Best of Sri Lanka

Start your morning journey from Hikkaduwa, where strong, dry breezes stir the peaceful tranquility of the countryside. Wild grass grows across gently rolling land, while a solitary lizard basks in the bright sunshine on one of many ancient stone ruins. Above, the towering Yapahuwa rock rises 300 feet, a solitary fortified marvel with a history dating back to the 13th century.

The ruins of Anuradhapura are among South Asia`s most captivating sights. The vast archaeological site features an impressive collection of ancient structures, including massive dagobas, towering brick towers, historic pools, and decaying temples, all built during Anuradhapura`s thousand years as the capital of Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay: Anuradhapura.

Mihintale is a mountain peak located near Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, and is believed by locals to be the site where the Buddhist monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Today, it is a popular pilgrimage destination, home to several religious monuments and ancient ruins.

The Aukana Buddha statue, situated 30 km northwest of Dambulla near the historic Kala Weva reservoir, is a remarkable sight. Accessible from Kekirawa along the Dambulla-Anuradhapura road, this 11.36-meter tall statue is the tallest ancient Buddha figure in Sri Lanka.

Ritigala, an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain, is located 43 km from the monastic city of Anuradhapura. The site features ruins and rock inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BC, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka`s rich Buddhist heritage.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya.

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress, located in the Matale district near Dambulla, can be accessed via the Colombo-Habarana highway, turning east from Inamaluwa, and then traveling about 10 km past the Kimbissa township to reach Sigiriya.

Before Sigiriya became a royal capital, the base of Sigiriya Rock, along with nearby sites like Pidurangala Rock, which features numerous caves and a temple, was inhabited by Buddhist monks dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Pidurangala is a large rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya, with a history closely linked to Sigiriya. Although less grand and more challenging to climb, it is often overlooked by tourists, offering a quieter, more secretive experience.

Minneriya National Park, situated in the north-central plains of Sri Lanka, is just 20 kilometers from Polonnaruwa. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in the country, covering only 8,889 hectares, it is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wildlife.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya.

The Namal Uyana Nature Reserve in Galkiriyagama, home to South Asia`s largest Rose Quartz mountain, spans nearly 1,000 hectares. Established as a National Forest Reserve in 2005, it is a stunning natural area.

Matale, a small town surrounded by hills, is historically significant as the site of the last major uprising against British colonial rule in 1848. The town is also home to the beautiful Hindu temple, Sri Muthumariamman Thevasthanam, located right in the heart of Matale.

The Rock Temple of Dambulla, known as Jumbukola Vihara in the Pali Chronicle, is located about 47 miles northwest of Kandy, the final capital of the Sinhalese kings. The most direct route from Colombo to Dambulla passes through Kurunegala, one of the medieval Sinhalese capitals. Another well-known rock temple, Aluvihare, lies about 26 miles south on the Kandy-Dambulla road. According to tradition, it is the place where the Buddhist scriptures were first written down around the 1st century BC. About 12 miles northeast of Dambulla stands the famous Sigiriya Fortress, with its stunning frescoes.

The Sacred Tooth Relic (Dālada) of Buddha is the most revered object of worship among Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It is housed in the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.

Overnight stay: Kandy.

The Knuckles Massif, also known as the Knuckles Mountain Range, is part of Sri Lanka`s Hill Country, rising more than 915 meters above sea level and covering approximately 234 square kilometers. This region is also referred to as the Knuckles Range, Knuckles Peaks, or simply Knuckles. The name `Knuckles` comes from the distinctive shape of a mountain with five peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist when viewed from the Kandy area (or the southwest direction), with the mountain reaching a height of 6,112 feet. In Sinhala, this area is called `Dumbara Mitiyawatha,` meaning `The Misty Valley.` Since this inner mountainous region is not accessible by motor vehicles, it remains a pristine natural reserve to this day.

Overnight stay: Kandy.

After breakfast, we proceed to Mahiyanganaya to explore its historical sites and meet the Veddas.

Mahiyanganaya, located about 7 km east of Hasalaka, is historically significant as the first of three places in Sri Lanka visited by the Buddha, according to the ancient chronicles. The other two are the Kelaniya Royal Temple and Adam`s Peak. The town was developed after the Mahaweli Ganga (Mahaweli River) irrigation scheme, one of Sri Lanka`s largest modern irrigation projects, was introduced. Mahiyanganaya is also home to the Veddas, the descendants of Sri Lanka`s indigenous people, who reside in the nearby Dabana Village. The main focus of today`s visit is to meet and learn about these ancient communities.

Overnight stay: Kandy.

After breakfast, we will visit Kandy`s local market, explore the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, and travel outside Kandy to visit three historic temples: Gadaladeniya, Embekke, and Lankathilake. Later, we will tour a tea factory and a tea plantation.

The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, regarded as the finest in Asia and the largest in Sri Lanka, is ideally located in the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level. Surrounded on three sides by a loop of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka`s longest river, the gardens offer a stunning natural setting.

Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya, with its ancient monastery, sits on a flat rock at Diggala in Kandy. According to inscriptions, the temple was built in 1344 by King Buwanekabahu IV, with the design attributed to the South Indian architect Ganesvarachari. The temple follows a South Indian architectural style.

