Explore the Mythical Ceylon - Sri Lanka in 12 Days
Explore the Mythical Ceylon – A perfect balance mixing culture, nature, adventure and alternative visits that will make you leave this country thinking that it was worth traveling to the mythical Ceylon.
🏛️Ancient Capitals
🚂Tea Mountains Train
🐘Multiple Safaris
💆Ayurvedic Massage
Journey Overview
This program offers a lively combination of activities and moments of relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty and unique charms of this small and wonderful country. It perfectly balances culture, nature, adventure, and alternative experiences for a truly memorable journey.
Daily Itinerary
Day 01. Arrival → Kurunegala → Anuradhapura
Description & Accomadation
Transfer time: 3.5 hours
Welcome to Bandaranaike International Airport! Upon your arrival, your driver-guide will be there to escort you to your hotel in Anuradhapura. The first stop will be in the town of Kurunegala, where you can stroll around the lake and enjoy an ice cream or a soft drink, just like Sri Lankan families do. Afterward, check in at your hotel for an afternoon rest and break to prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 02. Anuradhapura Ancient City → Mihintale
Description & Accomadation
Duration to Mihintale: 30 min
We will begin this exciting route with a visit to Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of the country dating from the (4th century BC to the 10th century AD). Alongside exploring ancient temples and stupas, we will witness how Sri Lankans visit and venerate this sacred site, including making offerings to the oldest tree in the world—the Bo tree. Afterwards, we will visit Mihintale, known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where according to ancient chronicles, Buddhism first entered the island in 237 BC.
Day 03. Aukana Buddha → Sigiriya Rock
Description & Accomadation
Anura – Aukana: 1.15 hrs; Aukana – Sigiriya: 1.15 hrs
Discover the 14-meter high Aukana Buddha, intricately carved directly into the rock in the (5th century). Then, venture to the iconic Sigiriya Rock, dating back to the (5th century AD), and considered one of the eight wonders of the ancient world. Be sure not to miss the palace ruins at the summit and the fascinating 360-degree panoramic views!
Day 04. Dambulla Golden Temple → Optional Ayurvedic Massage
Description & Accomadation
Sigiriya – Dambulla: 30 min each way
Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which dates back to the (1st century BC) and flourished in the (12th century). This temple remains an active place of worship, observe Sri Lankan Buddhists making offerings like flowers, fragrant incense, and oil lamps. You can also choose to experience an Ayurvedic massage, a tradition over 2,000 years old that uses oils derived from medicinal plants.
Day 05. Polonnaruwa → Minneriya Safari
Description & Accomadation
Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa: 1.15h; Polonnaruwa – Minneriya: 1h
Explore the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, dating from the (10th to 13th centuries AD). Marvel at the giant sculptures of Buddhas and kings towering up to 15 meters high, stroll around ancient ponds, and explore the remnants of the royal palace. Keep an eye out for playful macaques frolicking among the ruins. Later, enjoy an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its massive herds of elephants, it’s truly a sight that leaves everyone amazed!
Day 06. Spice Garden → Udawatakale Reserve - Kandy
Description & Accomadation
Sigiriya – Kandy: 2.5 hours
Discover the secrets of a Spice Garden—explore the plants that produce various spices and learn how they’re used in cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. Then, transfer to Kandy, the mountainous capital. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Udawattakele Reserve right in the heart of Kandy, where towering trees and lush tropical vegetation never fail to impress visitors.
Day 07. Peradeniya Gardens → Temple of the Tooth - Kandy City
Description & Accomadation
Kandy – Peradeniya: 20 minutes
Take a relaxing visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a lush green space filled with ancient trees and incredible plants—it’s a favorite spot for Sri Lankans to spend Sundays with their loved ones. Then, head to Sri Dalada Maligawa, the (Temple of the Tooth), where the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth is kept. Witness Sri Lankan Buddhists offering flowers and prayers in devotion. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the city, stroll around the lake, and browse the lively food market.
Day 08. Tea Country Train Journey to Ella
Description & Accomadation
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya: 2.5 hours + train
Travel through vast tea plantations on your way to Nuwara Eliya, perched at 2,000 meters.Take a stop at the beautiful Ramboda waterfalls and visit a tea factory to uncover the secrets behind famous Ceylon tea production. Explore Nuwara Eliya, often called “little England” by the British, with its charming old buildings like the Golf Club and Hill Club. Then, embark on the legendary train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella—over three hours of winding tracks through tea-covered hills, aboard trains from 1864 that are still in perfect working order.
Day 09. Little Adam's Peak → Yala Safari
Description & Accomadation
Ella – Yala: 2 hours
Climb Little Adam’s Peak—an easy 30-minute hike through tea fields—to enjoy the vast mountain views. Then visit Yala National Park, which is home to the largest concentration of leopards in the world, as they have no natural predators there. You can also see many elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, black bears, and much more wildlife.
Day 10. Dondra Lighthouse → Matara Temple - Coast
Description & Accomadation
Tissa – Ahangama: 2 hrs
Visit the Dondra Lighthouse, built by the British using materials brought all the way from England and Scotland. Construction started in 1887 and took three years to complete. Then stop at Matara Temple (Paraviduwa), a unique temple situated on an islet connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge.
Day 11. Koggala Lake → Galle Fort
Description & Accomadation
Various short transfers around Galle area
Take a relaxing boat trip on Koggala Lake, with the soothing sounds of birds around you. Visit an island that features a Buddhist temple and a cinnamon farm. Then, explore Galle Fort—a stunning walled fort by the sea, known as the best-preserved colonial historical center in Sri Lanka and the most beautiful city in the country. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy.
Day 12. Colombo City Tour → Airport Departure
Description & Accomadation
Ahangama – Colombo: 2h 15min; Colombo – Airport: 45min
You’ll head over to Colombo for a visit to Gangaramaya Temple, one of the city’s most important temples. It’s located on the edge of Beira Lake and showcases a blend of architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, and India. Then, you can visit the Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar), a key mosque and a well-known landmark in Colombo. In the afternoon, a stroll along the Galle Face promenade is perfect, where both kids and adults enjoy flying kites by the sea. When the time comes. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport. Please ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before your flight departure to allow for a smooth check-in and security process. As you bid farewell to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, may the memories of this remarkable journey stay with you always and we wish you a safe journey!
Complete Package
$1840
From $1840 per person (group of 4)
From $2130 per person (group of 2)
- 3/4* Hotels with half board (dinner & breakfast)
- ALL entrance fees included
- All safaris and jeep tours
- Private transportation throughout
- Professional driver-guide
- Airport transfers included
- Gasoline, insurance & taxes
- Scenic train journey
International flights, lunches, drinks, tips, and visa fees not included
