Sri Lanka at a Glance - 11 Days 10 Nights

Overview

Let us justify your choice in selecting us to tour around Sri Lanka. These 11 days of your lives will be promisingly entertaining, exciting and full of new experiences. The tour covers a good range of Sri Lanka’s places of interest. Having gathered unique traditional experiences in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy, you will then have the most remarkable moments at the most attractive places as Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Pinnawala. Apart from those, your time at Wilpattu National Park will be adventurous.

Day	Location	Activities
1	Negombo	Arrival, relax at hotel, explore Negombo
2	Negombo → Wilpattu → Anuradhapura	Wilpattu National Park safari
3	Anuradhapura → Sigiriya	Anuradhapura ruins, Avukana Buddha Statue
4	Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa	Polonnaruwa ruins, Sigiriya Rock Fortress
5	Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy	Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Gardens, Temple of the Tooth
6	Kandy → Peradeniya → Pinnawala	Royal Botanical Garden, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Gem Museum
7	Kandy → Nuwara Eliya	Explore Nuwara Eliya: tea lands, parks, waterfalls
8	Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Hikkaduwa/Unawatuna	Ella and Little Adam’s Peak, transfer to coast
9-10	Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna	Beach relaxation, enjoy seafood
11	Hikkaduwa/Unawatuna → Airport	Departure

Exploration Blueprint

Day 01 - Arrival to Sri Lanka - Negombo

Arrival to Sri Lanka

Upon your arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be warmly greeted by our representative, who will assist you with a smooth transfer to your hotel in Negombo. If time permits, you will have the opportunity to explore the exotic Negombo. Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at your hotel in Negombo.

Overnight: Hotel in Negombo
Meals included: Breakfast

Negombo Beach at sunset with a pink and purple sky, silhouetted palm trees, and reflections in a calm pool with beach umbrellas.

Day 02 - Negombo - Wilpattu National Park - Anuradhapura

Visit Wilpattu National Park

After breakfast, you will drive towards one of the most popular national parks on the island, Wilpattu National Park. Known for its "Willus" (Natural Lakes) filled with rainwater, the park offers a beautiful natural setting to explore. Wilpattu is the largest national park on the island and is particularly famous for its Leopard population.

The park is home to various species of wildlife, both fauna and flora. You may encounter birds such as the Painted Stork, Openbill, Jungle Fowl, Pin Tail, Whistling Teal, and Spoonbill, as well as reptiles like the Mugger Crocodile, Cobra, and Rat Snake. Among the mammals you may see are Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Sambar Deer, and Spotted Deer.

You will be staying overnight at your hotel in Anuradhapura.

Overnight: Hotel in Anuradhapura
Meals included: Breakfast

Wilpattu National Park with an elephant in shallow water among lily pads and lush greenery.

Day 03 - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya

Visit Anuradhapura and Aukana

After breakfast, you will visit the quaint and holy grounds of Anuradhapura. The ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura, famous for its well-preserved ruins, still holds pride and honor in upholding religious rituals with millions of followers. You'll explore various ruins, temples, stupas, and Buddhist sites, including Isurumuniya, Magul Uyana, Vessagiriya, Rathna Prasadaya, Dakkhina Stupa, Naka Vihara, Kiribath Vehera, Samadhi Statue, Toluvila Statue, and Ranmasu Uyana.

Then, you'll visit the great Avukana Buddha Statue, located in Aukana. The statue, built in the 5th century, stands at over 40 feet tall and is a significant pilgrimage site. The statue reflects artistic influences from India's Gandhara and Amaravati schools of art.

After a busy day, you'll rest and relax at your hotel in Sigiriya, preparing for an exciting day ahead.

Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya
Meals included: Breakfast

Majestic Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa with golden spire amidst lush trees under a clear blue sky.

Day 04 - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa

Visit Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya

After breakfast, gear up to be swept away by the sunrise of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient city on the Island. Declared a World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa is a major destination for Buddhist followers due to its well-preserved ruins. King Parakramabahu I, often considered the real hero of Polonnaruwa, led the kingdom to its Golden Age, marked by flourishing agriculture and trade. Despite later invasions, Polonnaruwa remains one of the best archaeological cities in Sri Lanka.

