11 Days Wonders of Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Code: IT1101

Destinations Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Colombo Airport – Negombo – Kalpitiya

Negombo Fish Market

Watch local fishermen reel in their catch of the day and display fresh seafood across endless platforms. Visit the fish market, also locally known as the ‘Lellama’; in the early hours of the morning if you’re looking to buy your favourite seafood like crabs or prawns and interact with the friendly fisherfolk of Negombo.

The Hamilton Canal

The Hamilton Canal (also known as the Dutch Canal) is a canal connecting Puttalam to Colombo, two of the main cities in Sri Lanka. It was used as a supply route in the times of the Dutch administration. During Dutch rule, the canal was named after Gavin Hamilton, the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce. The canal is still being used. It runs across towns offering a view of houses, old churches and fishing villages.
Visitors can take a tour of the canal through a boat or have a bicycle ride along with it.

Kudawa Beach

Kudawa Beach is one of the best beaches in the kalpitiya area, with calm waters all year round that makes it a perfect location for a quick dip. The beach serves as a hub for numerous water sports from kite surfing to boat rides along the lagoon or the sea. Set sail to the depths of the Indian Ocean on a whale and dolphin-watching excursion; a popular past-time in Kalpitiya. The surroundings are home to a diverse ecosystem from bar reefs and mangrove swamps to salt marshes and thriving waters.

Day 02 :  Kalpitiya – Anuradhapura

Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

The best dolphin and whale watching season in Kalpitiya − Sri Lanka is from Mid October until the end of March! During these months large schools of the playful spinner dolphins are dwelling just three nautical miles out, in front of Kappalady beach. Another 2 miles further out the continental shelf is breaking steeply into the deep ocean. Because of the converging deep currents and the rich sea life, this is the preferred habitat for the blue whale, sperm whale and grey whale – the largest mammals which have ever inhabited our planet.

Dutch Fort Of Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya Fort was built by the Dutch between 1667 and 1676. Kalpitiya was important as it commands the entrance to the adjacent bay, Puttalam Lagoon. The surrounding Puttalam area was one of the major cinnamon cultivation areas in Sri Lanka. The Dutch even constructed a canal from Puttalam via Negombo to Colombo to transport cinnamon from the area.
The fort is nearly square in shape, with walls about 4 m (13 ft) high, constructed out of coral and limestone from the surrounding area. It has a single entrance, which fronts the lagoon, which has a pediment, with a belfry above and looks like the entrance to a church.
The yellow bricks that comprise the entrance arch were reportedly brought specially from Holland. The story is that the King of Kandy had granted permission only to build a church here and that the Dutch had built the arch to mislead the King into believing that this was simply a fortified church.

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

Kalpitiya is heaven for Snorkelling and Scuba diving where you will be mesmerized by the underwater beauty. The well-protected and untouched Bar Reef marine sanctuary, the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka located 3 Km from the shore provides the best opportunity to explore the beautiful rainforest of the sea and colourful marine life unique to tropical ocean waters.

Day 03 :   Anuradhapura – Habarana

Anuradhapura Ancient City

As an ancient capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, Anuradhapura remains one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Here, the crossroads of island history and mystery combine to serve you eight cultural marvels built upon our regal Sri Lankan heritage.
Anuradhapura’s ageless skyline is made up of magnificent dagabas, including the brilliantly white Ruwanwelisaya, the skyscraping Jetavanarama, the verdurous Abhayagiri, the noteworthy Mirisvetiya and Lankaramaya, and finally, Thuparamaya – the oldest dagaba in Sri Lanka, said to shelter the right collarbone of the Lord Buddha. Surrounding these grand symbols of Buddhist veneration are also the well-preserved ruins that earn Anuradhapura the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including sites of hospitals, monasteries, advanced irrigation systems and palaces such as the Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace). Perhaps most significant to the Anuradhapura however, is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at the heart of the ancient kingdom. This sacred Bo Tree was brought to Sri Lanka in 236 BC as a sapling of the tree under which the Lord Buddha gained enlightenment, making it one of the oldest surviving trees in the world.

