Ancient stone steps and carved temple ruins at Polonnaruwa
All itineraries12 DAYS · Heritage & wildlife

Sri Lanka Heritage & Wildlife — 12 Days / 11 Nights

Visit Wilpattu, ancient cities and the tea-growing hills, then spend time on the south coast before returning to Colombo.

THE JOURNEY

Your days on the island.

Airport → Negombo → Wilpattu → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Mirissa → Galle → Colombo

Sri Lanka Heritage & Wildlife — 12 Days / 11 Nights
DayDestinationActivitiesOvernight
1Arrival → NegomboMeet your driver at the airport and rest at your hotel. Take an evening beach walk if you feel like going out.Negombo
2Negombo → WilpattuTravel to your lodge near the main entrance to Wilpattu. Keep the afternoon free before tomorrow's safari.Wilpattu area
3Wilpattu National ParkSpend the day on a jeep safari through the forest and past the natural lakes. Return to your lodge in the evening.Wilpattu area
4Wilpattu → Anuradhapura → SigiriyaLeave early to visit selected sites in Anuradhapura, including Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya. Continue to Sigiriya in the afternoon.Sigiriya
5Sigiriya & DambullaClimb Sigiriya early, take a break for lunch and visit Dambulla Cave Temple later in the day.Sigiriya
6Sigiriya → KandyTravel to Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and walk beside the lake. You can also ask about an evening cultural show.Kandy
7Kandy → Nuwara EliyaDrive through the hills, stopping at Ramboda Falls and a tea plantation and factory. Spend the evening near Gregory Lake.Nuwara Eliya
8Nuwara Eliya → EllaTake the train from Nanu Oya to Ella if services and seats are available, or travel by road.Ella
9Explore EllaWalk up Little Adam's Peak, visit Nine Arch Bridge and leave some time for the cafes in Ella.Ella
10Ella → MirissaStop at Ravana Falls on the way to the south coast. Check in and rest by the sea.Mirissa
11Mirissa → Galle → ColomboTake a short beach walk before leaving for Galle Fort. Walk through the streets and along the walls, then continue to Colombo.Colombo
12Colombo & DepartureVisit Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square and Galle Face Green if your flight time allows. Your driver will then take you to Bandaranaike International Airport.—

Planning notes

This route uses a private vehicle and includes a full day in Wilpattu. Day 4 covers a few sites in Anuradhapura, rather than the whole ancient city. Check safari access and train services for your dates. Animal sightings cannot be promised. Leave plenty of time to reach the airport on the last day.

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