Planned by Oshadhi,
local expert for Sri Lanka, Maldives
5/5
Starting at USD 3500 per adult / 14 days
International flights not included. Price details
Modify this itinerary
expand map

Sri Lanka offers the perfect holiday package. Visit gilded Buddhist temples and palaces in Kandy, explore ancient ruins and forts, appreciate ancient art and architecture in Polonnaruwa. Go trekking, on safari and to tea plantations. Then let it all hang loose on glorious Indian Ocean beaches.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Oshadhi today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Anuradhapura 2 nights
Trincomalee 2 nights
Passikudah 2 nights
Sigiriya 1 night
Knuckles Mountain Range 3 nights
Kandy 1 night
Nuwara Eliya 1 night
Colombo 1 night

Detailed Itinerary

Start in Colombo

DAY 1-3

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Travel guide

DAY 1

Arrival and Anuradhapura sightseeing

You will be picked up from the airport by our representative before proceeding to Anuradhapura.This city is renowned for the multiplicity of religious and archaeological sites that offers a plethora of sightseeing opportunities, ranging from the striking ancient stupas (a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics) made out of small sun-dried bricks to ruins of ancient temples, sculptures and the sacred Bo tree site (Peepal tree). There are also several ancient man-made tanks that furnish the city’s landscape.

read more

DAY 2

Mihintale Rock and Buddhism in Sri Lanka

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Mihintale.Visit the Mihintale Rock, which is an important religious site for Buddhists as it is considered to be the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. The great stairway leading up to the rock is very picturesque, and is bordered by queues of frangipani trees and their blossoms adorn the path.Return to Anuradhapura. Take a tour around this ancient city, which dates back to the 4th century. Visit the Isurumuniya, Sri Mahabodhiya and Ruwanwelisaya, which are highlights of the city.Overnight stay in a Deluxe Room at the Forest Rock Garden Hotel in Anuradhapura.

read more

DAY 3-5

Trincomalee

DAY 3

Trincomalee Coast

This heavenly coastal getaway of unspoilt white, sandy beaches and crystal blue waters is located in the Northeast portion of the island. After arriving, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach.

read more
Accommodation: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

DAY 4

Pigeon Island Snorkelling

The early morning sunrise over the Indian Ocean is a sight that certainly should not be missed during your stay in Trincomalee.Set off to Pigeon Island after breakfast, where you will snorkel in clear blue waters or to relax on white sandy beaches.The flocks of beautiful blue rock pigeons that reside on the island are responsible for its name. The island is also home to some of the best remaining coral reefs in the country. A majority of coral species and reef fishes recorded in Sri Lanka can be spotted around the Pigeon Island during a snorkelling session. The visitors will also be able to spot the Hawksbill turtle, Green turtle and the Olive Ridley sea turtle that all swim amongst the vibrant marine vegetation.After you return from Pigeon Island, have lunch at a restaurant in Trincomalee (payable directly) and visit Trincomalee’s most culturally important site,Koneswaram temple, which is a vibrant, religious complex located atop a rocky hill that opens out to provide gorgeous vistas of the sparkling blue ocean. The temple complex is also home to the Lover’s Leap (Swami rock) - a rocky pinnacle worshipped by passing fishermen.

read more
Accommodation: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

DAY 5-7

Passikudah

DAY 5

Passikudah Beach

Passikudah is a pristine beach stretch located along the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka that offers its travellers a refreshing beach holiday.The unspoilt beauty of the paradisiacal coasts of Passikudah - the white, sandy beaches and the calm, turquoise waters are unrivalled. Since its coastlines are shallow and the currents are comparatively weak, it is considered one of the most perfect and safest spots for sea baths. The best time to visit the east coast is between May and October.Arrive in Passikudah and check-in to your hotel.In the evening take a relaxing stroll on the beach.

read more
Accommodation: Uga Bay

DAY 6

Snorkelling at Passikudah Beach

The early morning offers the ideal conditions for snorkelling as the sea is calm and you can see the colourful underwater fauna and flora without any disturbance.So we might suggest a snorkelling session this morning (payable directly).Return to the hotel to enjoy a delicious breakfast.The rest of the day is at leisure to do as you please.

