Pick up - Yapahuwa - Anuradhapura

Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom - The journey from Katunayake to Yapahuwa covers a distance of 120 km and takes approximately 3 hours. Yapahuwa, an ancient royal fortress in Sri Lanka, dates back to 1272. During King Bhuvenakabahu’s reign, Yapahuwa became the capital of Sri Lanka. This rock fortress complex, which rises about 100 meters from the base level, is surrounded by captivating scenery. Key attractions include the staircase leading to the rock, lion stone sculptures, carvings by the staircase, and stunning views over the fortress. We will spend 1 hour and 30 minutes at this location. (The entrance ticket of 500 LKR per person is not included in our price.)

Anuradhapura - After exploring Yapahuwa, we will travel from Yapahuwa to Anuradhapura, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 75 km. Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, you will check into your hotel and relax. (Hotel price is not included in our package.) Depending on the time and your comfort, sightseeing in the ancient city of Anuradhapura can be done on the evening of Day 1 or the morning of Day 2. A minimum of 3 hours is required for sightseeing in Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura - Sightseeing in the Ancient City of Anuradhapura
Explore the first man-made city and the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka. This area is home to many large tanks, monuments, and ruined buildings. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The land is mostly tropical woodlands and is not densely populated today, but it was once the most populated area. (The entrance ticket cost of 25 USD per person is not included in our package price.)

Sightseeing includes:

• Abhayagiri
• Aukana Buddha statue
• Ashokaramaya
• Sri Maha Bodhiya
• Thuparamaya
• Ruwanveliseya
• Jetavanaramaya
• Samadhi Buddha statue
• Isurumuniya
• Twin ponds
• Half-moon stone
• Stone Bridge

Even a full day of sightseeing in Anuradhapura will leave more to explore. In half a day, you can cover the most important sights. (If you are very interested in history and Anuradhapura’s story, there will be an additional cost of around 20 USD for a location expert guide.)

Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya

Mihintale - It is recommended to start around 8:00 AM from Anuradhapura to Mihintale. The travel distance is around 30 km and takes about 30 minutes.

Mihintale is part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and holds significant importance in Buddhist history. According to Buddhist history, Mihintale is where King Devanampiyatissa met the Buddhist monk Mihidu, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The best times to explore Mihintale are in the morning or during sunset. Key attractions include the magnificent 40ft stupa, ancient Buddhist monastery monuments, 1840 stone step stairways, the alms hall and relic house, the black water pond, and Kantaka Chetiya.

We will spend 3 hours exploring Mihintale. (The entrance ticket cost of 1000 LKR per person is not included in our package price.)

Habarana - From Mihintale to Habarana, the travel distance is around 60 km and takes about 1 hour. Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan rural life with a Habarana village tour. The journey starts with a bullock cart ride along the village road to the lake, followed by a catamaran ride on the lake to admire the surrounding views. After the catamaran ride, you will visit a local farmhouse to experience a traditional cooking demonstration and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch buffet. This activity takes about 1 to 2 hours. (The activity cost of 20 USD per person is not included in our package price.)

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - At 2:00 PM, we will start the walk to Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Sigiriya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. A visit to the Sigiriya Museum before exploring the fortress will enhance your understanding of its history and significance.

This royal kingdom was built by the Sinhalese King Kashyapa in the fifth century. As you climb the 590ft fortress, you will see historical remains, including the Lion Gate and climbing stretch, close-up views of the Lion’s paw, fascinating frescoes, the mirror wall, spiral stairs leading to the frescoes, and the water garden and pool. Stay for the sunset to enjoy breathtaking views from the top. Afterward, proceed to your hotel for an overnight stay. (The entrance ticket cost to Sigiriya Fortress is 30 USD and is not included in our package price.)

Day 2 overnight stay around Sigiriya.

Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa - Proceed to Polonnaruwa, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 60 km. It is recommended to start sightseeing early in the morning (leave Sigiriya around 8:00 AM). Polonnaruwa is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka.

Polonnaruwa was declared a city by King Vijayabahu I in 1070 AD. Key attractions include Gal Viharaya, Kiri Vehera, Medirigiriya, Nissanka Malla’s Palace, Parakramabahu’s Palace, Parakrama Samudraya, Pothgul Vehera, Rankot Vehera, the Royal Palace Complex, Satmahal Prasada, Thuparamaya, and Vatadage.

You will need a minimum of 4 hours for sightseeing in Polonnaruwa. Cycling tours are very popular in Polonnaruwa, and we suggest exploring the city by bicycle. (Cycling rental starts at 5 USD per bicycle, and the entrance ticket cost to the site is 25 USD per person, not included in our package price.)

Minneriya National Park - After Polonnaruwa, proceed to Minneriya National Park for a safari experience. Travel time is 1 hour, covering a distance of 40 km. The safari starts around 3:30 PM. (Entrance ticket and safari jeep cost are not included in the package price.) Return to Sigiriya for your overnight stay in the evening.

Sigiriya - Dambulla - Matale - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple - Proceed to Dambulla from Sigiriya, which takes about 30 minutes and covers a distance of 20 km. The Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. It features 157 colorful statues and Buddhist mural paintings covering an area of 2,100 sqm, depicting the story of Lord Buddha. The caves have been inhabited by Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE. This site is remarkable for exploring living Buddhist ritual practices. The activity takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. (The entrance ticket cost of 5 USD is not included in our package price.)

After visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple, we will proceed to Kandy.

Matale - Matale Spice Cooking Class - On the way to Kandy, we will experience a Sri Lankan cooking class and lunch. After the cooking demonstration, we will explore the Matale spice and herbal garden to learn how Sri Lankan spices are made with natural herbs. This activity takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. (The cost of the cooking class is 25 USD per person, not included in our package price.)

