Blue Sapphire Holidays

Grand Heritage & Wildlife Odyssey – 24 Days

Perfect for Families | Cultural Legacy | Wildlife Parks | UNESCO Sites | Scenic Train Journeys

Activities

Temple Visit

Jeep Safari

City Tours

Train Ride

Cooking Class

Nature Exploration

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Sri Lanka – Negombo Welcome

  • Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport.
  • Meet & greet by our representative and transfer to Negombo.
  • Leisure time to relax after the flight.
  • Optional: Sunset walk on Negombo beach or visit the local fish market.
    Overnight: Negombo

Day 02: Negombo → Anuradhapura (Cultural Triangle Begins)

  • Drive to Sri Lanka’s first capital – Anuradhapura.
  • Afternoon exploration of key sacred sites including Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya, and Jetavanaramaya.
  • Kids enjoy biking through the vast ruins.
    Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 03: Wilpattu National Park Safari

  • Early morning jeep safari in Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest national park.
  • Spot leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
  • Return for lunch and rest.
  • Evening free time or optional village walk.
    Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 04: Anuradhapura → Mihintale & Aukana → Sigiriya

  • Visit Mihintale – birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
  • Stop by Aukana Buddha Statue, one of the tallest ancient Buddha carvings.
  • Arrive in Sigiriya for dinner and overnight.
    Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 05: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Tour

  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress – 5th-century UNESCO marvel.
  • Afternoon village tour by bullock cart and boat ride.
  • Traditional lunch with a local family.
    Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 06: Polonnaruwa Day Excursion

  • Visit the ancient capital Polonnaruwa with bikes or tuk-tuks.
  • Explore the royal palace, Gal Vihara, and ancient irrigation marvels.
  • Wildlife spotting by the lakeside.
    Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 07: Dambulla Cave Temples & Spice Gardens → Kandy

  • En route to Kandy, stop at Dambulla Cave Temple – marvel at ancient murals and 150+ Buddha statues.
  • Tour a spice garden in Matale.
  • Arrive in the sacred city of Kandy.
    Overnight: Kandy

Day 08: Sacred Tooth Temple & Cultural Show

  • Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic – a spiritual experience.
  • Walk by Kandy Lake, explore the Royal Palace complex.
  • Evening: Traditional Kandyan dance performance.
    Overnight: Kandy

Day 09: Botanical Gardens & Gem Museum

  • Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – perfect for kids to roam freely.
  • Gem museum and batik workshop visit.
  • Optional: Cook with locals or city tuk-tuk tour.
    Overnight: Kandy

Day 10: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya via Tea Country

  • Scenic drive through misty hills.
  • Stop at Ramboda Waterfalls.
  • Visit a working tea factory and plantation.
  • City tour of Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s “Little England.”
    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 11: Gregory Lake & Local Exploration

  • Leisure boating or horse riding at Gregory Lake.
  • Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens or strawberry farms.
  • Optional high tea at Grand Hotel.
    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 12: Scenic Train to Ella

  • One of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys.
  • Ride from Nanu Oya to Ella through tea fields and mountain tunnels.
  • Check-in to a hillside retreat.
    Overnight: Ella

Day 13: Ella Exploration – Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches

  • Hike Little Adam’s Peak (family-friendly).
  • Visit Nine Arches Bridge – iconic photo stop.
  • Optional: Ziplining adventure or cooking class.
    Overnight: Ella

Day 14: Ella → Yala via Ravana Falls

  • Drive to Yala National Park.
  • Stop at Ravana Falls and Buduruwagala rock carvings.
  • Evening at leisure.
    Overnight: Yala

Day 15: Yala National Park Safari

    • Morning and evening jeep safaris to see leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
    • Visit Sithulpawwa Temple (optional).
      Overnight: Yala

     

Day 16: Yala → Kataragama → Tangalle

  • Visit Kataragama sacred complex – a multi-faith spiritual hub.
  • Arrive at the beach paradise of Tangalle.
    Overnight: Tangalle

Day 17–18: Beach Days in Tangalle

    • Relax, swim, and enjoy beach time.
    • Optional: Turtle watching, kayaking, or wellness spa day.
      Overnight: Tangalle
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Day 19: Tangalle → Galle via Mulkirigala Temple

  • Visit Mulkirigala Rock Temple en route.
  • Reach Galle Fort – check into a colonial boutique stay.
    Overnight: Galle

Day 20: Explore Galle Fort & Coastal Cafés

    • Walk the ramparts, shop at boutiques, and visit museums.
    • Try seafood by the sea.
    • Optional: Cycle tour or local art gallery visit.
      Overnight: Galle

Day 21: Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery Visit

  • Boat ride on Madu Ganga River – mangroves and cinnamon island.
  • Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
  • Transfer to Bentota.
    Overnight: Bentota

Day 22: Bentota Beach Leisure Day

  • Free day to relax at a luxury beachfront resort.
  • Optional water sports or Ayurveda massage.
    Overnight: Bentota

Day 23: Bentota → Colombo City Tour

  • Visit Colombo’s historical and modern highlights: Independence Square, Galle Face, Dutch Hospital, local markets.

Farewell dinner in a rooftop restaurant.
 Overnight: Colombo

Day 24: Departure

  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.