Minneriya National Park /Kaudulla National Park / Hurulu Eco-Park Safari

Minneriya national park, Kaudulla national park and hurulu eco-park are interconnected national parks. Mostly you will be able to see Elephants. they move around these parks depending on the weather and their needs. The safari jeep driver will take you to the best national park with suggestions from the previous safari jeep drivers who have seen more elephants.

Day 04 :   Habarana – Sigiriya 

Pidurangala Rock

Standing 199 meters tall, Pidurangala Rock has a long history which is widely believed to date back to the second century BC and is where a monastery was built by King Kashyapa. Ancient chronicles state that monks who previously resided at Sigiriya were donated temple by the king before he took to building the marvellous structure atop Sigiriya Rock. The temple consisted of five buildings called ‘Panchavasa’, some of which can still be seen during your visit. Pidurangala Rock is adjacent to Sigiriya Rock and is the best viewing spot of Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Pidurangala is a popular spot for sunrise as you can enjoy 360-degree views of not only the valleys but also Sigiriya Rock.

Sigiriya Village Tour with Lunch

This village tour gives you a memorable experience in a countryside rural village in Sigiriya. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart rides, traditional catamaran rides in a lake, visit Chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstrations in a rural village house and authentic Sri Lankan lunch during this tour.

Elephant Back Riding

Riding on the back of the amazing giant in the wild would be an incredible experience in life. An elephant ride in Sri Lanka will be a great opportunity to be so close to the majestic beast while enjoying the views of nature, wildlife and traditional lifestyles of the people in rural villages in Sri Lanka. Moreover, an elephant ride in Sri Lanka would allow you to observe the surroundings in closer proximity. More than all the facts mentioned above, the most precious experience of this activity is getting to share a day in the life of an elephant. Usually, well-tamed elephants are used for these safaris and certainly, the elephant will be accompanied by the mahout. During an elephant ride in Sri Lanka, the passengers would be safely carried in a wooden saddle, which is a basket-like enclosure fixed upon a wooden platform and placed on the back of the elephant. The saddle would carry four passengers at a time, safely and comfortably.

Herbal Ayurvedic Spa at Sigiriya

Sink into the care of experienced Ayurvedic doctors with a range of carefully curated treatments, designed to give you a holistic wellness experience. Drawing from over multiple millennia of wisdom, the Ayurvedic therapies available in Srilankan hospitality include traditional curative and preventive treatments which focus on rejuvenating various elements of your mind, body, and soul. Treatments like Herbal Oil Massage, mind relaxing treatments, reflexology, Facial with Herbal Steam and body scrub are available and all are done with 100 % natural herbs.

Day 05 :    Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy

Hot Air Ballooning

Just imagine a quiet ride through the sky enjoying breathtaking views. You can feel the wind in the sky and see beautiful landscapes and villages below. Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime by embarking on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. It will be a stunning experience to float over the Kandalama Lake and the ancient cities of Sigiriya and Dambulla experiencing the beauty of the sunrise over the mountains. This experience is seasonal and mostly available from October to March.

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Lion Rock is built in the 5th century and named after the giant Lion that is carved from stone and greets visitors at the entrance, the Sigiriya rock Fortress contains a lot of history. Also known as the ancient city of Sigiriya, the remains of the palace of King Kasyapa can be found on top of this 200 meters high rock. Besides that, a Buddhist Monastery, landscaped gardens, frescoes and water gardens can be seen when visiting the Lion rock. The ancient rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982 and has been declared by UNESCO as the eighth wonder of the world!

Spice Garden Matale

where smells of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses and the visitors are provided with an insight into an age-old industry of spice production, which attracted many European and Asian merchants to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka.

Art & Craft Center Kandy

This is the largest and most exclusive handicrafts showroom in Sri Lanka. We sell antiques, wood carvings, masks, stoneware, Batiks, curios, silverware, brassware, paintings and other traditional Sri Lankan collectables”

Gem Museum

It is an excellent gemmology museum, educating one on the geological history of Sri Lanka. It also houses a shop from where you can buy the gems..they have a selection of Ceylon Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls and other gemstones and jewellery in Sri Lanka.

