Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer 30 to 45 minutes to your hotel in Colombo. Depending on your arrival time, take a short city tour to see the serene Gangaramaya Temple, the colonial architecture along Galle Face Green, and the bustling Pettah Market. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Drive approximately 150 kilometres to Dambulla, taking around three to four hours through central Sri Lanka’s scenic plains. Visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred complex of five caves with over a hundred Buddha statues and intricate murals. Spend 90 to 120 minutes exploring the caves before enjoying leisure time at your hotel. Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Take a 60-kilometre, 90-minute drive to Anuradhapura for a full-day excursion. Explore the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and Abhayagiriya Monastery, walking among ancient stupas and meditation platforms for approximately three to four hours. Return to Dambulla in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Travel 60 kilometres to Polonnaruwa, where you will spend three to four hours visiting the Royal Palace, Quadrangle, and Gal Vihara, marveling at the medieval stone carvings. In the afternoon, continue 20 minutes to Hiriwadunna village for a traditional cooking demonstration, a bullock cart ride, and a serene 30-minute boat trip on the lake. Return to Dambulla or Habarana by evening. Overnight stay in Dambulla or Habarana.

Depart early for Sigiriya Rock Fortress to climb the UNESCO World Heritage site in two to three hours, enjoying frescoes, water gardens, and summit views. Drive approximately 70 kilometres to visit Nalanda Gedige for 45 minutes, then continue 80 kilometres to Kandy, arriving by late afternoon. Stroll along Kandy Lake or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Spend the morning visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and attending a pooja ceremony, allowing around 60 to 90 minutes. Explore the Royal Palace and National Museum for another 90 minutes. Walk around Kandy Lake and enjoy the evening ambiance or optional shopping for handicrafts. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Take a day trip 30 to 50 kilometres outside Kandy to visit three historic temples. Spend 30 minutes at Gadaladeniya appreciating South Indian stonework, 30 minutes at Embekke for wood carvings, and 45 minutes at Lankatilaka perched on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views. Return to Kandy by evening. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Drive 80 kilometres through the central highlands with stops at a tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process and sample fresh brews, allowing 60 to 90 minutes. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England,” and stroll past its colonial buildings, Victoria Park, and Gregory Lake. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Take a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, a journey of approximately three hours through misty mountains, waterfalls, and tea estates. Visit the Ravana Caves for 30 to 45 minutes and climb Little Adam’s Peak for a one-hour trek with breathtaking valley views. Overnight stay in Ella.

Drive 160 kilometres south to Kataragama in approximately four hours. Spend the late afternoon and evening witnessing or participating in vibrant multi-faith pooja ceremonies, including offerings, chants, and drumming. Overnight stay in Tissamaharama or Kataragama.

Travel 200 kilometres to Galle on the southern coast, taking around four to five hours. Spend two to three hours exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort, its cobbled streets, colonial churches, temples, and seaside ramparts. Optional visit to a nearby beach or café. Overnight stay in Galle.

Drive 120 kilometres back to Colombo in approximately three hours. If time permits, stop at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara to visit one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temples believed to have been visited by the Buddha. Proceed to the airport for your onward flight.