Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
The complete island in ten days — ancient cities, sacred Kandy, tea-country highlands, a wildlife safari and the golden south coast. A relaxed, comprehensive itinerary for travellers who want to see the very best of Sri Lanka without rushing.
- Sigiriya, Dambulla and the ancient cultural triangle
- Kandy, tea country and the scenic hill-country train
- Wildlife safari at Yala
- Galle Fort and the beaches of the south coast
Day by day
- Day 1Overnight in Anuradhapura
Colombo Airport (CMB)
From the airport we drive north to Anuradhapura, the island's first great capital, and settle in among its ancient dagobas and monastery ruins.
- Day 2Overnight in Sigiriya
Anuradhapura → Mihintale
A morning exploring the sacred city — the giant stupas and the venerable Sri Maha Bodhi tree — then a stop at Mihintale, birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism, before continuing to Sigiriya.
- Day 3Overnight in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress → Dambulla Cave Temple
Climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock at dawn for the view from the summit palace, then visit the golden Buddhas and painted caves of the Dambulla rock temples.
- Day 4Overnight in Kandy
Polonnaruwa
We tour the well-preserved ruins of the medieval capital Polonnaruwa — its Gal Vihara rock Buddhas and royal palace — then drive south to Kandy for the evening.
- Day 5Overnight in Kandy
Pinnawala
A visit to the elephants at Pinnawala, then back to Kandy for its lake, botanical gardens and the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Day 6Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
A scenic climb through the tea estates to Nuwara Eliya, 'Little England', with its cool air, colonial bungalows and a stop at a working tea factory.
- Day 7Overnight in Ella
Nuwara Eliya → Nine Arch Bridge
The celebrated hill-country train ride down to Ella through mist and tea gardens, arriving to see a train curve across the Nine Arch Bridge.
- Day 8Overnight in Yala National Park
Ella → Little Adam's Peak
A morning stroll up Little Adam's Peak in Ella, then a long, scenic descent to the dry south-east and the edge of Yala National Park.
- Day 9Overnight in Mirissa
Yala National Park → Galle Fort
A dawn 4x4 safari in Yala in search of leopard and elephant, then a drive west along the coast, pausing to walk the ramparts of historic Galle Fort, to beachside Mirissa.
- Day 10Overnight in Colombo
Colombo Airport (CMB)
A final coastal morning before we drive back to Colombo for your onward transfer or airport drop-off.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole trip
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel, expressway tolls and parking
- Driver's meals and accommodation
- Bottled water and pick-up / drop-off
Not included
- Hotels and your own meals
- National park entrance fees and safari jeep hire
- Entrance tickets to sites
- Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance
Best months
Not per person · car, fuel and tolls included
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