Sri Lanka 21-day Tour

21
days
20
nights
Wide Sri Lankan tourism photo

Spanning three weeks, this odyssey unveils Sri Lanka’s soul: from the royal ruins of Anuradhapura and the mystical rock of Sigiriya to mist-clad tea highlands and the wild and wholesome heart of Yala. Prehistoric temples, serene rail journeys, rainforest hikes, and golden beaches knit together an endless pattern of it all.

Day 1
Colombo Arrival and leisure

Arrive at Colombo International Airport, followed by an optional city walk or seaside exploration. Overnight stay in Colombo

Day 2
Negombo and beach

Transfer to Negombo. Explore fish market, Dutch Fort, St. Mary’s Church, Angurukaramulla Temple, Negombo Lagoon, and beach. Overnight in Negombo.

Day 3
Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Aukana

Travel to Anuradhapura with stops at Mihintale sacred site and Aukana Buddha Statue. Visit temples and ancient monuments. Overnight in Anuradhapura.

Day 4
Anuradhapura Historical City Tour

Hop-on tour covering Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiri, Jethavanaramaya, Mirisavetiya, Lovamahapaya, Lankaramaya, and the sacred Bo tree. Overnight in Anuradhapura.

Day 5
Habarana and optional safari

Transfer to Habarana. Optional Sigiriya village tour or Minneriya National Park safari. Overnight in Habarana/Sigiriya.

Day 6
Polonnaruwa and village cooking

Explore Polonnaruwa including Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, Thuparama, Lankathilaka, Vatadage, and Rankoth Vehera. Participate in the Sigiriya village tour and the local cooking class. Overnight in Sigiriya/Habarana.

Day 7
Sigiriya and Dambulla

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Visit Dambulla Golden Temple. Overnight in Sigiriya/Habarana.

Day 8
Kandy and spice gardens

Transfer to Kandy. Visit Muttumari Amman Temple and spice/herbal gardens. Kandy city tour including Temple of the Tooth and Kandyan cultural show. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 9
Kandy exploration and forest trek

Explore Kandy Lake, markets, Royal Palace, Arts and Crafts Centre. Leisure hike in Udawattekele Sanctuary or an optional rainforest trek. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 10
Nuwara Eliya via Hill Train

Exquisite train ride through the hill country. City walk and visit to a local tea factory. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 11
Horton Plains and tea plantations

Trek Horton Plains National Park, including World’s End and Baker’s Falls. Visit tea plantations and the factory. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 12
Ella exploration

Drive to Ella with a stop at Sita Temple. Visit Nine Arch Bridge and Mini Adam’s Peak. Overnight in Ella.

Day 13
Yala and Buduruwagala Temple

Travel to Yala with a stop at Buduruwagala Temple. Unwind at the hotel. Overnight in Yala.

Day 14
Yala Safari

Full-day safari in Yala National Park to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and birds. Overnight in Yala.

Days 15 to 20
Southwest Coast and Galle

Stop at Galle Fort. Enjoy a 5-day beach holiday with sun, sand, snorkelling, whale-watching, and relaxation at resorts in Bentota, Mirissa, or Unawatuna. Overnight in a beach resort.

Summary

This 21-day tour offers an immersive and irenic journey through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, hills of history, and thriving culture. Beginning in Colombo and Negombo, travellers experience the bustling city life, coastal grace, and colonial heritage before venturing into the country’s ancient capitals, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, to explore centuries-old temples, stupas, and palaces.

Highlights include the sacred Mihintale and Aukana Buddha statues, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the Dambulla Golden Temple, providing a deep insight into Sri Lanka’s spiritual and architectural legacy.

The tour then takes you through the wondrous hill country, with a memorable train ride to Nuwara Eliya, tea plantation visits, and hikes at Horton Plains National Park and Mini Adam’s Peak, offering panoramic views and nature encounters. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in a full-day safari at Yala National Park and visits to Buduruwagala Temple, witnessing elephants, leopards, and other native species in their natural habitats.

Finally, the itinerary concludes with a relaxing 5-day stay along the southwest coast, combining golden beaches, whale watching, water sports, and the historic gift of Galle Fort. With an assortment of cultural exploration, adventure, nature, and leisure, this tour is perfect for travellers seeking a comprehensive experience of Sri Lanka, appealing to couples, families, and solo adventurers alike.

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