12 Days 11 Nights

Day 1: Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa:

• Description: Explore the ancient city, which served as Sri Lanka’s capital from the 11th to 13th centuries. Known for its well-preserved ruins and historical significance.

Highlights:

• Royal Palace: Explore the remains of the grand royal residence.
• Gal Vihara: Admire the impressive rock-cut Buddha statues.
• Archaeological Museum: View artifacts from Sri Lanka’s ancient history.
• Parakrama Samudra: Enjoy a sunset by this massive ancient reservoir.

Additional Visits:

• Lankatilaka Vihara: Visit this large, ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical importance.
• Rankoth Vehera: Explore this large stupa, one of the most important monuments in Polonnaruwa.

Activities:

1. Check into a luxury hotel and enjoy the amenities.
2. Tour the ancient city, including the Royal Palace, Quadrangle, and Gal Vihara.
3. Visit the Archaeological Museum.
4. Sunset at Parakrama Samudra.
5. Optionally visit Lankatilaka Vihara and Rankoth Vehera.

Day 2: Sigiriya

Sigiriya Rock Fortress:

• Description: Climb the iconic rock fortress, known for its frescoes, the Lion’s Paw entrance, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Highlights:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Explore the ancient ruins and climb to the summit.
• Pidurangala Rock: Offers a challenging hike and alternative panoramic views.

Additional Visits:

• Sigiriya Village Tour: Experience local village life with traditional activities.
• Habarana Lake: Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the lake.

Activities:

1. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the frescoes.
2. Optionally hike Pidurangala Rock.
3. Visit a local village or Habarana Lake.

Day 3: Kandy

Kandy:

• Description: Visit the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, known for its sacred temple and vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Temple of the Tooth Relic: Explore the sacred shrine and its rich history.
• Kandy Lake: Enjoy a serene stroll around the lake.
• Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Explore this expansive garden with diverse plant species.

Additional Visits:

• Kandy View Point: Enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
• Cultural Arts Center: Visit this center for traditional crafts and performances.

Activities:

1. Travel to Kandy.
2. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
3. Stroll around Kandy Lake.
4. Optionally visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and Kandy View Point.
5. Attend a traditional cultural show.

Day 4: Ella

Ella:

• Description: Discover this charming hill town known for its stunning natural beauty and cool climate.

Highlights:

• Ella Rock: Hike to this peak for spectacular views.
• Little Adam’s Peak: Enjoy a relatively easy hike with rewarding views.
• Nine Arch Bridge: Visit this picturesque railway bridge.

Additional Visits:

• Ravana Falls: Explore this beautiful waterfall, located near Ella.
• Ella Spice Garden: Learn about local spices and their cultivation.

Activities:

1. Travel to Ella.
2. Hike to Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak.
3. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge.
4. Optionally visit Ravana Falls and Ella Spice Garden.

Day 5: Yala National Park

Yala National Park:

• Description: Experience one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife parks, known for its leopards and diverse fauna.

Highlights:

• Wildlife Safari: Enjoy a thrilling safari to spot leopards, elephants, and other wildlife.

Additional Visits:

• Ruhuna National Park: Explore additional areas within the Yala complex for more wildlife sightings.

Activities:

1. Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari in Yala National Park.
2. Optionally explore Ruhuna National Park.

Day 6 & 7: Mirissa

Mirissa:

• Description: Relax on the southern coast, known for its beautiful beaches and marine activities.

Highlights:

• Stilt Fishermen: Watch traditional fishing methods on stilts.
• Whale and Dolphin Watching: Take a boat tour to see marine life.
• Water Sports: Enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and diving.
• Coconut Tree Hill: Visit this picturesque spot for stunning sunset views.

Additional Visits:

• Weligama Beach: Relax on this neighboring beach, known for its surf breaks.
• Galle Fort: Explore this historic fort if time permits.

Activities:

1. Visit the stilt fishermen.
2. Take a boat ride for whale and dolphin watching.
3. Enjoy water sports and visit Coconut Tree Hill.
4. Optionally visit Weligama Beach or Galle Fort.

Day 8: Sinharaja Rainforest

Sinharaja Rainforest:

• Description: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage rainforest, rich in biodiversity.

Highlights:

• Jungle Trekking: Discover the unique flora and fauna of this tropical rainforest.
• Biodiversity: Observe rare birds, plants, and wildlife.

Additional Visits:

• Sinharaja Research Center: Learn more about the rainforest’s conservation efforts.

Activities:

1. Enjoy a breakfast inside the jungle.
2. Embark on a jungle trekking adventure.
3. Optionally visit the Sinharaja Research Center.

Day 9: Galle

Galle:

• Description: Visit this historic city on the southwestern coast, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.

Highlights:

• Galle Fort: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Dutch colonial buildings.
• Jungle Beach: Relax on this secluded beach.
• Galle Museum: Learn about the history of Galle and its colonial past.

Additional Visits:

• Unawatuna Beach: Enjoy this popular beach near Galle for relaxation and water activities.
• Japanese Peace Pagoda: Visit this serene pagoda offering panoramic views of Galle and the ocean.

Activities:

1. Relax at Jungle Beach.
2. Explore Galle Fort and visit the Galle Museum.
3. Optionally visit Unawatuna Beach and the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Day 10: Bentota

Bentota:

• Description: Enjoy the coastal charm of Bentota, known for its beautiful beaches and water sports.

Highlights:

• Pristine Beaches: Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the sea.
• Water Sports: Engage in activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and river cruises.

Additional Visits:

• Brief Garden: Explore this garden designed by Bevis Bawa, featuring tropical plants and artistic landscaping.

Activities:

1. Spend the day at the beach.
2. Enjoy water sports and river cruises.
3. Optionally visit the Brief Garden.

Day 11: Colombo

Colombo:

• Description: Experience the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka, blending modern urban life with historical sites.

Highlights:

• Gangaramaya Temple: Visit this eclectic temple with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
• Independence Square: Explore this historic square commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence.
• Galle Face Green: Enjoy a stroll along this popular promenade by the ocean.

Additional Visits:

• National Museum: Discover Sri Lanka’s history and cultural heritage.
• Pettah Market: Explore this bustling market for souvenirs and local goods.

Activities:

1. Travel to Colombo.
2. Visit Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and Galle Face Green.
3. Optionally visit the National Museum and Pettah Market.

Day 12: Departure

Activities:

1. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
2. Depending on your flight schedule, do some final shopping or sightseeing.
3. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.