8 days · 7 nights · 7 destinations
Sri Lanka Serendipity
Ancient kingdoms, leopard country and golden shores.
Overview
Ancient kingdoms, leopard country and golden shores
Everything in Enchanting Wonders, plus a day in Yala National Park for leopards, wild elephants and birdlife. Culture, wildlife and the coast in eight balanced days.
A starting point, not a fixed package. Change the pace, hotels or places and we'll re-plan it around you.
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Yala
- Bentota
- Colombo
Day by day
Your 8 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 → KandyLion Rock and the hill capital
Morning at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, afternoon drive to Kandy for a city tour and a Kandyan dance show.
Included: Spice garden · Kandy city tour · Kandyan dance show
✦ Add if you like: Sigiriya Rock Fortress · Temple of the Tooth Relic
Day 03Kandy → Nuwara EliyaTea country
Tea plantation and factory visit, then the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya.
Included: Tea factory visit and tasting · Nuwara Eliya town tour
✦ Add if you like: Gregory Lake · Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Day 04Nuwara Eliya → EllaThe hill train
The scenic train or road to Ella, then the Nine Arches Bridge.
Included: Nine Arches Bridge · Ravana Falls
✦ Add if you like: Nanu Oya–Ella train · Mini Adam's Peak
Day 05Ella → YalaLeopard country
Down to the dry south and Yala National Park: leopards, wild elephants, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species across 979 km².
Included: Transfer and overnight stay
✦ Add if you like: Yala safari
Day 06Yala → BentotaGalle Fort and the coast
Along the coast to Galle Fort, then Bentota and an evening on the Madu River if you'd like.
Included: Galle Fort · Bentota beach
✦ Add if you like: Madu River boat ride · Turtle hatchery
Day 07Bentota → ColomboThe city that never sits still
Colombo surprises people. Our guide takes you around Independence Square, the Red Mosque and Pettah market, or Fort's boutique lanes if you'd rather shop. Dinner at a local restaurant can be arranged.
Included: Colombo city tour · Independence Square · Red Mosque · Pettah market
✦ Add if you like: Gangaramaya Temple · Lotus Tower
Day 08Colombo → 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
- 01Yala safari
One of the highest densities of wild leopards in the world.
- 02Sigiriya
The Lion Rock and its frescoes.
- 03The Ella train
Cloud forest and tea terraces from the carriage window.
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.