Best Of Ceylon in Sri Lanka 11 Days/ 10 Nights

Description

A Journey Through Ancient Sri Lanka – From Sacred Cities to Tea Country Charm

Begin your Sri Lankan adventure with a warm welcome at Colombo Airport, followed by a smooth transfer to your hotel in Negombo, a lively coastal town known for its breezy beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Rest, unwind, and prepare for the cultural journey ahead.

From the coast, travel into the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle—a region rich in ancient kingdoms, sacred temples, and iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Settle in for three nights and begin your exploration with the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Filled with statues, murals, and centuries of history carved into stone, it’s one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive spiritual landmarks.

The next day takes you even further back in time. Explore Anuradhapura, the island’s first capital and one of Asia’s most important archaeological treasures. Walk among ancient stupas, royal palaces, and sacred Buddhist shrines before continuing to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. End the day on a serene catamaran ride across Habarana Lake, guided by local fishermen—a peaceful, authentic moment surrounded by nature.

Your cultural immersion continues with a visit to Polonnaruwa, a beautifully preserved ancient city showcasing Sri Lanka’s sophistication during the medieval era. In the afternoon, switch from ruins to wildlife on an exciting jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, home to large herds of wild elephants and a variety of mammals and bird species.

Travel next to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. En route, climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an iconic 5th-century citadel rising dramatically above the jungle canopy. After a stop at a fragrant spice garden in Matale, check into your hotel in Kandy for a two-night stay.

Spend the following day exploring the highlights of this atmospheric hill-country city. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, stroll the famed Royal Botanic Gardens, and browse the Gem Museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s precious stone heritage. In the evening, enjoy a colourful Kandyan dance performance, complete with traditional drumming and fire acts—an unmissable cultural experience.

Your journey concludes with a scenic drive into the cool misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England.” Surrounded by waterfalls, lush valleys and endless tea plantations, it offers some of Sri Lanka’s most picture-perfect landscapes. Visit a working tea plantation and factory to watch the fascinating transformation of fresh leaves into world-famous Ceylon tea.

This itinerary is perfect for culture lovers, history enthusiasts and travellers seeking a rich, immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient past and breathtaking hill country.

Includes:

• 10 nights accommodation in luxurious 4- and 5-star hotels
• Travel & transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur-guide  
• Sightseeing & activity fees (UNESCO heritage sites, national parks, tea plantation, local crafts, & more)
• Meals as specified (Breakfast & Dinner every day, excluding arrival (none) and departure day (only Breakfast)) 
• Garlands on arrival
• Bottled water during transfer & sightseeing  Return airport transfers
• Assistance & transfers 

Itinerary summary 

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Travellers are assisted with a transfer to the hotel and check-in, and stay overnight in Negombo. 

Day 2: Dambulla Exploration 
Breakfast, followed by a trip to Dambulla/Habarana, the hub of the cultural triangle. Afternoon visit to the 2nd century cave temple of Dambulla. Stay for three nights. 

Day 3: Anuradhapura and Catamaran Ride 
After breakfast, guests head out for an excursion to Anuradhapura – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island’s first capital (5th century BC - 9th century AD), and the centre of the island's Buddhist civilization. After exploring Anuradhapura, travellers continue to what is known as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale. Evening ends with a catamaran ride on the Habarana Lake with a local fisherman. Stay overnight in Dambulla. 

Day 4: Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Jeep Safari 
After breakfast, excursion to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. Afternoon jeep safari to witness a herd of wild elephants and various other wildlife species in Minneriya National Park. 

Day 5: Kandy and Spice Garden 
After breakfast guests travel to Kandy, visiting the impressive 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress enroute. Later, the journey continues towards Kandy, with a stop at a spice garden in Matale. Stay for 2 nights in Kandy. 

Day 6: Kandy Historic Sites and Kandyan Dance
Guided tour for guests to explore Kandy at their own leisure. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers visit the famed Temple of the Tooth, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Gem Museum, and in the evening witness a traditional Kandyan dance accompanied by live music. 

Day 7: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Discovering Nuwara Eliya – the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, a small city set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. Guests visit a tea plantation and factory to witness the complete process of turning the raw green leaf into the finished product.