Kandy - We will reach Kandy before 4:00 PM. The journey from Dambulla to Kandy takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 80 km.

The Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. It houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha, which has played an important role in local politics, as it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, partly due to the temple. Key attractions include the Art and Craft Center, Gem Museum, Batik and Silk Center, Kandy Lake, and an evening cultural dancing show, depending on time availability and tourist interest.

After exploring Kandy, we will proceed to Nuwara Eliya. (Entrance and activity ticket fees are not included in our package price.)

The journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya may start in the late evening.

Nuwara Eliya - Horton’s Plain Return - Nuwara Eliya - Train Ride - Ella

Horton Plains National Park - We will start from the hotel at 5:00 AM to reach Horton’s Plain. By 11:00 - 11:30 AM, the area is usually covered in mist, making it difficult to see, so we encourage tourists to start the site visit by 6:00 AM from the gate. A 4-wheel jeep or van will be used for the trip from Nuwara Eliya to the entrance gate. Tourists will need light warm clothing (jacket, hat, and shoes) for the long walk in Horton Plains National Park. The park is the headwaters of the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe rivers in Sri Lanka. Key attractions include the sheer precipice of World’s End and Baker’s Falls. Horton Plains is rich in biodiversity, with many species endemic to the region. (The entrance ticket cost of 15 USD is not included in our package price.)

You will need a minimum of 4 hours for this activity. Afterward, we will proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya - Relax in your hotel for a few hours.

Sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya
Depending on the time and tourist interest, we suggest sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya. Key attractions include Gregory’s Lake Park, the Old Post Office, and Victoria Garden.

Nanu Oya - At 1:30 PM, we will proceed to Nanu Oya railway station. The train departs from Nanu Oya railway station to Ella at 2:30 PM and arrives in Ella at 5:00 PM. You will embark on a scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella.

Relax in Ella in the evening.

Ella to Mirissa

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - At 7:00 AM, we will start an easy walk to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella. The path goes through a beautiful lush green tea plantation. At the end of the easy hike, you will be impressed by the landscape view around Ella to the south side of the country. This activity takes about 2 hours.

After Little Adam’s Peak, we will visit the scenic 9 Arch Bridge in Ella. (The cost of the tuk-tuk ride to the bridge is not included in our package price.)

Ella - Explore how your favorite tea is processed, from plucking the tea leaves to packing. The tea factories still maintain their colonial appearance with attractive surroundings. You will be amazed by the plantation surrounding the factory. This activity takes about 1.5 hours.

Ravana Ella Falls - Ravana Waterfall is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. You can walk over some of the rocks to get a close look, but be cautious of slippery rocks. During the dry season, Ravana Falls is perfect for a refreshing splash.

Mirissa Beach - In the afternoon, we will start the tour from Ella to Mirissa Beach in the southern part of the country. The travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 180 km. We will reach Mirissa in the evening, where you can relax.

Mirissa is best known for seasonal (November to April) whale watching, surfing, seafood restaurants, and its golden sandy beach.

Mirissa - Galle - Mirissa

Mirissa Beach - After breakfast, enjoy leisure time at Mirissa Beach.

Galle Fort - It takes about 1 hour and 30 km to travel from Mirissa to Galle Fort. The Galle Dutch Fort was originally built in 1588 by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch from 1649 to the 17th century. Today, the fort is vibrant with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. Due to its heritage value, UNESCO has listed Galle Fort as a World Heritage site. Key attractions include the Galle Lighthouse, All Saints’ Church, Meeran Mosque, Dutch Reformed Church, Moon Bastion with Clock Tower, Sun Bastion from the west, Triton Bastion, Flagrock Bastion, the main gate to the fort, the old gate to the fort, fascinating boutique shops, and a variety of restaurants.

In the evening, we will return to Mirissa and relax at your hotel.

Mirissa to Departure Flight

Katunayake - In the morning, we will start the tour from Mirissa to Katunayake for your departure flight. The travel time from Mirissa to Katunayake is 3 hours and 40 minutes, covering a distance of 180 km.

We will reach the airport 2 hours before your flight departure, completing your Sri Lanka tour.

If required, we can drop you off at hotels in Colombo, Katunayake, or Negombo instead of Katunayake Airport.

• Private transportation
• English speaking professional chauffeur for 08 days
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Highway ticket charges, Fuel, Taxes, service charges, Vehicle insurance, Expenses of the chauffeur
• Paging & Welcome on arrival to Sri Lanka airport [According to the booking basis]
• All transfers by vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary

• Meals & Hotel accommodation
• Personal Expenses
• Flight ticket or Tourist visa
• Entrance ticket per person Yapahuwa ancient kingdom 500 LKR
• Entrance ticket per person Anuradhapura UNESCO world heritage site 25 USD (With out site guide fee)
• Entrance ticket per person Mihintale Buddhist monastery 1000 LKR (with out site guide fee)
• Activity cost per person Habarana village tour cooking demo with lunch 20 USD
• Entrance ticket per person Sigiriya Lion rock fortress 30 USD (with out site guide fee)
• Entrance ticket per person Polonnaruwa heritage site 25 USD (With out site guide fee)
• Activity cost per person Bicycle rent in Polonnaruwa 5 USD
• Entrance ticket with Jeep per person in Minneriya safari 85 USD
• Entrance ticket per person Dambulla rock cave temple 150 LKR
• Activity cost per person in Matale Cooking class with Lunch 25 USD
• Entrance ticket per person Temple of the tooth relic in Kandy 2000 LKR (without site guide fee)
• Entrance ticket per person Cultural dancing show in Kandy 5 USD
• Entrance ticket per person Horton plain national park 15 USD (without side guide fee)
• Activity ticket cost per person for the Train ride from Nanuoya to Ella is 200 LKR (3rd class)