Ancient Polonnaruwa Vatadage with intricate stone architecture and central stupa amidst lush greenery.

Then, embark on a historical yet magnificent tour of Sigiriya. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya was the royal residence of King Kashyapa, who built the kingdom atop this towering rock. Explore the Lion’s Gate, Sigiriya Frescoes, Water Gardens, and Boulder Gardens—each element contributing to the grandeur of this ancient marvel.

After exploring Sigiriya’s scenic surroundings, you’ll enjoy your scheduled stay at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya
Meals included: Breakfast

Majestic Sigiriya Rock with ancient ruins and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Day 05 - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Matale - Kandy

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Gardens, and Temple of the Tooth

After an early breakfast, embark on a fascinating tour starting with the Dambulla Cave Temple, located atop a 600 ft high rock. The temple is home to vivid, colorful paintings of Lord Buddha, Gods, Goddesses, Kings, and Queens. King Valagamba constructed these cave temples to hide from invasions, and he used them for 12 years. The caves include a 45 ft sleeping Buddha statue and many ancient treasures.

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple with white structures under a rock overhang.

Next, visit the Spice Gardens where you'll learn about growing endemic spices. The guided tour covers various spices like Chilies, Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Saffron.

Your final stop is the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, one of the island's main attractions. This sacred Buddhist temple houses the relic of Lord Buddha's tooth and is visited by worshippers from around the world. It plays a significant role in Sri Lankan culture and national identity.

Overnight: Hotel in Kandy
Meals included: Breakfast

Elephant walking in front of the historic Queens Hotel in Kandy town.

Day 06 - Kandy - Peradeniya - Pinnawala

Visit Royal Botanical Garden, Pinnawala, and Gem Museum

Start your day with excitement by visiting the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. Famous for its Orchid collection, the garden boasts over 4000 plant species, medicinal plants, and palm trees. Spanning 147 acres, it's a true beauty. Designed by Alexander Moon in 1821, the more you explore, the more you'll enjoy.

Manicured hedges and vibrant flowers in the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya.

Next, you'll visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can assist in feeding baby elephants, playing with them, and observing their daily routine from bath time to bedtime.

Young elephant at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage interacting with visitors in a fenced enclosure.

Afterward, take a tour of the Gem Museum in Kandy, where you can admire a collection of rare and endemic gems. These precious stones are one of the island's top attractions.

Return to your hotel in Kandy for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel in Kandy
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 07 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Visit Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, you'll spend the entire day in one of the island's most attractive cities, Nuwara Eliya. Known for its cool weather, it’s a perfect place to relax and unwind. Nuwara Eliya's beautiful scenery and calm nature will help you feel rejuvenated. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the surroundings after a few busy days. Attractions include Victoria Park, the Golf Club, Horton Plains, waterfalls, World’s End, Entertainment Park, boat rides in Gregory’s Lake, Ambewela Dairy Farm, tea land visits, and more.

Enjoy the moment and take in all the beauty Nuwara Eliya has to offer.

Overnight: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Meals included: Breakfast

Boat tour with a houseboat and speedboat on the water in Nuwara Eliya’s green landscapes.

Day 08 - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna

Visit Ella and Little Adam’s Peak

After breakfast, you'll be taken to Ella, a charming town that's gaining popularity due to its natural beauty. The town is accessed through the popular Ravana Falls, a major tourist attraction. Ella offers adventure parks, waterfalls, luxury hotels, and the best restaurants, making it a perfect place to unwind and explore.

Your next stop is Little Adam’s Peak in Ella. Famous for its jaw-dropping scenery and views, Little Adam’s Peak stands at 1141m and offers breathtaking beauty. You’ll feel compelled to spend extra time soaking in the surrounding wilderness before you leave.

Later, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel in Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna
Meals included: Breakfast

Little Adam's Peak with lush greenery and a winding path surrounded by rolling hills under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

Day 09 and 10 - Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna

Relax in Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna

In the morning, enjoy a leisurely time at the local beaches of Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna while being swept away by the breathtaking sunrise. The beaches are exquisitely beautiful and offer unparalleled serenity. This is your time to enjoy at your own pace and relax before departing from the charming Island of Sri Lanka. Don’t miss trying the freshest and finest sea fish varieties.

Relax and rest at your hotel for the night.