Airport - Negombo

Bandaranaike International Airport - Upon arrival by flight, you will be guided to the arrival terminal. Complete immigration and visa procedures, collect your luggage, and proceed to the arrival lounge via the green channel if you have no items to declare to customs. A representative from Apple Vacations will meet you with a paging board displaying your name in the meeting area and introduce you to your English-speaking chauffeur guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Negombo.

Negombo Sightseeing

Negombo Lagoon - Relax on the tranquil waters and enjoy the picturesque scenes of local life and nature. Board your boat and navigate through the lagoon and mangroves. Enjoy the late morning breeze and sunshine. As you cruise, observe fishermen casting their nets and sailing boats heading out to sea. Spot a variety of water birds and waders. Depending on the tide and season, you may see the gull colony on the sand flats. Refreshments will be provided during your boat excursion.

Negombo - Located north of Colombo on Sri Lanka’s west coast, Negombo is a city with historical significance. The 17th-century Dutch Fort ruins now house a jail near the river. Fishermen’s cottages line the Negombo Lagoon, which flows into the Hamilton Canal, built during the Dutch era, extending to Colombo in the south. The neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, built in the 1920s, features a colorful ceiling adorned with religious artwork.

Negombo - Wilpathu National Park - Anuradhapura

Wilpattu National Park - As the oldest and largest park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is known for its natural lakes, called “Wilpattu” in Sinhala and “10 lakes” in Tamil. The park is home to leopards, elephants, bears, deer, crocodiles, reptiles, and a diverse range of birds. It is a top destination in Sri Lanka, especially for family adventure vacations and wildlife photography trips.

Anuradhapura - The ruins of Anuradhapura are among South Asia’s most inspiring sites, featuring a wide array of architectural and archaeological wonders across a vast area.

Anuradhapura Sightseeing

Ranmasu Uyana - Located north of Isurumuniya, Ranmasu Uyana’s origins are lost in history, but it was likely established as an alternative to parks donated to the maha sanga. The ponds are designed with precise irrigation techniques, allowing water from Tissa Weva to flow through all the ponds and tanks before being released for irrigation.

Ruwanwelisaya - One of the eight places of veneration in Anuradhapura, Ruwanwelisaya is believed to have been visited by Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka. Located near the Maha Bodhi tree, it is considered an architectural icon. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Jethawanaramaya Stupa - The largest stupa in Sri Lanka, Jethawana Stupa originally stood at 400 feet (122 meters) and was the third tallest building in the world at the time. Today, it remains the tallest brick monument of its kind. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura is the oldest living tree in documented history, a sapling from the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. It is the oldest human-planted tree with a known planting date. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Abhayagiri Dagaba - This colossal dagoba was the ceremonial center of Abhayagiri Monastery. Originally over 100m high, it was one of the ancient world’s greatest structures. Today, after several reconstructions, it stands 75m above the forest floor. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - Central to Anuradhapura both spiritually and physically, the Bodhgaya tree has been tended by guardians for over 2000 years and is said to be the world’s oldest tree. Thousands of devotees make offerings on poya (full moon) days and weekends.

Dagoba of Thuparama - The oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka, Thuparama Dagoba was built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. Its original ‘heap-of-paddy-rice’ shape was restored to a more conventional bell shape in 1862. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Mirisaveti Stupa - Built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC), Mirisawetiya Dagaba is part of the Mahavihara Complex. It is said the king named it “Mirisavatiya” because he forgot to offer a chili (miris) dish to the Buddhist priests before eating it. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya) - Built in 1070, this palace was an attempt by King Vijayabahu I to link his reign with the ancient Sinhalese capital’s glories. Today, only two fine but modest guard stones remain.

Lankarama Sthupa - The actual stupa has been renovated, but little remains of the vatadage except for a few broken pillars in the large courtyard. The stupa’s name was changed from Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya to Lankaramaya. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Lovamahapaya - Also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasada, Lovamahapaya consists of hundreds of stone pillars between Ruwanwelisaya and the Great Bodhi Tree. It was once a mighty nine-storied monastic structure built by King Dutugemmunu in the 2nd century BC. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Samadhi Statue - Considered one of the finest sculptures of the Anuradhapura era, the Samadhi Statue is made of dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) tall. The statue’s hollow eyes were likely inlaid with crystal or precious stones.

Mihintale - With the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale Mountain became a residential area for venerable monks led by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. The sanctuary soon housed numerous monastic buildings, stupas, uposathgharas, and bodhigharas with royal patronage.

