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Grand Sri Lanka Tour (18 Days)

Eighteen days covering Colombo, the south coast, the hill country, the Cultural Triangle and Trincomalee.

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The grand tour of Sri Lanka in eighteen days. Explore Colombo, the beaches of Galle and Mirissa, the hill country of Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, the ancient cities of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and the east coast beaches of Trincomalee, with plenty of time to relax along the way.

Route: BIA → Colombo → Galle → Mirissa → Ella → Nuwara Eliya → Kandy → Sigiriya → Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa → Trincomalee → Negombo → BIA

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA → Colombo City Tour

  • Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Transfer to Colombo
  • Explore Colombo: Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and Pettah Market
  • Enjoy a city night walk or sunset by the sea

Overnight in Colombo

Colombo Colombo
Day02

Colombo → Galle (via Madu River)

  • Stop at Madu Ganga River Safari – mangroves, fish therapy, and cinnamon island
  • Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
  • Explore Galle Dutch Fort, Lighthouse & Ramparts

Overnight in Galle

Colombo Colombo Galle Galle
Day03

Galle → Mirissa (Whale Watching)

  • Early morning transfer to Mirissa
  • Embark on whale watching tour (seasonal: Nov–Apr)
  • Relax at Mirissa Beach or visit Coconut Tree Hill

Overnight in Mirissa

Galle Galle Mirissa Mirissa
Day04

Leisure Day in Mirissa

  • Enjoy beach activities, spa treatments, or optional surfing
  • Sunset at Parrot Rock Bridge

Overnight in Mirissa

Mirissa Mirissa
Day05

Mirissa → Ella (via Buduruwagala & Rawana Falls)

  • Visit Buduruwagala Rock Temple (ancient carvings in jungle setting)
  • Stop at Rawana Waterfalls en route
  • Evening arrival in Ella – relax with scenic views

Overnight in Ella

Mirissa Mirissa Ella Ella
Day06

Ella Sightseeing

  • Visit Nine Arches Bridge
  • Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
  • Explore Lipton’s Seat viewpoint (optional)

Overnight in Ella

Ella Ella
Day07

Ella → Nuwara Eliya

  • Scenic drive through tea plantations and mountain roads
  • Explore Gregory Lake and colonial town

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Ella Ella Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day08

Nuwara Eliya Highlights

  • Visit Ambewela Dairy Farm OR hike Horton Plains & World’s End
  • Enjoy Victoria Park and fruit markets

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day09

Nuwara Eliya → Kandy (via Ramboda)

  • Drive via Ramboda Waterfalls
  • Visit Tea Factory for a demonstration & tasting
  • Arrive in Kandy, relax by the lake

Overnight in Kandy

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Kandy Kandy
Day10

Kandy City Tour

  • Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa)
  • Watch a traditional cultural dance show
  • Visit Gem Museum, Bahirawakanda Buddha, Royal Botanical Gardens

Overnight in Kandy

Kandy Kandy
Day11

Kandy → Sigiriya (via Dambulla & Matale)

  • Stop at Spice Garden in Matale
  • Explore Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO site)
  • Evening relax near Sigiriya

Overnight in Sigiriya

Kandy Kandy Sigiriya Sigiriya Dambulla Dambulla
Day12

Sigiriya → Anuradhapura Day Trip + Village Tour

  • Early morning visit to Anuradhapura Ancient City (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Moonstone)
  • Return via Hiriwadunna Village Tour with bullock cart & lake ride

Overnight in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya Anuradhapura Anuradhapura
Day13

Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa + Minneriya Safari

  • Morning climb of Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
  • Explore Polonnaruwa: Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, Parakrama Samudraya
  • Afternoon Elephant Safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park

Overnight in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa
Day14

Sigiriya → Trincomalee

  • Transfer to Trincomalee – check-in and beach leisure

Overnight in Trincomalee

Sigiriya Sigiriya Trincomalee Trincomalee
Day15

Trincomalee (Snorkeling & Pigeon Island)

  • Boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park – snorkeling among corals
  • Visit Koneswaram Temple and Lover’s Leap viewpoint

Overnight in Trincomalee

Trincomalee Trincomalee
Day16

Trincomalee Leisure

  • Full day relaxation at Nilaveli or Uppuveli Beach
  • Optional spa or yoga session

Overnight in Trincomalee

Trincomalee Trincomalee
Day17

Trincomalee → Negombo

  • Drive to Negombo (approx. 6–7 hours)
  • Evening Dutch Canal Boat Tour
  • Relax at Negombo Beach

Overnight in Negombo

Trincomalee Trincomalee Negombo Negombo
Day18

Departure from BIA

  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

End of an unforgettable Sri Lankan journey!

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 18 Days / 17 Nights
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Anuradhapura sacred city
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Pigeon Island snorkelling
  • Spice garden and Ayurveda
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Kandyan cultural dance show
  • Tea plantation and factory visit

Travel Tips

  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
  • Safaris start early, so bring a hat, sunscreen and binoculars.
  • Pack a warm layer for the cool hill country evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are there optional add-ons?
  • Ayurvedic massage in Ella or Kandy
  • Candlelight dinner in Nuwara Eliya
  • Jeep safari at Udawalawe (if route is adjusted)
Q. Is this a private tour?
Yes. You travel with your own driver guide in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Q. Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every tour can be tailored to your dates, budget, hotel standard and interests.