Negombo · Sigiriya · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala · Galle
Classic Sri Lanka – 12 Days
Culture, tea hills, wildlife and the south coast
Price on requestView journey
Sri Lanka Tours · 12 Days
Nature & Wildlife Sri Lanka
Leopards, elephants, whales and cloud forests
Negombo → Wilpattu → Sigiriya → Knuckles → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa
This journey can be completely customized. Change the route, hotels, length or experiences to suit you.
Overview
For nature lovers: three national parks, a mountain wilderness, highland plains and — in season — the blue whales of the southern coast.
- Duration
- 12 days
- Ideal for
- Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and active travellers
- Best time
- February to April is ideal for wildlife and whale watching.
- Hotel style
- Eco-lodges and safari camps near the parks, a mountain lodge in the Knuckles and a boutique beach hotel to finish.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival — Negombo
Airport welcome and a quiet first night.
- Day 2
Negombo to Wilpattu
Drive north to Sri Lanka's largest national park. Afternoon safari among its natural lakes.
- Day 3
Wilpattu to Sigiriya
Early morning safari looking for leopards and sloth bears, then continue to Sigiriya.
- Day 4
Sigiriya & elephants
Sunrise from Pidurangala rock, then an afternoon elephant safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla.
- Day 5
Knuckles Range
Head into the Knuckles mountains, a UNESCO-listed wilderness of cloud forest and rivers.
- Day 6
Knuckles hike to Kandy
Guided hike through villages and forest, then continue to Kandy.
- Day 7
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Botanic gardens, then up into tea country.
- Day 8
Horton Plains & train to Ella
Early walk to World's End on Horton Plains, then the afternoon train to Ella.
- Day 9
Ella to Yala
Descend to the south and join an afternoon safari in Yala.
- Day 10
Yala & Bundala
Morning safari in Yala, then birdwatching in the lagoons of Bundala.
- Day 11
Whale watching — Mirissa
Early boat trip to look for blue whales and dolphins (November to April), then relax on the beach.
- Day 12
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Main experiences
- Safaris in Wilpattu, Minneriya and Yala
- Guided hike in the Knuckles Range
- Horton Plains and World's End
- Birdwatching in Bundala
- Whale watching off Mirissa (in season)
Hotel style
Eco-lodges and safari camps near the parks, a mountain lodge in the Knuckles and a boutique beach hotel to finish.
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver
- Accommodation in the selected hotels with daily breakfast
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Fuel, parking, highway tolls and the driver's meals and accommodation
- Activities confirmed as included in your personalized proposal
- Local support from the Ceyntra travel team throughout the journey
Not included
- International flights
- Sri Lanka ETA / visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners unless stated in your proposal
- Entrance fees and optional activities not listed in your proposal
- Tips and personal expenses
Exact inclusions are confirmed in your personalized proposal.
Like this journey? Let us customize it for you.
Your personalized trip proposal is complimentary and without obligation.
More inspiration
Other Sri Lanka journeys
Negombo · Sigiriya · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Udawalawe · South Coast
Sri Lanka Highlights – 10 Days
The best of the island in ten days
Price on requestView journey
Negombo · Habarana · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Udawalawe · South Coast
Sri Lanka Family Adventure – 14 Days
Elephants, trains, beaches and easy adventures
Price on requestView journey