Ritigala Forest Monastery - Ritigala Mountain is the highest in Sri Lanka’s north-central dry plains, serving as the watershed for the Malwatu Oya, which feeds the Nachaduwa tank and Kalueba Ela, which feeds Huruluwewa.

Isurumuniya Temple - This charming rock temple, dating from the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (r 307–267 BC), is set around a lovely lotus pond with carved images of elephants. The central temple features fine mural paintings. Climb to the rock summit to see the bell-shaped stupa and Buddha footprints etched into the rock. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond - The approach to this ancient site winds through paddy fields and vegetable cultivations, typical of rural Sri Lanka, leading to stands of tall, dry monsoon forest. Peacocks can be seen crossing the road. The archeological site includes a stupa and other ruins, though it shows signs of neglect.

Moonstone or Sandakada pahana - The moonstone is a semi-circular stone at the foot of steps in Buddhist buildings. Initially square, it evolved into a semi-circular shape with intricate carvings. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)

Vessagiriya Ruins - Located near Isurumuniya on the old Anuradhapura-Kurunegala road, this temple complex is set among three beautiful boulder formations. It includes the remains of a dagaba and 23 caves with drip ledges used by monks.

Abhayagiri Museum - South of the Abhayagiri Dagoba, this museum contains a collection of squatting plates, jewelry, pottery, and religious sculptures from the site. It was established in memory of Fa-hien to house treasures discovered during excavations at Abhayagiri Monastery.

Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa

Dalada Maluwa - Also known as the Terrace of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, this circular building is a beautiful example of 12th-century art and architecture. Built by King Parakrambahu the Great (1164-1196AD) and later enhanced by King Nissankamalla (1198-1206).

Polonnaruwa Vatadage - This lovely Stupa House was constructed before Nissanga Malla’s reign (1187–1196) but was significantly renovated by him. (combined with Dalada Maluva)

Hetadage - Built by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110), this house of the tooth relic of Buddha stands on 54 stone pillars. The relic was kept on the second floor, likely made of wood. (combined with Dalada Maluva)

Rankoth Vehera - The 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka, Rankoth Vehera was built by Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) and is a popular tourist attraction.

Gal Vihara - Located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa, this rock temple features four rock statues of Buddha, each depicting different figures, including a standing and a reclining figure.

Samudra Parakrama - This water reservoir consists of five lakes: Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, and Katu tanks. Also known as King Parakrama’s Sea, it is located in Polonnaruwa. Topa Wewa, the oldest reservoir, was built around 386 AD.

Pothgul Viharaya - An ancient library and monastery in Polonnaruwa, the ruins date back to the 12th century. It was likely a Buddhist library complex for studying Buddhist writings.

Pabalu Vehera - The third-largest dagaba in Polonnaruwa, Pabalu Vehera’s unusual shape is unknown. Built by a concubine of Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 AD), it was recently damaged by treasure hunters.

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya - Located in Dalada Maluwa quadrangle, this structure was built for reciting and hearing Buddhist scriptures. The granite pillars are 8.5 feet tall and curved in three places, with a small stone stupa in the center.

Polonnaruwa Nelum pokuna (Lotus Pond) - This small stone bath, built in tiers of eight-petalled lotuses, is a hidden architectural gem along the road to the northern city.

Thivanka Image House - The Buddha statue here is about 8 meters tall, though the upper part is destroyed. The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting Jataka Stories. The statue and building are made of bricks.

Polonnaruwa Siva Devale No.1 - Thought to be the oldest structure in Polonnaruwa, built during the South Indian Chola era. Constructed entirely of stone, it remains in its original shape. Look for the statue of Nandi, the bull, Lord Shiva’s mount.

Kiri Vehera - Built by a queen of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186), this stupa is part of Alahana Privena. Its cylindrical surfaces are divided into eight parts with figures of deities between pilasters.

Polonnaruwa - Minneriya National Park Safari

Minneriya National Park - During the dry season, many Sri Lankan elephants are drawn to the grasslands around the reservoir. The Minneriya tank supports a large herd, with numbers ranging from 150 to 200, and up to 700 according to some estimates. Elephants migrate here from Wasgamuwa National Park for food and protection.

Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya - Village Safari

Oakray Woodcarvings - Oak Ray Wood Carving offers a comprehensive collection of wood carvings, from typical wooden elephant ornaments to intricately carved traditional masks. The ‘Oak Ray’ brand caters to tourists and has become a go-to for finding the perfect memento of your journey in Sri Lanka.

Pidurangala Rock - Adjacent to Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala Rock offers the best views of Sigiriya Rock and is a popular spot for sunrise, providing 360-degree views of the valleys and Sigiriya Rock.

