HOW TO ENJOY A 12-DAY TRIP TO SRI LANKA , 🗓️Day 1 – Arrival in Colombo → Negombo Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport Transfer to Negombo (20–30 mins) – The Most Nearby Tourist Attraction to the Airport Explore the Dutch Canal, Negombo Beach, and enjoy seafood dinner Overnight: Negombo 🗓️Day 2 – 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 🗓️ Day 3 – 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 🗓️ Day 4 – Dambulla Caves & Minneriya Safari Morning visit to Dambulla Cave Temple Afternoon: Minneriya National Park Safari (ideal for elephant sightings) Overnight: Sigiriya or Habarana 🗓️ Day 5 – Ancient City of Polonnaruwa Visit the UNESCO site of Polonnaruwa Explore temples, Buddha statues, and ancient ruins by bicycle Overnight: Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa 🗓️ Day 6 – 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 🗓️ Day 7 – Explore Kandy Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens Walk around Kandy Lake and local market Optional: Visit Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue Overnight: Kandy 🗓️ Day 8 – 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 🗓️ Day 9 – Train Ride to Ella Travel from Nanu Oya to Ella by train — one of the most scenic routes in the world Relax and enjoy views in charming Ella Overnight: Ella 🗓️ Day 10 – Explore Ella Hike Little Adam’s Peak Visit Nine Arches Bridge Optional: Ravana Falls or Ella Rock hike Overnight: Ella 🗓️ Day 11 – Transfer to South Coast (Mirissa / Unawatuna) Scenic drive through the hills to the south coast (approx. 4–5 hours) Relax at Mirissa or Unawatuna beach Overnight: Beach resort 🗓️ Day 12 – Galle & Departure Visit Galle Fort – a UNESCO Heritage Site with colonial architecture Explore boutiques, ramparts, lighthouse Transfer to Colombo or directly to the airport (2–2.5 hrs) Overnight / Departure: Colombo or late-night airport transfer ✅ Summary RegionKey HighlightsNegomboBeach, seafood, Dutch heritageSigiriya/DambullaRock Fortress, caves, village life, safariPolonnaruwaAncient ruins and historyKandyTemple of the Tooth, botanical gardensNuwara EliyaTea country, cool climateEllaHiking, mountain views, iconic train rideSouth CoastBeaches, Galle Fort, relaxed vibe 🚗 Travel Options Private car with driver (most convenient) Trains for scenic segments (Kandy–Nuwara Eliya–Ella) TukTuks for short city trips Tourism and Hospitality sceniclocationsinsrilankaSriLankasrilankatravelplantouristattractionsinsrilankaTravelvisitsrilanka