Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Elephant Orphanage, Ancient Cities & Indian Ocean — 10 Days
From Colombo through Anuradhapura and Kandy to the Negombo coast, combining archaeological sites, wildlife, and beach rest
This ten-day itinerary moves across Sri Lanka's central cultural zone and coastal lowlands. The route begins at Colombo, proceeds northwest to Anuradhapura—the island's ancient royal capital, abandoned in 1000 AD—then south to Kandy, the last royal capital, positioned at 465 meters in the central highlands. Days are structured for deliberate pacing: two nights permit extended stays at single properties, with included activities such as visits to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the archaeological complex at Anuradhapura. The second half of the itinerary shifts to coastal leisure in Negombo. Throughout, transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, and accommodation includes half-board meals at named hotels.
Highlights
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: encounter rescued elephants at a working sanctuary and rehabilitation center
- Anuradhapura Ancient City: visit royal palaces, dagobas, monasteries, and the sacred Bo-tree sapling, site of Sri Lanka's ancient capital for successive Singhalese kings
- Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy: visit the repository of one of Buddhism's most venerated relics, housed within the last royal capital of Sri Lanka
- Polonnaruwa ruins: see the archaeological remains of the medieval capital city, successor to Anuradhapura
- Minneriya National Park: wildlife safari in a dry-zone national park known for elephant and bird sightings
- Negombo beach: three-night coastal stay with sunset dining on the beach
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to KaleliyaColombo's main airport · the arrival lounge · the hotel · Colombo's main airport to Kaleliya
International flights arrive at Colombo's main airport. A hotel representative meets passengers in the arrival lounge and arranges transfer to Kaleliya, approximately one hour's drive away. The remainder of the day is left free at the hotel.
2Transfer to AnuradhapuraAnuradhapura
Following breakfast, the drive north to Anuradhapura covers approximately three and a half hours by road.
3Anuradhapura Ancient City
The day is devoted to the archaeological site of Anuradhapura. The city was established as the royal capital by King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC and served as the residence of 119 successive Singhalese kings until 1000 AD, when the capital relocated to Polonnaruwa. The complex contains among the tallest dagobas in Sri Lanka, remains of royal palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths, and the Temple of the Holy Bo-tree. The Bo-tree itself was grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
4Ulagalla Estate and Village WalkWannemaduwa 'tank'
The day permits leisure at the hotel, with a guided evening walk offered around the resort grounds and the surrounding landscape. The ninety-minute walk includes a route along the banks of Wannemaduwa 'tank,' a traditional irrigation reservoir built to a design more than two thousand years old. Evening includes a candlelit dinner with champagne.
5Transfer to Kandy and Temple of the Tooth RelicKandy
The three-and-a-half-hour drive south leads to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, positioned 115 kilometers from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level. The city is known as the cultural capital of the island for its concentration of temples, foremost among them the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist worshippers worldwide.
6Leisure Day in Kandy
The day is unscheduled, left entirely to the discretion of guests at the hotel.
7Transfer to Negombothe coastal town of Negombo
The drive west to the coastal town of Negombo takes approximately three hours.
8Beach Rest in Negombo
The day is devoted to rest and leisure on the beach.
9Beach Rest and Sunset Dinnerbeach · the beach
Another full day of beach time concludes with a candlelit dinner on the beach at sunset, served by a waiter at a private table on the sand, with champagne included.
10Departure from ColomboColombo International Airport
Following breakfast, transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure, approximately twenty minutes' drive.
Where you go
- 1Anuradhapura
- 2Kandy
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
- 2 nights in Luxury Suite at Heritance Kandalama on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Loolcodera at Taylors Hill on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Superior Suite at The Taylors Hill on Half Board Basis