Route: Colombo – Anuradhapura (Approx. 205 km, 4-5 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Elephant Orphanage (Pinnawala): Stop at the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can interact with these gentle giants and watch them being bathed in the river.
• Aukana Buddha Statue: Visit the towering Aukana Buddha, one of the island’s tallest and most iconic statues, standing majestically at 13 meters high.
• Anuradhapura Ruins: Explore the sacred Anuradhapura ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient stupas, temples, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be over 2,300 years old.
  Overnight: Anuradhapura

Route: Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa (Approx. 75 km, 2-hour drive)
Places Visited:

• Polonnaruwa Ruins: Discover the impressive Polonnaruwa ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore ancient temples, palaces, and the majestic Gal Vihara rock temple with its stunning Buddha statues.
• Minneriya Safari: Embark on a Minneriya Safari and witness the breathtaking sight of elephants roaming freely in the wild, particularly during the “Gathering” season, when hundreds of elephants congregate near the reservoir.
  Overnight: Giritale (near Polonnaruwa)

Route: Polonnaruwa – Kandy (Approx. 170 km, 4-5 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Visit the world-famous Sigiriya Rock, a stunning ancient fortress perched atop a massive rock. Climb the steps to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and countryside.
• Dambulla Cave Temple: Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its impressive cave shrines filled with colorful Buddha statues and intricate murals.
• Spice Garden in Matale: Stop by a Spice Garden in Matale, where you can learn about the island's spices, including cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom.
  Overnight: Kandy

Route: Kandy (Local sightseeing)
Places Visited:

• Temple of the Tooth Relic: Begin your day with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, where the tooth of Buddha is enshrined in a beautifully ornate temple.
• Cultural Dance: In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandy cultural dance performance, showcasing Sri Lankan dance, music, and vibrant costumes.
  Overnight: Kandy

Route: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 80 km, 2-3 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Visit the stunning Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, and palms.
• Tea Factory Tour: Continue your journey to a Tea Factory, where you can witness the traditional process of tea production, from picking to packaging, and taste some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea.
  Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Route: Nuwara Eliya (Local sightseeing)
Places Visited:

• Nuwara Eliya City Tour: Explore the charming hill town of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’ due to its colonial architecture. Visit the beautiful Gregory Lake, the Victoria Park, and the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course.
• Leisure Time: Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or shopping in the quaint town center.
  Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Route: Nuwara Eliya – Ella (Approx. 55 km, 1.5-2 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Horton Plains National Park: Start the day early with a visit to Horton Plains, Sri Lanka’s highest national park. Enjoy a scenic walk through misty forests to the dramatic World’s End viewpoint, where the cliff drops nearly 1,000 meters.
  Overnight: Bandarawela (near Ella)

Route: Ella – Yala (Approx. 100 km, 2.5-3 hours drive)
Places Visited:

• Ella Sightseeing: Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel surrounded by lush green tea plantations. Explore Ella Rock or enjoy a leisurely walk to the beautiful Ravana Falls.
  Overnight: Yala

Route: Yala (Local safari)
Places Visited:

• Yala Safari: Spend the day exploring Yala National Park, one of the best places to spot Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, and a wide variety of wildlife. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a haven for nature lovers.
• Galle Fortress: Visit the historic Galle Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to wander through cobbled streets, visit quaint cafes, and admire colonial architecture.
  Overnight: Bentota

Route: Bentota (Local sightseeing)
Places Visited:

• Madhu River Safari: Embark on a serene boat ride along the Madhu River, passing through lush mangrove forests and visiting small islands.
• Turtle Hatchery: Visit a Turtle Hatchery to learn about the conservation efforts in place to protect Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles.
  Overnight: Bentota

Route: Bentota – Airport (Approx. 110 km, 2.5-3 hours drive)
Transfer to the airport for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories of your Sri Lankan adventure.