Transfer from the Airport to Negombo

Negombo Beach - Upon arrival at the airport, you will receive a warm welcome, and the driver will take you to your chosen hotel or guesthouse in Negombo.

If you arrive in the morning, you have the option (not included in the tour costs) to join a city tour or a boat safari in the Muthurajawela wetlands, located south of the Negombo Lagoon.

Enjoy an overnight stay at a guesthouse or hotel of your choice in Negombo (not included in the tour costs).

Kalpitiya Peninsula & Wilpattu Safari

Munneshwaram Hindu Temple - On the way to Anuradhapura and Mihintale, you will stop in Madampe to capture a photo of a vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Kataragama. This Tamil temple was recently built through private efforts.

Next, you will visit one of the island’s most revered Hindu shrines, the Munneshwaram Kovil near Chilaw, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is visited by both Hindus and Sinhalese devotees.

Kalpitiya - A brief detour will take you to the tip of the Kalpitiya Peninsula, where you can watch kitesurfers or stroll along the long sandy beaches. Kalpitiya is also renowned for dolphin watching, though boat excursions are seasonal. At the peninsula’s base, you’ll find large salt pans.

Wilpattu National Park - In the afternoon, embark on a wildlife safari to explore the heart of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park. Wilpattu’s namesake “Wilus” are small shallow lakes surrounded by sandbanks and open grasslands, ideal for spotting elephants, crocodiles, or even leopards, as Wilpattu boasts the largest leopard population in Sri Lanka.

In the evening, you will pass through the New Town of Anuradhapura before reaching your accommodation for the next three nights at First House Mihintale. The three overnight stays on a half-board basis are included in the total tour costs.

Overnight stay at First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).

Anuradhapura & Mihintale

Ruwanwelisaya - Explore the most sacred sites of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura, including the Bo-tree, the white dome of Ruwanweliseya, the first stupa called Thuparama Moonstone, Samadhi Buddha, Isurumuniya, Gold Fish Park, and Vessagiriya.

Rajagiri Kanda Caves - In the afternoon, climb the historic stairway to the Ambasthala platform in Mihintale, considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Along the way, you’ll see the well-preserved ancient Kantaka Chetiya, the Mihintale tablets with inscriptions, the old refectory with a large rice boat, the idyllic Cobra Pond, and the Lion Fountain known for its stone carvings.

Overnight stay at First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).

Ritigala & Polonnaruwa

Ritigala Forest Monastery - En route from Mihintale to your next destination, Sigiriya, explore the ruins of Ritigala hidden in the jungle on the slope of the highest hill in northern Sri Lanka. This was the largest monastery of the Pansukulikas. Discover several meditation platforms in the jungle on both sides of an ancient meditation path and an Ayurvedic hospital. This region is renowned for its abundance of medicinal herbs.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage - Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s capital in the 12th century. The buildings are better preserved than those in Anuradhapura. Visit King Parakramabahu’s palace, the circular temple, and other magnificent structures at the Quadrangle, the medieval main monastery now called Alahena Parivena, the world-famous rock-cut giant Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, the lotus pond, and the paintings of Tivanka statue house.

Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in the Habarana, Sigiriya, or Kandalama area (not included in the tour costs).

Sigiriya & Dambulla & Hurulu Eco Park

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - In the morning, visit the famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s most impressive ancient site. Its unique features include one of Asia’s earliest water gardens outside Persia, the island’s best-preserved ancient paintings, graffiti with the earliest known Sinhala poems, the giant paws of a former lion sculpture, and the palace or temple atop the rock, sometimes called “Sri Lanka’s Machu Picchu.”

Golden Temple of Dambulla - Dambulla is the largest cave temple in Sri Lanka, renowned for its numerous Buddha sculptures from various periods and impressive Kandyan-style paintings. When visiting the “Golden Temple,” remember that it is one of the oldest surviving monasteries still inhabited by monks.

Hurulu Eco Park - In the afternoon, participate in an elephant safari. The jeep safari usually takes place in Hurulu Eco Park, where most elephants can be seen around December. Alternatively, due to the annual migration of wild animals, the jeep safari may occur in Kaudulla National Park.

Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in the Habarana, Sigiriya, or Kandalama area (not included in the tour costs).