Sigiriya Museum - This museum features a fine diorama of the site, explaining Sigiriya’s cultural importance. It presents the theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery, though the established view is that it was a palace or fortress. (Combine with Sigiriya fortress)

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Rising dramatically from the central plains, Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. Near-vertical walls lead to a flat-topped summit with ruins of an ancient civilization, believed to be the epicenter of King Kassapa’s short-lived kingdom, offering stunning views over mist-wrapped forests.

Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy

Ederagala Wana Senasuna - This Buddhist temple in Dambulla dates back to the 2nd – 1st century B.C., according to inscriptions found in the caves. Located beside the Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee Highway, it is just 6km from Dambulla city and can be reached within 15 minutes from Dambulla Cave Temple.

Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs - This ancient burial ground is located five kilometers before Dambulla town on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road. The site, developed into a tourist attraction in 2017, is reached by traveling about 500m from the main road.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium - This 30,000-seat cricket stadium is the first and only international cricket pitch in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Located in Dambulla, it offers views of the Dambulla Tank and Dambulla Rock.

Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre - Established in 1999 in the center of Dambulla town, this wholesale market for vegetables and fruits allows direct participation of farmers in selling their produce.

Golden Temple of Dambulla - One of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations, Dambulla is rich in Buddhist history and offers a unique experience even before arriving in the city. (photo stop)

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple - Known as Jumbukola Vihara in the Mahavamsa, this rock temple is located about 47 miles northwest of Kandy on the main road to Anuradhapura. It is one of the most extensive and ancient rock temples in Sri Lanka, well-preserved and in excellent condition.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - A must-see in Kandy, this cultural dance show offers an enlightening display of Sri Lankan arts, dance, and cultural history. The dances, unique to different regions of the island, are performed with region-specific drums and clothing.

Kandy - Kitulgala Rafting

Rafting Team 39 - Suitable for anyone over the age of 10, this sport includes rafts, safety equipment, and a thorough safety briefing from white water rafting experts. Enjoy a river soak after the excursion and a traditional Sri Lankan lunch.

Kandy - Ella (By Train)

Peradeniya Railway Station - Transfer from Kandy to Peradeniya Railway Station and proceed to Ella by train (Udarata Menike Train).

Ella - Train journeys in Sri Lanka are cultural experiences, with the scenic route from Kandy to Ella being a highlight. The journey passes through tunnels, mountains, and tea plantations, offering breathtaking views of the landscape.

Ella - Haputhle

Lipton’s Seat - Located in the Sri Lankan highlands, Lipton’s Seat is 7 kilometers from Dambatenne, a tea plantation. The road to the viewpoint winds through tea plantations. The tea factory, often visited after Lipton’s Seat, is in Dambatenne. Accommodation is available in Ella or Haputale.

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - Named after the sacred Adams Peak due to its similarity, Little Adam’s Peak is 1141 meters high. The hike offers panoramic views and passes through tea plantations, waterfalls, and paddy fields. The peak is also known as “Punchi Sri Pada.”

Nine Arches Bridge - Located on the Demodara loop, this 91-meter-long bridge with nine arches is a picturesque spot in Ella, surrounded by jungle and agricultural settings.

Ella - Yala Evening Safari

Wildlife Tours Sri Lanka - Experience an afternoon safari at Yala National Park, covering 126,786 hectares, including the Strict Natural Reserve (Block II). Established in 1938, Block I is the most familiar area. Yala is known for its large herds of elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sambhur, crocodiles, mongoose, wild boar, wild buffalo, and over 130 bird species.

Ella - Yala National Park Morning safari

Yala National Park - Katagamuwa Entrance - Early morning visitors to Yala National Park can see leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and various birds.

Ella - Mirissa

Mirissa Beach - Known for its sands and waves, Mirissa also offers an incredible array of sea mammals off its coast.

Mirissa whale Watching

Mirissa Whale Watching - Join a boat tour to watch whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. You may spot blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, orcas, and various dolphins. The experience is responsible, ensuring no disturbance to the animals.

Mirissa - Airport

Bandaranaike International Airport - You will be transferred from your hotel in Mirissa to the airport for your departure. A private transfer will ensure you arrive in time to check in for your onward flight.

• English-speaking driver and guide
• Daily water bottle (500ml)
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Seasonal fruits included
• Dinner provided
• Breakfast included
• Complimentary onboard WiFi (upon request)
• 15 nights’ accommodation

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Lunch
• Entrance fees For Sites
• Optional Activities
• Gratuity For Driver & Guide