Day 1: Colombo
Airport | Colombo
Meet your guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Colombo. (Travel time: approx. 1 hour)
Proceed to the hotel and check-in. (Standard check-in time: 1400h)
Colombo City Tour (depending on arrival time):
Visit Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples, featuring a mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles. The temple houses a museum with religious artifacts, statues, and historical relics. Stop by Independence Square, a tranquil space built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. The monument is surrounded by landscaped gardens and is perfect for a leisurely walk. Explore the bustling Pettah Market, a vibrant local bazaar where you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Sri Lankan commerce. Marvel at the nearby colonial-era buildings in the Fort area, a historical district with a blend of old-world charm and modernity. Walk along Galle Face Green, a scenic oceanside promenade where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the sunset, fly kites, or savor street food.
Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Colombo.
Day 2: Kandy
Colombo | Pinnawela | Kandy
After breakfast, drive to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. (Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours)
Established in 1975, this sanctuary provides a home for orphaned and injured elephants. Observe baby elephants being bottle-fed and witness the herd bathing in the nearby river—a heartwarming and memorable experience.
Continue to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, nestled amidst lush hills. (Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours)
Check in to your hotel and refresh.
Attend a Cultural Show in Kandy, showcasing traditional Kandyan dance, drumming, and performances depicting Sri Lankan folklore.
Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 3: Kandy
Kandy
After breakfast, Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The temple, adorned with intricate carvings and golden accents, is a place of deep spiritual significance and attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Thereafter Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, known for its vast collection of over 4,000 plant species, including rare orchids, towering palm avenues, and medicinal plants. Don’t miss the giant Javan fig tree with its sprawling canopy.
Embark on a Kandy City Tour, visiting the lively Kandy Market, a hub for fresh produce and handicrafts, and a gem museum, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous gemstones like sapphires and rubies.
Free time for shopping or relaxing at the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 4: Kandy
Kandy | Nuwara Eliya | Scenic Train Ride
Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Nuwara Eliya, stopping en route at a Tea Factory and Plantation. (Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours)
Learn about the tea production process, from plucking to packaging, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea while taking in the panoramic views of rolling tea estates.
Board the scenic train at Nanu Oya station for a picturesque journey to Kandy. Admire breathtaking landscapes of misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. (Train journey: approx. 4 hours) – train tickets are subject to availability one month prior to travel date.
Arrive at Kandy station and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 5: Dambulla
Kandy | Dambulla
After breakfast, drive to Dambulla, with a stop at a Spice Garden in Matale. Discover the secrets of Sri Lanka’s spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, and enjoy an Ayurvedic head massage.
(Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours)
Visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The temple features five caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate wall paintings.
Experience a Village Safari Tour in Sigiriya, including a bullock cart ride through scenic paddy fields, a catamaran boat trip, and a live demonstration of traditional Sri Lankan cooking techniques. (Travel time: approx. 45 minutes from Dambulla)
Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Dambulla.
Day 6: Dambulla
Dambulla | Sigiriya | Aukana | Dambulla
Early morning climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens, the Mirror Wall, and the summit, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungles and plains.
Thereafter Visit the Avukana Buddha Statue, an ancient 12-meter-tall masterpiece carved out of granite, showcasing the skill and artistry of Sri Lankan craftsmen. (Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours round trip)
Return to hotel for a time of leisure.
Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Dambulla.
Day 7: Dambulla
Dambulla | Polonnaruwa | Minneriya | Dambulla
After breakfast morning, Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara Buddha statues, and the Parakrama Samudraya, an impressive ancient irrigation reservoir. (Travel time: approx. 1 ½ hour)
Afternoon Go on a Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its seasonal Elephant Gathering and diverse wildlife, including sambar deer, crocodiles, and vibrant bird species. (Travel time: approx. 30 minutes)
Dinner & Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Dambulla.
Day 8:
Dambulla | Airport
After breakfast leave in time to connect with departure flight (Travel time: approx. 4 hours).
