Itinerary overview & night stays

Day-by-Day Journey

Day1

Arrival & Transfer to Ancient Anuradhapura

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) ➔ Anuradhapura~170 km (3.5 to 4 hours drive)

Private pickup at airport, scenic drive north to Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, hotel check-in, relaxed evening near ancient reservoirs.

Selected Heritage Hotel / Lodge in Anuradhapura (Night 1)

Day2

Sacred Citadel of Anuradhapura to Sigiriya

Anuradhapura ➔ Sigiriya / Habarana~75 km (1.5 to 2 hours drive)

Guided morning tour of sacred stupas (Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya) and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree. Afternoon drive to Sigiriya cultural hub.

Selected Cultural Resort in Sigiriya / Habarana (Night 2)

Day3

Sigiriya Fortress Climb & Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Sigiriya ➔ Polonnaruwa Excursion ➔ Sigiriya~110 km (round-trip)

Early morning climb of 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Afternoon tour of royal palace ruins and rock-carved Buddha statues at Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa.

Selected Cultural Resort in Sigiriya / Habarana (Night 3)

Day4

Dambulla Cave Temples to Royal Kandy

Sigiriya ➔ Dambulla ➔ Kandy~90 km (2.5 to 3 hours drive)

Morning visit to UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple complex. Afternoon drive into hill capital and evening visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Selected Heritage Hotel in Kandy (Night 4)

Day5

Kandy Heritage Stroll & Coastal Transfer to Bentota

Kandy ➔ Bentota~180 km (4 to 4.5 hours drive)

Morning stroll around Kandy Lake and Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya. Scenic drive descending from hill country to southwest coast of Bentota.

Selected Beach Resort in Bentota (Night 5)

Day6

Bentota Cultural & Coastal Heritage

Bentota Local Transfers~20 km

Morning boat safari along historic Bentota River, afternoon visit to Kande Viharaya Temple, and evening beach relaxation.

Selected Beach Resort in Bentota (Night 6)

Day7

Galle Dutch Fort Excursion & Sunset Stroll

Bentota ➔ Galle Dutch Fort Excursion ➔ Bentota~110 km (round-trip via Southern Expressway)

Day tour to 17th-century ramparts of Galle Dutch Fort, exploring colonial architecture, spice history, and boutique arts before returning to Bentota.

Selected Beach Resort in Bentota (Night 7)

Day8

Departure

Bentota ➔ Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)~110 km (1.5 to 2 hours drive via Southern Expressway)

Leisurely breakfast, private transfer back to Colombo Airport for departure.

Google Maps daily route overview

Your Route at a Glance

DayRouteDistance
Day 1Airport (CMB) ➔ Anuradhapura170 km
Day 2Anuradhapura ➔ Sigiriya / Habarana75 km
Day 3Sigiriya ➔ Polonnaruwa Excursion ➔ Sigiriya110 km
Day 4Sigiriya ➔ Dambulla ➔ Kandy90 km
Day 5Kandy ➔ Bentota180 km
Day 6Bentota Local Cultural & River Safari20 km
Day 7Bentota ➔ Galle Fort Excursion ➔ Bentota110 km
Day 8Bentota ➔ Airport (CMB)110 km

Open the Complete Interactive Route

Total tour route summary

What’s Included & Excluded

Total driving distance ~865 km over 8 Days / 7 Nights.

Inclusions

  • Private Air-Conditioned Luxury Van / Coaster
  • Dedicated English-speaking chauffeur driver
  • Vehicle fuel
  • Highway tolls
  • Airport transfers
  • 24/7 route coordination

Exclusions

  • Archaeological site entry passes (Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla)
  • Temple of the Tooth tickets
  • Guest accommodation (bookable on request)
  • Driver accommodation (covered by hotel driver quarters or allowance)
Minimum route threshold of 900 km
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