12 days · 11 nights · 9 destinations
Sri Lankan Odyssey
From coast to countryside, a taste of Ceylon.
Overview
From coast to countryside, a taste of Ceylon
Three UNESCO heritage cities, including Anuradhapura, the island's first capital. Then tea country, the hill train, a leopard safari and slow days on the coast and in Colombo.
A starting point, not a fixed package. Change the pace, hotels or places and we'll re-plan it around you.
- Sigiriya
- Polonnaruwa
- Anuradhapura
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Yala
- Bentota
- Colombo
Day by day
Your 12 days
Day 01Airport → SigiriyaInto the Cultural Triangle
Your guide meets you at arrivals. The drive north moves from coastal plain to forest and paddy fields, with optional stops at Pinnawala and the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Evening arrival in Sigiriya.
✦ Add if you like: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Golden Temple of Dambulla · Village tour · Tuk-tuk ride
Day 02Sigiriya & PolonnaruwaLion Rock and a medieval capital
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then Polonnaruwa's royal city.
✦ Add if you like: Sigiriya Rock Fortress · Polonnaruwa ancient city
Day 03AnuradhapuraThe first capital
Sri Lanka's first capital, with its great stupas and the sacred fig tree planted over 2,000 years ago.
✦ Add if you like: Anuradhapura ancient city
Day 04→ KandyThe hill capital
South to Kandy for a city tour and a Kandyan dance show.
Included: Kandy city tour · Kandyan dance show
✦ Add if you like: Temple of the Tooth Relic
Day 05Kandy → Nuwara EliyaTea country
Tea plantations, a factory tasting and the colonial town.
Included: Tea factory visit and tasting
✦ Add if you like: Gregory Lake
Day 06Nuwara Eliya → EllaThe hill train
The scenic train or road to Ella and the Nine Arches Bridge.
Included: Nine Arches Bridge
✦ Add if you like: Nanu Oya–Ella train
Day 07Ella → YalaLeopard country
To Yala National Park for an afternoon safari.
Included: Transfer and overnight stay
✦ Add if you like: Yala safari
Day 08Yala → BentotaGalle Fort and the coast
Galle Fort on the way to Bentota.
Included: Galle Fort
✦ Add if you like: Madu River boat ride
Day 09BentotaA beach day
A full day to do nothing, or everything.
Included: Bentota beach
✦ Add if you like: Turtle hatchery · Water sports
Day 10Bentota → ColomboCity tour
Gangaramaya, Independence Square and Pettah.
Included: Colombo city tour
✦ Add if you like: Gangaramaya Temple
Day 11ColomboAt your pace
A free day in the capital: museums, cafés and sunset at Galle Face Green.
✦ Add if you like: Lotus Tower · National Museum
Day 12Colombo → AirportUntil next time
The last morning is yours. Depending on your flight, there's time for one last walk or one last meal before your private transfer to the airport.
Included: Airport drop-off
✦ Optional: entry tickets for these aren't in the tour price. Tell us which you'd like and we'll add them to your quote.
Highlights
Why travellers choose this route
- 01Anuradhapura
The island's first capital and its 2,000-year-old sacred fig.
- 02Yala
Leopards, elephants and birdlife.
- 03Galle Fort
Ramparts and cobbled lanes on the south coast.
What's included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, with assistance
- 3–5★ hotels, bed and breakfast or half board (you choose when we quote)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Fuel and local vehicle insurance
- City and shopping tours in every destination
- Gem, batik and handcraft workshops, and a spice garden visit
- Kandyan dance show (on routes through Kandy)
- Tea factory visit (on routes through the hill country)
- All government taxes
Not included
- Entry tickets for ✦ optional experiences
- International flights and visa
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out charges
- Camera and video permits
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Guide and driver tips
Cancellation: no charge 30+ days before arrival (bank charges aside), 30% at 14–29 days, 75% at 7–13 days, 100% under 7 days. See Terms.
Make this route yours
Send your dates and we'll reply with a day-by-day plan and an itemised quote within 24 hours.