7 nights · 8 days
Classic Ceylon
Sri Lanka’s essential experiences in one rewarding route—ancient wonders, sacred Kandy, tea country, Yala wildlife and Galle’s coast.
Stay
3–4 star hotels
Transport
Private car
Meals
8 breakfasts
Safari
1 Yala safari
From
AUD 3,000 / USD 2,100
The route
The island’s timeless highlights
Bandaranaike International Airport → Negombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala National Park → Galle → Bandaranaike International Airport
Day by day
Your itinerary
Day 1Arrival · Airport to Negombo
Meet your driver at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to a seaside hotel in Negombo to rest after your flight.
Activities: Airport pickup, relaxing day at the hotel
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Negombo
Day 2Negombo to Sigiriya
Travel inland through changing landscapes, then hike Pidurangala Rock for sunset views over Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Activities: Scenic drive, Pidurangala hike, sunset views
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Sigiriya
Day 3Sigiriya to Kandy
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit Dambulla Cave Temple and a Matale spice garden, then enjoy a Kandyan cultural dance performance.
Activities: Sigiriya, Dambulla, spice garden, Kandyan cultural show
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Kandy
Day 4Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Royal Botanic Gardens, then pass waterfalls and tea estates en route to a tea factory and Nuwara Eliya.
Activities: Temple of the Tooth, gardens, tea plantation and factory, hill-country drive
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Day 5Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Ride through misty mountains and tea estates to Ella, subject to train availability. Visit Nine Arch Bridge and enjoy views from Little Adam’s Peak.
Activities: Scenic train, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Ella
Day 6Ella to Yala National Park
Stop at Ravana Falls, then take an afternoon jeep safari searching for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and birdlife.
Activities: Ravana Falls, Yala jeep safari, wildlife viewing
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Yala
Day 7Yala to Galle
Travel the southern coast and explore Galle Fort’s colonial streets, boutiques, cafés and ocean views.
Activities: Scenic coastal drive, Galle Fort, leisure time
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Galle
Day 8Galle · Leisure day
Relax on the southern coast or choose a spa treatment, turtle conservation visit, Madu River safari or seasonal whale watching.
Activities: Beach and pool leisure; optional spa, turtles, river safari or whale watching
Stay: 3–4 star hotel, Galle
DepartureGalle to the airport
Travel along the southern expressway to Bandaranaike International Airport, with optional refreshment stops depending on your flight time.
Activities: Scenic airport transfer
Stay: Departure day
What’s included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Train tickets
- Safari jeep and tickets
- Twin accommodation with breakfast at listed or similar hotels
- Air-conditioned private vehicle
- Experienced English-speaking driver
- Dambulla, Sigiriya, Yala safari and Kandy highlights
- Gem museum, cultural show and Kandy city visit
Not included
- Lunch and beverages unless specified
- Peak-period or festive supplements
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Camera permits
- Optional excursions
- Services not specified in the itinerary