Batik Factory & Shop

Batik work is the art of using wax on fabric when dyeing in order to avoid dyeing a certain section of the fabric. This method is also known as wax-resist dyeing.
The material usually used is cotton as it captures the dyes without fading much with use. The wax is dripped in a pattern or design using a spouted tool called a canting or printed in a preset design using a copper stamp called a cap. You can visit a batik factory and batik shops to buy batiks.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known as the Glorious Tooth Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy. Also, visit Kandy Lake which is nearby.

Cultural Dancing Show

In the Evening watch the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. That is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance and Cultural Heritage
Starting Time of the Show – 5.30 PM

Day 06 :   Kandy – Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya

Ramboda Waterfalls

Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. … It is situated in Pussellawa area

Tea Plantation & Tea Factory

Nuwara Eliya is the best-known tea-growing district of Sri Lanka with her impressive lush green tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya has quite a large number of tea factories, tea houses and tea fields. Visit a tea factory en route to see how the world`s favourite drink is prepared and walk through a tea garden. During the tour, you will see how tea is dried, pressed and produced. You will get to see the various equipment and a guide will explain how they function. You will also visit a tea tasting chamber with different types of teas. There you will get to know the proper way of brewing tea and the various ways to identify the different types of tea.
Seetha Amman Temple
This temple is the only Hindu Temple which is dedicated to Princess Sita in Sri Lanka. Regarding the Ramayana proof of Sri Lanka, it is believed that the Sita Devi was kept captive at this site by King Ravana.

Lovers Leap Waterfall

This beautiful 30m high Lovers Leap fall in Nuwara Eliya is an incipient of the streams and brooks of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, the Piduruthalagala (2524m). It flows over hard granite ledges and the water is collected in a tank and used for drinking.
In dry spells, the flow is languid The fall is said to derive its name from the tragic tale of a prince, who while hunting in the jungle, lost his way. He was rescued by a beautiful damsel, and the two became inseparable lovers. But the match was not to the liking of the prince’s subjects, so the two decided to immortalise their love by leaping from the top of the fall to their death.

Hakgala Botanical Garden

This is the second-9 garden among the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, The comfortable cool weather that prevails throughout the year compliments the exotic flora and fauna, creating a true paradise. It boasts thousands of flora species. The main sections of the garden are the rock garden, water garden, fern garden, Japanese garden and the seed room. The history of Hakgala Gardens dates back to the time of Ramayanaya; an epic love story of the east. Queen Sita, captured and brought to Sri Lanka, is said to have been hidden in this vicinity and the Hakgala Gardens is said to be one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana called Ashok Vatika.

Gregory Lake

Named after Sir William Gregory in 1873, this is a prominent attraction used for water sports and recreational activities. Lake Park and Boat Rides are available. You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved walkways, with swan-shaped paddle boats for the more adventurous. There are pony rides around the lake for the kids and even adults, with plenty of fast food stalls located in a separate area where one can enjoy a meal or a snack.

Day 07 :  Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains With World’s End

Horton Plains with World’s End

Horton Plains, Sri Lanka’s only national park declared a World Heritage Site, is an eerie highland plateau popular with hikers. A circular trail of 10 km length winds through cloud forests and open grasslands. Major attractions are scenic spots such as Baker’s Falls and the two spectacular panoramic viewpoints called “Big World’s End” and “Litte World’s End”. Horton Plains, situated at an elevation of more than 2000 meters above sea level, is Sri Lanka’s only national park within the hill country and the only one where hiking is permitted without a ranger, though strict rules have to be observed within the national park boundaries.

Pidurutalagala Mountain

Pidurutalagala Mountain in Sri Lanka (literally translating to Straw Plateau Rock), which is also called Mount Pedro in English is the tallest mountain on the island. It is situated in the Central Province, Nuwara Eliya. It is also the only ultra prominent peak on the island, and one of only 1515 ultra prominent peaks around the world. An ultra prominent peak is a mountain that has topographic prominence (height of the peak’s summit above the lowest contour line encircling it up to the highest summit) above 1500 meters. Mount Pedro has prominence and elevation of 2524m (8281 feet) (8292 feet according to the Survey Department

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka.
The church was built to resemble the Canterbury Church of England and is situated in the valley between Sri Lanka’s (Ceylon) highest mountain, Pidurutalagala and the 3rd highest peak, Kikilimana, amongst Pines, Cypress, Rhododendrons and flowering shrubs. The architectural features of Holy Trinity Church are breathtaking. A work of art and a much valued stained glass window, depicting a “Madonna” was placed on the East Wall of the Chapel, to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the church in 1952.

