Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and take a 30 to 45-minute drive to the coastal town of Negombo. Depending on your arrival time, explore the town’s colonial charm and vibrant fish markets, or stroll along the lagoon at sunset. Dinner by the beach is recommended to unwind from your journey. Overnight stay in Negombo.

Travel approximately 200 kilometres north to Anuradhapura, a four to five-hour drive through rural villages and dry zone landscapes. Explore the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and the remains of ancient monasteries that mark the birth of Buddhist civilisation in Sri Lanka. Walking through the temple complexes takes around three to four hours. Dinner and overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Start early with a 20-minute drive to Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Climb the 1,840 stone steps to view ancient stupas and panoramic vistas of the surrounding plains. Continue 50 kilometres to Aukana to admire the towering 12-metre granite Buddha statue sculpted over a millennium ago. Return to Anuradhapura by evening. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Depart for Habarana with a morning stop at Ritigala, a forest monastery hidden among misty hills. Explore meditation platforms and ancient stone pathways for about 90 minutes, surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Continue 50 kilometres to Habarana, arriving in the afternoon with leisure time at your resort for swimming, spa treatments, or a village walk. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Set out early to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allowing two to three hours for exploration of water gardens, frescoes, and summit views. In the afternoon, hike Pidurangala Rock for approximately one hour to experience serene vistas of Sigiriya and the surrounding plains, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Drive 60 kilometres to Polonnaruwa for a full-day exploration of the medieval capital. Visit the Royal Palace Complex, the Sacred Quadrangle, and the Gal Vihara stone-carved Buddha statues. Expect three to four hours walking across the archaeological site, which is best done in the cooler morning and late afternoon hours. Return to Habarana in the evening. Overnight stay in Habarana.

Head south 80 kilometres to Dambulla and visit the cave temple complex, allowing 90 minutes to two hours for murals and Buddha images. Continue to Nalanda Gedige, an enigmatic fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, then stop at a spice garden in Matale to learn about Sri Lanka’s fragrant crops and herbs. Drive the final 40 kilometres to Kandy in the late afternoon, arriving in time for an evening stroll by the lake. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Spend the day in Kandy, exploring the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and attending a pooja ceremony. Walk around Kandy Lake and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya for 2–3 hours. Conclude the evening with a traditional Kandyan dance performance lasting approximately one hour. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Travel through scenic tea country for 120 kilometres to Nuwara Eliya, stopping at Gadaladeniya and Embekke temples for 30 to 45 minutes each to admire stone and wood carvings. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya by afternoon, explore the colonial town including the post office, lake, and racecourse, then check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella, a three-hour journey through misty mountains, tea plantations, and picturesque valleys. Upon arrival, visit Little Adam’s Peak for a one-hour hike or Ravana Falls for a short walk and photography. Afternoon at leisure to relax in a café overlooking the valley. Overnight stay in Ella.

Drive approximately 150 kilometres south, stopping at Buduruwagala to view ancient rock carvings of seven Buddha figures for 30 to 40 minutes. Continue to Tissamaharama, arriving mid-afternoon with time to unwind by Tissa Lake or stroll through the town. Overnight stay in Tissamaharama.

Start early with a 4:30 am departure for a safari in Yala National Park, covering roughly three to four hours in open jeeps to spot leopards, elephants, and endemic birds. In the late afternoon, drive 50 kilometres to Kataragama to witness or participate in an evening pooja at the sacred multi-faith site. Overnight stay in Tissamaharama.

Travel 220 kilometres along the southern coast to Galle. Explore the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort, walk its cobbled streets, browse boutiques, and enjoy ocean views from historic ramparts for two to three hours. Evening at leisure to watch the sunset or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Galle or Bentota.

Drive 120 kilometres back to Colombo for your onward flight. Depending on your departure schedule, take a brief tour of Colombo landmarks including Independence Square, Pettah Market, and Galle Face Green. Transfer to the airport for departure.