10 days · Price on request
10-Day Sri Lanka Private Tour: Culture, Hills & Wildlife
Plan a 10-day private Sri Lanka tour through Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella and the south coast. Hotels, breakfast and transport included. Safari option available.
Classic Sri Lanka is a 10-day, 9-night private tour from Bandaranaike International Airport through Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe and the Galle area, then back to the airport. Hotels, breakfast and private road transport are included. An optional safari is quoted separately.
The journey links cultural landmarks, tea-country scenery, and a short south-coast finish. Two nights each in Sigiriya, Kandy, and Ella leave time between the longer drives. Walks and viewpoints are chosen to suit the group.
An optional morning safari at Udawalawe uses a separate jeep and is not part of the base price. The route then finishes with one night near Galle or Unawatuna. Comfortable midrange hotels and a private car, SUV, or van make this a practical first visit. Extra coastal nights can be added.
Good to know
- Best for first-time visitors, couples, and families who want culture, hill country, and a wildlife option in one private journey.
- The Kandy to Ella drive is a longer day. Major sightseeing is left for the following day.
- The standard route includes one night near Galle or Unawatuna. Add two or more nights for a beach holiday.
- Wildlife sightings on the optional safari cannot be guaranteed.
- A scenic train ride can be considered only after seats and the operating schedule are confirmed.
Inclusions
- 9 nights in comfortable midrange hotels and selected smaller properties. The room category is confirmed in your quotation.
- Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- Private air-conditioned road transport for the agreed itinerary, with a vehicle suited to your party and luggage.
- An English-speaking driver for the touring days.
- Airport arrival and departure transfers as shown in the itinerary.
- Fuel, highway tolls, parking, and the driver's meals and accommodation for the agreed route.
Exclusions
- International flights, visas, and travel insurance.
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks unless the quotation lists them.
- Attraction entrance tickets and specialist site guides unless the quotation lists them.
- Safari jeep hire, park entry fees, and optional experiences unless the quotation lists them.
- Personal expenses, tips, and additions agreed after booking.
Day-by-day route
Day 1
Arrival and Negombo
Meet the driver at the airport and transfer to the Negombo hotel. No major sightseeing is scheduled.
Day 2
Negombo to Sigiriya
Travel inland with a lunch break and settle into the Sigiriya hotel. The afternoon is relaxed.
Day 3
Sigiriya at your pace
Visit Sigiriya in the morning. The climb or a gentler alternative is agreed beforehand. The afternoon is open.
Day 4
Dambulla and Kandy
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple on the way to Kandy, then settle in for a quiet evening.
Day 5
Kandy sightseeing
Visit the Temple of the Tooth and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with time for lunch and a stroll.
Day 6
Into the hills to Ella
The longer drive from Kandy to Ella includes lunch and scenic stops. Major sightseeing waits until the next day.
Day 7
Ella and the tea country
Tea-country visits, viewpoints, and walks suited to the group. Nine Arch Bridge or Little Adam's Peak can be considered according to access, weather, and walking preferences.
Day 8
Ella to Udawalawe
Travel down from the hills to Udawalawe and keep the afternoon flexible before the optional safari.
Day 9
Optional safari and the south coast
If selected, take a morning safari in a separate jeep, then travel to a hotel near Galle or Unawatuna.
Day 10
Airport departure
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport. A Galle Fort visit may fit before departure if the flight time allows.
Google Maps route
10-Day Sri Lanka Private Tour: Culture, Hills & Wildlife driving route
Quick answers
Is this a good first Sri Lanka tour?
It combines culture, hill-country scenery, and a short coastal finish, with an optional safari. It suits visitors who are comfortable with some longer transfer days.
Is the Udawalawe safari included?
No. Safari jeep hire and park entry are quoted separately. The safari uses a separate jeep, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
How much beach time is included?
There is one night near Galle or Unawatuna. For a beach holiday, add extra nights and a later airport transfer.
Can we include a scenic train ride?
A rail segment can be considered when the schedule and seats allow. It is included only once confirmed, and the driver can meet the group at the onward point.
Can we skip the safari?
Yes. The Udawalawe stop can be removed and the nights revised, for example to allow another night on the coast.
Are entrance fees and optional activities included?
The package is based on hotels, breakfast, and private road transport. Attraction tickets, safari arrangements, specialist guides, and optional activities are itemised in the quotation before you book.
Can we choose the hotels and vehicle?
Yes. Tell us the hotel style, room needs, party size, and luggage. The quotation names the accommodation and a suitable vehicle before you confirm. Specific requests depend on availability.
What is the cancellation policy?
We refund the advance fee in full when you tell us 30 days or more before the tour date, 80% from 14 days, and 40% from 7 days. Fewer than 7 days before the tour date is not refunded. Date changes are possible and depend on availability. The full schedule is on the booking policy page.