Day 08 : Nuwara Eliya – Ella

Old Post office

Built in the year 1894, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building displays a Tudor-era design, in keeping with the architectural style of many of the other colonial buildings within the town.
Complete with a red brick exterior and a clock tower spiralling out of the corner of the building, the building showcases a glimpse of old-world Ceylon and serves as a major tourist attraction in ‘Little England’.

Strawberry Farm

These fields are a great backdrop for the photographers who are trying to capture the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya. During the strawberry season, visitors can go around the plantation and pick up strawberries on their own. It is also possible to arrange a tractor tour around the premises. Some of these fields also have an attached shop where freshly picked strawberries along with jams, juices, and other strawberry-based products are readily available.

Train Ride From Nanu oya to Ella

Take the train From Nanuoya railway station to Ella. This is the best scenic train ride in Srilanka. This train ride is 2 to 3 hours long and takes you through breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. After you reach Ella station you will be picked up by the driver to Continue the tour.

Day 09 :  Ella – Wellawaya – Yala National Park

Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adams Peak is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada –where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore the mountain was called Little Adams Peak.“Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak, you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.

Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’ was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

Flying Ravana

Flying Ravana is Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella, Sri Lanka. (near Little Adams Peak – Ella’s main attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer (Length 550m), slides at max 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. Flying Ravana is true, Ella in all its glory. This 1-hour Flying Ravana Experience gives you an exclusive adventure enthusiasts experience.

Ravana Waterfall

It is named after the demon king Ravana who according to traditional folklore is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka and currently ranks as one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

Buduruwagala

Buduruwagala is a Rock Temple dating back to the ninth or 10th century. It consists of seven ancient Buddhist figures carved into the face of a large cliff. The largest measures 51 feet high, making it the tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.

The giant Buddha figure is situated at the centre of the cliff face, flanked by three smaller statues on both sides. On the right are depictions of the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the Goddess Tara, and Prince Sudhana; on the left are Maitree Bodhisattva, and Vajrapani Bodhisattva. These are figures from the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism.

Day 10 :  Yala National Park – Tangalle – Mirissa

Yala Morning Safari

Experience the thrill and excitement of a Yala National Park Safari. It is the second-largest wild sanctuary and the most popular wildlife destination in Sri Lanka because of the high chance of encountering and variety of animals. Its diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles.

The Main focuses on elephants, leopards and bears. Current estimates suggest there are around 70 leopards and This means you’re more likely to see a leopard here than anywhere else in the world.
The Jeep Safari will start at 6.00 a.m from the entrance and finish at 10.00 a.m.

Hummanaya Blowhole

Hummanaya Blowhole is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka and it is considered to be the second largest blowhole in the world. Hummanaya refers to the noise, “hoo”, that can be heard a distance away when the blowhole is active. The Hummanaya Blow Hole is a natural wonder that sprays a jet of seawater into the air between two giant rocks; sometimes reaching heights of over 80 – 100 feet. The best time to see this is during high tide, as you can experience the salty spray on your skin as seawater jets towards the sky and falls back on its wide-eyed audience.

Tangalle Beach

Tangalle Beach located in Southern Sri Lanka has much to offer, with its turquoise waters, palm trees and white pristine sand. Tangalle, formerly a fishing village, is now a sensation amongst tourists and locals alike, with many nearby attractions.There are many restaurants, cafes, hotels, and villas out there for visitors.

Coconut Tree Hill

You can walk to Coconut tree hill. That is a dome hill surrounded by scenic palm trees, the Coconut tree hill is a hidden area that has become a popular attraction especially for capturing stunning pictures during the sunset breaking the sky into vibrant colours against the ocean.

