Ceylon Road Trip

Highlights Sri Lanka

Day 1: Negombo

  • Enjoy a leisurely morning at the beach in Negombo before your trip begins.
  • Consider a boat ride on the Negombo Lagoon to see wildlife and mangroves (optional).
  • In the afternoon, drive to Anuradhapura with a stop at the Aukana Buddha statue, a colossal 12-meter tall statue carved from granite (optional).

Day 2: Anuradhapura - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Habarana

  • Hire a local guide in Anuradhapura for a deeper understanding of the ancient city’s history and significance.
  • At Sigiriya, choose the sunrise option to climb Lion Rock and witness breathtaking panoramic views (weather permitting).
  • In Dambulla, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex and marvel at the intricate rock paintings and statues.

Day 3: Habarana - Polonnaruwa

  • En route to Polonnaruwa, consider a detour to the Minneriya National Park for an afternoon jeep safari to see herds of elephants gathering around the Minneriya reservoir (seasonal).

Day 4: Habarana - Kaudulla National Park

  • Opt for a full-day jeep safari in Kaudulla National Park for a higher chance of spotting wildlife.
  • Consider a village experience near Habarana to learn about Sri Lankan rural life and traditions (optional).

Day 5: Kaudulla National Park - Kandy

  • Take a cooking class in Habarana and learn to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan meal (optional).
  • Visit the National Museum of Kandy showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage (optional).

Day 6: Explore Kandy

  • Take a boat ride on Kandy Lake and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
  • Visit the Bahirava Kandy Museum for a glimpse into Kandyan royalty (optional).
  • In the evening, explore the vibrant night market around Kandy Lake.

Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

  • Opt for the scenic Kandy-Nuwara Eliya train journey for a memorable experience (reservations recommended).
  • Visit a working tea factory in Nuwara Eliya and witness the tea-making process firsthand.
  • Enjoy a scenic hike to Hakgala Botanical Garden, boasting a diverse collection of flora and fauna.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Ella

  • Explore Labukelle Tea Factory, a historic tea factory turned museum in Nuwara Eliya (optional).
  • In Ella, take a scenic hike to Lipton’s Seat for breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations.
  • Visit the Ravana Ella

Day 9: Ella - Yala National Park

  • Take a detour to Rawana Ella Waterfall, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery (seasonal).
  • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel near Yala National Park before the evening safari.

Day 10: Yala National Park - Mirissa

  • Opt for a combined morning and afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park to maximise your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Visit Kataragama, a sacred town known for its Hindu and Buddhist temples (optional).

Day 11: Mirissa (Rest Day)

  • Go whale watching or dolphin watching (seasonal) for a chance to see majestic marine animals in their natural habitat.
  • Learn to surf with lessons offered by local instructors at Mirissa beach (optional).
  • Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner with fresh catches from the local market.

Day 12: Mirissa - Negombo

  • Visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on your way back to Negombo (optional).
  • Enjoy a final afternoon relaxing on the beach in Negombo before your departure.