read more
Accommodation: Uga Bay

DAY 7-8

Sigiriya

Sigiriya Travel guide

DAY 7

Polonnaruwa

First stop is Polonnaruwa. It was the second medieval capital of Sri Lanka (11th - 13th century) and it enthrals its visitors with a timeless reflection of the country’s glorious history.The quaint landscapes studded with sites of archaeological importance are all well-preserved and lie on the east shore of the ancient man-made lake, Parakrama Samudraya (literal translation – sea of Parakrama). The ruins stand witness to the greatness of the rulers of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.In the evening take a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park which shelters some of the greatest wildlife treasures of this paradise isle.The park, nourished by an ancient man-made tank provides shelter for troupes of toque monkeys, sambar deer as well as leopards, elephants and bird-flocks including little cormorants and painted storks to name a few.The best time to visit the park is during June – September as the low water levels of the tank exposes grass in the tank-bed, which attracts herds of grazing animals.

read more
Accommodation: Vil Uyana Hotel

DAY 8

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Tour

Have breakfast at your hotel before we set off to climb the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress this morning.This ancient rock fortress from the 5th century gives an amazing view of the Cultural Triangle. The marvellous rock fortress of Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode.Lunch at a restaurant in Sigiriya (payable directly) and set off to Madulkelle.En route take a stop at Dambulla to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. It lies atop a massive hill on the edge of the town and is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in the country and is renowned for its unique mural paintings and sculptures.We will then resume the journey and arrive in Madulkelle and check-in to your hotel.

read more

DAY 8-11

Knuckles Mountain Range

DAY 9

Mountain Trek from Hettiyawanguwa

Breakfast at the hotel.Travel from Kobonilla – Loolwatta - Corbet’s gap- Hettiya Wanguwa (13km) by motor vehicle. Then trek from Hettiyawanguwa to Kumbukgolla (4km) Na-ela (3km) ,Nitre cave (1km steep climb)It will be an adventurous mountain trek with panoramic views of rocky hills, traditional villages, dense semi evergreen forest, rock formations, wild flowers, bird life and butterflies.The Nitre is a 10m high and 15m wide cave where potassium nitrate was mined to be used as gunpowder during the colonial times.Return to your hotel in the evening.

read more

DAY 10

Knuckles Mountain Range

Breakfast will be served at your hotel.Take the time to explore your surroundings at leisure.Overnight at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge.

read more

DAY 11-12

Kandy

Kandy Travel guide

DAY 11

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha

Arrive in the Hill country capital Kandy, which is the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Pay a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.Wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy exploring this wonderful city and its markets.For those interested in shopping for gems, antiques, clothes and leather use our shopping guide and explore the local markets and shops.If you are interested in great architecture, we recommend you visit the Trinity College Chapel; a Kandyan pavilion that is open on three sides featuring murals painted by renowned Ceylon artist David Paynter. It is the only church (built circa 1800) with no walls).In the late evening witness a cultural show which will highlight different forms of Kandy dancing and drumming.

read more
Accommodation: Cinnamon Citadel Hotel

DAY 12-13

Nuwara Eliya

DAY 12

Train Journey through Tea Country

Train journeys in Sri Lanka are an absolute must.Take the most magical train journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country with prime seats in the observation carriage. A fabulous way to see Sri Lanka’s hill villages and see the daily lives of the local people.Nuwara Eliya is a land of tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, stirring mountains and clear hill-country air. Here, the temperature is similar to a beautiful English summer’s day.Overnight at Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) in Nuwara Eliya.

read more
Accommodation: Grand Hotel

DAY 13-14

Colombo

Colombo Travel guide

DAY 13

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

Once you arrive in Colombo take a city tour and we suggest starting from Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and Simamalaka Shrine designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect Geoffrey Bawa.Your city tour will include:- Old Parliament House- Oldest Hindu Kovil in Colombo - Sri Kailawasanthan Swami Devasthanam- Town Hall and Independence Square

read more
Accommodation: Cinnamon Grand

DAY 14

Depart from Colombo

Breakfast at the hotel, then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight. 

read more

Why travel with Insight Guides?

100% TAILOR-MADE

We design your trip around you. Our local experts are ready to modify trip itineraries to suit your preferences.

LOCAL EXPERTS

We combine over 45 years in the travel industry with the expertise of on-the-ground operators to bring you unique, authentic holidays.

FULLY PROTECTED

The Insight Guides’ money-back guarantee means your payment is protected right up until your holiday begins. Find out more.

BOOK SECURELY

All payments are processed through our secure platform. We respect your privacy and protect your data. See our FAQ and Privacy Policy online now.

Add it to your
bucket list:
Save for later
BESbswy