Day 1 – Arrival and booking into a hotel in Negombo
When you arrive for your 14-day Sri Lanka sightseeing tour, a representative from our company will be waiting for you at Bandaranaike International Airport. After that, you will be transported to your hotel in the lovely seaside city of Negombo, where you may spend the rest of the evening resting.
Day 2 – Negombo sightseeing
On day two, we will be going on a sightseeing tour in Negombo. Negombo is a popular place for fishing. A trip to the fishing community is informative. The city was founded on fishing, which continues to be the foundation of the neighborhood.
Tourists can spend a peaceful time exploring the fishing hamlet on the outskirts of the city to learn more about how the locals survive. Afterward, we will be heading to the Dutch Fort, one of Negombo’s top tourist attractions. The fort’s architecture is reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s colonial period under the Dutch administration. A trip to this fort will take you back to the city’s past when it was under the Dutch. Then the Dutch Clock Tower is one more attraction in Negombo. A small hill serves as the location of the Dutch Clock Tower. To go to the tower, visitors must pass through the prison’s entrance. A trip to the clock tower will transport you to the period of exploration. After the clock tower, you will be heading to a beach of your choice. The Negombo Beach Park and beaches in Negombo are what draw tourists to this city. Your vacation to this city will be enjoyable thanks to the fine sand beaches and lovely resorts along the coast. For thrill-seekers, these beaches also provide a variety of water activities. You will not want to leave the city once you are at Negombo beach, for sure. Afterward, you will be taken back to the hotel for the night.
Day 3 – Negombo to Anuradhapura
On the third day, we will be heading to Anuradhapura. First, we will be heading to Mihintale, which is 12 kilometers from Anuradhapura and is well known for its religious variety, monarchy, conflict, and military history. Mihintale, a Buddhist monk who lived in the eleventh century, is known as Mahinda’s hill in the Sinhalese language. The oldest wildlife sanctuary in the world, this city has been a designated refuge for animals for more than 2,200 years. Sri Lankans hold this location in high regard as the location of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa that officially established Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Afterward, we will be visiting the Atamasthana; the Buddha visited a number of places in Sri Lanka during his three travels, known as the Atamasthana, or “Eight Sacred Places.” Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama are some of the holy sites. They are located in the old Anuradhapura Kingdom’s capital city of Anuradhapura.
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya: Asoka the Great of India sent his daughter Theri Sangha Mitta to the island with a branch of the Sacred Bodhi, which was cut from the main stem of the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, beneath which Buddha obtained enlightenment after Mahinda Thero, brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 250 BC. In 249 BC, King Tissa took the sapling and placed it where it is now.
- Ruwanwelisaya:Ruwanwelisaya was constructed by the famous king Dutugamunu, who ruled from Anuradhapura from 137 BC to 119 BC. The Ruwanweli Seya temple is the most revered Buddhist shrine in Anuradhapura, second only to Sri Maha Bodhi. Despite the fact that Ruwanweli Maha Seya is not the largest nor the oldest of the stupas built in Anuradhapura, Buddhists hold it in greater respect than any other important stupa. The largest collection of Gautama Buddha items ever maintained in a Dagaba is located on the island.
- Thuparamaya– Since Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka, this is the first stupa to have been constructed there. During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (250 BC–210 BC), this complex was built, and it had both a stupa and an aramic structure (monastery). More than 3 1/2 acres still contain the complex’s ruins. Thero, who introduced Buddhism to the island, gave the order to erect the stupa to house Lord Buddha’s right collarbone.
- Lovamahapaya-Lovamahapaya is a location located halfway between Ruwanweli Seya and Sri Maha Bodhiya. Due to its bronze-tiled roof, it is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. King Dutugamunu first erected it more than 2000 years ago, but over the decades, it underwent multiple renovations, each time with a less lavish design. Archeological evidence indicates that this magnificent palace, which had nine storeys and could accommodate about 1000 monks and attendants, only has the remains of 1600 of its majestic columns.
- Abhayagiri Dagaba –It was constructed throughout King Wattagamini Abhaya’s reign (commonly known as King Valagamba). It is one of the world’s largest archaeological sites as well as a holy Buddhist pilgrimage destination. It was formerly a significant monastic center and the seat of the monarchy, with magnificent monasteries rising to several levels and roofs made of burnt clay tiles painted with exquisite glazes or gilded metal.
- The Jetavanaramayaa stupa located among the remnants of the Jetavana Monastery, is located in the historic Sri Lankan city of Anuradhapura, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.When Mahavihara collapsed, King Mahasena (273–301 AD) began building the stupa, and his son Meghavanna finished it. According to legend, the artifact kept here is a piece of a belt or sash that the Buddha fastened.
- Mirisaveti Stupa– After defeating King Elara, King Dutugamunu constructed the Mirisaveti Stupa. He left the Buddha artifacts within the sceptre after placing them there and traveled to Tisawewa to take a bath. After taking a bath, he went back to the location of the sceptre, but it is claimed that it remained still. A stupa stood where the sceptre had formerly stood. According to reports, he had a hot dinner but did not share it with the sangha.In order to exact revenge, he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba.
