Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer 30 to 45 minutes to your hotel in Colombo. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour of colonial buildings, bustling Pettah Market, and the serene Gangaramaya Temple. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Drive approximately 210 kilometres north to Anuradhapura in four to five hours. Explore the ancient city’s vast complex of stupas, monasteries, and sacred trees including the Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya Stupa. Learn about the city’s 2,000-year history and its role in the development of Sinhalese Buddhist culture. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Depart for Mihintale, about 13 kilometres or 30 minutes from Anuradhapura. Climb the stone steps to see the ancient monasteries and stupas where Buddhism first took root in Sri Lanka. Continue 60 kilometres to Habarana, allowing one and a half hours, arriving by late afternoon for leisure at your resort. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning for cooler temperatures and stunning views. Allocate two to three hours to explore its frescoes, water gardens, and summit. In the afternoon, visit a nearby village for bullock cart rides, a traditional lunch, and a boat ride on a tranquil lake. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Drive 40 kilometres to Polonnaruwa in approximately one hour. Spend three to four hours exploring the medieval capital, including the Royal Palace complex, the Sacred Quadrangle, and the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues. Return to Habarana in the evening for overnight stay.

Drive 30 kilometres to Dambulla (approximately 40 minutes) and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple for one to one and a half hours. Continue 35 kilometres to Matale (about 50 minutes) to explore a spice garden and learn about traditional cultivation and cooking techniques. Finally, drive 40 kilometres to Kandy (around 1.5 hours) and enjoy a relaxed evening by Kandy Lake. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Spend the day exploring Kandy, visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and attending a pooja ceremony. Walk around the Royal Palace and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens for two to three hours. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Take a day trip 30 to 50 kilometres outside Kandy to visit the three historic temples. Spend 30 minutes at Embekke to admire the intricate wood carvings, 30 minutes at Gadaladeniya to see the South Indian-influenced stone architecture, and 45 minutes at Lankatilaka perched on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of the hills. Return to Kandy by evening. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Travel approximately 80 kilometres through the hill country to Nuwara Eliya in around three hours. Stop at tea plantations to learn about the production process and sample fresh brews, spending 60 to 90 minutes. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and explore colonial landmarks such as the post office, Gregory Lake, and Victoria Park. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Take the scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella, a three-hour route passing misty mountains, waterfalls, and tea estates. Upon arrival, relax or visit Little Adam’s Peak and Ravana Falls for one to two hours. Overnight stay in Ella.

Drive 150 kilometres south in approximately four hours, stopping at Buduruwagala to explore the ancient rock carvings. Continue to Tissamaharama, gateway to Yala National Park. Evening at leisure beside Tissa Lake. Overnight stay in Tissamaharama.

Begin the day with a morning safari in Yala National Park, lasting around three to four hours. In the late afternoon, drive to Kataragama to witness multi-faith evening rituals and poojas. Overnight stay in Tissamaharama or Kataragama.

Drive 200 kilometres along the southern coastline to Galle, taking around four to five hours with scenic stops along the way. Explore Galle Fort, its colonial streets, ramparts, and boutiques for two to three hours. Overnight stay in Galle or nearby coastal town.

Spend the day within Galle Fort visiting colonial churches, old mosques, cafes, and historic ramparts. Optional visit to nearby beaches or a turtle hatchery. Evening at leisure by the sea. Overnight stay in Galle.

Drive 120 kilometres back to Colombo in approximately three hours. Time permitting, stop at Colombo landmarks such as Independence Square, Pettah Market, or Galle Face Green before transfer to the airport for your onward flight.