Jewels of Sri Lanka Trip – 12 Nights 13 Days Complete Itinerary

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where you’ll receive a warm Sri Lankan welcome. Meet our representative and transfer to Negombo (approx. 30 minutes).

Negombo is a lively coastal town known for its fishing heritage, sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and vibrant local markets. After check-in, spend the day at leisure exploring the beach, fish markets, or relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight stay: Negombo

After breakfast, depart for Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park, known for its natural lakes (villus), dense forests, and wildlife.

Enjoy a safari experience before continuing to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and historically significant cities.

Overnight stay: Anuradhapura

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka and a major center of Theravada Buddhism.

Visit ancient stupas such as Ruwanwelisaya, Sri Maha Bodhi (the world’s oldest recorded tree), monasteries, and irrigation marvels that reflect advanced ancient engineering and spiritual traditions.

Overnight stay: Anuradhapura

Begin the day with a visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa. Climb the steps to enjoy panoramic views and explore sacred ruins.

Later, enjoy a traditional village tour, including a village market visit, home-cooked Sri Lankan lunch, and interaction with local families. Experience traditional cooking methods and village walks before continuing to Sigiriya.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya

After an early breakfast, climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Kashyapa.

Admire ancient frescoes, the Mirror Wall, landscaped water gardens, and breathtaking views from the summit. The climb offers both historical insight and panoramic scenery.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya

After breakfast, drive to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations.

On arrival, check in and relax. Evening at leisure to explore the lake surroundings or local markets.

Overnight stay: Kandy

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kandy city tour, including visits to gem museums, batik workshops, and tea museums.

In the afternoon, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Buddhism’s holiest shrines. Later, attend a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance show featuring traditional music and fire walking.

Overnight stay: Kandy

Board one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains.

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s hill-station known as Little England. Enjoy cool weather and colonial charm.

Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya

Travel through Ella, stopping at viewpoints, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes before continuing to Yala National Park.

This route offers some of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque mountain and countryside scenery.

Overnight stay: Yala

Early morning game drive in Yala National Park, famous for its high leopard density, elephants, birds, and sloth bears.

After safari, proceed towards the southern coast, stopping at Tangalle and a rural village to experience rice fields, traditional games, and local food. Continue to Ahangama, a charming fishing village known for stilt fishermen and beaches.

Overnight stay: Ahangama

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the historic Galle Fort, colonial streets, lighthouse, churches, and museums. Return to Ahangama by evening.

Overnight stay: Ahangama

Spend the day at leisure enjoying Ahangama’s beaches, oceanfront cafés, surfing spots, and relaxed coastal vibe.

Optional activities include wellness treatments, village walks, or museum visits.

Overnight stay: Ahangama

After breakfast, check out and drive to Colombo International Airport (approx. 2–3 hours) for your onward flight.

Depart Sri Lanka with unforgettable memories of culture, wildlife, landscapes, and beaches.

• Ancient cities of Anuradhapura & Sigiriya

• Scenic Kandy–Nuwara Eliya train journey

• Yala National Park leopard safari

• Cultural immersion & village experiences

• Galle Fort & southern beach stay

The best time for this Sri Lanka 13-day itinerary is December to April, offering pleasant weather across cultural sites, hill country, safaris, and southern beaches.

At Traavel Bug, we curate immersive, well-paced journeys that blend comfort, authenticity, and local experiences. With trusted partners, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics, your Sri Lanka journey is designed to be effortless and memorable.