11 Days • 10 Nights
Sri Lanka Highlights: Culture, Tea & Beach
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock, visit Kandy's sacred temple, ride the scenic train through the tea hills to Ella and its famous Nine Arch Bridge, track leopards in Yala National Park, and finish on the beaches of the south coast around the historic Dutch fort of Galle. Elephants, waterfalls, spice gardens and rice-and-curry feasts fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, a private driver-guide and the key experiences arranged, it is the complete Sri Lanka in one trip.
Trip Highlights
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla caves
- Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth
- The scenic hill-country train to Ella
- Ella's Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak
- A leopard safari in Yala National Park
- The historic Dutch fort of Galle
- The golden beaches of the south coast
- Culture, tea, wildlife and beach combined
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 11-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Sigiriya, settling in with a welcome dinner.
Climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock and explore the golden cave temples of Dambulla, with an optional Minneriya elephant safari.
Travel to Kandy via a spice garden, with an evening Kandyan cultural dance show.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Board the beautiful hill-country train through tea estates and misty peaks to the laid-back mountain village of Ella.
Explore Ella — the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a hike up Little Adam's Peak, the Ravana Falls and a tea estate.
Descend to Yala National Park, settling into a safari lodge with an afternoon game drive in search of leopards, elephants and crocodiles.
An early morning game drive in Yala, then travel to the south coast beaches, settling into your resort.
Explore the historic Dutch fort of Galle, a UNESCO gem of ramparts and colonial streets, with time on the beach.
A free day on the south coast — swimming, an optional whale-watching or stilt-fishermen trip, or simply the beach.
Travel to Colombo airport for your onward flight, with a final Sri Lankan breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 2N Sigiriya, 2N Kandy, 2N Ella, 1N Yala safari lodge, 3N south coast beach
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board at the Yala safari lodge
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla caves and Kandy's Tooth Temple
- A reserved-seat hill-country train to Ella and its Nine Arch Bridge
- A game drive in Yala National Park in search of leopards
- The Galle Fort and south-coast beach time
- All entrance and park fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Are we likely to see a leopard in Yala?
Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, so sightings are good, though as with all wildlife never guaranteed. You are also very likely to see elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and abundant birds.
Does this cover the best of Sri Lanka?
It brings together the island's four essentials — ancient culture, tea country, a wildlife safari and southern beaches — for the most complete single journey in eleven days.
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