Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Ancient Cities, Hill Country & Southern Coast — 10 Days
Sigiriya, Kandy, and Bentota across 10 days, with wildlife, ruins, and a UNESCO-listed Dutch fort
This 10-day itinerary moves through three of Sri Lanka's most historically distinct regions — the northern Cultural Triangle, the hill-country city of Kandy, and the island's southwest coast — staying in nine nights of characterful accommodation across six properties. The route opens near Colombo with a stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where around 60 resident elephants are housed, before continuing to the ancient cities zone around Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Sigiriya Rock Fortress shares the itinerary with Polonnaruwa, a royal capital that reached its architectural peak under King Parakramabahu and encompasses the 2,500-hectare Parakrama Samudra reservoir. An evening safari at Minneriya National Park — 8,890 hectares of mixed forest and scrubland centred on a 3rd-century tank — rounds out the northern section. Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital, sits at 465 metres above sea level and holds the Temple of the Tooth Relic at its centre. The final stretch covers Bentota on the southwest coast, a base for beach time and water sports, along with a day trip to Galle Fort, the 300-year-old Dutch-built fortification declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation throughout includes Jetwing Vil Uyana, Kandy House, and The Villa Bentota, all on a half-board basis.
Highlights
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to approximately 60 resident elephants roughly 90 km from Colombo
- Climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a cultural hotspot nominated as the 8th wonder of the world
- Walking the ruins of Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a royal capital with the 2,500-hectare Parakrama Samudra reservoir
- Evening safari at Minneriya National Park, 8,890 hectares of mixed forest and scrub supporting sambar deer, leopards, and elephants
- Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital at 465 metres above sea level
- Three nights at The Villa Bentota on the southwest coast, with access to beach and water sports
- Day excursion to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch fortification with 300-year-old colonial architecture, 6 km from Unawatuna beach
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to KaleliyaKaleliya · Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport · Casa Heliconia
Guests are met on arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport and transferred approximately one hour to Kaleliya, where the first night is spent at Casa Heliconia.
2Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Onward to SigiriyaPinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Jetwing Vil Uyana
After breakfast, a roughly three-hour drive departs toward Sigiriya, with a stop en route at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located approximately 90 km from Colombo on the road toward Kandy. The orphanage houses around 60 elephants — many calves among them — cared for by resident staff who oversee bottle-feeding and daily bathing routines. The animals are largely habituated to visitors. The evening and overnight are at Jetwing Vil Uyana, a wetland property in the Cultural Triangle zone.
3Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Ancient City & Minneriya SafariSigiriya Rock Fortress · Polonnaruwa Ancient City · Minneriya National Park · Jetwing Vil Uyana
The afternoon is given to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a cultural hotspot nominated as the 8th wonder of the world. The morning includes a visit to Polonnaruwa Ancient City, one of Sri Lanka's former royal capitals, first claimed by King Vijayabahu I and developed into its most complete form by King Parakramabahu. The site includes large-scale ceremonial buildings, ornamental gardens, and the Parakrama Samudra — a reservoir covering approximately 2,500 hectares — all of which form part of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. The day closes with an evening safari at Minneriya National Park, situated between Habarana and Polonnaruwa. The park covers 8,890 hectares of mixed evergreen forest and scrub and is centred on the Minneriya Tank, constructed in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena. Resident wildlife includes sambar deer, leopards, and elephants. Dinner and overnight at Jetwing Vil Uyana.
4Rest Day at Jetwing Vil Uyana, SigiriyaJetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya
A full day at leisure at the hotel, with a candlelit dinner and champagne served in the evening. Overnight at Jetwing Vil Uyana.
5Transfer to Kandy and Temple of the Tooth RelicKandy · Temple of the Tooth Relic · Kandy House
After breakfast, a roughly two-hour drive covers the 115 km to Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital, situated at 465 metres above sea level. The afternoon includes a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the city's most significant religious site and the traditional repository of a relic of the Buddha. Kandy also holds a concentration of smaller temples and is widely regarded as the cultural centre of the island. Dinner and overnight at Kandy House.
6Full Day at Leisure in KandyKandy House
A full day at leisure at Kandy House. Dinner and overnight at the property.
7Transfer to Bentota and Arrival on the Southwest CoastBentota · hill country to Bentota · The Villa Bentota · The Villa Bentota beach
After breakfast, a roughly four-hour drive descends from the hill country to Bentota, a coastal resort town on Sri Lanka's southwest coast situated along the mouth of the Bentota River. The town serves as a base for a range of activities — from beach relaxation to water sports — and its position on the southwestern coastal belt has established it as one of the island's principal beach destinations. The evening includes a candlelit dinner with champagne, served outdoors on the beach. Overnight at The Villa Bentota.
8Beach Day at Bentota with Candlelit Dinnerthe beach · secluded beach · The Villa Bentota
A full day at leisure at the beach. The evening includes a candlelit dinner with champagne served at a table on the secluded beach. Overnight at The Villa Bentota.
9Day Trip to Galle Fort and Return to BentotaGalle Fort · The Villa Bentota
The morning is given to Galle Fort, the capital of Sri Lanka's Southern Province and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dutch-built fortification dates back approximately 300 years and retains much of its colonial-era architecture in the form of historic buildings, streets, and ramparts — relatively intact given the absence of large-scale modern development within the fort walls. Unawatuna beach lies 6 km southeast of the city centre. Dinner and overnight at The Villa Bentota.
10Departure Transfer from Bentota to Colombo AirportBentota to Colombo Airport
After breakfast, a roughly three-hour drive returns to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- 2Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- 3Minneriya National Park
- 4Kandy
- 5Temple of the Tooth Relic
- 6Bentota
- 7Galle Fort
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 Marsh Dwelling with a pool at Jetwing Vil Uyana on Half Board Basis
- 2 nights in Black Rajah at Kandy House on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Superior Suite at The Beach Villa Bentota on Half Board Basis