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Sri Lanka Heritage, Hill Country & Beach Tour (12 Days)

Twelve days of ancient cities, tea country, the Ella train, Yala, Mirissa and Galle at a relaxed pace.

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With more time in each place, this twelve day tour lets you enjoy Sri Lanka at an easy pace. Discover Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, explore Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, take the train to Ella, go on safari in Yala and finish with beach days in Mirissa and Galle.

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

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival in Sri Lanka & Transfer to Negombo

  • Airport pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Short transfer to Negombo
  • Relax on Negombo beach
  • Optional: Explore Dutch Fort, Fishing Village, and St. Mary’s Church

Overnight stay in Negombo

Negombo Negombo
Day02

Negombo → Anuradhapura

  • Transfer to the ancient capital Anuradhapura (approx. 4 hrs)
  • Explore:
    • Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
    • Isurumuniya Temple, Abhayagiri Monastery

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura

Negombo Negombo Anuradhapura Anuradhapura
Day03

Anuradhapura → Sigiriya & Village Experience

  • Morning transfer to Sigiriya (approx. 2 hrs)
  • Experience a traditional Sigiriya Village Tour: bullock cart, canoe, local cooking
  • Evening at leisure

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Anuradhapura Anuradhapura Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day04

Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya

  • Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Afternoon tour of ancient city Polonnaruwa:
    • Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, Vatadage, Parakrama Samudraya

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa
Day05

Sigiriya → Kandy (via Dambulla & Spice Garden)

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
  • Stop at Matale Spice Garden
  • In Kandy: visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Evening: Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Overnight stay in Kandy

Sigiriya Sigiriya Dambulla Dambulla Kandy Kandy
Day06

Kandy with Pinnawala Day Trip

  • Morning drive to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • Return to Kandy for sightseeing:
    • Kandy Lake, Gem Museum, Viewpoint, Botanical Garden (optional)

Overnight stay in Kandy

Kandy Kandy
Day07

Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

  • Scenic drive through tea country
  • Stop at Ramboda Waterfalls & Tea Factory Tour
  • Explore Gregory Lake, colonial buildings

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Kandy Kandy Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day08

Nuwara Eliya with Horton Plains & Ambewela Farm

  • Early morning trip to Horton Plains National Park & World’s End hike
  • Afternoon visit to Ambewela Dairy Farm and local vegetable market

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day09

Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Train Ride)

  • Scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Visit Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak

Overnight stay in Ella

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Ella Ella
Day10

Ella → Yala

  • Transfer to Yala National Park
  • Evening Jeep Safari in Yala – search for leopards, elephants, bears

Overnight stay near Yala

Ella Ella Yala Yala
Day11

Yala → Mirissa via Galle

  • Morning transfer to Mirissa
  • Morning at leisure (or Whale Watching Tour if in season – Nov to Apr)
  • Stop at Galle Fort – UNESCO World Heritage site, Dutch colonial charm
  • Optional Coconut Tree Hill sunset

Overnight stay in Galle

Yala Yala Mirissa Mirissa Galle Galle
Day12

Galle → BIA Departure

  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure

End of your unforgettable Sri Lanka journey!

Galle Galle

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Anuradhapura sacred city
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Traditional village experience
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • Horton Plains and World's End
  • Scenic hill country train ride
  • Yala National Park safari
  • Galle Fort (UNESCO)

Travel Tips

  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
  • Train seats to Ella sell out in high season, so book early.
  • Safaris start early, so bring a hat, sunscreen and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.