- Lankarama–On the ancient location of Galhebakada, King Valagamba built the stupa known as Lankarama in the former Sri Lankan kingdom of Anuradhapura. The stupa’s original appearance before it was renovated is unknown. The fragments reveal rows of stone pillars, indicating that a building was built to encircle and cover the stupa (vatadage).
Over countless centuries, the sacred city of Anuradhapura had a significant impact on the country’s architectural advancement. In 1982, the city was proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the Atamasthana, you will be driven to your hotel in Sigiriya.
Day 4 – Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa and back to Sigiriya
On the fourth day of your tour, you will be taken to the historical city of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa is the second-most ancient kingdom in Sri Lanka. After Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993, Polonnaruwa served as the country of Sri Lanka’s second capital. Along with the Chola-built Brahmanic structures, it also has the magnificent remains of Parakramabahu’s magnificent garden city, which was erected in the 12th century. The city is filled with temples, shrines, palaces, and ruins and is brimming with archaeological riches. Discover King Parakramabahu I’s (1153-1186) royal residence. The walls of the once huge building with 50 rooms are still solid today. Intricately carved stone elephants flank the walls of the king’s audience hall, while lion sculptures stand watch. The king’s swimming pool features gigantic crocodile-mouth statues that spit fresh water. The oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa, Shiva Devale No. 2, is made of stone and is hidden away in a small woodland clearing. After visiting the ancient Polonnaruwa, we will be heading next to the Minneriya National Park. It is a very popular wildlife sanctuary to watch Sri Lankan elephants. In the dry season, you can watch 150-300 wild elephants together near Minneriya Tank. The Minneriya National Park spans 888.4 ha and is home to wild animals such as the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Buffalo, and endemic monkeys. Then we head back to your hotel in Sigiriya for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Sigiriya to Kandy
You will get to take part in some mountaineering activities on day five before heading to Kandy. famous for its rock stronghold, Sigiriya. The Sigiriya, often known as the “lion rock,” served as both the stronghold and the capital of King Kashyapa. The rock is 180 meters high. The legend behind the name Sigiriya claims that King Kashyapa constructed a gateway in the shape of a massive lion halfway up a cliff. It was known as the “lion rock” because of its structure (Sigiriya). After the king died, the stronghold was abandoned. However, it continued to be used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. The fortress’s remains are preserved today and are designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Afterward, we will be heading towards Kandy. On the way, we will first visit Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Dambulla Golden Temple, which will be our destination. The complex, which is made up of five caverns, is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple. A 2100 m2 portion of the walls are painted with murals. There are 157 statues in all at the shrine. The temple’s existence is a natural marvel because of the enormous 150m-tall rock that serves as its roof. Following a restoration project, the massive 15-meter-tall golden statue and pagoda were constructed. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. We will travel to your hotel in Sri Lanka for supper and the night after touring the temple.
After that, we will be going to the spice garden, a mystical place filled with scents and vegetation. Additionally, you will have the chance to discover how spices are used in both cooking and medicine. After that, we’re going to the Matale Muthumariamman Temple. The name Muthumariamman is a combination of Muthu, which means pearl, Mari, which means rain, and Amman, which means mother. It is a temple dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu goddess of fertility and rain. The temple is a lovely place to visit. People for devotion and weddings frequently visit the temple. The chariot festival, which is a festive celebration, is the primary religious event held in the temple during the month of March. After that, we’ll go directly to Kandy, so you can have dinner and spend the night there.
Day 6 – Kandy City Tour
You will be able to enjoy the magnificent Kandy city on day six of your 14-day tour of Sri Lanka; we will also visit a number of nearby locations. After breakfast, our car will pick you up from the hotel. The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions, is among the places we’ll go. For any Buddhist on the earth, it is a highly sanctified and important area. It is the temple where Gautama Buddha’s left canine tooth is revered. It was recognized as a global treasure by UNESCO in 1988.
Kandy Lake, also known as the Kiri Muhuda (or “Sea of Milk”) by locals, is the next location after that. It is located in the center of the city, and was constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. It is a fictitious lake. Although the size has decreased with time, fishing is still prohibited in this protected lake. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake.
Later, you’ll travel to the Bahirawakanda Temple, another popular tourist site on the Bahirawakanda hill and renowned for its magnificent Buddha sculpture. Later on, we will travel to the Kandy viewpoint, which offers a comprehensive overview of the city of Kandy. The next location is the neighboring market, where you may buy various items, including organic goods and presents. The National Gems and Gemmological Museum, an educational destination where you can learn about the gems in Sri Lanka, will be our next stop. Additionally, it provides comprehensive details about Sri Lanka’s ancient past, which dates all the way back to 4.6 billion years ago. Additionally, the display space features some of the world’s most spectacular minerals. The tea plant, where you may learn about the process of producing tea, is the next destination.
