9 Nights / 10 Days — Cultural Heritage & Ancient Wonders of Sri Lanka (Loop from Colombo to the South Coast)

Day 1: Arrival & Ruins

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer

Collect luggage and pick up your private driver/transfer; drive north-east to Anuradhapura (approx 3.5–4 hours). This positions you at the start of the Cultural Triangle.
LKR0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Local rice & curry

Eat at a recommended local restaurant near the ruins for authentic rice-and-curry and short reprieve after the drive; vegetarian options widely available. Most places open 11:30am–9:00pm.
LKR1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Anuradhapura Sacred City (Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya)

Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city: sacred Bodhi tree, stupas like Ruwanwelisaya and the monastery complex — great introduction to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage; site open roughly 6:00am–6:00pm.
LKR1500, 2h30m

4:45pm

Sunset at Jetavanaramaya viewing area

See the large brick stupa at golden hour — a peaceful way to close the first day of ruins and photography.
LKR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Hotel or local restaurant

Dine at your hotel or a recommended local restaurant serving spicy curries, fresh fish and short eats; many places serve until 9:30–10:00pm.
LKR1800, 1h0m
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Day 2: Polonnaruwa & Elephants

Polonnaruwa / Minneriya, Sri Lanka on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet breakfast to fuel a full-day of sights — most hotels open breakfast 6:30am–9:30am.
LKR800, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Short transfer (approx 1–1.5 hours) to the well-preserved medieval capital; best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk. The site is open c. 7:00am–5:00pm.
LKR0, 1h30m

9:30am

Polonnaruwa archaeological tour

Visit the Royal Quadrangle, Gal Vihara rock carvings and ancient irrigation works; guided tours explain the medieval city’s engineering.
LKR4000, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Riverside or local cafe

Relax with a riverside meal in Polonnaruwa sampling fish or dhal; cafés usually open 11:00am–4:00pm.
LKR1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Minneriya National Park / Elephant gathering (afternoon safari)

Head to Minneriya/Kaudulla area for the famed elephant gatherings; afternoon safaris (best 2:00pm–5:30pm) are recommended. Park open c. 6:00am–6:00pm.
LKR3500, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Hotel or cultural-style restaurant

Return to your accommodation for dinner; try dishes with local spices and coconut sambol. Many hotels serve until 9:30pm.
LKR1800, 1h0m
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Day 3: Sigiriya & Dambulla

Sigiriya / Dambulla, Sri Lanka on September 8, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast and depart for Sigiriya

Have an early breakfast (many hotels provide 6:00am service) and drive to Sigiriya to climb before the mid-day heat.
LKR700, 0h45m

7:30am

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the UNESCO Sigiriya Lion Rock (site open 7:00am–5:30pm) to see frescoes, the gardens and panoramic views; start early to avoid crowds and heat.
LKR6500, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Pidurangala or village tour (optional)

Optional quick visit to the nearby Pidurangala Peak for an alternate viewpoint (open daytime); or a short cultural village experience to see rural life.
LKR500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Habarana / Sigiriya restaurant

Lunch at a garden restaurant serving fresh local produce; most serve from 11:30am onwards.
LKR1400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Dambulla Cave Temple

Visit the Dambulla Golden Temple with its painted caves and Buddha statues (open 7:00am–7:00pm); allow 1–1.5 hours to explore.
LKR1500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive to Kandy — check-in

Drive to Kandy (approx 2.5–3 hours) and check-in to your hotel; evening free to stroll the lake.
LKR0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Kandy speciality restaurant

Try Kandyan-style curries and hoppers in town; many restaurants serve until 10:00pm.
LKR2000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Kandy Temples & Gardens

Kandy, Sri Lanka on September 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast with a view of Kandy Lake; most hotels serve 6:30am–9:30am.
LKR800, 0h45m

8:30am

Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth (open roughly 5:30am–8:30pm) to observe rituals and see the shrine (dress modestly).
LKR1500, 1h0m

10:00am

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Walk the expansive botanical gardens (open 7:00am–5:00pm) to see orchids, giant bamboo and avenue of palms — great for relaxed photography.
LKR1500, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Popular Kandy cafe

Lunch near the gardens or in town offering fresh rice & curry and short eats; cafes commonly open 11:00am–4:00pm.
LKR1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cultural show or Udawattakele forest walk

Attend a Kandyan dance performance (usually 6:00pm–7:15pm) or take a peaceful walk in Udawattakele Reserve near the temple (daylight hours).
LKR1200, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Kandy fine dining or homestyle

Enjoy a relaxed dinner — choose a restaurant that features local flavours and temperate Kandyan dishes.
LKR2000, 1h15m
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Day 5: Scenic Train to Highlands

Nuwara Eliya (via Kandy → Nanu Oya), Sri Lanka on September 10, 2025

6:15am

Early breakfast & transfer to Kandy station

Light breakfast and transfer to Kandy Railway Station — book reserved seats in advance for the scenic Kandy → Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) train.
LKR800, 0h45m

8:00am

Scenic train Kandy → Nanu Oya (booked reserved seat)

Take the famous hill-country train; expect 3.5–4.5 hours of lush tea-country views (train times vary, best reserving a morning service).
LKR2000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, lunch

Short transfer from Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya town; lunch at a tea-country cafe sampling local short eats and kottu or sandwiches.
LKR1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tea plantation & factory visit (e.g., Pedro/Pittya area)

