As you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’re welcomed not just with hands joined in greeting, but with hearts open in warmth. You’ll be met by your Ceylon Leisure Plans representative and transferred to Negombo, a coastal town rich with colonial charm and deep-rooted Catholic heritage. Let the salty breeze and calm ocean wash away your weariness.
Overnight stay in Negombo.
After breakfast, journey northward to Anuradhapura, the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka and a revered cradle of Buddhism. Walk through sacred ruins, gaze up at the towering Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and witness pilgrims offering lotus flowers in still devotion. Stand beneath the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment — a moment of deep silence and grace.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Begin the day at Mihintale, the hill where Buddhism first touched Sri Lankan soil. Climb its stone steps and feel history under your feet, spirit in your chest. Later, travel to Sigiriya, where culture and nature intertwine. Rest near the base of the Lion Rock, preparing to meet a marvel of history and art the next day.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
At sunrise, ascend the Sigiriya Rock Fortress — a royal citadel rising from earth to sky. See ancient frescoes and water gardens that whisper of kings and dreams now dust, but never forgotten. Later, wander through the regal ruins of Polonnaruwa, once a thriving medieval capital. Stone Buddhas, moonstones, and palace walls tell tales of resilience and reverence.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Travel south, stopping at a spice garden to explore age-old herbal knowledge passed down through generations. Arrive in Kandy, the cultural heart of the island, surrounded by misty hills and memory. In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, where the air vibrates with drumming, incense, and the soul of a nation.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Start your day at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, once reserved for Kandyan queens. Every tree and flower whispers elegance. Enjoy a traditional cultural show, where dancers leap and drums echo stories of gods, warriors, and legends. Take time to walk by Kandy Lake, reflecting not only the sky but the quiet beauty of life here.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Today, the journey climbs into the central highlands, winding past waterfalls and velvet tea hills to Nuwara Eliya, the “City of Light.” Explore colonial architecture, visit a working tea estate, and sip a cup of Ceylon’s finest brew — centuries of tradition in a single cup.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Leave the cool hills and descend to the spiritual crossroads of Kataragama, a sacred city revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims alike. Visit the colorful Kataragama Temple, where evening rituals ignite the senses — fire, chant, and heartfelt offering. Here, devotion crosses boundaries and welcomes all.
Overnight stay in Kataragama or nearby Tissamaharama.
Travel westward to Galle, where colonial walls and ocean winds cradle the echoes of Portuguese, Dutch, and British footprints. Walk through Galle Fort, visit historic churches and temples, and let your soul breathe in the balance of cultures past and present. Continue onward to Colombo, where tradition and modern life intertwine.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
As your journey draws to a close, take with you more than photographs — carry the weightless blessings of temples, the wisdom of stone ruins, and the kindness of every smile you met. You came seeking beauty. You leave having touched the soul of a land shaped by devotion, grace, and time. Ayubowan – May you live long, may your spirit remain full, and may you one day return.
Have a safe flight!