Tour Details

Tour Summary

10-Day Sightseeing Tour of Sri Lanka Our 10-day sightseeing adventure takes you to the most iconic and significant tourist spots in Sri Lanka. This comprehensive tour spans ten days and nine nights, beginning with your pick-up at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport. After an unforgettable experience with us, we’ll ensure you are safely dropped off at the same location.

During this journey, you will explore the gems of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, embark on hiking expeditions, enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris, experience a scenic train ride, go whale watching, marvel at breathtaking waterfalls, and enjoy a city tour as part of this package.

Tour Plan

Day 1 – Arrival and Booking into a Hotel in Negombo

A representative from our company will be waiting for you at Bandaranaike International Airport when you arrive for your Sri Lanka 12 Days sightseeing tour. You will then be driven to your hotel in the delightful beach town of Negombo, where you may relax for the remainder of the evening.

Day 2 – Negombo to Anuradhapura and Mihintale

On day two of your Sri Lanka 12 Days Sightseeing Tour, we will go to Anuradhapura. First, we’ll travel to Mihintale, a city famed for its religious diversity, monarchy, war, and military history. Mihintale is 12 kilometers from Anuradhapura. Mahinda’s hill is the Sinhalese name for Mihintale, a Buddhist monk who flourished in the eleventh century. This city has been classified as a wildlife sanctuary for more than 2,200 years, making it the oldest wildlife sanctuary in the whole world. Sri Lankans highly revere this landmark as the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, which formally founded Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

After that, we’ll go to the Atamasthana, also known as the “Eight Sacred Places,” which the Buddha visited during his three journeys around Sri Lanka. Among the sacred locations are Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama. They are situated in Anuradhapura, the former capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya : After Mahinda Thero introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 250 BC, Asoka the Great of India sent his daughter Theri Sangha Mitta to the island with a branch of the Sacred Bodhi, which was taken from the main stem of the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. King Tissa got the sapling and planted it where it is today in 249 BC
• Ruwanweli Maha Seya: The legendary king Dutugamunu, who reigned from Anuradhapura from 137 BC to 119 BC, built Ruwanwelisaya. Second only to Sri Maha Bodhi, the Ruwanweli Seya temple is the most venerated Buddhist site in Anuradhapura. Buddhists hold Ruwanweli Maha Seya in higher regard than any other significant stupa, despite the fact that it is not the largest nor the oldest of the stupas constructed in Anuradhapura. On the island, it has the biggest collection of Gautama Buddha artifacts ever kept in a Dagaba.
• Thuparamaya: This is the first stupa to be built in Sri Lanka as a result of the introduction of Buddhism. This complex, which was created during the rule of King Devanampiyatissa (250 BC–210 BC), included both a stupa and an aramic building (monastery). The complex’s remnants still occupy more than 3 1/2 acres. Thero, who brought Buddhism to the island, issued the command to build the stupa to hold the right collarbone of Lord Buddha.
• Lovamahapaya: Between Sri Maha Bodhiya and Ruwanweli Seya lies a place called Lovamahapaya. It is also referred to as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because of its bronze-tiled roof. King Dutugamunu initially built it more than 2000 years ago, but over the ages, it underwent many restorations, each time with a less sumptuous style. Only the remnants of 1600 columns remain from this magnificent palace, which, according to archeological evidence, had nine levels and could house roughly 1000 monks and attendants.
• Abhayagiri Dagaba: It was built during the reign of King Wattagamini Abhaya (commonly known as King Valagamba). It is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage city and one of the biggest archaeological sites in the entire globe. It was formerly a major monastic city and a royal capital, with stunning monasteries rising to many floors with roofs constructed of burnt clay tiles with beautifully colored glazes or gilded metal
• Jetavanaramaya: The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa that may be seen among the remains of the Jetavana Monastery in the renowned Sri Lankan city of Anuradhapura, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King Mahasena (273–301 AD) started construction on the stupa when Mahavihara fell, and his son Meghavanna finished it. It is said that the relic stored here is a fragment of a belt or sash on which the Buddha tied
• Mirisaveti Stupa: The Mirisaveti Stupa was built by King Dutugamunu after his victory against King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics within the sceptre, he left them behind and went to Tisawewa to take a bath. After having a bath, he returned to where the sceptre was placed, but it is said that it remained immobile. The sceptre’s former location was replaced by a stupa. According to reports, he recalled eating a hot meal without sharing any with the sangha. He constructed the Mirisavetiya Dagaba as retribution.
• Lankarama: In the old Sri Lankan kingdom of Anuradhapura, King Valagamba constructed the stupa known as Lankarama on the historic site of Galhebakada. Unknown is the stupa’s original form before it was rebuilt. Rows of stone pillars may be seen in the remnants, and it is clear that a structure was constructed to enclose and cover the stupa (vatadage)

The sacred city of Anuradhapura made a substantial contribution to the nation’s architectural development for many years. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Upon leaving the Atamasthana, a driver will take you to your Anuradhapura hotel.

Day 3 – Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya and Back to Sigiriya

On the third day of your Sri Lanka 12 Days Sightseeing Tour, you will be escorted to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The second-oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka is Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa served as Sri Lanka’s second capital after Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993. It also features the spectacular remnants of Parakramabahu’s exquisite garden city, which was created in the 12th century, together with the Chola-built Brahmanic monuments. The city is teeming with

archaeological treasures, including temples, shrines, castles, and ruins. Discover the royal house of King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186). The 50-room, once-massive edifice still has sturdy walls. Intricately carved stone elephants flank the walls of the king’s audience chamber, while lion statues keep guard. There are enormous fresh-water-spitting crocodile-mouth statues in the king’s bathing pool. The Shiva Devale No. 2, the second-oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa, is constructed of stone and is tucked away in a little wooded area.

After touring historic Polonnaruwa, we are moving toward the Minneriya National Park. Many people visit this wildlife refuge to see Sri Lankan elephants. You may see 150–300 wild elephants congregating near Minneriya Tank during the dry season. Wild species including the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Buffalo, and indigenous monkeys may be found in the 888.4-hectare Minneriya National Park. Afterward, you will be driven to Sigiriya for your overnight stay.

Day 4 – Sigiriya and Habarana

We’ll start Day 4 of your Sri Lanka 12 Days Sightseeing Tour by visiting the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The massive column of rock rises about 180 meters (590 ft) above the surrounding forest. The summit of the rock is home to the remains of an ancient civilization, thought to be the palace and gardens of King Kashyapa (477–495 CE). This rock fortress, known as the Lion Rock, is one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Sigiriya complex consists of the central rock and two rectangular precincts on the east and the west, surrounded by moats and walls. The approach to the site is lined with landscaped water gardens, terraces, and fountains.

After exploring Sigiriya, we will head to Habarana for an exciting elephant-back safari ride through the nearby jungle and villages. You will get a chance to see the local wildlife and flora up close while riding on these magnificent animals. Afterward, you’ll return to your Sigiriya hotel

Day 5 – Sigiriya to Kandy

Day 5 of your tour starts with a drive to Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era in Sri Lanka. Along the way, we will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex, dating back to the 1st century BC, consists of five caves with over 150 statues of the Buddha. The ceilings are painted with intricate patterns and scenes depicting the Buddha’s life, making this a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.

Upon arriving in Kandy, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist temples on the island. This temple houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha and is a place of great reverence for Sri Lankans. After visiting the temple, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake before checking into your hotel for the night.

Day 6 – Kandy and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

On Day 6, we’ll take a trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe baby elephants being bottle-fed and enjoy watching the herd bathing in the nearby river. Pinnawala is a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants, and it offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

After the visit, we’ll head back to Kandy, where you can enjoy a cultural dance show in the evening, featuring traditional Kandyan dances, drumming, and fire walking. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 7 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya :

Today, we’ll travel to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque hill country town known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and stunning landscapes of tea plantations and rolling hills. Along the way, we’ll stop at a tea factory to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea.

Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, you’ll have a chance to explore the town’s beautiful gardens, including the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. You can also visit Gregory Lake, where you can go boating or simply relax by the water. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains and Ella

On Day 8, we’ll take an early morning trek to Horton Plains National Park, famous for its biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. The highlight of this trek is the viewpoint known as World’s End, where the plateau drops sharply to the lowlands below, offering an incredible view on clear days.

After the trek, we’ll head to Ella, a small town nestled in the hills. Along the way, you’ll be able to see picturesque waterfalls such as the Ravana Falls and explore scenic viewpoints like Ella Gap. Check into your Ella hotel for the night.

Day 9 – Ella and Train Journey to Haputale

This morning, we’ll visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of engineering set amidst lush greenery. We’ll then head to the Ella Rock viewpoint for a moderate hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world from Ella to Haputale. This ride will take you through misty mountains, tea plantations, and dense forests. Upon arrival in Haputale, you’ll be taken to your hotel.

Day 10 – Haputale to Yala National Park

After breakfast, we’ll leave for Yala National Park, known for its large population of leopards, elephants, and bird species. In the afternoon, you’ll go on a jeep safari through the park, where you can observe the wildlife in their natural habitat

Return to your hotel in the Yala area for an overnight stay.

Day 11 – Yala to Galle and Bentota

On Day 11, we’ll travel to the coastal town of Galle, where you’ll explore the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases colonial architecture and a vibrant mix of history and culture. Wander through the narrow streets lined with cafes, shops, and galleries

Afterwards, we’ll head to Bentota, a beach destination where you can unwind by the sea. You can also opt for water sports activities or a boat ride on the Bentota River. Overnight stay in Bentota.

Day 12 – Bentota to Colombo

On your final day, we’ll head to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city. You’ll have a city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and the bustling Pettah Market. After the tour, you’ll be dropped off at Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your 12 Days Sri Lanka Sightseeing Tour

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