Tour a tea estate and small factory to learn Ceylon tea processing and taste fresh brews — most estates welcome visitors 9:00am–4:00pm.
LKR800, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Gregory Lake and town

Walk around Gregory Lake and the colonial-era town to see the cooler climate and Victorian architecture; ideal late-afternoon activity.
LKR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — The Grand Hotel or local bistro

Dine at a historic hotel or cosy bistro serving hearty, hill-country dishes; many places open until 9:30pm.
LKR2500, 1h15m
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Day 6: Ella Hikes & Views

Ella, Sri Lanka on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and transfer to Ella (by car or train)

After breakfast, travel to Ella (driving 2–3 hours or take a train if timings align) — the route is scenic with tea-fields and waterfalls.
LKR800, 3h0m

10:30am

Little Adam's Peak hike

Hike the gentle Little Adam’s Peak for outstanding valley views — the trail is open all day and takes about 45–60 minutes return.
LKR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Cafe Chill or local eatery

Lunch in Ella at a popular café offering salads, wraps and Sri Lankan favourites; cafés usually open midday.
LKR1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Nine Arch Bridge & Demodara loop

Walk to Nine Arch Bridge and the Demodara loop — iconic railway architecture excellent for photos; accessible any time of day.
LKR0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel / optional spa

Return to your accommodation to relax or enjoy a spa/massage after hiking; most spas operate 9:00am–8:00pm.
LKR2500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Local grill or rooftop cafe

Try a rooftop café for dinner with mountain views; popular evening venues often stay open late for travellers.
LKR1800, 1h15m
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Day 7: Yala Safari

Yala / Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka on September 12, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast and depart for Yala

Early breakfast then drive south-east from Ella toward Yala/Tissamaharama (approx 3–4 hours).
LKR700, 0h45m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at safari lodge

Arrive at your safari lodge near Yala/Tissamaharama and have lunch; lodges typically serve until mid-afternoon.
LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon safari in Yala National Park

Afternoon jeep safari (park open c. 6:00am–6:00pm) to spot leopards, elephants and birdlife — late afternoon is prime viewing time.
LKR4000, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Lodge dining

Return to the lodge for dinner and nightly wildlife debrief; many lodges offer buffet or set menus until 9:30pm.
LKR2800, 1h15m
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Day 8: South Coast & Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka on September 13, 2025

6:00am

Optional early-morning safari

If you want more wildlife, take an early safari (park opens ~6:00am) otherwise depart after breakfast for the southern coast.
LKR4000, 3h0m

10:30am

Drive to Galle via Mirissa/Hikkaduwa (coastal stops)

Drive west along the south coast with stops for beaches and reefs; Hikkaduwa (snorkelling) and Mirissa (beaches) are popular daytime stops.
LKR0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Beachside café in Hikkaduwa or Mirissa

Lunch at a beach café sampling fresh seafood or rice & curry; beach vendors and cafés generally open 9:00am–6:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Galle Fort walking tour

Explore the UNESCO Galle Fort — colonial ramparts, boutiques, Dutch Palace and lighthouse; the fort area is open all day and great for late-afternoon light.
LKR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Fort restaurant (e.g., Pedlar's Inn or similar)

Dine inside the fort at a well-regarded restaurant offering local and international dishes; reservations recommended in high season.
LKR3000, 1h15m
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Day 9: Coastal Activities & Colombo

Bentota → Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and depart Galle for Bentota

Breakfast in Galle before driving north-west toward Bentota (approx 1–1.5 hours), with time to stop en route.
LKR800, 0h45m

10:00am

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery visit

Visit a conservation-focused turtle hatchery (open c. 9:00am–5:00pm) to learn about sea turtle rehabilitation and see turtles at different stages.
LKR800, 1h0m

12:30pm

Bentota river safari or beach lunch

Take a river safari in the Bentota estuary to see birdlife and mangroves (daytime trips) or enjoy a beachfront lunch.
LKR2000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Colombo and check-in

Drive to Colombo (approx 1.5–2 hours), check in to your city hotel and rest before evening activities.
LKR0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Gangaramaya Temple & Galle Face Green at sunset

Visit Gangaramaya temple (open 7:00am–8:00pm) then watch sunset at Galle Face Green — a great mix of culture and coastal city life.
LKR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Colombo signature restaurant (reservation advised)

Dine at a top Colombo restaurant (e.g., seafood or modern Sri Lankan cuisine); most fine-dining restaurants require reservation and are open until 10:30pm.
LKR4500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Colombo & Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final Sri Lankan breakfast and check out times (hotel check-out typically by 11:00am).
LKR800, 0h45m

8:30am

Pettah Market & shopping

Visit Pettah Market for souvenirs, spices and textiles — lively from morning until late afternoon (best 8:00am–12:00pm for bargaining and full stalls).
LKR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Independence Memorial Hall & brief city drive

Drive past Independence Square and colonial landmarks for quick photos and a short city orientation.
LKR0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch — Colombo cafe or hotel

Final lunch at a Colombo café or hotel restaurant; enjoy contemporary Sri Lankan fusion or international options before you leave.
LKR1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Allow 2–3 hours before international departure for airport check-in and visa/immigration procedures (drive time 30–60 mins depending on traffic).
LKR0, 1h30m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed