12 days · from $1190
Sri Lanka 12 Day Tour (11 Nights)
Travel around Sri Lanka on a private 12-day, 11-night journey through ancient cities, Kandy, the hill country, Yala, and the south coast. The route blends heritage, a scenic train journey, wildlife, beaches, and Colombo at a comfortable pace.
Tour overview
This private round tour brings together many of Sri Lanka’s best-known places in 12 days. Explore ancient capitals, climb Sigiriya, visit Kandy, travel through tea country, enjoy a national park safari, relax beside the ocean, and discover the historic streets of Galle.
The planned route is Airport, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, Colombo, and the airport.
Tour highlights
Anuradhapura Sacred City and the Sri Maha Bodhi
Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple
Polonnaruwa Ancient City and a Minneriya-area safari
Kandy Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens, and cultural show
Ramboda Falls, a tea estate visit, and the Nanu Oya to Ella train route
Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, and Ravana Falls
Yala National Park safari
Mirissa Beach, Coconut Tree Hill, and seasonal whale watching
Galle Fort, a responsible turtle conservation visit, and a Madu River boat ride
Gangaramaya Temple and Galle Face Green in Colombo
Travel style
You will travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide. The tour includes 11 nights in selected accommodation, based on two guests sharing a twin or double room. The exact hotels and room type will be listed in the final confirmation.
The starting price is US$1,190 per person based on two travelers sharing. The final price can change with travel dates, hotel level, room choice, and the activities included in your confirmed package.
Responsible travel
The tour supports locally run accommodation and services where practical. Please keep a safe distance from animals, never feed wildlife, and follow all national park rules. Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Important information
Sigiriya has about 1,200 steps and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Shoulders and knees must be covered at Buddhist and Hindu temples. Shoes and hats must be removed where required.
Train seats depend on railway operations and availability. If the train is unavailable, the journey will continue by road.
The Minneriya elephant gathering is seasonal. The safari location may change according to park conditions and responsible local advice.
Whale-watching trips depend on the season, sea conditions, and operator approval. Sightings are not guaranteed.
The order of visits may change because of weather, road conditions, opening hours, or flight times.
Gallery
Inclusions
- Airport arrival pickup and departure transfer
- Private air-conditioned transport for the planned route
- Fuel, parking charges, and road tolls
- English-speaking driver-guide
- 11 nights in selected accommodation based on twin or double sharing
- Breakfast on days 2 to 12
- Tour planning and reservation assistance
- Local support during the tour
Exclusions
- International flights and Sri Lanka visa or entry authorization
- Entrance and activity fees unless specifically included in the final quotation
- Heritage-site, temple, botanical garden, and cultural-show tickets unless confirmed
- Safari jeep, national park, whale-watching, train, and boat tickets unless confirmed
- Lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks
- Optional zip-line, pony rides, and other personal activities
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Tips, laundry, shopping, and personal expenses
Day-by-day route
Day 1
Airport Arrival and Transfer to Sigiriya
Meet your driver-guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel to Sigiriya, normally about 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. Check in and rest after the flight. If you arrive early, take a gentle walk near the hotel. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 2
Anuradhapura Ancient City
After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours to UNESCO-listed Anuradhapura. Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, ancient monastery areas, moonstones, and other remains of Sri Lanka’s first great capital. Return to Sigiriya for the night.
Day 3
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Safari
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress early, before the hottest part of the day. See the water gardens, fresco area, Mirror Wall, lion-paw entrance, and summit ruins. Continue to Polonnaruwa to visit the royal palace area, audience hall, ancient bathing pools, and Gal Vihara. Finish with a late-afternoon safari in Minneriya or another suitable nearby park. Elephant and other wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 4
Dambulla and Matale to Kandy
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple and its five main shrine caves filled with statues and historic paintings. Continue through Matale, with an optional spice garden visit where no purchase is required. Visit the colorful Muthumariamman Hindu Temple when open, then travel to Kandy. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 5
Kandy City and Cultural Sites
Visit the Temple of the Tooth and learn about its importance to Sri Lankan Buddhists. Continue to the Bahirawakanda Buddha statue, a Kandy viewpoint, the local market, and an optional gem museum or workshop. Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya and attend a traditional cultural dance show in the evening. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 6
Kandy to Ella Through Tea Country
Travel into the central highlands and stop at Ramboda Falls. Visit a tea factory and estate to learn how Sri Lankan tea is grown and processed. Continue to Gregory Lake and the historic post office area in Nuwara Eliya. Board the train from Nanu Oya to Ella if seats and railway services are available; otherwise, continue by road. Overnight in Ella.
Day 7
Ella Highlights
Walk to Nine Arch Bridge and continue with the easy-to-moderate hike up Little Adam’s Peak for views across the hills and tea fields. The Flying Ravana zip-line can be added at extra cost, subject to weather and availability. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ella or relaxing. Overnight in Ella.
Day 8
Ravana Falls and Yala Safari
Leave Ella and stop at Ravana Falls before descending toward Sri Lanka’s dry zone. In the afternoon, join a jeep safari in Yala National Park, subject to park opening and local conditions. Look for elephants, deer, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife from a respectful distance. Leopards and other animals cannot be guaranteed. Overnight near Yala or Tissamaharama.
Day 9
Yala to Mirissa
Travel west along the south coast to Mirissa. Visit Coconut Tree Hill when access and weather conditions permit, then enjoy free time on Mirissa Beach. Swimming should only be attempted when sea conditions are safe. Overnight in Mirissa.
Day 10
Seasonal Whale Watching and Galle Fort
Take an early whale-watching trip if it is operating safely during your travel season. Trips depend on sea conditions, and sightings are never guaranteed. After returning to shore, travel to Galle and walk through the UNESCO-listed fort to see its ramparts, lighthouse, colonial-era streets, and ocean views. Overnight in Galle.
Day 11
Galle to Bentota via Kosgoda and Madu River
Travel north toward Bentota. Visit a responsibly managed turtle conservation center only where acceptable animal-welfare standards are followed. Continue to Balapitiya for a boat ride through the Madu River wetlands, subject to weather and water conditions. End the day with time beside the beach. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 12
Colombo City Tour and Airport Departure
Travel to Colombo for a short city tour based on your flight time. Planned stops include Gangaramaya Temple, central colonial landmarks, and Galle Face Green. Continue to Bandaranaike International Airport with enough time for check-in. An early flight may require the Colombo visits to be shortened or removed.
Google Maps route
Sri Lanka 12 Day Tour (11 Nights) driving route
Quick answers
How many days is the Sri Lanka 12 Day Tour (11 Nights)?
This private package is designed as 12 days, covering key Sri Lanka regions. You can request a shorter or longer version when you enquire.
How much does the Sri Lanka 12 Day Tour (11 Nights) cost?
Published from prices: Two travelers sharing USD 1190 Starting price per person for a shared twin or double room. Final pricing depends on dates, accommodation, and selected activity tickets.. Starting from USD 1190. Final quote confirmed when you enquire.
What is included in Sri Lanka 12 Day Tour (11 Nights)?
Included: Airport arrival pickup and departure transfer; Private air-conditioned transport for the planned route; Fuel, parking charges, and road tolls; English-speaking driver-guide; 11 nights in selected accommodation based on twin or double sharing; Breakfast on days 2 to 12. Exact tickets and optional activities are confirmed when you request the tour.
What is not included in Sri Lanka 12 Day Tour (11 Nights)?
Not included: International flights and Sri Lanka visa or entry authorization; Entrance and activity fees unless specifically included in the final quotation; Heritage-site, temple, botanical garden, and cultural-show tickets unless confirmed; Safari jeep, national park, whale-watching, train, and boat tickets unless confirmed; Lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks; Optional zip-line, pony rides, and other personal activities.
When is the best time for Sri Lanka 12 Day Tour (11 Nights)?
Sri Lanka is year-round if you match coasts to the monsoon. Travel around Sri Lanka on a private 12-day, 11-night journey through ancient cities, Kandy, the hill country, Yala, and the south coast. The route blends heritage, a scenic train journey, wildlife, beaches, and Colombo at a comfortable pace.