15‑Day Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Colombo. Freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along Galle Face Green to soak in the ocean breeze and watch local families flying kites.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant on Marine Drive and try fresh Sri Lankan seafood while watching the sunset.

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Day 2: Colombo City Exploration

Morning: Visit the historic Old Dutch Hospital, now a vibrant shopping and dining precinct.

Afternoon: Explore the cultural highlights of National Museum of Colombo and the nearby Independence Square.

Evening: Enjoy a rooftop cocktail at Ministry of Crab for a taste of the city’s lively nightlife.

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Day 3: Negombo & Dutch Fort

Morning: Transfer to Negombo; wander through the bustling Negombo Fish Market and sample fresh catches.

Afternoon: Tour the well‑preserved Negombo Dutch Fort and its museum, learning about colonial history.

Evening: Relax on Negombo Beach and enjoy a beachside dinner of grilled fish.

**Day 4: Anuradhapura Ancient City**

Morning: Travel to Anuradhapura; begin the exploration at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.

Afternoon: Visit the impressive Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and the ancient Abhayagiri Monastery.

Evening: Return to your hotel and enjoy a quiet dinner, reflecting on the ancient ruins.

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Day 5: Polonnaruwa Heritage Site

Morning: Drive to Polonnaruwa; start with the towering Gal Vihara rock carvings.

Afternoon: Explore the well‑preserved Royal Palace and the iconic Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

Evening: Stroll through the town’s market and taste local delicacies like “kottu roti”.

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Day 6: Sigiriya & Dambulla

Morning: Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress for panoramic views and frescoes.

Afternoon: Descend to the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple, admiring its ancient Buddhist murals.

Evening: Unwind at your resort in the countryside, perhaps with a spa treatment.

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Day 7: Journey to Kandy

Morning: Scenic drive through the hill country, stopping at a tea plantation for a brief tour.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kandy; visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and its museum.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural dance show at the Kandyan Arts Association while dining on local cuisine.

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Day 8: Kandy Lakeside & Botanical Gardens

Morning: Take a serene boat ride on Kandy Lake and walk the surrounding promenade.

Afternoon: Explore the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, famous for its orchid collection.

Evening: Sample street food at the bustling Kandy Night Market.

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Day 9: Nuwara Eliya – “Little England”

Morning: Travel to Nuwara Eliya; stop at a tea factory to learn about tea production.

Afternoon: Wander around the charming town, visiting the historic Gregory Lake and the colonial Grand Hotel.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant serving “hoppers” and fresh strawberries.

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Day 10: Tea Plantation Trails

Morning: Embark on a guided trek through the emerald terraces of the Haputale Tea Estates.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic “World’s End” viewpoint at Horton Plains for breathtaking vistas.

Evening: Return to your lodge for a cozy dinner and early rest.

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Day 11: Ella – Hiking and Waterfalls

Morning: Journey to Ella; start with the climb to the iconic Ella Rock for sweeping valley views.

Afternoon: Visit the spectacular Ravana Falls and relax by the cascading water.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset drink at the famous 9 A.M. Cafe overlooking the tea fields.

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Day 12: Yala National Park Safari

Morning: Depart early for Yala; board a private 4×4 for a wildlife safari.

Afternoon: Spot leopards, elephants, and a myriad of bird species near Yala’s “Safari Zone”.

Evening: Return to your lodge near the park for a traditional Sri Lankan dinner.

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Day 13: Mirissa Beach Relaxation

Morning: Travel to the southern coast; unwind on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach.

Afternoon: Optional whale‑watching tour departing from Mirissa harbor.

Evening: Savor fresh grilled prawns at a beachfront shack while watching the sunset.

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Day 14: Galle Fort Exploration

Morning: Head to Galle; walk the fortified walls of the UNESCO‑listed Galle Fort.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Dutch Reformed Church, the lighthouse, and boutique shops.

Evening: Dine at a colonial‑style restaurant inside the fort, sampling “lamprais”.

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Day 15: Departure from Colombo

Morning: Return to Colombo; enjoy last‑minute shopping at Odel Mall or Pettah Market.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight, carrying memories of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes.

Evening: Farewell dinner (optional) if flight schedule permits.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• Galle Face Green – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• Old Dutch Hospital (Colombo) – 2 hrs – $0
• National Museum of Colombo – 2 hrs – $10
• Negombo Fish Market – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Negombo Dutch Fort – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Sri Maha Bodhi (Anuradhapura) – 1 hr – $0
• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Gal Vihara (Polonnaruwa) – 2 hrs – $10
• Parakrama Samudra – 1 hr – $0
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress – 3 hrs – $30
• Dambulla Cave Temple – 2 hrs – $10
• Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy) – 2 hrs – $10
• Kandyan Arts Show – 2 hrs – $15
• Kandy Lake – 1 hr – $0
• Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya – 2.5 hrs – $15
• Gregory Lake (Nuwara Eliya) – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Tea Factory Tour (Haputale) – 2 hrs – $12
• World’s End (Horton Plains) – 3 hrs – $25 (park fee)
• Ella Rock Hike – 4 hrs – $0
• Ravana Falls – 1 hr – $0
• Yala Safari – 5 hrs – $70 (guide & vehicle)
• Whale Watching (Mirissa) – 4 hrs – $55
• Galle Fort Walk – 3 hrs – $0
• Odel Mall / Pettah Market – 2 hrs – $0
• Accommodation (14 nights) – 14 nights – $1,120 (average $80/night)
• Meals (average $25/day) – 15 days – $375
• Private Transfers & Local Transport – 15 days – $400
• International Flights (not included) – – –
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding international airfare) – – – $3,242

Tips

To extend the trip, add extra days in the hill country for a multi‑day trek in Knuckles Mountain Range or a relaxing stay at a boutique tea estate. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the separate day in Negombo and combining it with Colombo, or replace the Yala safari with a half‑day visit to Udawalawe National Park, which requires less travel time.