Complete Sri Lanka
Colombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle → Colombo
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2–10 guests
Destinations
10 stops
This comprehensive ten-day circuit is the definitive Sri Lanka experience. From the Cultural Triangle’s ancient kingdoms and the misty tea plantations of the highlands to Yala’s leopard-prowled wilderness and the colonial charm of Galle Fort, you will experience the full spectrum of what makes this island extraordinary. Every day brings a completely new landscape, culture, and adventure. This is for the traveler who wants to see it all.
Tour Highlights
Photo Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport. Private transfer to your Colombo hotel. Afternoon city tour covering the Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum, Independence Square, and a sunset stroll along Galle Face Green. Welcome dinner at Ministry of Crab, one of Asia’s top restaurants.
Drive to the Cultural Triangle region. En route, stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple to explore the five caves with their spectacular murals and 150+ Buddha statues. Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your hotel with views of the rock fortress. Evening village safari by bullock cart through Sigiriya’s paddy fields and rural hamlets.
Sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock, the 5th-century sky palace of King Kashyapa. Marvel at the ancient frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and the lion’s paw gateway. After descending, drive to Polonnaruwa to explore the medieval capital — the Gal Vihara rock-carved Buddhas, the Royal Palace, and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Morning visit to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for a jeep safari to see wild elephants at the seasonal gathering (The Gathering). Drive to Kandy through lush countryside. Afternoon visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Evening Kandyan dance performance and Temple of the Tooth evening puja ceremony.
Board the scenic train to Nanu Oya through some of the most beautiful railway scenery in the world. Tea-carpeted hillsides, waterfalls, and misty valleys pass by your window. Visit a tea plantation and factory for a guided tour. Explore Nuwara Eliya — Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, and the charming colonial town center.
Continue the train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella — the most iconic stretch. Arrive in Ella and visit the Nine Arch Bridge, hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views, and enjoy a cooking class at a local home. Evening free to explore Ella’s laid-back cafes and boutiques.
Morning at Ravana Falls and the Ravana Ella Cave. Drive through the dramatic Ella Gap and descend to the dry lowlands, arriving at Yala National Park by afternoon. Check in to your safari camp. Afternoon jeep safari into Yala Block 1 — search for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and crocodiles as the golden-hour light sets over the wilderness.
Pre-dawn safari for the best leopard-tracking opportunities. After breakfast, drive along the southern coast to Mirissa. Optional whale watching excursion (seasonal: November–April). Afternoon at leisure on Mirissa Beach. Evening fresh seafood dinner.
Drive to Galle and spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage fort city. Walk the 400-year-old Dutch ramparts, visit artisan boutiques, the Maritime Museum, and the iconic lighthouse. Afternoon free for shopping or relaxing on Unawatuna Beach nearby. Sunset drinks on the fort walls — one of the most memorable experiences in Sri Lanka.
Leisurely morning in Galle with optional visit to a turtle hatchery. Drive back to Colombo via the Southern Expressway (2 hours). Time for last-minute shopping at Barefoot Gallery or Odel. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
What’s Included
- 9 nights’ accommodation in handpicked 3–4 star hotels
- Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, 3 dinners including welcome dinner
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur throughout
- English-speaking licensed national guide
- Reserved 1st-class train tickets (Kandy–Ella, two segments)
- 2 jeep safaris (Minneriya/Kaudulla + Yala, 2 sessions)
- Whale watching excursion (seasonal)
- Tea factory tour and tasting
- Cooking class in Ella
- All entrance fees to listed sites and national parks
- Kandyan dance show tickets
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- All applicable taxes and service charges
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Sri Lanka visa (ETA — available online)
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips
- Camera/video permits at heritage sites and national parks
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, surfing, spa treatments)
- Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The most common modification is to extend by 2–3 days to add more beach time in Tangalle or Mirissa. We can also shorten the tour by combining the Ella and Yala segments. Contact us for a custom quote.
Moderate fitness is recommended. The Sigiriya climb (1,200 steps) and Little Adam’s Peak hike (45 min) are the most demanding activities. Both are optional and alternatives can be arranged. The train journeys and safaris require no special fitness.
Absolutely. Sri Lankan cuisine is exceptionally vegetarian-friendly, with a rich tradition of rice and curry dishes featuring locally grown vegetables, lentils, and coconut. We inform all restaurants in advance and can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements.
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons affecting different parts of the island. This tour is designed to follow the dry zone. In the unlikely event of poor weather, we have backup activities and indoor alternatives for every day. Your guide will adjust the itinerary in real time for the best experience.