Nalanda Gedige & Aluvihara - on the way to Kandy

Nalanda Gedige - A special detour leads to the small but extraordinary temple of Nalanda Gedige. It is remarkable for several reasons: it is Sri Lanka’s only surviving temple entirely built of stone, the best example of classical South Indian Pallava architecture on the island, a Mahayanist temple and one of Sri Lanka’s rare tantric worship sites, and it features Sri Lanka’s only ancient depictions of sexual intercourse. Additionally, the temple earned the nickname “Sri Lanka’s little Abu Simbel” as it was relocated and rebuilt due to a reservoir project.

Ranweli Spice Garden - Take a break at a herbal and spice garden, where you can see famous spice plants from tropical Asia and learn about herbal medicine in traditional Ayurvedic healing practices. Enjoy a complimentary herbal tea.

Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple - Next, visit Aluvihara, where, according to Theravada traditions, the fourth Buddhist council took place in the 1st century BC. This event marked the first written record of the Sacred Scriptures of Buddhism, the Tipitaka. Sri Lanka is proud to preserve the only complete version of the “Buddhist Bible” in its original Indian language, Pali. Aluvihara remains a place of scholarship and calligraphy. You can explore the production of palm leaf manuscripts in the museum’s new building. The nearby caves and rocks are also worth a visit.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - In the evening, attend a Puja ceremony at Sri Lanka’s most renowned Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs).

Full day in Kandy

Kandy View Point - Enjoy a full day of sightseeing and relaxation in Kandy, the island’s charming hill capital. Visit famous sites such as Senani View Point and Victoria Hotel at Kandy Lake, and explore various shopping opportunities. As a special treat, the guide will show you a local food market and shops frequented more by locals than tourists.

Royal Botanical Gardens - In the afternoon, stroll through Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest botanical gardens, part of the University of Peradeniya. Relax under the giant Java fig or on one of the inviting meadows.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - In the evening, enjoy a cultural and dance show near the Tooth Temple or Kandy Lake.

Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs).

Tea Plantation & Nuwara Eliya & Train Ride

Ramboda Waterfall - Take a break at the waterfalls known as Rama Falls in Ramboda. The water flows through the Rama rocks. Enjoy the scenic views of the Ramboda area and Kotmale Valley.

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden - Visit the Damro tea factory, one of Sri Lanka’s largest tea plantations historically known as Labookellie. Learn about the tea leaf processing steps, including withering, rolling, oxidation/fermentation, drying, and quality sorting. Enjoy a complimentary cup of tea and shopping opportunities.

Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s highest town. Its cool climate attracted English farmers to grow potatoes and vegetables, and later, the colonial high society from Colombo for leisure and sports. The British Hill Station ambiance earned Nuwara Eliya the nickname “Little England.” On a city tour, see the post office with its English-style timber framing and other colonial buildings like the Grand Hotel and Hill Club, view the golf course and racecourse, and visit Gregory Lake outside town.

Nanu Oya Railway Station - From Nanu Oya near Nuwara Eliya, take the afternoon train to Ella. This part of the famous tea-highlands railroad is known for its numerous short tunnels and views of the Uva tea region on the left side. The driver will pick you up at Ella Train Station.

Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Ella (not included in the tour costs).

Full Day in Ella

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - In the morning, enjoy a short hike to “Little Adam’s Peak” near Ella, one of the most stunning vantage points in the southern highlands. From here, you can overlook the entire Ella Gap and the southern plains with the hills of Kataragama in the background.

Nine Arches Bridge - It’s a short hike to Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka’s most iconic highland train bridge. Arrive in time to capture a photo of a train crossing the bridge.

Ella - The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Savor a cup of tea with spectacular views of the Ella Gap. For those eager for more, a 4-hour hike to Ella Rock is recommended.

Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Ella (not included in the tour costs).

Buduruwagala & Udawalawe Safari

Ravana Ella Falls - While crossing the Ella Gap, stop for a photo at Ravana Falls, named after the legendary King Ravana of Lanka, a major character in the Indian Ramayana epic. Local legend suggests that after abducting Sita from India, he held her captive for a short time in a nearby cave.

Buduruwagala Temple - Near Wellawaya, take a small detour to Buduruwagala, where you can see a group of seven rock-cut statues, with the central one being the largest Buddha sculpture of its kind in Sri Lanka, and the more elaborate smaller sculptures being Mahayanaistic Bodhisattvas.

