#28 Sri Lanka Chronicles Kingdoms, Coasts & Sacred Trails - 12 Nights 13 Days

This title captures the essence of the journey—exploring ancient civilizations, serene coastal escapes, and spiritually significant sites—all woven into an unforgettable adventure across the island. Let me know if you'd like variations with a more poetic, luxurious, or adventure-focused tone.

Tour Highlight

Sri Lanka offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. Starting on the west coast, Negombo is a charming beach town near the main international airport, known for its colonial history and bustling fish markets. Heading inland, Yapahuwa features an ancient rock fortress with a majestic staircase, once a royal stronghold. Not far away, Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan civilization with its massive stupas and sacred Bodhi tree. Close by, Mihintale is revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with serene monastic ruins atop a sacred hill. Deep in the forest, Ritigala offers a peaceful retreat with its enigmatic monastery ruins and lush greenery. Dominating the central plains, Sigiriya stands as an awe-inspiring rock fortress with royal gardens and frescoes, while nearby Habarana serves as a convenient base for safaris and exploring the cultural triangle. To the east, Polonnaruwa impresses with its well-preserved medieval ruins, including palaces and stone-carved Buddha statues. Along the east coast, Passikudah boasts calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and water sports, whereas Arugam Bay is famed worldwide for surfing and its laid-back vibe. In the hill country, Ella enchants visitors with its cool climate, tea plantations, and hiking trails like Little Adam’s Peak. Down south, Udawalawa is a haven for wildlife lovers, with its national park home to large herds of elephants. On the southern coast, Galle blends colonial charm and coastal beauty within its historic fort, and finally, Hikkaduwa offers a vibrant beach scene with coral reefs, water sports, and nightlife, rounding off a diverse journey through the island’s wonders.

Day 1 – Colombo Airport - Arrival - Negombo.

Approximate travel time 0.5 hrs. Distance 20 kms.

* Meet and greet at the Colombo airport (BIA) and transfer to Negombo.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Negombo.  

Day 2 – Negombo – Yapahuwa - Anuradhapura

Approximate travel time 4.00 hr. Distance 200 kms.

* After breakfast leave hotel in Negombo.

* Visit the ancient kingdom of Yapahuwa.

* Visit ancient city of Anuradhapura.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Anuradhapura.

Day 3 – Anuradhapura – Mihinthale – Ritigala – Sigiriya.

Approximate travel time 1.5 hrs. Distance 70 kms.

* After breakfast at the hotel visit Mihintale.

* Visit Ritigala archeological site.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 4 – Sigiriya – Habarana – Sigiriya.

Approximate travel time 0.5 hrs. Distance 20 kms.

* After breakfast at the hotel climb the Sigiriya rock fortress.

* Village lunch.

* Afternoon safari in Habarana.

*Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 5 – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Passikudah.

Approximate travel time 2.00 hrs. Distance 125 kms.

* After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa for site seeing.

* On completion drive to Passikudah.

* Check in to the hotel and relax by the beach.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Passikudah.

Day 6 – Passikudah.

Approximate travel time 0.00 hrs. Distance 0 kms.
* Full day to relax by the beach.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Passikudah.

Day 7 – Passikudah – Arugam Bay.

Approximate travel time 3.00 hrs. Distance 150 kms.

* After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Arugam bay.

* Free to do any activity at the beach.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Arugam Bay.

Day 8 – Arugam Bay.

Approximate travel time 0.00 hrs. Distance 0 kms.

* Free to do any activity at the beach.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Arugam Bay.

Day 9 – Arugam Bay – Ella.

Approximate travel time 2.5 hrs. Distance 130 kms.

* Leave Arugam Bay for Ella.

* Upon reaching Ella, visit 9 arch bridge, Little Adam’s peak

* Overnight stay at hotel in Ella.

Day 10 – Ella – Uda Walawa.

Approximate travel time 2.00 hrs. Distance 90 kms.

* Leave Ella for Uda Walawa.

* On route visit Ravana fall.

* Upon reaching Uda Walawa visit Ath Athuru sevana (Elephant Orphanage)

* After safari Uda Walawa national park.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Uda Walawa.

Day 11 – Uda Walawa - Hikkaduwa.

Approximate travel time 3.00 hrs. Distance 150 kms.

* Leave Uda Walawa for Hikkaduwa.

* Check in to the hotel and relax by the beach.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Hikkaduwa.

Day 12 – Hikkaduwa – Galle - Hikkaduwa

Approximate travel time 0.5 hrs. Distance 20 kms.

* Visit to Galle Dutch fort and the naval museum.

* Overnight stay at hotel in Hikkaduwa.

Day 13 – Hikkaduwa

Approximate travel time 0.00 hrs. Distance 0 kms.

* Day to relax by the beach. 

* Overnight stay at hotel in Hikkaduwa.

Day 14 – Hikkaduwa – Colombo Airport (BIA) – Departure.

Approximate travel time 2.5 hrs. Distance 150 kms.
* Leave Hikkaduwa depending on your flight time and to reach airport before 3.00 hrs. of your flight.

* Drop you off and end of the tour. 

CLICK A MAP MARKER TO REVEAL DETAILS FOR EACH STOP ON THE ITINERARY.