The Cultural Triangle first. The Indian Ocean last. Everything worth seeing in between.

10 Nights

11 Days

An eleven-day journey that reverses the conventional south-to-north routing – beginning in the Cultural Triangle for maximum historical impact before descending through the tea highlands and Ella to Yala’s safari country, emerging on the southern coast at Mirissa for whale watching and finishing with the colonial elegance of Galle Fort. A structure that builds toward the coast rather than retreating from it.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Accommodation for 10 nights with daily breakfast
  • Private air-conditioned transport with driver throughout
  • Guided visits and entrance fees to Sigiriya, Temple of the Tooth, tea plantation, Ella, Yala safari, whale watching excursion and Galle Fort
  • All airport transfers in Sri Lanka

Tour Exclusions:

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses including tips, laundry, phone calls and shopping
  • Travel insurance, visa fees and international flights
  • Optional activities not mentioned under inclusions

Itinerary

DAY

01

Arrival / Sigiriya

Arrive in Colombo and transfer directly to the Cultural Triangle. An evening relaxation among the ancient landscape of Sigiriya – reservoirs, forest and the rock silhouette catching the last light. Overnight in Sigiriya.

DAY

02

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress followed by countryside exploration and a guided village experience in the afternoon – catamaran boat ride, traditional cooking and the rhythms of rural Sri Lankan life. Overnight in Sigiriya.

DAY

03

Kandy

Drive to Kandy – Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and explore the vibrant Kandy market and Lake area. Overnight in Kandy.

DAY

04

Tea Country / Nuwara Eliya

Scenic drive through tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya. Visit tea estates and explore the colonial hill town in the afternoon cool. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY

05

Hill Country Train / Ella

Scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella passing waterfalls, forests and mountain valleys in a carriageful of extraordinary scenery. Overnight in Ella.

DAY

06

Ella Highlands

Explore Ella’s mountain scenery – Little Adam’s Peak for the valley panorama, Nine Arches Bridge in the tea estate below and an afternoon of relaxation in the highland air. Overnight in Ella.

DAY

07

Yala National Park Safari

Continue to Yala National Park for an afternoon wildlife safari with specialist guides. Overnight near Yala.

DAY

08

Mirissa

Travel to Mirissa on the southern coast – Sri Lanka’s premier whale watching destination and a relaxed beach town with excellent sunset conditions. Overnight in Mirissa.

DAY

09

Whale Watching / Beach Leisure

Early morning whale watching excursion in the Indian Ocean – blue whales and spinner dolphins in their migratory habitat. Afternoon beach relaxation or snorkeling. Overnight in Mirissa.

DAY

10

Galle Fort

Continue along the southern coastline to historic Galle Fort for a guided heritage walk through the UNESCO-listed colonial city. Overnight in Galle.

DAY

11

Transfer / Departure

Transfer to Colombo and onward to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.