Embekke Devale, renowned for its intricate wood carvings on pillars and other structures, is located in Udu Nuwara, about eight miles from Kandy. UNESCO has recognized these exquisite carvings as some of the finest examples of wood craftsmanship in the world.

Lankathilake Viharaya, a Gedige-style temple built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 AD), features striking pylons at the entrance and a giant 42-foot Buddha statue inside, with walls rising 53 feet in height.

Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya.

Early in the morning, we will head to Horton Plains and visit World’s End, followed by a scenic train journey from Nanuoya to Ella in the afternoon.

Horton Plains offers a tranquil and unique landscape, ideal for hiking. Set amidst Sri Lanka’s second- and third-highest mountains, Kirigalpotta (2395m) and Totapola (2359m), the plains form an undulating plateau over 2000 meters in elevation. The area is covered with wild grasslands, patches of dense forest, rocky outcrops, picturesque waterfalls, and misty lakes. The diverse landscape is home to a wide range of wildlife.

World’s End, located within Horton Plains National Park, is a dramatic cliff with a sheer drop of approximately 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). It is one of Sri Lanka’s top tourist destinations, attracting those who enjoy a bit of hiking and stunning views.

The train journey from Kandy to Ella is renowned as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. We offer various seating options for this journey, including observation decks, luxury air-conditioned compartments, first-class AC, and second-class non-AC reserved seats. The train departs from Colombo Fort Railway Station, and the scenic leg of the trip begins around 3 hours later at Kandy/Peradeniya Railway Station.

Overnight stay: Ella.

After breakfast, we will head out to hike Ella Rock and visit the beautiful Ravana Cave. In the evening, we will climb Little Adam`s Peak.

Ella Rock is a fantastic spot for a short adventure, offering an opportunity to explore a vast area through hiking, walking, and soaking in the stunning landscape. The easiest route to Ella Rock begins at a train track, where we follow the tracks for about 1.5 km until we reach a small waterfall.

The Ravana Ella Cave, located around 2 km from the charming town of Ella, is a small yet fascinating cave, measuring about 50 feet wide, 150 feet long, and 60 feet high. Inside, you`ll find several smaller caves that extend 20 to 40 feet into the rock.

The mountain range in the Badulla-Ella area, known as Small Sripada (Little Adam`s Peak), has become a popular attraction for both local and international visitors. Located about 2 km from Ella town, it offers breathtaking views and scenic beauty.

Overnight stay: Ella.

Ravana Ella (Ravana Falls) is one of Sri Lanka`s most popular tourist destinations. The falls are named after the legendary figure Ravana from the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to the story, Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka, hid Sita in the caves behind these waterfalls after kidnapping her.

The name `Buduruwagala` translates to `stone images of the Buddha,` and it is home to Sri Lanka`s tallest Buddha statue, measuring 51 feet. This sculpture is possibly the tallest in the world, as the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan no longer exist. The Buduruwagala statue is carved in low relief, which sets it apart from other similar Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, such as those at Aukana (46 ft), Sasseruwa (36 ft), and Maligawila (36 ft), and it may have influenced these works.

Yala National Park, the second-largest park in Sri Lanka, is located in the southeastern region of the island, within a dry, semi-arid climate zone that borders the Indian Ocean. Home to 44 recorded mammal species, it is renowned for its high leopard population, making it one of the world`s top spots to see leopards. The park is also home to majestic Sri Lankan elephants and other remarkable wildlife.

Overnight stay: Tissamaharama.

Kataragama, located in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka, is a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, making it a multi-religious sacred city. It is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims all come for religious worship. For Buddhists, Kataragama is particularly important as one of the 16 places (solos maha stana) visited by the Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka.

The Dutch Fort in Galle, located near the southernmost point of the island, 173 km from Colombo, is the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia. This 90-hectare (222-acre) heritage site is an exceptional blend of architecture, with fortifications similar to those found in coastal Portugal. When the Dutch captured Galle in 1640, they strengthened the fortifications, transforming it into a fortress that resembled the fortified cities of Europe.

Overnight stay: Bentota.

After breakfast we start for a boat trip at Madu River and some water sports activities. During the afternoon you may relax at the Bentota Beach.

Boat riding is a very enjoyable activity to do when you are in Sri Lanka. It gives you an insight to the life of the people living along the river bank and also a chance to see the unique growth of plantations and the bio diversity integrated around the river region. You might be lucky enough to see birds living near the river and in some rivers there will be water monitors.

Bentota is the water-sports capital of Sri Lanka and Club Bentota is the exclusive spot for surfers and jet skiers alike. The sports centre is equipped with jet skis, water skis, surf boards, speed boats and much more. The sports centre attendants have plenty of tips and information to help you. Whether you want to enjoy yourself with your friends on a banana boat or experience an adrenaline rush on a speed boat, Club Bentota is the place to be. Professional trainers can be engaged for beginners.
Overnight stay : Bentota

Spend the full day relaxing at Bentota Beach, enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.

Overnight stay: Bentota.