Sri Lanka · Culture

12-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Sigiriya, Kandy and Hikkaduwa

12 Days Round trip from Negombo Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha
  • 02 Explore the Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress
  • 03 Discover the Dambulla Cave Temple
  • 04 Enjoy Hikkaduwa's coral reef, white sandy beaches, and water activities
  • 05 Experience Colombo's mix of colonial landmarks, bazaars, and modern city life

Tour the island nation of Sri Lanka from Negombo to Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Hikkaduwa, Beruwala, and Colombo, and experience its fascinating culture, splendid nature, and relaxed lifestyle. Explore iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, while also enjoying beach time, wildlife encounters, water sports, and city sightseeing. This 12-day journey combines heritage, spirituality, coastal relaxation, and local culture in one memorable itinerary.

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a World Heritage Site constructed by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) in the 5th century.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla, Negombo, Sigiriya, Hikkaduwa, Beruwala
Languages English, French, Russian, Tamil, Thai

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Negombo and Leisure by the Beach

  • On arrival, be welcomed by our tour representative and transfer to Negombo.
  • On your way to Negombo, observe the lifestyle of the Sri Lankan people. It may be a short distance, but you will learn a lot from it.
  • Once you reach the hotel, head to the beach and enjoy some fresh air.
  • Explore the Dutch Fort.
  • Relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay at Negombo.

2
Day 02

Dambulla Cave Temple and Rose Quartz Mountain

  • In the morning, after enjoying a yummy breakfast at the hotel in Negombo, proceed to Dambulla - famous for the Dambulla Rock Temple, which dates back to the 1st century BC.
  • This temple was constructed by King Walagambahu and today stands as a renowned World Heritage Site. You are sure to be awestruck by these impressive cave temples of Sri Lanka. The temple complex has five caves adorned with more than 2000 sq. m of painted walls and ceilings. Hence, the temple has earned the reputation of having one of the largest areas of paintings found in the world. This beautiful temple comprises over 150 Buddha images, of which the largest is the giant structure of the Buddha carved out of a rock.
  • Explore the Rose Quartz Mountain.

Overnight stay at Dambulla.

3
Day 03

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Heavenly Maidens Frescoes

  • Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a World Heritage Site constructed by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) in the 5th century. The "Lion Rock" is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the dense forest. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens, including the renowned water gardens, ring the base of the rock.
  • Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the "Heavenly Maidens" of Sigiriya, which are in a protected pocket of the rock approached by a curved stairway. These frescoes are painted with earth pigments on plaster.

Overnight stay at Dambulla.

4
Day 04

Journey to Kandy and Cultural Heritage

  • In the morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel in Dambulla.
  • Go to Kandy, the previous capital of the Sri Lankan kings and a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures a vision of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions, and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Kandy Lake was constructed by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in 1798.
  • Visit Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum, and a lapidary.
  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Thereafter, witness a cultural show.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.

5
Day 05

Transfer to Hikkaduwa and Coastal Exploration

  • After a delicious breakfast at the hotel in Kandy, go to Hikkaduwa.
  • Hikkaduwa is a famous beach destination with excellent cuisine, good accommodations, a stunning coral reef, and white sandy beaches. Water sports and related activities are also a popular feature.
  • Well endowed with a variety of underwater species, the Coral Sanctuary is a magnificent reef bursting with life. It is a haven for divers and swimmers, as it offers water activities like snorkelling, diving, and more. The glass-bottom boats are a popular attraction for the spectacular view of the coral reefs.

Overnight stay at Hikkaduwa.

6
Day 06

Tsunami Memorial and BBQ Night in Hikkaduwa

  • Breakfast at a hotel in Hikkaduwa.
  • Explore the Tsunami Memorial and enjoy a BBQ night.

Overnight stay at Hikkaduwa.

7
Day 07

Turtle Farm and Madu River Excursion

  • Breakfast at a hotel in Hikkaduwa.
  • Explore the Turtle Farm and Madu River.

Overnight stay at Hikkaduwa.

8
Day 08

Beruwala Water Sports Adventure

  • After breakfast at the hotel in Hikkaduwa, proceed to Beruwala for water skiing, banana boating, fishing, and jet skiing. Waterskiing, banana boating, and jet skiing can also be enjoyed in the calm waters of the Beruwala River, and these fun activities offer excitement for all ages and skill levels.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Beruwala.
9
Day 09

Beach Leisure in Beruwala

  • Today, swim or fight with the waves in the sea. Unwind on the beach, gazing at the spectacular vistas of the sea blending with the multi-hued skies.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Beruwala.

10
Day 10

Free Day at Leisure in Beruwala

  • Breakfast at a hotel in Beruwala.
  • The whole day is at leisure in Beruwala.

Overnight stay at Beruwala.

11
Day 11

Colombo City Tour and Bazaar Visit

  • Take a city tour of Colombo. Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries, is changing its face rapidly. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise where old buildings once stood. Yet, in some parts, the old-world beauty is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several colonial buildings from the British period.
  • Visit the Pettah bazaar, where one can shop for a bargain, as well as a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple. See residential areas where you find the stately homes of the rich, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) - a gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China.

Overnight stay at Colombo.

12
Day 12

Departure from Colombo

  • Breakfast at the hotel in Colombo.
  • Transfer to the airport to board a flight for your onward journey.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Hikkaduwa coral reef, Kandy Lake

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Hikkaduwa coral reef, Kandy Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Negombo 7 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation in a standard room in a 3-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis
  • Meals as per program - BB
  • Transportation by air-conditioned car or van as per program
  • Services of an English-speaking tour guide
  • 1 litre bottle of mineral water per person per day

What's Not Included

  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy - USD 10
  • National Museum, Kandy - USD 12
  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya - USD 13
  • Ancient City of Sigiriya - USD 30
  • Dambulla Cave Temples - USD 15
  • Hortain Plains - USD 20
  • Kandy Dance Show (dance show in Kandy) - USD 05
  • Dehiwala Zoo - USD 20
  • Hot Air Ballooning (Ballooning) - USD 300
  • Boat Ride (Bentota) (safari on the boat) - USD 20
  • White Water Rafting (Rafting Kelaniya) - USD 35
  • Diving in Hikkaduwa (dive instructor in Hikkaduwa) - USD 65
  • Sea Fishing in Negombo (sea fishing with a professional) - USD 50
  • Lunch and dinner throughout the trip
  • Video and camera permits
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • The seasonal supplement is not included
  • Any other services not specified in the "What's included" section

Know before you go

  • Hotel room allocation depends on availability at the time of travel.
  • The price is calculated using the currency exchange rate issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. It may change due to government rules and regulations.
  • Entrance fees to places may change according to government regulations.
  • Inclusions and exclusions depend on the customer's request.
  • Perahera, Cricket Season, and peak supplements are not included.
  • Child Policy:
    • A child between 2-12 years sharing with 2 adults, with an extra bed, will be charged 70% of the per-person sharing double rate.
    • A child between 2-12 years without an extra bed will be charged 50% of the per-person sharing double rate.
    • A child below 2 years will be complimentary.
    • Peak season supplements are not applicable.
  • Details of cancellation charges if the booking is cancelled before:
    • 15 days - 10% of the tour cost.
    • 7 days - 50% of the tour cost.
    • 5 days - 100% of the tour cost.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Negombo.

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