๐๏ธDay 1 โ Arrival in Colombo โ Negombo
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
- Transfer to Negombo (20โ30 mins) – The Most Nearby Tourist Attraction to the Airport
- Explore the Dutch Canal, Negombo Beach, and enjoy seafood dinner
Overnight: Negombo
๐๏ธDay 2 โ Travel to Sigiriya
- Drive to Sigiriya (approx. 4 hours)
- En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (optional)
- Check in and relax at a jungle lodge
Overnight: Sigiriya or Habarana
๐๏ธ Day 3 โ Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Tour
- Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress early morning
- Afternoon: Do a village tour in Hiriwadunna (bullock cart ride, lake canoeing, village lunch)
Overnight: Sigiriya
๐๏ธ Day 4 โ Dambulla Caves & Minneriya Safari
- Morning visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
- Afternoon: Minneriya National Park Safari (ideal for elephant sightings)
Overnight: Sigiriya or Habarana
๐๏ธ Day 5 โ Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Visit the UNESCO site of Polonnaruwa
- Explore temples, Buddha statues, and ancient ruins by bicycle
Overnight: Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa
๐๏ธ Day 6 โ Travel to Kandy via Matale
- Stop at Matale Spice Garden and Aluvihara Rock Temple
- Arrive in Kandy
- Evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and cultural dance show
Overnight: Kandy
๐๏ธ Day 7 โ Explore Kandy
- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
- Walk around Kandy Lake and local market
- Optional: Visit Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
Overnight: Kandy
๐๏ธ Day 8 โ Train to Nuwara Eliya
- Scenic drive or train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Train Station is in now – just few kilometers away from Nuwara-eliya)
- Visit tea plantations, Gregory Lake, and Victoria Park ( Nearby Pedro Estate is an option – just two kilometers away from the city)
- Enjoy cool mountain weather
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
๐๏ธ Day 9 โ Train Ride to Ella
- Travel from Nanu Oya to Ella by train โ one of the most scenic routes in the world
- Relax and enjoy views in charming Ella
Overnight: Ella
๐๏ธ Day 10 โ Explore Ella
- Hike Little Adamโs Peak
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge
- Optional: Ravana Falls or Ella Rock hike
Overnight: Ella
๐๏ธ Day 11 โ Transfer to South Coast (Mirissa / Unawatuna)
- Scenic drive through the hills to the south coast (approx. 4โ5 hours)
- Relax at Mirissa or Unawatuna beach
Overnight: Beach resort
๐๏ธ Day 12 โ Galle & Departure
- Visit Galle Fort โ a UNESCO Heritage Site with colonial architecture
- Explore boutiques, ramparts, lighthouse
- Transfer to Colombo or directly to the airport (2โ2.5 hrs)
Overnight / Departure: Colombo or late-night airport transfer
โ Summary
Region | Key Highlights |
---|---|
Negombo | Beach, seafood, Dutch heritage |
Sigiriya/Dambulla | Rock Fortress, caves, village life, safari |
Polonnaruwa | Ancient ruins and history |
Kandy | Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens |
Nuwara Eliya | Tea country, cool climate |
Ella | Hiking, mountain views, iconic train ride |
South Coast | Beaches, Galle Fort, relaxed vibe |
๐ Travel Options
- Private car with driver (most convenient)
- Trains for scenic segments (KandyโNuwara EliyaโElla)
- TukTuks for short city trips