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Perfectly Sri Lanka

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Trip crafted by:
Devindi
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Sri Lanka flagSri Lanka

Plan your classic Sri Lanka trip and discover an island of living traditions, lush landscapes, and genuine local encounters. Our Sri Lanka trips are thoughtfully tailored around your interests, with flexible pacing and carefully chosen stays.

Travel with expert private guides, share tea with plantation families, explore ancient temples, and end your days on quiet beaches far from the crowds.

If you’re ready to shape a journey around what matters most to you, get in touch to create a Sri Lanka experience that feels truly personal.

Classic Sri Lanka trip highlights

  • Private cultural immersion: Connect with local families, temple ceremonies, and artisan workshops, and uncover Sri Lanka’s living traditions.
  • Scenic tea-country journeys: Winding train rides and private walks through emerald tea estates offer authentic views and custom stops.
  • Wildlife and safari encounters: Tailor your safari to spot elephants, leopards, and migratory birds with expert guides who know the best seasonal locations.
  • Coastal relaxation and surf: Customize beach stays, private surf lessons, and sunset cruises along southern shores for a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
  • Historic cities and UNESCO sites: Personalized tours through ancient cities, fortresses, and UNESCO sites reveal Sri Lanka’s layered history.
DayLocationActivityOvernight
1Anuradhapura

• Airport arrival and private transfer

• Guided sightseeing

• Visit Sri Maha Bodhi and historic irrigation reservoirs

Anuradhapura
2Mihintale and Anuradhapura

• Climb Mihintale Rock pilgrimage site

• Explore Isurumuniya, Sri Maha Bodhi, and Ruwanwelisaya

• Cultural heritage exploration

Anuradhapura
3Trincomalee

• Transfer to east coast

• Beach relaxation and snorkeling

Trincomalee
4Pigeon Island and Trincomalee

• Boat trip to Pigeon Island

• Snorkeling with coral reefs and sea turtles

• Visit Koneswaram Temple and Lover’s Leap

Trincomalee
5Passikudah

• Transfer to Passikudah Beach

• Relax on calm white sand beaches

• Optional kayaking, seafood dining, or seaside spa

Passikudah
6Passikudah

• Guided morning snorkeling session

• Leisure time

Passikudah
7Polonnaruwa and Minneriya

• Guided tour of Polonnaruwa ancient capital

• Visit Gal Vihara and Parakrama Samudraya

• Evening Minneriya National Park jeep safari

Sigiriya / Habarana
8Sigiriya and Dambulla to Madulkelle

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple UNESCO site

• Transfer to the hill country

Madulkelle
9Knuckles region

• Scenic drive via Corbett’s Gap

• Guided mountain trek to Nitre Cave

Madulkelle
10Knuckles Mountain Range

• Guided hikes or birdwatching walks

• Village visits and tea plantation trails

• Eco lodge relaxation with panoramic views

Madulkelle
11Kandy

• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

• Lake walk and city exploration

• Trinity College Chapel and cultural dance show

Kandy
12Nuwara Eliya

• Scenic train journey through the tea country

• Observation carriage views

• Explore colonial hill station

Nuwara Eliya
13Colombo

• Colombo city tour

• Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka

• Old Parliament, Hindu temple and Independence Square

Colombo
14Colombo

• Breakfast at hotel

• Private transfer to airport

Places you'll visit

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Day01

Arrival and Anuradhapura sightseeing

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to Anuradhapura, the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient cultural heritage.

As part of your Sri Lanka travel experience, explore towering stupas, atmospheric temple ruins, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and centuries-old irrigation reservoirs with an expert local guide who brings the island’s history and spiritual traditions vividly to life.

Abhayagiri - major monastery site of Theravada Buddhism that was situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Day02

Mihintale and ancient Anuradhapura

After breakfast, climb Mihintale Rock, the sacred site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Ascend the picturesque stairway shaded by frangipani trees, take in sweeping panoramic views, and discover the profound spiritual history of this revered pilgrimage site.

Return to Anuradhapura to explore the ancient 4th-century city, visiting Isurumuniya, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, and the majestic Ruwanwelisaya stupa. Later, continue your journey with an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room at Forest Rock Garden Hotel, nestled among tranquil gardens and natural surroundings.

Sculpture of a seated Buddha. Mihintale, Sri Lanka
Day03

Trincomalee coast

Arrive on the sun-drenched shores of Trincomalee, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, known for its unspoiled white sands and crystal-clear waters. Spend your time swimming, snorkeling over vibrant coral shallows, strolling along the coast, or simply relaxing by the sea.

Explore nearby fishing villages, sample freshly caught seafood, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm that makes this stretch of coastline so memorable.

Beach umbrella on sand next to tropical lagoon. Sun umbrellas and boats on Marble beach, Sri Lanka, Trincomalee
Day04

Pigeon Island

Rise early to watch the sun lift over the Indian Ocean before setting out by boat to Pigeon Island, where clear turquoise waters invite you to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs. Swim alongside hawksbill, green, and olive ridley turtles, or unwind on soft white sand beneath the cliffs that shelter the island’s blue rock pigeons.

Return to Trincomalee for lunch, then visit the sacred Koneswaram Temple, perched high above the sea. Continue to Lover’s Leap (Swami Rock) to take in the dramatic coastal scenery and sweeping ocean views as the day draws to a close.

