Ancient Kingdoms, Highlands & Coastal Highlights
Ancient Kingdoms, Highlands & Coastal Highlights
Duration : 10D 9N
This journey invites travellers to explore Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of history, nature, and coastal beauty. From ancient cities and sacred temples to misty highlands and golden beaches, each day balances discovery with reflection. Lankique Travel curates every moment to reveal both the grandeur of heritage sites and the intimate rhythms of village life, wildlife, and ocean vistas.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Overnight in Negombo
Arrive in Colombo and transfer north to Negombo, a coastal town famous for its lagoon, sandy beaches, and fishing heritage. Stroll along the waterfront to observe traditional fishing boats, or enjoy a relaxed evening sampling local seafood. Negombo’s charm offers a gentle introduction to Sri Lanka, with time to recover from travel before the adventure begins.
Day 02: Drive to Sigiriya / Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress / Evening village walk / Overnight in Sigiriya
Travel inland to the Cultural Triangle and climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient citadel rising dramatically from the plains. Explore frescoes, gardens, and water features that reveal centuries of ingenuity. In the evening, take a guided village walk to experience rural life, crafts, and local traditions. Overnight in Sigiriya allows quiet reflection in a tranquil setting.
Day 03: Morning safari at Minneriya / Explore Dambulla Cave Temple / Overnight in Sigiriya
Venture into Minneriya National Park for a morning safari, spotting elephants, water birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, adorned with Buddha statues and intricate murals spanning centuries. Overnight in Sigiriya gives you time to rest before continuing your journey.
Day 04: Drive to Polonnaruwa / Explore ancient city ruins / Overnight in Polonnaruwa
Head to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, and wander its extensive ruins, from royal palaces to stone-carved temples. Learn the stories of kings and their communities as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Polonnaruwa allows immersion in the echoes of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms.
Day 05: Transfer to Kandy / Temple of the Tooth visit / Cultural performance / Overnight in Kandy
Journey to Kandy, nestled among forested hills. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, where devotion and ritual have been preserved for centuries. In the evening, enjoy a private cultural performance showcasing traditional dance and music, revealing the region’s living heritage. Overnight in Kandy provides a restful interlude amid serene surroundings.
Day 06: Peradeniya Botanical Gardens / Local market walk / Overnight in Kandy
Explore Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis of orchids, tropical trees, and spice plants. Later, wander through Kandy’s vibrant local markets to experience daily life, crafts, and flavors of the region. An overnight stay in Kandy deepens understanding of highland culture and its rhythms.
Day 07: Scenic train ride to Ella / Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak / Overnight in Ella
Board a scenic train to Ella, winding through emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and tea plantations. On arrival, visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, then hike Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views across misty hills. An overnight stay in Ella offers a tranquil evening in a charming highland town.
Day 08: Ella sightseeing (tea plantations and waterfalls) / Drive to Mirissa / Overnight in Mirissa
Spend the morning exploring Ella’s surrounding tea plantations and nearby waterfalls, absorbing the beauty of highland landscapes. In the afternoon, drive to Mirissa, a serene coastal village where golden beaches meet the Indian Ocean. Stop at Coconut Tree Hill, an iconic viewpoint with swaying palms and panoramic ocean views, perfect for capturing the sunset. Overnight in Mirissa sets the scene for coastal discovery.
Day 09: Early morning whale watching in Mirissa / Transfer to Bentota / Beach relaxation and optional Ayurveda spa / Overnight in Bentota
Rise early for a whale-watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa, observing majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins. Before leaving, visit Coconut Tree Hill, an iconic viewpoint with swaying palms and panoramic ocean views, perfect for sunrise photography. Later, transfer to Bentota for beach relaxation. Optional Ayurveda spa treatments provide rejuvenation after a morning at sea. Overnight in Bentota offers time to unwind on the southwest coast.
