16 Days Explore Sri lanka Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Code: IT1601

Destinations Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Colombo Airport – Anuradhapura

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.

Day 04 :  Trincomalee – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday. The archaeological park will be a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip. Due to its archaeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority, UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa a World Heritage in 1982 under the name of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.

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.

Day 05 : Sigiriya – Wild Life Safari

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.

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.

Day 07 :  Kandy – Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya

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 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.

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.

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.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a public park located in Nuwara Eliya, next to the Nuwara Eliya Post Office in Sri Lanka. Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden. The park was formally named in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The park was established with the planting of its first tree, an Oak, by a visiting German Princess. The Nanu Oya River runs through the park, creating several small lakes. Many rare bird species can be found in the park. At the far end of the park are a small children’s playground and miniature ridable railway.

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.

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.

Day 08 :  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

Day 09 :   Nuwara Eliya – Ella 

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.

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.

Day 10 :  Ella – Wellawaya – Yala National Park

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.

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.

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 Srilanka

Ravana Cave

The Ravana Ella Cave lies 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind the Ravana waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave

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 11 :   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.

Stilt Fishing

Stilt Fishing is a traditional style of fishing practised by local fishermen in Sri Lanka, especially on the southern coast. With a perfect balance and an insurmountable amount of patience, fishermen perch themselves on cross-shaped beams and wait for their catch of the day!
You can witness the stilt fishermen in action! even put your balance and patience to the test as you perch yourself on a stilt too. it’ll be a great photo opportunity to take back home.

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.

Day 12 :  Mirissa – Galle – Hikkaduwa

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.

The Narigama Beach

Narigama Beach is the most popular beach in Hikkaduwa and sees the maximum influx of tourists. The Narigama beach stretches for about 4 kilometers and is a perfect surfing spot during the months from April to October. The sea water is calmer during the winter. The beautiful hues splashed into the sky by the setting sun make the beach appear like a scene from a film or a photograph. Thus, watching the sun dip behind the waters of Narigama Beach is a treat for the eyes.

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.

Snorkeling in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa on the southern coast of Sri Lanka is one of the finest spots to indulge in some great snorkelling. Travel just a few hundred meters offshore in relatively calm, shallow waters; snorkel amongst living coral and hundreds of colourful reef fish; all vigilantly protected by the reef.
This magnificent underwater ecosystem now declared a Marine National Park is home to over 60 species of corals and 170 species of reef fish, a number of species of sea turtle and other marine creatures.
Snorkelling and diving in Hikkaduwa also offer visitors the opportunity to explore a number of shipwrecks, some of them still well preserved, found lying at varying depths of the ocean bed.

Surfing in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa located on the southwestern coast is one of the best locations for surfing. Hikkaduwa boasts of about four places you could surf and during the season you could ride the waves 2 – 6 feet in height both ways, so the experts say. All the above places have deep water and flat reefs, making them ideal for surfing,

Day 13 :   Hikkaduwa – Bentota

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.

Madu River Safari

The boat ride of the Maduganga River & boat takes you through mangroves and thick forest. The bio-diversity of the Madu River is of monumental significance when considering the wide ranges of aquatic and avian life as well as wetland-dwelling amphibians, reptiles, and mammals that inhabit the environs of this natural treasure. A total of 11 species of agnatic molluscs and 14 land-dwelling molluscs are found in this system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies are just some of the colourful array of wildlife that inhabits this abundantly bustling ecosystem. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that 111 species of bird have been identified in the mangrove-formed environs of the river, and have been known to host several types of migratory birds.

One of the unique experiences you can have in the Madu Ganga river is a foot massage from hundreds of Doctor Fishes. Both the local and foreign travelers are attracted to fish therapy whenever they are visiting the Madu Ganga and every time a unique experience.
The fish which is used to give the theray called Doctor fish and there are various types of Doctor fishes that you could choose from.

Day 14 :   Bentota

Ventura Beach

Ventura Beach is one of the most popular and breathtaking beaches in Sri Lanka, often known to be one of the many beautiful golden beaches in the country. It is a gorgeous luxury resort and hotel that makes it a top tourist magnet in the country. It is also one of the best locations to engage in water sports and sightseeing activities.

Water Sports

Bentota includes a boat cruise on the Bentota River besides other water sports activities like water skiing, windsurfing, banana ride, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, tube rides, sea diving, snorkelling and surfing. If you are new to the world of water sports, there are courses offered by various water sports centres to guide you through your stint with the waves.

Water Skiing-Experience the water beneath your feet and feel the wind run through your hair by learning how to water ski in Bentota. The beach here is the ideal location for safe and secure sea skiing experiences. With the lack of large boulders and patchy waters, the incredible stretches of water become an addiction for adrenaline lovers. If you are a water sports enthusiast, this is the time for tourists to show off their tricks in a calm and safe environment. Not to worry as if you are a first-timer, the support teams around will train and monitor the tourists to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. 

Snorkelling and Diving in Bentota-Whether you are an expert or a beginner Bentota offers you a diving experience to remember. Over here you can swim in the warm Indian Ocean with tropical fish, and the magnificent coral reefs and try to manoeuvre through the seaweed that floats is very predominant underwater. 

Banana Boat & Tube Rides-A banana tube is like its name implies, it is shaped like a banana and is attached to a speed boat by a rope. The trip guarantees an adrenaline-filled experience that includes vast waves that come crashing over your head. While it is suitable for any age, tourists can select from single-ring rides and sofa rides as well in Bentota.   

Herbal Ayurvedic Spa at Bentota

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 15 : Bentota – Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple, Seema Malakaya & Beira Lake

Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century. The Seema Malakaya, on the other hand, is a serene meditation site nestled on the Beira Lake

Independence Square

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948.

Colombo National Museum

The National Museum of Natural History is a museum that covers the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. This Museum exhibits rare and threatened extinction such as the natural heritage of plant and animal species endemic to Sri Lanka, over 5,000 specimens of mammals, Jurassic period indigenous fossils and various kinds of geological rocks.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)

Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual colour patterns and unconventional yet amazing design.

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is the most popular beachfront park in Colombo city, to have a relaxing evening and see the sunset. Not only that, there are many activities to do such as fly kites, taste Sri Lankan street food, do walking or jog and enjoy the fresh breeze coming from the Indian ocean

Old Parliament Building

The Old Parliament Building is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. It is built in the neo-baroque style of architecture. This beautiful architecture and the history associated with the building are fascinating, to say the least. The building was opened on January 29, 1930, by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley. When the State Council of Ceylon was established a year later, the old building was used as the office space for the council.

Day 16 : Bentota – Colombo

 Shopping at Colombo

Odel, House of Fashion, and One Galle Face are the best places for shopping in Colombo. You will be able to buy branded clothes and accessories.