local markets, golf courses, and beautifully maintained gardens. Optional visit to Horton Plains National Park for a morning hike to World's End viewpoint and Baker's Falls (early morning departure required). Enjoy the cool mountain climate. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Drive toward Colombo (approximately 4 hours) via scenic routes descending from the hills through tea estates and tropical landscapes. Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital. Evening city highlights tour covering Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, colonial buildings, Galle Face Green, and vibrant shopping districts. Overnight in Colombo.

Transfer to the airport for departure, concluding the tour. Depart with deep memories of Sri Lanka's ancient cultural heritage, sacred sites, and spiritual traditions.