Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Ancient Capitals, Rock Fortress & Southern Coast — 10 Days
Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, and Bentota with inland and coastal stops across two weeks
This ten-day itinerary moves through Sri Lanka's cultural and geographical centres, beginning in the west-coast lowlands and progressing inland toward the central highlands before returning to the southern beaches. The route includes the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the fifth-century rock fortress of Sigiriya, the hill-station city of Kandy with the Temple of the Tooth, and concludes on the southern coast at Bentota and Galle. Travel between sites occurs by road with driver-guides; most days include one primary activity, with intervening days available for rest or optional pursuits. Accommodation spans resort properties with varying service levels. The itinerary accommodates couples, families, and small groups; specific add-on experiences such as hot-air ballooning and themed dinners are available at select properties but are not mandatory.
Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress — a cultural hotspot nominated as the 8th wonder of the world
- Temple of the Tooth, Kandy — principal Buddhist shrine housing the Buddha's tooth relic, set in the hill city of Kandy at 465 metres above sea level
- Anuradhapura ancient city — capital of the Sinha Kingdom from the fourth century BCE, featuring monasteries, stupas, and sacred Bo trees across a wide archaeological zone
- Galle Fort — UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortified Dutch colonial structure dating from the seventeenth century, positioned on Sri Lanka's southern coast near Unawatuna Beach
- Bentota Beach — three-hour drive from the central highlands, on the southern coastal belt; a base for swimming, boat outings, and water activities
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to KaleliyaColombo International Airport · Colombo International Airport to Kaleliya
Arrival at Colombo International Airport; ground representative meets guests in the arrival hall. Transfer by road to Kaleliya, approximately one hour southwest. Check-in at Casa Heliconia. Remainder of day at leisure. Overnight stay.
2Kandalama and Sigiriya Rock FortressSigiriya Rock Fortress · Kaleliya to Kandalama
Morning departure from Kaleliya. Three-hour drive to Kandalama in the central dry zone. Afternoon visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a cultural hotspot nominated as the 8th wonder of the world The site remains one of South Asia's most significant archaeological monuments. Climbing the rock takes one to two hours depending on pace. Overnight stay at Heritance Kandalama.
3Hot Air Ballooning over the Central Dry Zonelandscape around Kandalama and Sigiriya
Early-morning hot-air balloon excursion (optional add-on) departing around six o'clock. Flight path crosses the landscape around Kandalama and Sigiriya. After landing, a light breakfast and socializing period with other participants. Afternoon free at the hotel; swimming pool and grounds are available. Overnight stay at Heritance Kandalama.
4Kandy and the Temple of the ToothKandy · Temple of the Tooth Relic
Morning drive to Kandy, approximately two and a half hours south through plantation country. Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, sits at 465 metres above sea level, 115 kilometres from Colombo. The city is the site of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a major pilgrimage destination in Theravada Buddhism; the temple complex also serves as a museum of religious art. Kandy holds numerous other temples and remains a centre of Sri Lankan cultural life. Visit the temple in the afternoon. Overnight stay at Taylors Hill.
5Leisure Day at Taylors HillKandy Lake
A full day at leisure. Optional activities include temple visits, shopping, or walks around Kandy Lake. Overnight at Taylors Hill.
6Kandy — Extended LeisureKandy
Second full day at leisure in Kandy. Restaurants, cafes, and local guides are available for independent exploration. Optional dinner arrangements may be arranged through the hotel. Overnight stay at Taylors Hill.
7Transfer to Bentota BeachBentota · Kandy to Bentota
Morning departure from Kandy. Four-hour drive to Bentota on the southwestern coast. Bentota is positioned on the southern beach belt; the town serves as a base for swimming, boat trips, water sports, and relaxation. Check-in at The Villa Bentota. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay.
8Beach and Coastal Leisure at BentotaBentota
Full day at leisure at Bentota. Beach access, swimming, and optional water-based activities are available through the hotel. Overnight stay at The Villa Bentota.
9Galle Fort and UnawatunaBentota to Galle · Galle to Bentota
Morning drive to Galle, approximately one hour south of Bentota. Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fortified Portuguese and Dutch colonial structure constructed in the seventeenth century and rebuilt by the British in the nineteenth. The fort encloses colonial-era buildings, ramparts, and a small museum. The adjacent town of Galle retains colonial architecture and remains a working fishing port. Unawatuna Beach lies six kilometres southeast of the fort. Return to Bentota for overnight stay at The Villa Bentota.
10Return to Colombo and DepartureColombo International Airport · Bentota to Colombo International Airport
Morning departure from Bentota. Three-hour transfer to Colombo International Airport. Departure flight.
Where you go
- 1Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- 2Kandy
- 3Temple of the Tooth Relic
- 4Kandy Lake
- 5Kandy
- 6Bentota
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 1 night in Pagoda Gold or Temple Angkor at Casa Heliconia on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Black Rajah at Kandy House on Half Board Basis
- 2 nights in Honeymoon Deluxe at 98 Acres Resortl on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Ocean Suite at Amanwella on Half Board Basis