Rendezvous with Sri Lanka's Highlights in 15 Days

Upon arrival, you'll be guided to the arrival terminal, where you'll complete immigration and baggage collection. Proceed through the green channel if you have no luggage to declare. An Apple Vacations representative will meet you with a paging board displaying your name and introduce you to English-speaking chauffeur guide, who will transfer you to your Colombo hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay and a delicious dinner in Colombo.

After a delightful hotel breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kandy through lush hills. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a significant religious site housing Buddha's tooth relic, and witness traditional rituals. Explore Kandy Lake, a serene spot amidst the city’s greenery. Tour the Royal Palace of Kandy, reflecting Sri Lanka's rich heritage. Conclude your day with a relaxing stay and dinner at your Kandy hotel.

After breakfast, explore Kandy with a visit to Embekka Devalaya, renowned for its intricate wood carvings and traditional Kandyan architecture. Next, see the 14th-century Gadaladenia Temple, a stunning example of ancient Sinhalese design. In the evening, enjoy a vibrant cultural dance exhibition showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dance and music. End the day with a delicious dinner and overnight stay at your Kandy hotel.

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel in Kandy, drive to Dambulla. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage site with five caves filled with Buddhist art and over 150 Buddha statues, including a 50-foot reclining Buddha. End your day with an overnight stay and dinner at a local hotel in Dambulla.

Indulge in a delightful breakfast to kickstart your day and then relish a full day of leisure at the hotel, where relaxation and comfort are paramount. After a day of unwinding, savor a delectable dinner before settling in for a restful overnight stay at a charming hotel in Dambulla. Enjoy the perfect blend of culinary delights and serene accommodations, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating experience.

After breakfast, head to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO site renowned for its stunning views, ancient palace ruins, and frescoes. Next, visit Gal Vihara to see impressive granite Buddha statues, and explore the Polonnaruwa Vatadage with its remarkable architecture. Continue with a tour of the Polonnaruwa archaeological site, showcasing ancient palaces and temples. Visit the intricately carved Lankathilaka Image House and the Medirigiriya Vatadage for unique architectural insights. Conclude your day with dinner and relaxation at your hotel in Polonnaruwa.

After a delightful breakfast, start your day at the Sandakada Pahana, or Moonstone, known for its intricate carvings representing Buddhist philosophy. Next, explore the Weijantha Prasada, a former palace of King Parakramabahu I, and admire its architectural splendor. Continue to the King's Council Chamber, a grand assembly hall from the same era, showcasing detailed craftsmanship. Finish at the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, a 12th-century hall by King Nissanka Malla, renowned for its elaborate carvings of elephants, dragons, and warriors. Conclude your day with an overnight stay and dinner in Polonnaruwa.

After breakfast, visit the Jethawanaramaya Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century. Next, explore the Ruwanwelisaya, a revered stupa built by King Dutugamunu over 2,000 years ago. Continue to the Abhayagiri Dagaba, an ancient monastery once home to thousands of monks. Then, head to the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, a key pilgrimage site housing a branch of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Stroll through Ranmasu Uyana, an ancient royal park with water gardens and ruins. Finally, visit the Dagoba of Thuparama, one of the oldest structures in Anuradhapura, which houses a relic of the Buddha. After a day of historical exploration, enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Start your day with breakfast in Anuradhapura, then head to Mihintale, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site where Mahinda first introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka around 250 BC. Explore its ancient ruins and stunning natural surroundings. Return to Anuradhapura to visit the Isurumuniya Temple, known for its beautiful rock-cut sculptures, including the famous Isurumuniya lovers. Spend the afternoon exploring other historical sites like the Jetavanaramaya, one of the tallest ancient structures in Sri Lanka, and the Thuparamaya, the first stupa built in Sri Lanka with ancient Brahmi inscriptions. Conclude your day with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.

After breakfast, drive to Habarana, a 2-hour journey. Upon arrival, visit the Ritigala Forest Monastery if accessible without a strenuous hike. The 3.5 km trail to the top involves dense forests and steep, uneven terrain. After exploring, settle into your hotel in Habarana for a relaxing evening and a delightful dinner.

After breakfast in Habarana, head towards Colombo, stopping at significant sites along the way. Begin with St. Thomas Chapel in Kotte, a 16th-century Portuguese-era church dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle. In Colombo, visit the Isipathanaramaya Buddhist Temple, known for its serene ambiance and architectural beauty. Next, explore the Sambodhi Chaithya, a unique blend of traditional and modern Buddhist design. Continue to All-Saints Church, an 19th-century Anglican church with stunning stained glass. Also visit the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Borella All Saints Church, and St. Peter's Church, each notable for their religious and historical importance. Conclude with a drive-by of the Colombo Grand Mosque. After a day of exploration, enjoy an overnight stay and dinner in a Colombo hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a day exploring Colombo's rich historical and religious heritage. Begin in the Colombo Fort area, once the hub of colonial power, where you can view notable buildings like the Dutch Hospital and the Old Parliament Building. Next, visit the Wolvendaal Church, an 18th-century Dutch Reformed church known for its stunning colonial architecture. Continue to St Lucia's Cathedral, celebrated for its stained-glass windows and 19th-century design. Discover the vibrant Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its elaborate carvings. Stop by St Anthony's Shrine, revered for its miraculous healing powers. Experience the serene Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple, renowned for its beautiful Buddha statues and paintings. Finally, explore the Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple and Seema Malakaya Temple on Beira Lake, admired for their unique architecture and tranquil setting. After a full day of cultural exploration, retreat to your hotel in Colombo for an overnight stay and a delicious dinner.

After breakfast, start your exploration of Colombo’s historical and religious sites. First, visit the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, renowned for its striking red and white striped design. Then, head to the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, a vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated for its intricate carvings. Drive by Independence Square and the nearby Independence Memorial Hall, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s liberation from British rule. Continue to the Old Parliament Building, now the Presidential Secretariat, reflecting colonial architecture. End the day at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple known for its exquisite wall paintings and statues. After a day filled with cultural exploration, relax and enjoy dinner at your Colombo hotel.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast and take the opportunity to explore Colombo at your own pace. After a day of discovery, unwind with an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel, where you’ll be treated to a sumptuous dinner. Enjoy the blend of local flavors and international cuisine while relaxing in the city’s hospitality.

On the final day, after breakfast, you'll need to head to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination.