Drive: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa ≈ 1–1.5 hrs (60–70 km); later short drives to Hiriwadunna & Minneriya.

Polonnaruwa : The medieval capital’s well-preserved ruins include royal palaces, stupas and enormous Buddha statues—an open-air museum showing advanced irrigation & urban planning. Cycling the archaeological zone gives the best sense of scale and discovery.

Polonnaruwa recommended time: 3–4 hours (bike hire recommended).

Polonnaruwa entry fee (foreign): ~US$30 (adult), children half. 

Hiriwadunna village;  A short village visit that includes a traditional rice/roti lunch, bullock-cart or boat ride and a glimpse of rural life—perfect for cultural immersion. Plan 1–2 hours for activities and lunch; small local fees apply (usually US$25 pp).

Minneriya NP safari: Minneriya is famous for the seasonal “Gathering” of hundreds of elephants that come to feed—late afternoon safaris are prime for elephant sightings and birdlife. Safaris run in open 4x4 jeeps; sightings are never guaranteed but the odds are high in the dry season.

Minneriya cost (park + jeep): Typical combined costs vary by provider — expect US$80 per person for a guided safari or packaged prices per-jeep (group rates available). 

Tips: Late afternoon departures (approx 15:00–16:00) maximize wildlife activity; bring binoculars, sun protection, and a small safari bag.

Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana.

Drive: Sigiriya → Dambulla ≈ 20–30 mins; Dambulla → Matale spice garden ≈ 1 hr; Matale → Kandy ≈ 45–60 mins.

Dambulla Cave Temple: A dramatic complex of painted cave shrines filled with hundreds of Buddha statues and vivid murals—Sri Lanka’s largest cave temple complex. The site blends art, religion and views across the plains. (1–1.5 hrs.)

Entry fee (foreign): ~US$7–10 (adult), children half. 

Spice Garden (2-sentence): A short guided tour will show how cinnamon, pepper and cardamom grow and are processed, with tasting and practical cooking uses explained—ideal for a sensory break. Time: 45–60 mins; small guided-tour fee or free with purchases (approx US$3–6).

Temple of the Tooth / Cultural show : The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) houses a sacred relic of the Buddha and is the spiritual heart of Kandy—witnessing the daily puja is a memorable cultural experience. Nearby cultural dance shows offer an entertaining introduction to Kandyan music and dance.

Temple ticket: Machines issue tickets; approx LKR 2,000 (~US$6–12) for non-SAARC foreign adults (children concessions vary). 

Tips: Dress respectfully for temple visits (shoulders & knees covered). Evening puja often has crowds—arrive 30–45 mins early for good viewing.

Overnight: Kandy.

Drive: Kandy → Adam’s Peak base (Dalhousie/Nallathanniya) ( 3.5–4 hrs - 140 km).

Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) intro: A conical sacred mountain whose summit footprint is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians—pilgrims walk the night to reach a spectacular sunrise. The climb is steep and atmospheric; reaching the ridge at dawn amid lights and chants is unforgettable.

Entry fee: No formal entrance fee; small donations/temple offerings customary. 

Planning & tips: Rest early, wear warm layers (summit is cold), headlamp/torch, sturdy shoes, cash for small offerings & tea stalls. Expect 3–4 hours ascent for fit climbers (longer if resting).

Overnight: Dalhousie / Nallathanniya (base village). Rest and early dinner — climb begins at midnight.

Please note: Please note that there are no 4–5 star hotels located close to Adam’s Peak. However, we will arrange the best available accommodation in line with your selected tour package.

Timing: Start climb ~00:30–01:30 to reach summit for sunrise; descend and drive to Nanu Oya (allow rest).

Drive: Nallathanniya → Nanu Oya ≈ 2.5–3.5 hrs depending on stops.

Train: Nanu Oya → Ella scenic train ~2–2.5 hrs (book reserved seats early). Fare varies by class — modest (local currency); reserved seats available online via Sri Lanka Railways. 

Attraction notes: The train journey is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous scenic rides (tea-country vistas, tunnels, waterfalls). Use this day as a mix of sunrise pilgrimage and a relaxing scenic transit.

