Ceylon Essential Trail

Day 1

Katunayake - Habarana
Arrival at the international airport in Colombo, formalities for entry and baggage claim. Meeting with guide and transfer to Habarana.
Arrival and accommodation in private rooms in the chosen hotel.
The afternoon is devoted to a Village Safari Tour, interesting experience that will allow you to put you in contact with the rural life of the local population. The excursion will be done using the local usual means, you begin to edge of the typical tuk tuk, you continue on tractors/bullock carts and then a boat ride.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Habarana and / or Dambulla

Day 2

Habarana - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Habarana
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning excursion to the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Located 300 meters high, was built on top of a monolith of red stone that dominates a harmonious set of gardens. The palace built on the summit is reached by a narrow staircase that winds through the huge paws of a stone lion.
Lunch during the excursion.
In the afternoon excursion to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Sri Lanka. Architectural complex consisting of temples, palaces and a beautiful swimming pool in the shape of a lotus flower.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Habarana and / or Dambulla.

Day 3

Habarana - Kandy
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Kandy, stopping along the way to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, religious-historical UNESCO site. Dambulla is believed to have been founded in the first century BC King Vattaganemani and is known for its caves and 150 Buddha statues.
Continuation and stop at spice garden in Matale, to discover the fragrant spices of the island and also where you will be offered a massage with herbs (head or feet) lasting 10 minutes.
Lunch at Spice Garden. Arrival in Kandy, accommodation.
Afternoon visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha, containing the most revered relic in Sri Lanka, and retaining extraordinary testimonies of the past with its greatest symbol of Buddhism. Before returning to the hotel, stopping to watch a performance of local cultural dances.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kandy.

Day 4

Kandy - Colombo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, located just 6 km from Kandy. Spread over 60 acres, these gardens are considered among the richest in the world for their variety of ornamental species, medicinal plants, and spices. A walk through the shady avenues reveals rare flora and lush landscapes—a must-visit for nature lovers.
Afterwards, continue to Pilimathalawa to explore the culturally significant Three Temple Loop:

• Gadaladeniya Temple, a 14th-century shrine built with South Indian influence, known for its stone architecture.
• Lankathilaka Temple, dramatically perched on a rock outcrop and featuring stunning Kandyan -era murals and panoramic views.
• Embekke Devalaya, famous for its elaborately carved wooden columns—an exquisite example of traditional
Sinhalese woodcraft.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route.
In the afternoon, proceed to Colombo. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city tour of Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital,
passing colonial buildings, modern landmarks, and vibrant city life. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Colombo.

Day 5

Negombo - Katunayake
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for flights to return to the city of origin.