The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Two weeks from ancient capitals to tea country, safari and the palm-lined south: the whole island at an unhurried pace.
Highlights
Moments to look forward to
- Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock at sunrise
- Evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth
- The scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Two game drives in Yala National Park
- Sunset walk on the walls of Galle Fort
- Three nights to unwind on the south coast
Your route
Where you’ll stay, and when to go
- 01Cultural Triangle3 nights
Best time: January to September
- 02Kandy2 nights
Best time: All year
- 03Hill Country3 nights
Best time: January to April
- 04Yala & Udawalawe2 nights
Best time: February to June
- 05South Coast2 nights
Best time: November to April
Itinerary
Day by day
Download itinerary (PDF)Day 01Arrival in Negombo
Your driver-guide meets you at the airport. A relaxed first evening by the lagoon.
Day 02Into the Cultural Triangle
Drive inland through villages and paddy fields to your eco-lodge near Sigiriya.
Day 03Sigiriya and village life
Climb the Lion Rock early, then a village lunch cooked on a wood fire.
Day 04Polonnaruwa by bicycle
Cycle between the ruins of the medieval royal city.
Day 05Dambulla and Kandy
The painted cave temples of Dambulla, then on to the hill capital.
Day 06Kandy
Botanical gardens in the morning, the Temple of the Tooth at dusk.
Day 07Into tea country
Winding roads to Nuwara Eliya with a stop at a working tea factory.
Day 08The train to Ella
One of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys, through tea and cloud forest.
Day 09Ella
Walk to Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge.
Day 10To Yala
Descend to the plains and an afternoon game drive.
Day 11Yala National Park
A dawn drive in search of leopards, sloth bears and elephants.
Day 12South coast
Arrive at your beach hotel near Tangalle.
Day 13Galle
Explore the Dutch fort, its cafés and the sunset ramparts.
Day 14Departure
Transfer to the airport.
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