Parrot Rock

Parrot Rock is a small secluded rock island that provides the most dazzling views of Mirissa’s entire golden sanded shoreline. The viewpoint at the summit is the quiet getaway you desired, and that is just 5-minutes away from Mirissa’s beloved main beach. Parrot Rock is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by, especially during golden hour, when the sun gently drops below the horizon.
It’s a bit difficult to get to the island since you have to cross water, and the water may be up to your waist depending on the tide and time of day. Either way, you’re going to get soaked. To go to Parrot Rock Mirissa, you must first cross across the sea. Once there, you will find a stairway that will take you to the top, where you will get an amazing view over Mirissa beach and the coconut tree hill to your left.

Snake Farm

A close destination to Mirissa with great interest because this is the only snake farm that can be visited. Telijjawila a close destination from Weligama located an amazing place where kept venomous and non-venomous snakes. Holding a non-venomous snake in your hand is kind of an adventurous experience for you also able to take some photographs that never forget during your lifetime. This place is nice to observe the endemic snake’s behaviour very closely. Holding python and taking some photos are amazing experiences ever can have. There are over 20 snake families kept in this place and grabbing knowledge is the most important thing. The owner of the snake farm releases the snakes in front of you and you can observe them very closely the behaviour but for the venomous snakes follow safety procedures. Cobra, Viper, and Krait find in here can be recorded most poisonous snakes in Sri Lanka.

Day 11 :   Mirissa – Galle – Hikkaduwa – Ambalangoda – Colombo Airport

Whale & Dolphin Watching at Mirissa

Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do in Sri Lanka. Often spotted blue whales are the biggest animals in the world and Mirissa is the best place for whale and dolphin watching tours in Sri Lanka. The whale watching season in Mirissa is from November to April. Although blue whales are the main attraction if you’re lucky you’ll have the chance to see a mix of amazing marine life. You should be at Mirissa harbour 6.00-6.30 am. You will be served breakfast, fruits & water during the tour. If you are using a private boat you can Start the tour anytime in the morning hrs. but the best to start the tour is before 8.00 am.

Galle Fort

The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Srilanka located on the southern coast of the country. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the course of their reign in Srilanka and was later renovated by the Dutch. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites out of many in Srilanka. This is because of its wonderful illustration of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions of the 16th and 19th centuries.

The fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty. You will come across several lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which add to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship. At present, the fort is still home to a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, as some properties inside the fort are still owned by many Dutch people and local Srilankan people as well.

Fifty Lighthouse Street is set within the fort and offers the perfect base for you to explore the charms of Galle. Preserved in its original glory, stroll along the ramparts and admire the imposing structures like the Galle Lighthouse, Galle Clocktower and the Groote Kerk.

Turtle Hatchery in Galle

This is a place where Rehabilitation of injured sea turtles, provides a safe nesting ground. The sea turtle hatchery in Sri Lanka aims at protecting and saving the sea turtles that visit the golden shores of the island.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Hikkaduwa Coral sanctuary is one of the main attractions on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. You can go on a glass bottom boast to witness the beauty of the marine life in and around the corals. The Coral sanctuary has approximately seventy varieties of multi-coloured corals. You will be amazed by the sightings of wonderful & colourful corals and tropical fish of various colours and sizes, a few inches below the surface.

Moonstone Mine Meethiyagoda

Meetiyagoda is a renowned name in the world of moonstone mining and Sri Lanka’s biggest moonstone mine. To reach the moonstone deposits, the miners at Meetiyagoda dig through layers of Earth as deep as 10 to 20 meters. Once they reach the pegmatite layer, shafts and tunnels are dug horizontally to unearth the precious moonstone and bring them to the surface. The deepest tunnels could go as deep as 65 meters and four to six miners work hard at each mineshaft to unearth the precious stones. Sri Lankan moonstones are extremely rare, displaying a milky-white colour tinged with a shade of blue. You can check the process and how it’s done and you have the opportunity to purchase if you are interested

Mask Factory Ambalangoda

Ambalangoda is the centre for making unique Sri Lankan masks. At the mask museum, you can walk through a vibrant collection of these fine pieces of art, each carrying a folklore story of Sri Lankan history and culture. The masks are handcrafted by villagers for whom the skill has been carried down through generations. To the present day, these masks are an important part of Sri Lanka tradition. They are vital in large pageants, processions and ceremonies. They are also featured in dances, drama, and puppet shows.