8 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization and its former capital at Anuradhapura, a World Heritage Site and erstwhile center of Theravada Buddhism set amidst peaceful green parks.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Sat): make a trip to Jethawanaramaya Dagoba, make a trip to Moonstone or Sandakada pahana, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dagoba of Thuparama, then make a trip to Isurumuniya Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sri Maha Boodhi Temple. On the 15th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: appreciate the history behind Abhayagiri Dagoba, appreciate the history behind Samadhi Statue, and then explore the activities along Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna).

To see more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Anuradhapura vacation trip planner.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Anuradhapura is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Arabia Standard Time to India Standard Time is 2 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can drive to Polonnaruwa.

Lying 216 km (134 mi) from Colombo, Polonnaruwa offers a rich history second in Sri Lanka only to Arunadhapura.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): explore the ancient world of Polonnaruwa Vatadage, steep yourself in history at Nishshanka Latha Mandapaya, then steep yourself in history at Lankathilaka Image House, then explore the ancient world of Polonnaruwa Archaeological Ruins, and finally make a trip to Gal Vihara. Keep things going the next day: explore the striking landscape of Kaudulla National Park.

For reviews, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, go to the Polonnaruwa vacation builder.

Getting from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa by car takes about 2.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Nuwara Eliya.

Sitting high up in the hills, the green and pleasant Nuwara Eliya offers both a rich history and proximity to pristine natural areas.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Wed): explore the activities along Kande-ela Reservoir, then don't miss a visit to Pedro Tea Factory , and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Holy Trinity Church.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Nuwara Eliya tour planner.

Traveling by car from Polonnaruwa to Nuwara Eliya takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can drive to Kandy.

Nestled between mountains in inland Sri Lanka, Kandy proudly bears its World Heritage Site designation while remaining culturally independent and colorfully picturesque.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Fri): stroll the grounds of Commonwealth War Cemetery, look for gifts at Jayamali Batiks Studio, then stroll the grounds of Kandy Garrison Cemetery, and finally don't miss a visit to Kandy view point.

To find more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Kandy trip itinerary builder.

You can drive from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy in 1.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.