Ancient Kingdoms & Wildlife Wonders of Sri Lanka

Experience the highlights of Sri Lanka in 8 unforgettable days. Discover Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city built around a scenic lake and one of the most sacred places in the Buddhist world. Explore the ancient capitals of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, where magnificent ruins reveal the island's rich history and royal heritage.

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit, then visit the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple, renowned for its ancient Buddhist murals and statues. Complete your journey with an exciting safari in Wilpattu National Park, famous for its natural lakes and opportunities to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife.

Blending culture, history, spirituality, and wildlife, this 8-day adventure offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Day 1 Airport to Negombo

You'll land and connect with your Apple Vacations representative at the airport. After handling immigration, grabbing your bags, and getting through customs, your English-speaking driver will take you to your hotel in Negombo. From there, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and take it easy.

Start point

Colombo, Sri Lanka (Colombo / Bandaranayake International Airport / Negombo)

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel 4* (Camelot Beach Hotel)

Arrive by flight and you will be transferred to the arrival terminal. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. You will meet one of the Representatives of Apple Vacations will assist you as he will be having a paging board with your name in the meeting area, and he will introduce you to your own English speaking chauffeur guide who will transfer you to the hotel in Negombo.

After transfer to the hotel and relax at hotel

Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Negombo.

Day 2 Negombo to Wilpattu National Park - Anuradhapura

Following breakfast, your driver picks you up for a safari at Wilpattu National Park on the west coast. The park has Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and lots of bird species to see. You'll spend the morning walking through this historic park that was established back in 1938. Later, you'll head to Anuradhapura and check into your hotel there for the evening.

Meals

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation
• Hotel 4* (Rajarata Hotel - Anuradhapura)

Included Activities

Safari at Wilpattu National Park

Landmarks

Wilpattu National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Negombo by your private chauffeur guide and transferred to Wilpattu National Park for an exciting safari experience.

Declared a national park in 1938, Wilpattu National Park is situated on the west coast, near the historic city of Anuradhapura. It is one of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national parks. The park is home to around 30 species of mammals, including the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Water Buffalo, Sambar Deer, and Mongoose.

The park also boasts a rich birdlife. Wetland species include the Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, Cattle Egret, and Purple Heron. In addition, various Gulls, Terns, Owls, Kites, and Eagles can be seen, along with endemic species such as the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Little Cormorant, and Painted Stork.

After the safari, proceed to Anuradhapura, check in at your hotel, and relax.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.

Day 3 Anuradhapura

After breakfast, the day focuses on Anuradhapura's Buddhist heritage and its many important sites. You'll climb Mihintale Mountain where monks lived and studied for centuries, then move on to Isurumuniya rock temple with its lotus pond and painted murals. The Jethawana Stupa comes next, a massive structure that was once the world's third tallest building. You'll also see the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, which is the oldest documented living tree anywhere. Before the day ends, you'll visit Ruwanwelisaya, one of Sri Lanka's oldest stupas.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel 4* (Rajarata Hotel - Anuradhapura)

Included Activities

• Visit to Mihintale Mountain
• Visit to Isurumuniya rock temple
• Visit to Jethawana Stupa
• Visit to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya
• Visit to Ruwanwelisaya

Landmarks

• Mihintale Mountain
• Isurumuniya
• Jethawana Stupa
• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya
• Ruwanwelisaya

After the breakfast at Hotel and visit to the Anuradhapura city,

Mihintale Mountain, with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas, bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty eight cave dwellings provided the monks shade and shelter. Mihintale, the sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.

Isurumuniya This charming rock temple, dating from the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (r 307–267 BC), is set around a lovely lotus pond, the corner of which is carved with images of elephants playfully splashing water. The central temple has some particularly fine mural paintings. Climb around the back to the rock summit to see the bell-shaped stupa and a pair of Buddha footprints etched into the rock.

Jethawana Stupa is the largest stupa in the Sri Lanka. It was originally 400 feet (122 meters) in height and was the third tallest building in the world at that time. Even today as a brick monument, Jethawanaramaya still remains the tallest of its kind in the world.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is the oldest living tree in documented history of the world. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha enlightened. It was planted in 288 BCF and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. It was brought from Buddhagaya India by the Ven.

Ruwanwelisaya As the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, Ruwanwelisaya is considered to be an icon of architectural glory in ancient Sri Lanka. Ruwanwelisaya, rising with its glory in the city of Anuradhapura, tops the list among Buddhists’ sacred places. Ruwanwelisaya bears witness for his incomparable service to revive Buddhism in the country. It is located just a short walk away from Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.

Move back to hotel and relax at hotel.

Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Anuradhapura

Day 4 Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa

Following breakfast, you're transferred to Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Gal Vihara, you'll see Buddha statues carved directly into granite rock from King Parakramabahu I's era. The Royal Palace Complex comes next, and it used to be a seven-story building with 50 rooms. Then there's Lankatilaka, which has striking 17-meter-high walls that stand out. You'll return to your hotel afterward with time to relax.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel 3* (Hotel Sudu Araliya)

Included Activities

• Visit to Gal Vihara (Stone Temple)
• Visit to Royal Palace Complex
• Visit to Lankatilaka

Landmarks

• Gal Vihara
• Royal Palace Complex
• Lankatilaka

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Polonnaruwa to explore the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Begin your sightseeing at Gal Vihara (Sinhala: "Stone Temple"), part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Polonnaruwa. This site features a remarkable group of Buddha statues carved directly into a single granite rock face. Dating back to the reign of King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186 AD), the statues are considered masterpieces of Sri Lankan stone sculpture, admired for their serene beauty and spiritual presence. The exceptional craftsmanship continues to inspire awe and reverence among visitors.

