Day 1: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya
Welcome at Colombo Airport, drive to Anuradhapura, the first royal city of Sri Lanka. Explore the massive stupas (Buddhist structures) and significant ruins of the ancient city with numerous temples and monastic complexes dating back to pre-Christian times. The royal city of Anuradhapura was the centre of Sinhalese and Buddhist culture for over 14 centuries. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Visit the famous fortress of Sigiriya from the 5th century AD. The geometrically designed water garden with its fountain is the oldest artificially created garden in Asia. Alternatively, for the adventurous: instead of Sigiriya, the challenging Pidurangala Rock (discount €28). Afterwards, village tour with a home visit, then transfer to Polonnaruwa. Visit the rock temple Gal Vihara from the 12th century and the impressive reservoir Parakrama Samudra. Optional: bike tour through the ruins, possibly to greet one or the other monkey living there (surcharge €7). Dinner and overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 3: Dambulla – Kandy
Drive to Dambulla, visit the magnificent cave temples from the 1st century BC with the wall paintings and impressive Buddha statues (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On request, a short stop at the spice garden, then continue to Kandy to the hotel. Afternoon city tour in Kandy with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Evening dance performance. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Peradeniya – Pinnawela – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, transfer to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. Then visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Randeniya. There, museum tour, elephant walk, feeding, and bath (approx. 45’) as well as a visit to the elephant dung paper factory. On the way to Nuwara Eliya, in the green highlands, breathtaking views of tea plantations. Stop at the hotel, then visit the colonial city, also known as "Little England". Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya - Yala
Drive towards the southern dry zone to Yala via one of Asia's most beautiful routes with several viewpoints e.g., Ella, Ravana Waterfall. Afternoon safari in Yala National Park, which is home to many rare mammals, reptiles, and birds over 1,200 sqm. With a bit of luck, you'll see elephants, leopards, or sloth bears during a safari Jeep tour. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Yala - Hambantota - Galle
Continue along the coast via Hambantota to Galle. En route, visit the stilt fishermen of Weligama and the Galle Dutch Fort, before heading back to the airport. (Transfer to the hotel for an additional fee).
Below you will find the illustrative itinerary as a PDF.