Sri Lankan Highlights
Overview
The landmark route: Colombo, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya rock fortress, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, the hill-country views around Ella, and a final couple of nights on Bentota's beaches.
A good fit if this is a once-off trip and you'd rather see the well-known sites properly than trade breadth for depth.
Gallery
Highlights
- Colombo's markets, historic sites and nightlife
- Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Wilpattu National Park wildlife
- Polonnaruwa's archaeological remains
- Sigiriya rock fortress and Dambulla cave temple
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth
- Ella's hill-country views
- Bentota's beaches
Included & excluded
- Accommodation, 3–4 star hotels or similar, half-board basis
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- Assistance of a chauffeur guide
- Government taxes
- 1 litre bottled water per person per day
- Wilpattu National Park safari & Anuradhapura city tour
- Entrance fees to sights in Sri Lanka
- Airfare and visa fees
- Early check-in / late checkout charges
- Tips and porterage
- Lunch and any other meals not mentioned
Day by day
Arrival — Colombo
See some of architect Geoffrey Bawa's best-known work, the Sri Lankan Parliament building, and the Seema Malaka meditation hall built on stilts over Beira Lake.
Colombo → Anuradhapura → Wilpattu
Visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before an afternoon safari at Wilpattu National Park.
Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya
Explore the archaeological remains of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital, then continue to Sigiriya.
Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
Climb Sigiriya rock fortress and visit the Dambulla cave temple en route to Kandy.
Kandy → Ella
Visit the Temple of the Tooth before the scenic drive into the hills to Ella.
Ella → Bentota
Head to the south-west coast for a change of pace on Bentota's beaches.
Bentota → Departure
A final morning by the coast before transfer to the airport.
Map
Frequently asked questions
Why does this route include both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa?
They're Sri Lanka's two ancient capitals and genuinely different in character — Anuradhapura's dagobas versus Polonnaruwa's more compact, better-preserved ruins — so seeing both gives real contrast rather than repetition.
Is a Wilpattu safari included, or just a drive past?
An afternoon jeep safari is included on day 2, alongside the Anuradhapura visit.
Does this trip suit travellers who want depth over breadth?
Yes — it trades a beach-heavy finish for more time in the ancient cities and hill country, ending with just enough coast time at Bentota to unwind before departure.