Pigeon island Sri Lanka
Day05

Passikudah Beach

Passikudah Beach on Sri Lanka’s east coast is known for its pristine stretch of white sand and calm turquoise waters, ideal for gentle swims, snorkeling in shallow bays, and relaxed beach days. The gradual shoreline and mild currents make it especially inviting for easy sea bathing and family-friendly water activities.

On arrival, check in to your beachfront hotel and enjoy a tailored afternoon. You might choose to kayak along the coast, sample freshly prepared local seafood, or unwind with a soothing seaside spa treatment. As evening falls, take a peaceful stroll along the shore and watch the sunset sink into the horizon.

Boat in the beautiful beach, Passikudah
Day06

Passikudah Beach snorkelling

Wake early to enjoy the calm waters of Passikudah Beach and set out on a guided snorkeling session among colorful coral gardens and tropical fish. Morning conditions offer the clearest visibility, and equipment and arrangements can be made locally with ease.

Afterward, return to your hotel for a leisurely breakfast. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax by the sea, explore nearby village life, try additional water sports, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.

Pasikuda popular resort beach
Day07

Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park

Explore Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second medieval capital, on a guided walk through remarkably well-preserved ruins set along the shores of Parakrama Samudraya. Discover intricate temple carvings, ancient statues, and serene lakeside vistas that bring the island’s royal past vividly to life.

In the evening, set out on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, where herds of elephants gather alongside sambar deer, toque monkeys, rich birdlife, and, on occasion, elusive leopards.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka for this spectacular wildlife display is from June to September, when receding water levels draw animals to the park’s reservoirs, creating unforgettable sightings and exceptional photography opportunities.

Gal Vihara in the world heritage city Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
Day08

Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Madulkelle

After breakfast, ascend the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, rising dramatically above the plains of the Cultural Triangle. Climb past ancient frescoes and landscaped water gardens as you uncover the royal story of King Kashyapa, then take in sweeping views from the summit.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Sigiriya before visiting the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, where intricate murals and centuries-old Buddha statues fill a series of sacred hillside caves.

Later, continue to Madulkelle and check into your hotel, settling into the peaceful atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka
Day09

Mountain trek from Hettiyawanguwa

After breakfast, set out from Kobonilla and travel through Loolwatta and Corbett’s Gap, continuing toward Hettiyawanguwa, where your guided mountain trek begins. This active stage of your Sri Lanka itinerary leads through remote highland landscapes to Kumbukgolla and Na Ela, followed by a rewarding climb to historic Nitre Cave.

Once mined for potassium nitrate used in colonial gunpowder production, the cave offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s lesser-known past. After taking in the dramatic scenery and stories of the region, return to your hotel in the evening to rest and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Knuckles Range
Day10

Knuckles Mountain Range

Breakfast is served at your lodge before a full day exploring the Knuckles Mountain Range, a landscape of misty peaks, forest trails, and sweeping valleys. Choose from gentle hikes through the highlands, guided nature walks focused on birdlife, visits to nearby villages, or time dedicated to photography and scenic tea plantation paths. 

In the evening, unwind at Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, an eco-conscious retreat with panoramic mountain views, thoughtfully prepared local cuisine, and personalized experiences designed to complement your travel style.

Mountain landscape in Sri Lanka
Day11

Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Arrive in Kandy, the hill capital and final stronghold of the Sinhala kings, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, then stroll around the tranquil lake and through the lively streets that blend colonial charm with local daily life.

Browse for gems, antiques, clothing, and leather goods with the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert, and pause to admire the Trinity College Chapel, home to striking murals by David Paynter.

In the evening, attend a cultural performance showcasing traditional Kandyan dance and rhythmic drumming, bringing the city’s heritage vividly to life.

Night view of the Temple of the Buddha Tooth
Day12

Train journey through the tea country

Enjoy one of the most scenic rail journeys in Sri Lanka as you travel through the island’s tea country, seated in the observation carriage for uninterrupted views. Misty hills, rolling tea estates, waterfalls, and small village stations unfold outside your window, offering a glimpse into daily life in the highlands.

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, famed for its tea-covered slopes, cool mountain air, and colonial-era architecture that recalls a bygone English summer. In the evening, settle into your Deluxe Room at the Grand Hotel, where historic elegance meets modern comfort.

train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy among tea plantations in the highlands of Sri Lanka
Day13

Colombo highlights

Arrive in Colombo and begin a guided city tour at the atmospheric Gangaramaya Temple, one of the capital’s most important Buddhist sites. Continue to the serene Seema Malaka Shrine, designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, where sacred stillness blends seamlessly with elegant modern design.

From there, explore the stately Old Parliament Building, visit the city’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam, and pass by the grand Town Hall and Independence Square.

Seema Malaka temple on Beira Lake. Colombo, Sri Lanka
Day14

Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Colombo, savoring local flavors as you reflect on the highlights of your Sri Lanka trip. From ancient cities and misty highlands to quiet beaches and vibrant wildlife, the memories of the island linger long after departure.

At the appropriate time, a private transfer will escort you to the airport for your onward flight. With attentive, personalized support throughout, your farewell to Sri Lanka is seamless and unhurried, bringing your journey to a smooth and memorable close.

Colombo