Sri Lanka Reimagined – Beyond the Usual
per person
Sri Lanka — an island of contrasts, where sacred cities, coastal serenity, misty mountains, and wild jungle unite in one epic itinerary. From the northern charm of Jaffna to the tranquil beaches of Passikudah, and from the cultural heartland of Kandy to the thrilling safaris…
Sri Lanka — an island of contrasts, where sacred cities, coastal serenity, misty mountains, and wild jungle unite in one epic itinerary. From the northern charm of Jaffna to the tranquil beaches of Passikudah, and from the cultural heartland of Kandy to the thrilling safaris of Yala, every moment on this journey offers a new perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of heritage and beauty.
This route is ideal for travelers who want to explore the less-visited north, dive into spiritual and historical depths, and still find time to unwind along the eastern and southern shores. You’ll ride the island’s most scenic train, marvel at ancient stupas, sip tea in the hills, and walk centuries-old ramparts in Galle.
It’s not just a holiday—it’s a pilgrimage through history, nature, and coastal bliss.
Day 1 - Colombo
Arrival in Colombo
Morning / Afternoon:
• Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Transfer to hotel in Colombo and check-in
Evening:
• Optional Colombo city orientation: Galle Face Green, Independence Square, or local markets
Overnight: Colombo
Day 2 - Colombo – Anuradhapura
Colombo – Anuradhapura
Morning:
• Depart for Anuradhapura (approx. 5 hours) – Sri Lanka’s sacred ancient capital
Afternoon:
• Check-in at hotel and relax
• Optional sunset visit to Mihintale, cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Overnight: Anuradhapura
Day 3 - Anuradhapura
Explore Sacred Anuradhapura
Morning:
• Full-day tour of Anuradhapura’s Sacred City (UNESCO site)
• Highlights: Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya, Isurumuniya, Jetavanaramaya
Afternoon:
• Visit Abhayagiri Complex and ancient reservoirs
Evening:
• Free time or meditation at a temple
Overnight: Anuradhapura
Day 4 - Anuradhapura – Jaffna
Anuradhapura – Drive to Jaffna
Morning:
• Drive to Jaffna, cultural capital of northern Sri Lanka (approx. 4.5–5 hours)
Afternoon:
• En route stop at Elephant Pass War Memorial
• Arrive in Jaffna, check-in at hotel
Evening:
• Sunset at Jaffna Fort and evening stroll along the lagoon
Overnight: Jaffna
Day 5 - Jaffna
Explore Jaffna
Morning:
• Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Library, and Archaeological Museum
• Taste authentic Tamil cuisine
Afternoon:
• Visit Keerimalai Springs, Dambakola Patuna, and Point Pedro (northernmost tip of Sri Lanka)
Evening:
• Explore Jaffna’s local markets and cultural streets
Overnight: Jaffna
Day 6 - Jaffna – Passikudah
Jaffna – Drive to Passikudah
Morning:
• Long scenic drive to Passikudah on the east coast (approx. 6.5–7 hours)
• Enjoy changing landscapes and rural scenes
Afternoon:
• Check-in to beach resort and relax by the calm bay
Evening:
• Walk along the sandy shore during sunset
Overnight: Passikudah
Day 7 - Passikudah
Leisure in Passikudah
Morning:
• Relax at the beach or enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or jet skiing
Afternoon:
• Optional: Visit Batticaloa Fort or Kallady Bridge
Evening:
• Ayurveda spa or sunset dinner at beach resort
Overnight: Passikudah
Day 8 - Passikudah – Habarana
Passikudah – Drive to Habarana
Morning:
• Depart for Habarana (approx. 3.5 hours)
• En route visit Dimbulagala Monastery or Polonnaruwa ruins (optional)
Afternoon:
• Check-in to eco-lodge or resort in Habarana
Evening:
• Optional: Elephant ride or village tour
Overnight: Habarana
Day 9 - Habarana
Sigiriya & Dambulla (from Habarana)
Morning:
• Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Lion Rock and its ancient gardens
• Visit Pidurangala Rock (optional) for alternate views
Afternoon:
• Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples, adorned with Buddha statues and murals
Evening:
• Relax and enjoy traditional food
Overnight: Habarana
Day 10 - Habarana – Kandy
Habarana – Kandy
Morning:
• Drive to Kandy (approx. 3 hours)
• Stop at Matale Spice Garden en route
Afternoon:
• Check-in at hotel and visit Temple of the Tooth Relic
• Optional: Stroll around Kandy Lake or visit Gem Museum
Evening:
• Attend Kandyan cultural dance show
Overnight: Kandy
Day 11 - Kandy – Ella
Kandy – Train to Ella
Morning:
• Board the scenic train from Kandy to Ella (6–7 hours via Nanu Oya)
• Pass tea estates, waterfalls, and mountain villages
Afternoon:
• Arrive in Ella, check-in and unwind
Evening:
• Optional visit to Ravana Falls or enjoy tea at a hill café
Overnight: Ella
Day 12 - Ella
Explore Ella
Morning:
• Hike up Little Adam’s Peak for sunrise
• Walk to Nine Arch Bridge, a famous photo spot
Afternoon:
• Optional zipline experience or visit Ella Spice Garden
Evening:
• Relax with mountain views or visit Ella Rock (optional)
Overnight: Ella
Day 13 - Ella – Yala
Ella – Drive to Yala
Morning:
• Drive to Yala National Park (approx. 3.5–4 hours)
Afternoon:
• Check-in to safari lodge
• Optional evening jeep safari (or rest for early safari next day)
Evening:
• Enjoy nature or stargazing by the lodge
Overnight: Yala
Day 14 - Yala
Wildlife Safari in Yala
Morning:
• Early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park
• Spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and birds
Afternoon:
• Rest at the lodge or do a second jeep safari
Evening:
• Optional nature walk or photography session
Overnight: Yala
Day 15 - Yala – Galle
Yala – Drive to Galle
Morning:
• Drive along the southern coastline to Galle (approx. 4.5–5 hours)
Afternoon:
• Arrive and check-in to hotel within or near Galle Fort
• Explore Galle’s colonial ramparts and cobblestone lanes
Evening:
• Sunset by the Galle Lighthouse
Overnight: Galle
Day 16 - Galle
Galle Exploration & Beach Leisure
Morning:
• Walking tour of Galle Fort – museums, shops, Dutch churches
• Optional visit to Unawatuna or Jungle Beach
Afternoon:
• Visit turtle hatchery or go for a boat ride on Koggala Lake
Evening:
• Final seaside dinner in a colonial café or hotel
Overnight: Galle
Day 17 - Galle – Colombo – Departure
Galle – Colombo – Departure
Morning:
• Check out and drive to Colombo International Airport (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Optional Colombo city tour (if time permits)
Afternoon:
• Departure with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's sacred sites, scenic beauty, and coastal calm