Visit Udawalawe National Park - Proceed to Udawalawe National Park for an afternoon jeep safari in southern Sri Lanka’s most famous elephant area. Several small groups of elephant cows and their offspring can be seen along the route. After checking the area for safety, the ranger may allow you to walk around the lake, where you can also see roaming elephants from a safe distance.

Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Udawalawe (not included in the tour costs).

South Coast & Galle & Transfer to your Beach Holiday Hotel

Ramba Viharaya - In the morning, visit the archaeological site of Ramba Viharaya, the temple area of the medieval southern capital of Sri Lanka. Some statues remain in situ in former image houses.

Hummanaya Blow Hole - On your journey along the south coast, take a break at the Hummanaya Blow Hole. Blow Holes are natural fountains like geysers, but even rarer. This fountain in Sri Lanka is South Asia’s only Blow Hole.

Kushta Raja Gala - Near Weligama, take a small detour to the Kushtaraja, meaning “Leper King.” This is a rock-cut Buddhist statue with Mahayanistic characteristics.

Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Koggala) - At the Koggala Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery, observe several species of sea turtles found in Sri Lanka and their offspring, saved and protected for later release into the ocean.

Galle Fort - Galle Dutch Fort, also known as Old Town of Galle, is a World Heritage Site and the best-preserved European fortress from the colonial period in Asia. Walk along the ramparts and visit the museums or boutiques in town.

Choose your preferred beach for the final days of your beach holiday, in or near Galle, Unawatuna Beach, Talpe Beach, Koggala Beach, or Mirissa Beach. Accommodation is not included in the tour costs.

The driver will bid farewell in the evening, as he will not return during the next four days of your beach relaxation. For your convenience, please inform the driver about your return flight details, allowing us to pick you up in time on departure day.

Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs).

Full Day Beach Relaxation - On Your Own

Unawatuna Beach - Enjoy a day at your beach holiday resort without a driver, at your own leisure.

Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs).

Beach Holidays at the Southwest Coast - On Your Own

Galle - Spend the final days of your holiday at one of the South Coast beaches between the World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa.

During these days of relaxation, you will be on your own, as the vehicle and driver will not be available.

Beach Holidays at the Southwest Coast - On Your Own

Galle - Spend the final days of your holiday at one of the South Coast beaches between the World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa.

During these days of relaxation, you will be on your own, as the vehicle and driver will not be available.

Transfer from the Hotel to the Airport & End of Tour

Katunayake - On departure day, the driver will pick you up at the appointed time at your hotel and transfer you to the airport.

We look forward to welcoming you again on our tropical island soon.

• Train Tickets in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class (book 30 days in advance)
• Daily 500 ml bottled water per person
• Includes dinner and breakfast
• 1 Double Room Sharing
• All taxes included
• Replacement vehicle available in case of emergencies
• All parking charges covered
• Safaris at Hurulu Park and Yala with 4X4 Jeeps
• Air-conditioned comfortable Minivan for transportation
• Total toll charges included
• English-speaking Driver guide (other languages upon request)
• Accommodation for the driver
• Passenger Insurance Cover of 500,000 LKR per person
• All transfers as per itinerary (Airport - Airport)
• 2 nights’ accommodation at First House Mihintale on HB basis

• 11 overnight stays outside Mihintale
• Beverages other than 500ml bottled water per person per day
• Entry Fees of visiting sites or activities
• Extra Excursions & persons in the the vehicle
• Travel Insurance & Luggage Insurance
• meals other than breakfast and dinner in First House Mihintale

This car tour includes two safaris and six World Heritage Sites and a lot more. But for a true Sri Lanka experience you should not miss to come into contact with locals and get an impression of their genuine culture(s). Our ambition as a local tour operator is not only to show you the most impressive touristic highlights but also country and people and some places of interest which remained untouched by mass tourism, plus a taste of local cuisine.

This round tour does not include accommodation, this way allowing you to book the hotels or guesthouses of your own choice. This does not apply to the first three nights in Mihintale, when the accommodation is fixed. The reason is that you will come into contact with locals in my hometown and will have an opportunity to learn more about Sri Lankan cuisine in my own kitchen.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.