Ancient Kingdoms & Sacred Kandy
The great cities of ancient Ceylon, royal Kandy and a final flourish at Galle Fort and the beach.
Budget for entrance fees & activities: about £110 per adult for everything in this itinerary. You pay these on the day, at the official rates. There's no mark-up from us.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Your driver-guide meets you at the airport with a warm 'Ayubowan'. A short drive to Negombo to relax after your flight, with a sunset swim and seafood supper.
Overnight in Negombo - Day 2
Anuradhapura, the sacred city
Drive north to Anuradhapura. Explore the great dagobas and visit the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred fig tree, as pilgrims gather at dusk.
Overnight in Anuradhapura - Day 3
Mihintale and village life
Climb Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, then continue to Sigiriya for a village tour by bullock cart and a home-cooked lunch.
Overnight in Sigiriya - Day 4
Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock at first light. In the afternoon, cycle through the ruins of Polonnaruwa and marvel at the rock-carved Buddhas of Gal Vihara.
Overnight in Sigiriya - Day 5
Dambulla and the road to Kandy
Visit the painted Dambulla cave temples and a Matale spice garden, then continue to Kandy for an evening of Kandyan dance.
Overnight in Kandy - Day 6
Royal Kandy
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya and a stroll around Kandy Lake.
Overnight in Kandy - Day 7
To the coast
Travel down to the west coast via Colombo's colourful Gangaramaya Temple. Afternoon at leisure on the beach.
Overnight in Bentota - Day 8
Galle Fort
Explore the cobbled lanes of UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and walk the ramparts at sunset.
Overnight in Bentota - Day 9
Farewell
A final swim, then a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
