Classic Ceylon

Day 2: Colombo to Anuradhapura

Route: Colombo – Anuradhapura (Approx. 205 km, 4-5 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Anuradhapura Ruins:
  Begin your exploration of Sri Lanka’s ancient history with a visit to the Anuradhapura Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the ancient stupas, temples, and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, said to be over 2,300 years old.
• Mihintale Rock:
  Ascend Mihintale Rock, an important pilgrimage site with spectacular views and historical significance as the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
• Overnight: Anuradhapura

Route: Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa – Habarana (Approx. 120 km, 3-4 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Polonnaruwa Ruins:
  Visit the magnificent Polonnaruwa Ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Gal Vihara rock temple and see the impressive ancient architecture and sculptures.
• Minneriya Safari:
  Enjoy a thrilling Minneriya Safari, where you can witness herds of wild elephants and a variety of wildlife amidst the picturesque landscapes.
• Overnight: Habarana

Route: Habarana – Sigiriya – Habarana (Approx. 25 km, 40-minute drive each way)
Places Visited:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress:
  Marvel at Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress that rises dramatically from the surrounding jungle. Climb the stone steps to the top for panoramic views and explore the fascinating frescoes and ruins.
• Hiriwaduna Village Tour:
  Experience authentic Sri Lankan village life with a Hiriwaduna Village Tour. Enjoy a bullock cart ride, a boat ride across a serene lake, and a traditional meal with a local family.
• Overnight: Habarana

Day 5: Habarana to Dambulla to Kandy

Route: Habarana – Dambulla – Kandy (Approx. 150 km, 4 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Dambulla Cave Temples:
  Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts spectacular cave shrines filled with ancient Buddha statues and murals.
• Spice Garden in Matale:
  Stop by a Spice Garden in Matale to learn about the island's vibrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
• Cultural Dance in Kandy:
  In the evening, experience a lively Kandy cultural dance performance, a beautiful display of traditional music, dance, and costumes.
• Temple of the Tooth Relic:
  Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, where one of Buddha’s teeth is enshrined.
• Overnight: Kandy

Route: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 80 km, 2-3 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya:
  Begin your day at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to an impressive collection of plants, including orchids, spices, and tropical species.
• Tea Factory Tour:
  Visit a Tea Factory to learn about the art of tea making, from the picking of leaves to the final product. Enjoy a fresh cup of Ceylon tea as you take in the lush scenery.
• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Route: Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 40 km, 1.5 hours drive each way)
Places Visited:

• Horton Plains National Park:
  Take an early morning excursion to Horton Plains National Park for a hike to World’s End, a dramatic cliff with breathtaking views. The park is a UNESCO-listed site known for its biodiversity.
• Nuwara Eliya City Tour:
  After your hike, return to Nuwara Eliya for a relaxing city tour. Visit Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and enjoy the colonial charm of the town.
• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Route: Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Tissa (Approx. 100 km, 3 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Nine Arch Bridge:
  On your way to Ella, stop at the Nine Arches Bridge, an iconic colonial-era structure surrounded by lush tea plantations.
• Little Adam’s Peak:
  Hike up to Little Adam’s Peak for a moderate trek with panoramic views of Ella and the surrounding countryside.
• Overnight: Tissa

Route: Tissa – Yala – Beruwela (Approx. 200 km, 4-5 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Yala Safari:
  Start your day with a thrilling Yala Safari in Yala National Park, known for its rich wildlife, including Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species.
• Galle Fortress:
  In the afternoon, explore the Galle Fortress, a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial and local influences blend in the fort’s architecture and cobbled streets.
• Overnight: Beruwela

Route: Beruwela (Local sightseeing)
Places Visited:

• Madhu River Safari:
  Enjoy a peaceful Madhu River Safari, navigating through the mangrove forests and witnessing the natural beauty of the region.
• Turtle Hatchery:
  Visit the Turtle Hatchery to learn about Sri Lanka’s conservation efforts for sea turtles and see the young hatchlings.
• Overnight: Beruwela

Route: Beruwela (Leisure time)
Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach in Beruwela, where you can unwind, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in water sports. Spend the day at leisure, soaking in the sun and the tropical atmosphere.

Overnight: Beruwela