Next, visit the Royal Palace Complex, also constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. Once a grand seven-story structure supported by thick 3-meter walls, the palace is believed to have had 50 rooms and was supported by 30 stone columns. Though only parts remain today, its scale and design still reflect the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s ancient royalty.

Continue to Lankatilaka, one of the most striking monuments in Polonnaruwa. Originally built by Parakramabahu I and later restored by Vijayabahu IV, this massive gedige-style temple features towering 17-meter-high walls. Though its roof has collapsed, the structure remains an awe-inspiring example of medieval Sinhalese architecture.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Polonnaruwa.

Day 5 Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya - Habarana

After breakfast, you'll head to Sigiriya rock, a dramatic outcrop with remains of an ancient civilization. The views across the misty forests below are best in early morning light, and the site is UNESCO-listed. From there, you continue to Dambulla Cave Temple, one of the island's most extensive and old rock temples, which has been preserved really well. You'll check in to your hotel in either Sigiriya or Habarana for the night.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel 4* (Kassapa Lions Rock)

Included Activities

• Visit to Sigiriya rock
• Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple

Landmarks

• Sigiriya Rock
• Dambulla Cave Temple

After the breakfast at Hotel tour start towards Sigiriya

Enroute to visit Sigiriya rock,

Rising significantly from the focal fields, the confounding rough outcrop of Sigiriya is maybe Sri Lanka's single most emotional sight. Close vertical dividers take off to a level bested summit that contains the vestiges of an antiquated civilization, thought to be at one time the focal point of the brief kingdom of Kassapa, and there are enchanting vistas crosswise over fog enclosed woodlands by the early morning.

And Next Visit To Dambulla Cave Temple,

The Rock Temple of Dambulla, called Jumbukola Vihara (Dambulla Cave Temple) in the (Mahavamsa)-the principal Pali Chronicle of Sri Lanka, is situated about forty seven miles north west of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, on the main road to Anuradhapura. Dambulla is a scent of unique interest. Its rock temples are the most extensive in the Island, and one of the most ancient, and in the highest state of preservation and order.

Get reach to hotel check in to hotel

Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya / Habarana.

Day 6 Sigiriya/Habarana to Kandy

Following breakfast, you travel to Kandy. You'll stop at Kandy View Point for views across the city, though watch out for street vendors and pickpockets in that area. Next, you'll walk around Kandy Lake, an artificial lake created in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. After checking into your hotel, there's a Cultural Dance Show in the evening, and you'll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which contains Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic in a heavily secured room.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel 4* (Hotel Topaz Kandy)

Included Activities

• Visit to Kandy View Point
• Visit to Kandy Lake
• Cultural Dance Show
• Visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Landmarks

• Kandy Lake
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

After the breakfast at hotel & Move to Kandy,

Kandy View Point - Climb the hill by Kandy Lake to reach Kandy view point and receive a view of the city that cannot be beaten. As a popular tourist spot, the area brings in a large amount of peddlers, though they often sell sub-par items. The area also has a reputation for high pickpocket activity, so keep an eye on your belongings. From the hill, you can enjoy great views over the lake and the city as a whole. 

Next Visit to Kandy Lake 

 Is an artificial lake in the heart of the hill city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth. Over the years, it was reduced in size. It is a protected lake, with fishing banned. There are many legends and folklore regarding the lake. One such is that the small island at its center was used by the king’s helm for bathing and was connected to the palace by secret tunnel.

Check in the Hotel and Evening Visit to Cultural Dance Show and Temple of the sacred tooth relic

Kandyan move execution is one of the characterizing encounters of a stay in Kandy. Considering it a customary Kandyan move execution is something of a misnomer as the shows are particularly gone for crowd diversion and contain move schedules and outfits from the nation over.

The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums.

Get reach to hotel & check in to hotel

Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

Day 7 Kandy to Colombo

After breakfast, you head toward Colombo. On the way, you'll stop at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka's oldest formal gardens spanning 147 acres with nearly 4,000 different plant species and an impressive Avenue of Royal Palms. Next is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which houses the world's largest herd of captive Asian elephants. You'll arrive in Colombo and settle into your hotel for the night before your flight out.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel 4* (Sofia Colombo City Hotel)

Included Activities

• Visit to Royal Botanical Gardens
• Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Landmarks

• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

After the breakfast at the hotel & transfer to Colombo / Airport.

Enroute to visit Royal Botanical Garden 

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya are Sri Lanka's oldest formal gardens. It's about 5 kilometres west of Kandy, in Sri Lanka's Central Province, at 460 meters above sea level. Peradeniya's majestic Avenue of Royal Palms is Sri Lanka's largest garden, covering 147 acres (60 hectares) and requiring plenty of time to stroll. Peradeniya Gardens has almost 4,000 distinct plant species.

Next Visit to Pinnawala elephant orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a wild Asian elephant orphanage, nursery, and captive breeding facility. Pinnawala is home to the world's biggest herd of elephants kept as pets.

Transfer to hotel and relax at hotel.

Transfer to Airport to connect with the departure flight. 

Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo.

Day 8 Colombo to Airport

After breakfast at your hotel, you're transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 8-day Sri Lanka journey.

End point

Colombo, Sri Lanka (Colombo / Bandaranayake International Airport / Negombo, 00:00 - 00:00)

Meals

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your memorable journey through Sri Lanka.