Day 10: River safari in Bentota / Transfer to Colombo / City highlights tour / Airport transfer
Enjoy a morning river safari on the Bentota River, observing mangroves, birds, and local village life. In the afternoon, transfer to Colombo for a city highlights tour, including colonial architecture, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks. Conclude the journey with a private airport transfer, carrying memories of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms, highlands, and coastal beauty.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Overnight in Negombo
Arrive in Colombo and transfer north to Negombo, a coastal town famous for its lagoon, sandy beaches, and fishing heritage. Stroll along the waterfront to observe traditional fishing boats, or enjoy a relaxed evening sampling local seafood. Negombo’s charm offers a gentle introduction to Sri Lanka, with time to recover from travel before the adventure begins.
Day 02: Drive to Sigiriya / Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress / Evening village walk / Overnight in Sigiriya
Travel inland to the Cultural Triangle and climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient citadel rising dramatically from the plains. Explore frescoes, gardens, and water features that reveal centuries of ingenuity. In the evening, take a guided village walk to experience rural life, crafts, and local traditions. Overnight in Sigiriya allows quiet reflection in a tranquil setting.
Day 03: Morning safari at Minneriya / Explore Dambulla Cave Temple / Overnight in Sigiriya
Venture into Minneriya National Park for a morning safari, spotting elephants, water birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, adorned with Buddha statues and intricate murals spanning centuries. Overnight in Sigiriya gives you time to rest before continuing your journey.
Day 04: Drive to Polonnaruwa / Explore ancient city ruins / Overnight in Polonnaruwa
Head to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, and wander its extensive ruins, from royal palaces to stone-carved temples. Learn the stories of kings and their communities as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Polonnaruwa allows immersion in the echoes of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms.
Day 05: Transfer to Kandy / Temple of the Tooth visit / Cultural performance / Overnight in Kandy
Journey to Kandy, nestled among forested hills. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, where devotion and ritual have been preserved for centuries. In the evening, enjoy a private cultural performance showcasing traditional dance and music, revealing the region’s living heritage. Overnight in Kandy provides a restful interlude amid serene surroundings.
Day 06: Peradeniya Botanical Gardens / Local market walk / Overnight in Kandy
Explore Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis of orchids, tropical trees, and spice plants. Later, wander through Kandy’s vibrant local markets to experience daily life, crafts, and flavors of the region. An overnight stay in Kandy deepens understanding of highland culture and its rhythms.
Day 07: Scenic train ride to Ella / Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak / Overnight in Ella
Board a scenic train to Ella, winding through emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and tea plantations. On arrival, visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, then hike Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views across misty hills. An overnight stay in Ella offers a tranquil evening in a charming highland town.
Day 08: Ella sightseeing (tea plantations and waterfalls) / Drive to Mirissa / Overnight in Mirissa
Spend the morning exploring Ella’s surrounding tea plantations and nearby waterfalls, absorbing the beauty of highland landscapes. In the afternoon, drive to Mirissa, a serene coastal village where golden beaches meet the Indian Ocean. Stop at Coconut Tree Hill, an iconic viewpoint with swaying palms and panoramic ocean views, perfect for capturing the sunset. Overnight in Mirissa sets the scene for coastal discovery.
Day 09: Early morning whale watching in Mirissa / Transfer to Bentota / Beach relaxation and optional Ayurveda spa / Overnight in Bentota
Rise early for a whale-watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa, observing majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins. Before leaving, visit Coconut Tree Hill, an iconic viewpoint with swaying palms and panoramic ocean views, perfect for sunrise photography. Later, transfer to Bentota for beach relaxation. Optional Ayurveda spa treatments provide rejuvenation after a morning at sea. Overnight in Bentota offers time to unwind on the southwest coast.
Day 10: River safari in Bentota / Transfer to Colombo / City highlights tour / Airport transfer
Enjoy a morning river safari on the Bentota River, observing mangroves, birds, and local village life. In the afternoon, transfer to Colombo for a city highlights tour, including colonial architecture, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks. Conclude the journey with a private airport transfer, carrying memories of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms, highlands, and coastal beauty.
