A Journey Through the Island's Wonders

The Sri Lanka Highlights Tour is typically a 10-14 day journey designed to showcase the most iconic and breathtaking sights of the island. This well-rounded itinerary includes a mix of historical landmarks, wildlife experiences, hill country landscapes, and idyllic beaches. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Day 1-2: Arrival in Colombo

• Highlights:
  • Colombo City Tour
  • Gangaramaya Temple
  • Galle Face Green

Begin your Sri Lankan adventure in Colombo, the vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, explore the colonial architecture, bustling markets, and key landmarks such as the Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square. You can also visit the National Museum to get an insight into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural history. Wrap up your day with a sunset stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular beachside promenade.

Day 3-4: Sigiriya and Dambulla

• Highlights:
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Minneriya National Park (optional safari)

On Day 3, travel north to the Cultural Triangle and visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks. Climb the ancient rock for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and admire the well-preserved frescoes. Later, explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, an ancient Buddhist site with stunning rock paintings and statues. In the evening, consider a safari at Minneriya National Park to witness the famous “Gathering” of wild elephants.

Day 5: Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura

• Highlights:
  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City or Anuradhapura Sacred City (both UNESCO sites)

Choose between exploring the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura, two of Sri Lanka's most important archaeological sites. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offer incredible insights into the island's early civilizations. Polonnaruwa features well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and sculptures, while Anuradhapura is known for its sacred stupas and ancient monastic sites.

Day 6-7: Kandy

• Highlights:
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Kandy Lake

On Day 6, head to Kandy, a cultural and spiritual hub nestled in the hills. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temple, believed to house a tooth of the Buddha. Take a relaxing walk around Kandy Lake, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, and immerse yourself in a traditional cultural dance performance in the evening.

Day 8-9: Nuwara Eliya and Tea Country

• Highlights:
  • Nuwara Eliya Town
  • Tea Plantation and Factory Visit
  • Horton Plains National Park (optional)

From Kandy, journey to the cool, misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England" due to its colonial architecture and temperate climate. On your way, stop at a tea plantation and factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea. In Nuwara Eliya, you can also visit Lake Gregory and Victoria Park. For nature lovers, an optional excursion to Horton Plains National Park offers opportunities for hiking and visiting the breathtaking World's End viewpoint.

Day 10: Ella

• Highlights:
  • Scenic Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Nine Arch Bridge
  • Little Adam’s Peak

One of the highlights of the trip is the scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, often regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Upon arriving in Ella, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, a stunning colonial-era viaduct, and hike up to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Day 11: Yala National Park

• Highlights:
  • Safari at Yala National Park

On Day 11, travel to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve. Embark on a thrilling jeep safari where you can spot a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and many bird species. Yala is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Day 12-13: Galle and Bentota

• Highlights:
  • Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Bentota Beach

Continue your journey along the southern coast to the historic city of Galle. Explore the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Dutch colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops. Then, head to the nearby beaches of Bentota for some relaxation by the ocean. Bentota is a popular destination for water sports like jet skiing, snorkeling, and diving, making it perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Day 14: Departure

After a relaxing beach stay, you can make your way back to Colombo for your departure or extend your stay on the coast to enjoy more of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches.

Additional Experiences

• Whale Watching in Mirissa: If you’re visiting during whale watching season (November to April), consider adding a day trip to Mirissa, where you can spot blue whales, dolphins, and sperm whales.
• Spiritual Retreats in the Hill Country: For those interested in mindfulness and wellness, Sri Lanka offers a variety of yoga and meditation retreats in the tranquil hill regions like Kandy and Ella.

Best Time to Visit

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, so the best time to visit depends on the region you are exploring:

• West & South Coasts + Hill Country: December to March
• East Coast: April to September

The Sri Lanka Highlights Tour can be enjoyed year-round with some adjustments to avoid heavy rains.

Who This Tour is For

• First-Time Visitors: This tour covers all the essential sights and experiences of Sri Lanka.
• Culture and History Enthusiasts: The itinerary includes ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and traditional performances.
• Nature Lovers and Wildlife Enthusiasts: Safari adventures, scenic train rides, and hikes offer incredible encounters with Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
• Beach Lovers: With stops at some of the island's best beaches, this tour provides ample opportunities for relaxation.

Customizing the Tour

This tour can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as adding extra days for relaxation, luxury accommodation upgrades, or specific activities like diving or cultural workshops. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the Sri Lanka Highlights Tour is an ideal way to experience the beauty, culture, and diversity of this magical island.