We shall then proceed to the Kandy Cultural Dance Show after that. It is an astounding display of Sri Lankan dance, expressiveness, and cultural heritage. You shouldn’t miss it; the dancers from the Kandy Lake club have been organizing it since about 1982. Its main goal is to perform all of the Sri Lankan dances on a single platform. The Kandy retail complex is the last destination. Each destination would take the full day to see, and you would be dropped off at your hotel that evening.
Day 7 – Kandy and Pinnawela and back to Kandy
On day seven, we will be heading to Pinnawala. In Sri Lanka, Pinnawala is a unique location to watch elephants. The facility was founded in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation to care for juvenile elephants that were abandoned and lost in the untamed jungles. These lovely animals are adopted, raised, and reproduced in captivity. It is situated 13 kilometers northeast of Kegalle town in Pinnawala village. The world’s largest herd of captive elephants resides at the Pinnawala orphanage. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the best time to visit the orphanage. As a result, this is when young elephants are fed milk and given regular baths. The chance for the visitors to observe these domesticated elephants playing and bathing in the surrounding river is fantastic.
On the way back, we will be visiting the Embekka Devalaya, which is located in Medapalata Korale in Udunuwara. In Sri Lanka, during the Gampola Era (AD 1357–1374), King Vikramabahu III constructed the Embekka Devalaya (Embekka Temple). The Kataragama deviyo is the focus of the Devalaya. At this location, people also worship Devatha Bandara, a local god. The “Sanctum of Garagha,” the “Digge” or “Dancing Hall,” and the “Hevisi Mandapaya” or “Drummers’ Hall” are the three components that make up the shrine. Visitors have gravitated into the Drummers’ Hall because of the exquisite woodcarvings on its elaborate pillars and its steeply pitched ceiling. Afterward, we will be heading to an ancient Buddhist temple called Gadaladenyia Vihara, which is located in Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is also referred to as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya. King Buwanekabaghu the fourth, according to an inscription etched into the walls constructed the temple in 1344 AD. The South Indian architect Ganesvarachchari created the temple in a style resembling South Indian architecture. Afterward, we will be heading to Kandy for your overnight stay.
Day 8 – Kandy to Adam’s Peak
On the eighth day, we will be heading to Adam’s Peak. On the way, we will first visit the Damro Labookellie Tea Center and Tea Garden, which is one of the tea estates we will explore. This Sri Lankan teashop has been around the longest and was once called Mackwoods. It is a sizable 5000 hectares of opulent tea gardens where you may experience Sri Lanka’s tea-making process. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the tea gardens as you observe tea-picking women. You may also purchase premium tea from the tea shop’s retail area. Following that, we’ll travel to the small mountain village of Nallathanniya. It is the base of Adam’s Peak, which rises to a height of 2,243 meters. Every year, between December and May, thousands of pilgrims climb the peak to see the Buddha’s footprint. After reaching the Nallathanniya base, we will go directly to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9 – Adam’s Peak to Nuwara Eliya
After a fulfilling adventure at Adam's Peak, we will head to Nuwara Eliya on the ninth day. Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England,' is known for its cool climate and lush landscapes. The journey to Nuwara Eliya will take you through beautiful tea plantations and picturesque views. Once we arrive, you can explore the city's charming colonial architecture, including the famous Grand Hotel and the Nuwara Eliya Post Office. We will also visit the beautiful Gregory Lake, where you can enjoy a boat ride or simply relax by the lakeside. In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Nuwara Eliya for an overnight stay.
Day 10 – Nuwara Eliya to Ella
On the tenth day, we will travel from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Ella is a picturesque town in the Badulla District, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes. En route, we will stop at the famous Ravana Falls, a breathtaking waterfall with a rich local legend. Upon reaching Ella, you can visit the Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel and a popular spot for photography. We will also take a hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Ella for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 11 – Ella to Yala National Park
On the eleventh day, we will travel from Ella to Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destinations. Yala is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and various bird species. We will embark on an exciting safari tour in the park, where you will have the chance to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The safari will take you through different terrains, including forests, grasslands, and lagoons. After a thrilling day of wildlife spotting, we will head to your accommodation near Yala National Park for an overnight stay.
Day 12 – Yala National Park to Galle
On the twelfth day, we will journey from Yala National Park to Galle, a historic coastal city with a rich colonial heritage. Galle is famous for its well-preserved Dutch Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the fort's ramparts, cobblestone streets, and charming colonial buildings. Additionally, you can visit the Galle Lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. In the evening, we will check into your hotel in Galle, where you can unwind and enjoy a leisurely evening by the sea.
Day 13 – Galle to Colombo
On the thirteenth day, we will travel from Galle to Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital city. Colombo is a bustling metropolis with a blend of modernity and tradition. We will visit some of the city's key attractions, including the Gangaramaya Temple, the Colombo National Museum, and the bustling Pettah Market. You will also have the opportunity to explore Colombo's shopping and dining scene. In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Colombo for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 14 – Colombo and Departure
On the final day of your tour, you will have some free time to relax or do any last-minute shopping in Colombo. Depending on your departure time, we will arrange for a transfer to the airport for your flight home. Your 14-day tour of Sri Lanka concludes with wonderful memories of the island's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Special Notes:
you can further check our specially designed 14 day itinerary on our blog.
