Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Photo: Shainee Fernando / Unsplash
For travellers who want to see the island properly without rushing. This route adds the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, a night in the tea estates, an extra safari day and several slow days on the south and west coasts.
Suggested itinerary
A starting point. We can change the order, add nights or swap stops.
Day 1, overnight in Negombo
Arrival
Meet your driver and rest near the airport or in Negombo.
Day 2, overnight in Sigiriya
To the Cultural Triangle
Drive north to Sigiriya, settling in for the evening.
Day 3, overnight in Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa
Cycle or drive around the ruins of the medieval capital, with an evening safari option.
Day 4, overnight in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
An early climb of the rock fortress and a relaxed afternoon.
Day 5, overnight in Kandy
Dambulla to Kandy
Cave temples and a spice garden on the way to Kandy.
Day 6, overnight in Kandy
Kandy
Temple of the Tooth, the botanic gardens and a cultural show.
Day 7, overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Tea country
Into the hills for a night on or near a tea estate.
Day 8, overnight in Ella
Horton Plains or a slow morning
Optional early walk to World's End, then the afternoon train to Ella.
Day 9, overnight in Ella
Ella
A full day for hikes, waterfalls and cafés.
Day 10, overnight in Tissamaharama
Yala
Down to the plains for an afternoon safari.
Day 11, overnight in Mirissa
To the south coast
Morning safari option, then the coast road west.
Day 12, overnight in Galle
Mirissa and Galle
Beach time, optional whale watching and Galle Fort.
Day 13, overnight in Bentota
Bentota
A slow day on the west coast with a river safari option.
Day 14
Colombo and departure
A short Colombo city drive if time allows, then the airport.
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
- Fuel, parking and highway tolls
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Driver's meals and accommodation
Not included
- International flights
- Accommodation unless arranged in your quotation
- Entrance tickets and safari jeeps
- Meals
- Personal expenses and tips
Optional extras
Reserved train seats
Hill-country train, subject to availability
Tea factory visit with tasting
Nuwara Eliya or Ella
Whale watching from Mirissa
Roughly November to April
