The World Heritage Trail
A ten-day journey through eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the ruins of Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Horton Plains, Sinharaja and the old town of Galle.
Airport → Anuradhapura → Habarana → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Sinharaja → Galle → Negombo
Tour Highlights
What makes this journey unforgettable.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
The sacred bo tree, the great white stupas and the monastic ruins of the island's first royal capital.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
A day among the medieval capital's royal palaces, temples and the colossal Buddhas of Gal Viharaya.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The climb to the 5th-century sky-palace and its frescoed caves above the jungle.
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
Five gilded cave temples of Buddhas and painted ceilings beneath a granite overhang.
Horton Plains & Sinharaja
A dawn walk to World's End across the cloud plateau, then the rainforest trails of Sinharaja.
Old Town of Galle
The Dutch fort's ramparts, lanes and lighthouse on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
Day by Day
The itinerary, day by day.
Day 01Airport → Anuradhapura
Welcome on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and a private transfer to Anuradhapura. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and rest after the journey.
Day 02Anuradhapura → Habarana
A full day exploring the Sacred City of Anuradhapura: the Sri Maha Bodhi, the great white stupas and the monastic ruins of the island's first capital. Continue to Habarana in the evening.
Day 03Habarana → Polonnaruwa → Habarana
A day trip to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, with its royal palaces, bathing ponds, shrines and the colossal Buddhas of Gal Viharaya. Return to Habarana for the night.
Day 04Habarana → Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
An early climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, before the drive into the hills to Kandy.
Day 05Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
A morning in the Sacred City of Kandy: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the lake and the old royal precinct. Climb through the tea country to Nuwara Eliya in the afternoon.
Day 06Nuwara Eliya
A pre-dawn excursion to Horton Plains National Park for a guided walk across the misty plateau to World's End and Baker's Fall, with the afternoon free in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 07Nuwara Eliya → Sinharaja
An unhurried morning before the scenic descent from the highlands to the rainforest edge, checking in near Sinharaja and relaxing for the evening.
Day 08Sinharaja
A guided trek through the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest of endemic birds, butterflies and towering trees.
Day 09Sinharaja → Galle
Travel south to the coast and spend the afternoon in the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications, wandering the ramparts, lanes and lighthouse at sunset.
Day 10Galle → Negombo / Departure
A coastal drive north to Negombo, or a direct transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Included
What's in your journey.
- Welcome and assistance on arrival and departure
- Accommodation at 3, 4 or 5-star hotels
- Half-board meal basis throughout stay at the hotels, can be changed to full-board, bed & breakfast or another meal plan. Just tell us when we plan your journey.
- Transport in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the stay
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide, travelling in another language? We can arrange a guide who speaks your language, just ask while planning.
- 02 bottles of mineral water (500ml) per day per person
- All entrance tickets to sites
- 24/7 customer care & assistance throughout the tour
Not Included
What's separate.
- Air fares & visa fees to Sri Lanka (apply online at eta.gov.lk)
- Extras of a personal nature: beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic), laundry, drinking water, telephone calls
- Photo & video camera permits at the sites
Ready When You Are
Let's craft your private version of The World Heritage Trail.
Every departure is tailored to your dates, pace and interests. Tell us how you'd like to travel and we'll shape the rest.