Classic Sri Lanka Highlights
SriLankan Hiru Tours
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Sri Lanka · Private tour

Classic Sri Lanka Highlights

Ten days from ancient fortresses and hill-country trains to wildlife and the south coast.

Duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
Stops
9 places
Group
2–6 guests
Rated
4.9 (152)
Overview

An unforgettable route across the island

The perfect first-timer's loop — Colombo or Negombo arrival, the Cultural Triangle, sacred Kandy, tea-country trains, a Yala leopard safari and relaxed beach time on the south coast before flying home from Colombo.

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Temple of the Tooth and Kandyan cultural dance
Scenic train ride through tea country to Ella
Yala jeep safari for leopards, elephants and sloth bears
Whale watching and Galle Fort on the south coast
Day by day

Your itinerary

10 thoughtfully paced days across Sri Lanka.

Route map

Where you'll travel

  1. 1
    Day 1
    Katunataka Airport (CMB)
  2. 2
    Day 1
    Colombo
  3. 3
    Day 1
    Negombo
  4. 4
    Day 2
    Colombo
  5. 5
    Day 2
    Negombo
  6. 6
    Day 2–3
    Sigiriya
  7. 7
    Day 3
    Dambulla
  8. 8
    Day 4
    Sigiriya
  9. 9
    Day 4–5
    Kandy
  10. 10
    Day 5–6
    Nuwara Eliya
  11. 11
    Day 6–7
    Ella
  12. 12
    Day 7–8
    Yala
  13. 13
    Day 8
    Mirissa
  14. 14
    Day 8
    Bentota
  15. 15
    Day 8
    Galle
  16. 16
    Day 9
    Mirissa
  17. 17
    Day 9
    Bentota
  18. 18
    Day 9
    Galle
  19. 19
    Day 10
    Colombo
  20. 20
    Day 10
    Katunataka Airport (CMB)
  1. 1
    Day 1· Airport → Colombo / Negombo

    Arrival in Colombo or Negombo

    Land, meet your guide and unwind with a city tour or a sunset beach walk.

    Airport pickupColombo city tour or Negombo beach walkWelcome dinner
    Meals: DinnerStay: Boutique · Colombo / Negombo
  2. 2
    Day 2· Colombo / Negombo → Sigiriya

    Sigiriya Rock Fortress

    Drive to the Cultural Triangle and climb the 5th-century Lion Rock fortress.

    Sigiriya Rock Fortress climbFrescoes & Mirror WallSunset over the plains
    Meals: BreakfastStay: Jungle lodge · Sigiriya
  3. 3
    Day 3· Sigiriya → Dambulla → Sigiriya

    Dambulla Cave Temple & Minneriya

    Visit the golden cave temples, then choose a village tour or an afternoon elephant safari.

    Dambulla Cave TempleOptional village tourMinneriya jeep safari
    Meals: BreakfastStay: Jungle lodge · Sigiriya
  4. 4
    Day 4· Sigiriya → Kandy

    Sacred Kandy

    Descend into the hill capital for the Temple of the Tooth, a cultural dance show and botanical gardens.

    Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicKandyan cultural dance showRoyal Botanical Garden & gem museum
    Meals: BreakfastStay: Heritage hotel · Kandy
  5. 5
    Day 5· Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

    Tea Country & Nuwara Eliya

    Wind through emerald tea estates to Little England with a factory tour and valley views.

    Tea factory visitRamboda FallsGregory Lake stroll
    Meals: BreakfastStay: Colonial estate · Nuwara Eliya
  6. 6
    Day 6· Nuwara Eliya → Ella

    Scenic Train to Ella

    Board one of the world's most beautiful train rides, then visit Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak.

    Scenic train rideNine Arch BridgeLittle Adam's Peak hike
    Meals: BreakfastStay: Cliffside cabin · Ella
  7. 7
    Day 7· Ella → Yala

    Yala National Park Safari

    Descend to the dry zone for a jeep safari among elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears and leopards.

    Yala jeep safariLeopards & sloth bearsElephants, crocodiles & exotic birds
    Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: Tented camp · Yala
  8. 8
    Day 8· Yala → Mirissa / Bentota / Galle

    South Coast Beaches

    Head to the palm-fringed south coast for beach relaxation and your first sunset over the Indian Ocean.

    Scenic coastal driveBeach check-inSunset swim
    Meals: BreakfastStay: Beach resort · South Coast
  9. 9
    Day 9· Mirissa / Bentota / Galle

    Whale Watching & Galle Fort

    Optional seasonal whale watching, Galle Fort sightseeing or a full day of beach leisure.

    Whale watching (seasonal)Galle Fort rampartsBeach relaxation
    Meals: BreakfastStay: Beach resort · South Coast
  10. 10
    Day 10· South Coast → Colombo → Airport

    Return to Colombo & Departure

    Final shopping or a Colombo city stop before your airport transfer.

    Colombo shoppingCity highlightsAirport drop-off
    Meals: Breakfast
What's included

Everything, sorted

  • 9 nights hand-picked accommodation
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle & chauffeur-guide
  • Daily breakfast
  • All entrance fees, jeep safaris & train tickets
Not included

A few extras

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Lunches & dinners unless noted
  • Personal expenses
Ready when you are

Let's plan your Classic Sri Lanka Highlights

Talk to a Sri Lanka specialist — we'll tailor this itinerary to your dates, pace and interests.