DAY 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Negombo | Beachside Welcome & Cultural Orientation

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), you’ll be warmly welcomed by our dedicated tour manager, who will accompany you throughout your Sri Lankan journey. After a smooth transfer to your hotel in the charming coastal town of Negombo, check in and take time to unwind after your travels.

Spend your afternoon relaxing by the beach, soaking in the laid-back tropical vibes, or sampling fresh lagoon seafood at a seaside café. As the sun sets, enjoy a gentle evening stroll through the historic Dutch Fort area or along the picturesque canal, offering your first glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

Later in the evening, join your tour manager for a welcome orientation and tour briefing, followed by a delightful Sri Lankan dinner.

Dinner & Overnight stay at a beach hotel in Negombo.

DAY 2: Negombo to Anuradhapura | Explore Sri Lanka’s Sacred Ancient Capital

After a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast at your hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx. 4.5 hours).

Upon arrival, dive into the island’s deep spiritual and architectural heritage as you explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura, renowned for its majestic stupas and ancient monasteries. Highlights include:

• The iconic Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, a gleaming white marvel of Buddhist devotion

• Thuparamaya, the oldest documented Buddhist dagoba in Sri Lanka

• The towering Jetavanaramaya, once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world

A serene visit to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, believed to be the oldest historically documented tree on earth and a sacred pilgrimage site

Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with regional flavours. In the evening, check in to your hotel in Anuradhapura and unwind after your day of exploration.

Dinner and overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

DAY 3: Anuradhapura to Sigiriya via Mihintale | Sacred Beginnings & Jungle Retreat

After breakfast, begin your day with a short drive to Mihintale, the revered birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Nestled atop a serene hill, Mihintale offers both spiritual significance and breath taking panoramic views. Climb the ancient stone steps to explore sacred shrines, rock inscriptions, and the majestic stupa that marks the spot where Buddhism was first introduced to the island in the 3rd century BCE.

Following your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Sri Lankan flavours in a peaceful rural setting.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Sigiriya, located in the heart of the island’s Cultural Triangle (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your jungle lodge near Polonnaruwa, a tranquil hideaway surrounded by nature—perfect for unwinding after a culturally rich day.

Dinner and overnight stay at a nature lodge near Polonnaruwa.

DAY 4: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Ancient City of Polonnaruwa | UNESCO Wonders of Sri Lanka

Rise early for a breath taking excursion for sunrise climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Often referred to as the “Lion Rock,” this 5th-century royal citadel towers above the jungle and features ancient frescoes, landscaped water gardens, and panoramic views from the summit—making it a must-visit on any cultural tour of Sri Lanka.

After descending, return to your hotel for a well-earned breakfast and a short rest. Late morning, set off on a guided tour of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO-listed ancient capital renowned for its remarkably preserved ruins. Explore:

• The majestic Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues

• Royal palaces, audience halls, and ancient temples

• Intricate stone carvings and irrigation marvels of the 11th–13th centuries

Pause for lunch at a local restaurant >En route, where you can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry in a relaxed setting. In the evening, return to your hotel in Sigiriya.

Dinner and overnight stay in Polonnaruwa.

DAY 5: Sigiriya to Kandy via Dambulla & Matale | Temples, Spices & Sacred Relics

After breakfast, depart from Sigiriya and embark on a scenic journey to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual heart, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City.

En route, visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore ancient Buddha statues, vibrant ceiling frescoes, and enjoy breath taking panoramic views from the summit—an essential cultural highlight.

Continue to the Matale Spice Garden for a guided tour through aromatic plantations of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and nutmeg. Discover the island’s historic spice trade and its deep ties to Ayurvedic healing traditions.

Arrive in Kandy by late afternoon and check in to your hotel overlooking serene Kandy Lake.

In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most revered Buddhist shrines worldwide. Cap your day with a captivating traditional Kandyan dance and drumming performance, immersing yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.