Classic Sri Lanka

Overview

The essential first journey through Sri Lanka: ancient cities and rock fortresses, the sacred city of Kandy, misty tea country, the famous hill-country train, a leopard safari and a relaxed finish on the south coast.

Duration

12 days

Ideal for

First-time visitors and couples

Best time

December to April is ideal. Can be adapted for other months.

Hotel style

Comfortable boutique hotels and small 4-star properties, with a tea bungalow in the hills. Upgrades to luxury stays on request.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival — Negombo

   Your driver welcomes you at the airport. A short transfer to a calm hotel near the lagoon to rest after the flight.

2. Day 2

   Negombo to Sigiriya

   Drive into the Cultural Triangle. Afternoon at leisure, or a sunset walk around a village reservoir.

3. Day 3

   Sigiriya & Dambulla

   Climb Sigiriya Rock early to beat the heat, then visit the painted cave temples of Dambulla.

4. Day 4

   Polonnaruwa or elephant safari

   Cycle among the ruins of the medieval capital Polonnaruwa, or join an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla.

5. Day 5

   Sigiriya to Kandy

   Stop at a spice garden on the way. In the evening, attend the ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

6. Day 6

   Kandy

   Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, the lake and the city's markets. Optional cultural dance show.

7. Day 7

   Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

   Climb into tea country through waterfalls and plantations. Visit a working tea factory and taste fresh Ceylon tea.

8. Day 8

   Scenic train to Ella

   Board one of the world's most beautiful train journeys from Nanu Oya to Ella. Your driver meets you on arrival.

9. Day 9

   Ella

   Walk up Little Adam's Peak, see the Nine Arch Bridge and enjoy Ella's cafés and viewpoints.

10. Day 10

    Ella to Yala

    Descend to the dry southern lowlands. Afternoon jeep safari in Yala, home to leopards, elephants and sloth bears.

11. Day 11

    Yala to the south coast

    Continue to the coast. Late-afternoon walk on the ramparts of Galle Fort, then relax by the sea.

12. Day 12

    Departure

    Transfer to the airport via the Southern Expressway for your onward flight.

Main experiences

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla cave temples
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
• Tea factory visit and tasting
• Scenic hill-country train to Ella
• Jeep safari in Yala National Park
• Galle Fort at sunset

Hotel style

Comfortable boutique hotels and small 4-star properties, with a tea bungalow in the hills. Upgrades to luxury stays on request.

Exact inclusions are confirmed in your personalized proposal.