Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer 30 to 45 minutes to your hotel in Colombo. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short cultural orientation tour visiting colonial-era churches, Gangaramaya Temple, and bustling local streets. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Drive approximately 210 kilometres north to Anuradhapura in four to five hours. Explore the city’s vast stupas, monastic ruins, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree. Learn about its role as the cradle of Sinhalese Buddhist civilization. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Drive 12 kilometres to Mihintale (around 30 minutes) to visit the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Climb stone steps to view ancient stupas and monastic platforms. Continue 35 kilometres (around 1 hour) to Isurumuniya Temple, famous for its rock carvings, before driving 60 kilometres (1.5 hours) to Habarana. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the early morning for cooler conditions and uninterrupted views, spending approximately two to three hours exploring frescoes, water gardens, and summit vistas. In the afternoon, hike Pidurangala Rock for a tranquil sunset experience over the Cultural Triangle. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Drive 40 kilometres to Polonnaruwa (around one hour). Spend three to four hours exploring the medieval capital, including the Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, and Quadrangle temples. Return to Habarana for the night. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Drive 30 kilometres to Dambulla (40 minutes) to explore the cave temple complex with over a hundred Buddha statues and ancient murals. Continue 35 kilometres to Nalanda Gedige (50 minutes), an intriguing fusion of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. Drive 80 kilometres to Kandy (about 2 hours), arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and attend a morning or evening pooja ceremony. Walk around Kandy Lake and explore the Royal Palace and nearby National Museum for insight into Kandyan heritage. Optionally stroll through the Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary, a serene monastic forest trail. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Take a day trip 30 to 50 kilometres outside Kandy to explore three Kandyan-era temples. Spend 30 minutes at Embekke admiring woodcraft, 30 minutes at Gadaladeniya for its South Indian stone influences, and 45 minutes at Lankatilaka perched on a rocky outcrop. Return to Kandy by evening. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Drive 80 kilometres through the highlands to Nuwara Eliya in around three hours. En route, stop at Ramboda Waterfalls and a nearby temple nestled among tea plantations. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, stroll around Gregory Lake, the post office, and colonial-era gardens. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Take the scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella (approx. three hours), passing misty mountains, tea estates, and waterfalls. Upon arrival, explore Ravana Ella Temple and meditation caves or hike Little Adam’s Peak. Overnight stay in Ella.

Drive 150 kilometres to Kataragama (around four hours), stopping to explore Buduruwagala’s seven Buddha carvings. Arrive in the late afternoon and witness the vibrant multi-faith evening puja ceremony. Overnight stay in Kataragama or Tissamaharama.

Drive 200 kilometres along the southern coast to Galle (around four to five hours). Explore Galle Fort, its colonial architecture, ramparts, churches, and boutiques. Enjoy the evening by the sea and reflect on the spiritual and cultural journey. Overnight stay in Galle or nearby coastal town.

Drive 120 kilometres back to Colombo in about three hours. En route, optionally visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Gangaramaya Temple. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.