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12
The extended circuit that adds the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and the pristine east coast to the highland and south coast chapters – a 13-day journey for travellers who want to see the island in full rather than covering the standard circuit.
Airport arrival and coastal first night.
A full afternoon’s guided exploration of the Sri Maha Bodhi, the great stupas, and the ancient monastic complexes of Sri Lanka’s first capital – one of the most extraordinary concentrations of ancient heritage in Asia, and one of the most actively used pilgrimage sites on the island.
Morning at Mihintale – the stepped hillside site where Sri Lankan Buddhism began in 248 BCE – followed by the afternoon drive to Sigiriya for an overnight ahead of the Rock’s ascent.
Morning ascent of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, afternoon at leisure in the Cultural Triangle’s ancient reservoir landscape.
The cross-island drive to Trincomalee and the east coast’s finest white-sand beaches, arriving for a first afternoon on the Indian Ocean’s most pristine Sri Lankan shoreline.
Snorkelling at Pigeon Island’s coral sanctuary (seasonal), Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock, and a relaxed afternoon on the east coast.
A second full day on the east coast – beach, optional dolphin watching at Trincomalee harbour, or the calm pleasure of a coastal stay that doesn’t ask anything of you.
The inland drive from the east coast to Kandy, arriving for a guided visit to the Sri Dalada Maligawa and an afternoon at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
The highland drive through Sri Lanka’s tea estate landscape to Nuwara Eliya, including a tea estate visit and tasting.
The celebrated hill country train to Ella through the most beautiful railway landscape in Asia.
The drive from Ella back toward Colombo through changing hill country landscapes, arriving in the capital for an evening and overnight.
A full day in Colombo – the National Museum, Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah, the Dutch Hospital precinct, the Galle Face Green, and the city’s best cafes.
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.