Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your heritage hotel near the ocean. Spend the evening indulging in a refined high tea service while watching the sunset over the city’s colonial skyline. Overnight stay in Colombo.
Depart Colombo after breakfast and travel north to Anuradhapura. Visit the sacred Bodhi Tree, ancient stupas, and sprawling monastery complexes that form the heart of the island’s earliest kingdom. Learn about Buddhist traditions and witness local rituals before settling into your hotel. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Spend the morning climbing Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where monasteries and shrines are scattered across rocky hills. Return to Anuradhapura to explore lesser-known sites and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Evening at leisure with the option of a cultural discussion led by your guide. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya and check in at a countryside retreat. Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the late afternoon, exploring frescoes, water gardens, and palace ruins. Conclude the day with evening drinks overlooking tranquil paddy fields. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Cycle through the ruins of Polonnaruwa, discovering palaces, temples, and the Gal Vihara statues carved from granite. Pause for a lakeside picnic under shady trees, surrounded by birdsong and views of the ancient reservoir. Return to Sigiriya for a relaxed evening. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples in the morning to admire painted ceilings and statues. Continue the journey south to Kandy, arriving by late afternoon. Attend the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where drums, lamps, and rituals honor the revered relic. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Take a morning walk through Kandy’s colonial quarter, discovering churches, old administrative buildings, and colorful markets. In the afternoon, explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its orchids, palm avenues, and exotic trees. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Board the mid-morning train to Nuwara Eliya, traveling through misty mountains and emerald tea plantations. On arrival, explore the town’s colonial-era churches, rose gardens, and bustling local markets. Check in at a tea country bungalow. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy a day of leisure in the cool highlands, with options such as guided plantation walks, garden tours, or a game of croquet on the lawns of your tea bungalow. Savor highland cuisine and afternoon tea while relaxing in a serene setting. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Drive toward Ella, stopping along the way for viewpoints over rolling valleys. In the late afternoon, take a gentle hike up Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping views of the highlands. Conclude the day with a sunset framed by the mountains. Overnight stay in Ella.
Descend from the hills toward the southern coastline. Stop at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to learn about conservation efforts and witness the release of hatchlings into the sea. Continue to Galle and check in at a boutique hotel. Overnight stay in Galle.
Spend the day exploring Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Dutch churches, colonial mansions, and ramparts overlook the ocean. Visit the Maritime Museum, browse boutique shops, and pause at charming cafés. Evening at leisure within the fort walls. Overnight stay in Galle.
Enjoy a relaxed coastal day with optional activities including a cycling tour through surrounding villages or a Sri Lankan cooking class hosted by locals. Take the afternoon to unwind by the beach or enjoy the fort’s cafés. Overnight stay in Galle.
Transfer back to Colombo for a farewell dinner at a colonial landmark restaurant. Share final reflections on the journey before your departure flight or onward travel. Overnight stay in Colombo or departure from the airport.