Overnight: Ella.

Local travel: Short walks from Ella town; most sites accessible on foot in 15–45 mins.

Little Adam’s Peak: A gentle hike with sweeping hill-country views and tea-terraced slopes—an easy alternative to the real Adam’s Peak. The walk takes you through tea estates and gives broad vistas over valleys and ridgelines.

Nine-Arch Bridge : A remarkable colonial railway viaduct set in lush jungle—an iconic photo stop often framed with a passing train. It’s an easy walk from Ella town and perfect for short visits.

Fees: No formal entry fees for either site (donations or small local charges sometimes requested). 

Time: Little Adam’s Peak 1–1.5 hrs; Nine-Arch 30–60 mins.

Tips: Early morning is best for cooler temperatures and softer light; steep stairs at viewpoints require moderate fitness.

Overnight: Ella.

Drive & trekking: Ella → Upper Diyaluma area (Badulla region) for a half-day trek to waterfalls & pools; then continue to Yala: total driving approx 3–4 hrs from Ella to Diyaluma area, then ~3 hrs from Badulla area to Yala depending on route.

Upper Diyaluma : Upper Diyaluma offers a dramatic waterfall and plateaus for day trekking and natural pools—one of the island’s most scenic multi-tier falls. Trails can be rough; plan a guided walk for safety and local interpretation.

Time: Trek 2–4 hours depending on route & pace.

Tips: Wear sturdy shoes; bring swimwear & towel if planning to bathe in pools; check local conditions for rainy season slip hazards.

Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama.

Drive: Tissamaharama (Yala area) → Galle ≈ 3–4 hrs (150–180 km) depending on coastal route & traffic.

Yala safari: Yala is Sri Lanka’s most visited national park and offers chances to see leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and rich birdlife—early morning safaris are best for predator activity. Jeep safaris in open 4x4s range in duration from 3–5 hours and should be guided by experienced naturalists.

Yala costs: USD 70 per person (Minimum 2 pax - park entrance + privet 4x4 + tracker + refreshment)

Tips: Early morning (05:30–09:30) maximizes sightings; bring sun protection, camera with zoom, binoculars, and motion-sickness prevention if needed.

Overnight: Galle.

Drive: Galle ↔ Mirissa short coastal transfer ~30–40 mins.

Galle Fort : A living UNESCO World Heritage fortified city with colonial ramparts, boutique shops, churches and an atmospheric network of lanes—ideal for cultural strolling, shopping and sunset views.

Time: 2–4 hours to explore Fort + lighthouse & museums (optional fees for some museums).

Whale watching (Mirissa) : Seasonal whale-watching (blue whales & sperm whales) operates mainly November–April from Mirissa—mornings at sea offer the best chance for sightings. Tours depart pre-dawn; sea conditions and sightings depend on season and weather.

Whale watch tips & costs: Boat operators charge per person; prices vary by season — expect a tour cost (approx range USD 40–100 depending on operator and inclusions). Check the whale season (Nov–Apr best).

Presentation: For whale trips advise seasickness meds, sun block, cap, and an early start (boats leave ~05:30–06:00).

Overnight: Galle.

Drive: Galle → Colombo ≈ 2–2.5 hrs (130–150 km) depending on traffic; Colombo → Bandaranaike Airport ≈ 40–60 mins from Colombo or 20–30 mins if via Negombo. Total travel to airport from Galle ≈ 3.5–4.5 hrs.

Colombo highlights :Galle Face Green & Ocean Drive: Relaxed seaside promenade—good for short photo stops.

National Museum (optional): Sri Lanka’s National Museum houses archaeological and colonial collections—allow 1–1.5 hrs for a focused visit (entrance fee applies, ~US$5–8 for foreigners).Gangaramaya Temple: An eclectic temple with maritime artifacts and mix of architectural styles—quick visit 30–45 mins.

Finish options: Airport drop-off (on time for flights), overnight Negombo (if flight next day), or drop to a south/west coast resort if guests extend.

Tips: Plan city stops according to flight time and allow at least 3 hours buffer before international departures from Bandaranaike (drive time + airport check-in).