Highlights of Sri Lanka 7 Days 6 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet and assist at Colombo Airport and proceed to Sigiriya- A small village that famous for the ruins of an ancient stronghold Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

In the afternoon, visit Historical Dambulla Rock Temple (1hrs) – The excellent painting works on the walls and the statues of five different caves all related to the Buddha’s life and tales of former lives of the Buddha. They are the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan art. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight Stay at: Sigiriya
Travel Time: 3hrs 30min (approx.) – Bandaranayake Intenational Airport to Sigiriya
Meal: –

Day 2

After breakfast, visit Polonnaruwa Ruins (3hrs)- Go back to the Medieval Capital of the 10th Century. Due to its archeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority, UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage in 1982.

Visit The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu– Once a massive 7 stories building built in 12th century AD. Today, there are three levels of bricks that remain with holes dotted an equidistance around, which would have likely been used for wooden beams that would have delineated the different floors. King’s Audience Hall– The hall is made out of rock slabs and pillars with beautiful motifs on them. Kumara Pokuna– “The Prince Bath” a pond made out of large stone blocks. Shiva Devalaya– A Hindu Temple built with large stone slabs and blocks.

Vatadage– It is a typical circular Buddhist structure constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. Galpotha– “The Stone Book” is a colossal stone slab inscription. Sathmahal Prasadaya– The unique seven stories building believed to be a stupa.

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya– A unique lotus shaped pillared structure is believed to be the recitation house for Buddhist chanting. Hatadage and Atadage– They are ancient relic shrines built with stone bricks and slab. Rankoth Vehera Stupa– The stupa made with bricks is the largest in Polonnaruwa and the 4th largest in Sri Lanka built in the 12th Century AD.

Thuparamaya and Lankathilaka Image House– Ancient Buddhist image houses with thick walls and the Buddha Statues. Kiri Vehera– This is 18 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town. Gal Viharaya– The feature of this rock temple is the magnificent four statues of the Buddha carved in a huge rock. Parakrama Samudraya– “The Ocean of King Parakramabahu” is a huge man-made reservoir.

In the afternoon, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2hrs)- The spectacular rock fortress which is the best-preserved city center in Asia from the first millennium. The gardens of Sigiriya are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The sight has been named as a UNESCO world heritage and the 8th wonder of the world.

Overnight Stay at: Sigiriya
Travel Time: 1hr 10min (approx.) – Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa
1hr 10min (approx.) – Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya
Meal: Breakfast

Day 3

After breakfast, leave for Kandy- Kandy was the last kingdom and is now Sri Lanka’s second largest city. On the way, visit Spice and Herbal Garden (1hrs) – Sri Lanka is an integral part of the global spice trade for many centuries which is used not only for cooking but also for medicine.

In the afternoon, The Temple of the Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake(2hrs)- The most important Buddhist relic, constructed mainly during the reign of Kandyan kings from 1687-1707 and 1747-1782. The lake is man-made and was built in 1807 by the last king of the country. Kandy View Point (Arthur’s Seat) (20min)- The place for an amazing panoramic view of the city.

Overnight Stay at: Kandy
Travel Time: 2hrs 30min (approx.) – Sigiriya to Kandy
Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

After breakfast, visit visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (1hr30min)- The oldest formal gardens in Sri Lanka and one of the finest in the world. This 57ha garden laid out in 1832. Thereafter, City Tour and Shopping (3hrs)- Explore the busy streets and town’s intriguing combination of cultures. Kandy, being the cultural heart, is home to a wide range of handicrafts, jewelry, and gemstones that showcase the rich crafting heritage history.

In the afternoon, leave for Colombo– The commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Overnight Stay at: Colombo
Travel Time: 3hrs 40min (approx.) – Kandy to Colombo
Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

After breakfast, leave for Yala- A small village famous for its the spectacular wilderness.

On the way Colombo City Tour and Shopping (3hrs)- The commercial capital of the country. The sightseeing includes Galle Face Green Ocean-side Urban Park, Colonial Buildings (The Old Parliament Building, The Town Hall, The Clock Tower, The iconic Cargils Building, The President’s Palace), Seema Malakaya Temple in Beire Lake, Independence Memorial Hall, and Hindu Temple.

Overnight Stay at: Yala
Travel Time: 3hrs 30min (approx.) – Colombo to Yala
Meal: Breakfast

Day 6

Early morning, visit Yala National Park for Jeep Safari (3hrs)- The second largest national park in Sri Lanka and it boasts the highest density of leopards in Asia, bears, elephants, crocodiles, deer and birds. Thereafter, leave for Unawatuna Beach– A well-developed tourist area with several hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars. The beach is also a popular destination for families.

In the afternoon, visit Galle Dutch Fort (1hr30min)- A place of history, romance and beauty. Initially built by the Portuguese in the16th century.

Leave for Unawatuna and Relax at the Beach.
Overnight Stay at: Unawatuna
Travel Time: 3hrs 30min (approx.) – Yala to Galle
15min (approx.) – Galle to Unawatuna
Meal: Breakfast

Day 7

After breakfast, visit Jungle Beach– It’s a lovely bay tucked in a wooded region that’s popular for day trips.

In the afternoon, leave for Colombo Airport for your Departure.

Travel Time: 2hrs 15min (approx.) – Unawatuna to Bandaranayake International Airport
Meal: Breakfast

* The given travel time depends on traffic and the condition of the road.
* The time given in ( ) shows the approximate time spend on the relevant attraction or activity.
* Sightseeing and activities will depend on the weather.