This 10-day itinerary takes you off the beaten path to discover Sri Lanka's remarkable cultural and spiritual diversity. Traveling from the little-visited northern shores to the remote forests of the southeast, you'll seek enlightenment under the branches of Anuradhapura's sacred Bodhi tree, tour the colorful Hindu temples of Jaffna, admire the beachfront statues of Trincomalee, and learn about life in a Vedda village—home to the island's last indigenous forest-dwelling tribe.
Highlights
Tour the ancient monasteries & palaces of Anuradhapura
Take a boat ride to the tiny holy island of Nainativu
Explore the temples, hot springs & world-class beaches of Trincomalee
Visit the heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism in the riverside city of Mahiyanganaya
Venture deep into the forest to spend a day with the island's last indigenous tribe
Brief Itinerary
Day
Highlights
Overnight
Day 1
Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo
Negombo
Day 2
Transfer to the Ancient Sites of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
Day 3
Transfer to Jaffna, Fort & Temples Tour
Jaffna
Day 4
Boat Ride to Nainativu Island
Jaffna
Day 5
Transfer to the Beaches of Trincomalee
Trincomalee
Day 6
Free Day in Trincomalee
Trincomalee
Day 7
Transfer to Mahiyanganaya, Center of Sri Lankan Buddhism
Mahiyanganaya
Day 8
Dambana Vedda Village Visit
Mahiyanganaya
Day 9
Transfer to Colombo, Explore the Commercial Capital
Colombo
Day 10
Depart Colombo
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo
Colorful boats line Negombo's canals
Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the Colombo Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in the laid-back beach town of Negombo. Known as "Little Rome" for its strong Catholic influence, Negombo transitioned over the centuries through Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule. Today its sandy beaches, welcoming locals, meandering canals, and colorful streets make it the perfect spot to enjoy your first evening in Sri Lanka.
Day 2: Transfer to the Ancient Sites of Anuradhapura
The monastery of Mihintale at dusk
Your driver will pick you up at the hotel today and transfer you northeast to Anuradhapura, where you'll take a tour through Sri Lankan history as you explore its UNESCO-listed wonders. Considered one of the country's eight cultural heritage sites, Sri Lanka's first capital dates back to the 4th century BCE when it was founded by King Pandukhabaya in the heyday of the great Sinhala civilization.
Located along a picturesque riverbank, this beautiful town still boasts a fascinating series of ancient ruins, monasteries, palaces, and temples—as well as important Buddhist sites like Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred bo tree that was grown from a branch of the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.
Day 3: Transfer to Jaffna, Fort & Temples Tour
Jaffna's historic star-shaped Dutch fort
Transfer north this morning to the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka's northernmost region. After decades of war, its densely populated city of Jaffna is once again flourishing, and it remains one of the best places in the country to learn about Tamil culture.
On today's tour, you'll explore the ruins of the historic Jaffna Fort, a 17th-century star-shaped fortress and the largest Dutch fort in Asia, then continue to the famous Hindu temple of Nallur Kandasamy Kovil. Other highlights include the island temple of Naga Pooshani Amabal Kovil and the ancient Buddhist stupas (shrines) of Kadurugoda.
Plan your trip to Sri Lanka Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The colorful Hindu Temple of Nagapooshani Amman Kovil
Small in size but rich with history, the island of Nainativu (or Nagadeepa as it is referred to in Sinhala), holds an important place in both Buddhist and Hindu history. Located just off the coast of the Jaffna Peninsula, you'll take a scenic boat trip to its palm-fringed shores and explore both Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya, one of Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist sites, and Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, an ancient shrine dedicated to Shakthi, the Hindu goddess of power.
Day 5: Transfer to the Beaches of Trincomalee
Trincomalee's beachfront Koneswaram Temple
Head south today towards Trincomalee, located on Sri Lanka's beautiful northeastern coast and famed for its pristine beaches and one of the finest natural deep-water harbors in the world. Nearby you'll find many historic kovils (temples) that draw both Buddhist and Hindu devotees, as well as the ancient healing hot springs of Kanniya. After exploring the city's highlights, get settled into your accommodations and spend the afternoon at the beach.
Day 6: Free Day in Trincomalee
The sweeping sands of Nivali Beach in Trincomalee
Today is free for you to spend at your leisure in Trincomalee. Join a whale and dolphin watching excursion, go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, visit the historic local hot springs, or head to one of the many stunning local beaches.
Day 7: Transfer to Mahiyanganaya, Center of Sri Lankan Buddhism
Colorful flags line the entrance to Mahiyangana's Raja Maha Vihara Temple
Journey south with your driver today towards Sri Lanka's unspoiled Uva Province, where you'll find a small gem of a city near the banks of the Mahaweli River. Revered in Buddhist history, Mahiyanganaya is believed to be the site of Lord Buddha's first visit to the island, with the ancient temple of Mahiyangana Maha Viharaya built here in commemoration. With spectacular views across the Central Highlands and the Knuckles Mountain Range, it's also a perfect base for outdoor adventures—including educational excursions with the area's native Vedda people.
Day 8: Dambana Vedda Village Visit
Vedda hunters with traditional bows and arrows
Tracing their history to the 6th century BCE, the Vedda "forest people" are Sri Lanka's last indigenous tribe. Learn about their culture and history with a visit to a local village, where they welcome visitors with stories of their ancient connection with the forest and demonstrations of their hunting and gathering way of life, which has changed little since the Stone Age.
Day 9: Transfer to Colombo, Explore the Commercial Capital
An aerial view over Colombo's coastline
Head back to the hustle and bustle of modern life today, as you transfer to the metropolis of Colombo. A lively city with a fascinating history, Arab sailors once frequented these ports to trade with the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists that occupied the city. Today, Colombo offers something for everyone.
Visit the National Museum and Zoological Gardens, or take a walk through the city's commercial center, where grand colonial-era buildings stand alongside modern hotels. Browse the vibrant markets and bazaars in Pettah, then end the evening sampling Sri Lankan specialties at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Transfer to Colombo Airport & Depart
Sunset over Colombo's glittering waterfront
Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Sri Lanka. When the time comes, your private transfer will be waiting to take you to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!
More Great 10-Day Sri Lanka Itineraries
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Map
Map of Ancient Cultures of Northern & Central Sri Lanka - 10 Days
