Sri Lanka Highlights - Image 1
Sigiriya Rock
Ancient Royal Cities Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa
Safari in Minneriya National Park
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Marvel at the Highlights of Sri Lanka - the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Known as the 'Tear of India', not only for its geographical shape but also for its tumultuous history, Sri Lanka has witnessed countless kingdoms since the arrival of the Tamils. Travellers on this journey through 'Royal Sri Lanka' will experience nearly 2000 years of diverse reigns and changes in throne occupancy.

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Sri Lanka Highlights - Standard Hotels

8 nights, double room, half-board
from $1,193

Sri Lanka Highlights - Superior Hotels

8 nights, double room, half-board
from $1,372

Sri Lanka Highlights - Deluxe Hotels

8 nights, double room, half-board
from $1,664

Sri Lanka Highlights in Detail

Tour 8 nights / 9 days

Day 1: NEGOMBO

Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Dutch garrison town founded in 1672, featuring remnants of the famous fort. In the evening, enjoy a drink at one of the numerous beach restaurants while watching the sunset over the sea. Overnight in Negombo. (No meals included)

Day 2: NEGOMBO – MINNERIYA – SIGIRIYA

(approx. 155 km, about 3.5 hours)

Drive to Habarana and in the afternoon, embark on a safari in Minneriya National Park. Journey through the park in a jeep on narrow trails to spot birds, deer, and the free-roaming herds of elephants. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3: SIGIRIYA – ANURADHAPURA – SIGIRIYA

(approx. 75 km, about 1.5 hours)

After breakfast, travel to Anuradhapura. Visit the ruins of ancient palaces, monasteries, monuments, the Dagobas, and the famous "Bodhi Tree" in Anuradhapura, the oldest royal city of Ceylon, which was the religious and political centre of the country until 1000 AD. Then, visit Mihintale on Mahinda mountain, one of the oldest Buddhist sites on the island, featuring a Dagoba from the 2nd century AD, marking the origin of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – SIGIRIYA

(approx. 75 km, about 1.5 hours)

Early in the morning, climb the famous "Sigiriya Rock". Passing the "Cloud Maidens" - colourful frescoes of female beauties - you ascend to the 200 m high plateau, where the remains of King Kassapa's fortress built in the 5th century AD are located. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then continue to Polonnaruwa, the second oldest royal city of Ceylon. Explore the archaeological park with countless remains of residential buildings, palace and park facilities, as well as partially well-preserved stupas, temples, and the four Buddha statues carved into rock at Gal Vihara. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5: SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – KANDY

(approx. 90 km, about 3 hours)

Visit the rock caves of Dambulla, accessible by a gentle climb at about 160 m altitude, which served as a retreat for King Walagama with countless Buddhist murals and sculptures. On the way to Kandy, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until 1815, explore the enchanting spice garden in Matale. A guide will introduce you to the secrets of spice plants, and you can purchase local products if desired. In the afternoon, visit the "Temple of the Tooth" Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses a tooth of Buddha in a golden shrine, still a pilgrimage site and monastery today. In the evening, enjoy a performance by the Kandy Dancers. Overnight in Kandy. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6: KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA

(approx. 80 km, about 4 hours, mountainous route)

In the morning, stroll through the markets and merchant halls of the city centre. Discover typical colonial buildings and winding alleys. Next, visit the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya, a magnificent park dating back to 1371, home to the world's second-largest tree, a fig covering about 1600 sqm of ground. On the way to Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea factory and plantation. Experience the journey of Ceylon tea from plant to cup. Then, explore the typical English colonial town with the old post station and the Country House Hill Club, displaying numerous hunting pictures and fish trophies. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7: NUWARA ELIYA – BANDARAWELA/ELLA

(approx. 130 km, about 3 hours without train ride)

After breakfast, a short drive to Nanoya and a train ride on the famous "Toy Train" to Ella. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to your overnight hotel in Bandarawela/Ella. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8: BANDARAWELA – UDAWALAWE

(approx. 85 km, about 3 hours without hiking)

This morning, embark on an easy trekking tour to "Little Adam's Peak" (1 – 1.5 hours), named after the sacred Adam's Peak (Sri Pada – where Lord Buddha's footprint is preserved) due to the similarity between the two mountains. Enjoy a beautiful hike through the hilly nature of this area with a magnificent view from the summit (1141 m). Walk through the tea plantations past waterfalls and observe the farmers in the fields. Then, drive to Udawalawe National Park. Experience a three- to four-hour safari through this magnificent nature reserve. With a bit of luck, you might see crocodiles, elephants, deer, water buffalo, and many birds. Overnight near Udawalawe National Park. (Note: from November 2025, Yala National Park will be visited instead of Udawalawe Park. Overnight stays will then be near Yala Park.) (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9: UDAWALAWE - WEST COAST

After breakfast, your extension program begins, or you will be transferred to your hotel on the West Coast or to the airport. (Meals: Breakfast)

Programme subject to change.

Getting There

Additional information

Location

Sri Lanka Highlights
Sri Lanka, West Coast Sri Lanka, Negombo
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
approx. 128 km / 154 min

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