Sri Lanka 11-Day Private Tour (10 Nights)

Day 1

Airport Arrival and Transfer to Sigiriya

Meet your driver-guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel to Sigiriya. The drive normally takes around four hours, depending on traffic and your arrival time. Check in and rest after the journey. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 2

Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Safari

Travel to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. See the royal palace area, audience hall, bathing pools, temples and stone monuments of the medieval capital. In the afternoon, join a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park and look for elephants, deer, monkeys and birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Return to Sigiriya for the night.

Day 3

Sigiriya, Dambulla and Journey to Kandy

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the cooler morning hours and explore its gardens, fresco area and summit ruins. Continue to Dambulla Cave Temple, where historic shrines and Buddha images fill five main caves. Stop at a spice garden for an introduction to Sri Lankan plants and visit the colorful Muthumariamman Temple in Matale before reaching Kandy. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 4

Kandy City and Cultural Show

Visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites. Continue to Bahirawakanda, a Kandy viewpoint, the local market and a gem museum if interested. Walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya and finish the day with a traditional Kandyan dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 5

Tea Country and Scenic Train to Ella

Drive into the central highlands and stop at Ramboda Falls. Visit a tea factory and plantation near Labookellie to learn how Ceylon tea is made and enjoy a tasting. Continue through Nuwara Eliya, with time near Gregory Lake and the historic post office area. Board the train at Nanu Oya for the scenic journey to Ella. Train seats are subject to railway availability; road transport will be used if tickets cannot be confirmed. Overnight in Ella.

Day 6

Ella Walks and Mountain Views

Explore Ella’s green hills and railway landscape. Visit Nine Arch Bridge and walk up Little Adam’s Peak for wide views across the valley. Active travelers may add an early Ella Rock hike if weather, fitness and timing allow. The Flying Ravana zip-line is optional and paid separately. Overnight in Ella.

Day 7

Ravana Falls and Yala Safari

Leave Ella and stop at Ravana Falls before traveling toward Tissamaharama and Yala. In the afternoon, join a jeep safari in Yala National Park. The park supports elephants, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, birds and leopards, but no particular animal sighting can be promised. Overnight near Yala.

Day 8

Yala to Mirissa

Travel west along the south coast to Mirissa. Visit Coconut Tree Hill when access and weather allow, see the local waterfront area and enjoy free time on Mirissa Beach. Swimming depends on sea conditions, so follow local safety advice. Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 9

Whale Watching, Galle and Bentota

Take an early whale-watching trip during the usual southern season, generally from November to April. Boats may be cancelled because of rough seas or safety conditions, and sightings are not guaranteed. Continue to UNESCO-listed Galle Fort for a walk through its historic streets and ramparts. Visit a sea turtle conservation centre without handling the animals, then take a Madu River boat ride through the wetland landscape. Overnight in Bentota.

Day 10

Bentota Beach and Colombo

Enjoy a free morning in Bentota. Beach and water activities are optional and depend on weather and sea conditions. Later, drive to Colombo and visit Gangaramaya Temple, the Beira Lake area and Galle Face Green as time allows. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 11

Colombo and Airport Departure

Spend the morning at leisure or see additional Colombo highlights if your flight time permits. Your driver-guide will then transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure. Airport timing will be planned around your airline’s recommended check-in time.