Day01
Arrival – Negombo
- Airport pickup at BIA
- Check-in and relax in Negombo
- Optional: Dutch Canal boat tour or visit Negombo Beach
Grand Sri Lanka Tour (22 Days)
Twenty-two days exploring the north and south of Sri Lanka, from Jaffna and Trincomalee to Yala, Mirissa and Unawatuna.
Our longest grand tour takes twenty-two days to explore Sri Lanka from top to bottom. Visit Wilpattu, Anuradhapura and Jaffna in the north, the beaches of Trincomalee, Sigiriya and Kandy in the centre, the hill country and Ella train, a Yala safari and the southern beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna.
Route: Negombo → Anuradhapura → Jaffna → Trincomalee → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa → Unawatuna → BIA
Day by Day Itinerary
Day02
Negombo → Anuradhapura (via Wilpattu Safari)
- En route Wilpattu National Park jeep safari
- Arrive in Anuradhapura in the evening
Day03
Anuradhapura Ancient City
- Visit Ruwanwelisaya, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Abhayagiri, Isurumuniya Temple
- Explore reservoirs and ancient ruins
Day04
Anuradhapura → Jaffna
- Travel north to Jaffna Peninsula
- Relax and explore local food and culture
Day05
Jaffna – Nagadeepa Island Visit
- Morning boat trip to Nagadeepa Temple (Nainativu Island)
- Optional: Visit to Delft Island if time permits
Day06
Jaffna City Tour
- Visit Jaffna Fort, Nallur Temple, Keerimalai Springs, Jaffna Library, and Point Pedro
Day07
Jaffna → Trincomalee
- Scenic drive along the east coast
- Check-in at Trinco and relax by the beach
Day08
Trincomalee – Pigeon Island & Beach
- Morning boat ride to Pigeon Island for snorkeling
- Relax at Nilaveli or Uppuveli beach
Day09
Trinco → Sigiriya + Minneriya Safari
- Drive to Sigiriya
- Evening elephant safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
Day10
Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
- Visit ancient city of Polonnaruwa – Gal Vihara, Royal Palace
- Return to Sigiriya for overnight
Day11
Sigiriya Rock & Village Tour
- Sunrise climb of Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
- Afternoon Hiriwadunna village tour – bullock cart & canoe ride
Day12
Sigiriya → Kandy (via Dambulla & Spice Garden)
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
- Stop at Matale Spice Garden
- Arrive in Kandy by evening
Day13
Kandy City Tour
- Visit Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Garden, Gem Museum
- Cultural dance performance in the evening
Day14
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (via Ramboda)
- Scenic drive through Ramboda Falls
- Visit Tea Factory & Plantation
- Walk by Gregory Lake
Day15
Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing
- Visit Hakgala Gardens, Seetha Amman Temple
- Optional: Ambewela Farm or World’s End (if weather permits)
Day16
Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Train Ride)
- Catch scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
- Relax and explore Ella town
Day17
Ella Sightseeing
- Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Ravana Falls
Day18
Ella → Yala Safari (via Udawalawe Elephant Transit)
- Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- Afternoon Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
Day19
Yala → Mirissa (Whale Watching)
- Early drive to Mirissa
- Whale Watching Tour (seasonal: Nov–Apr)
- Leisure time on the beach
Day20
Mirissa Leisure Day
- Full day relaxing on Mirissa Beach
- Optional: Snorkeling, surfing, or spa
Day21
Mirissa → Unawatuna
- Short drive to Unawatuna Beach
- Relax or visit Jungle Beach and Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Optional: Visit Galle Dutch Fort
Day22
Unawatuna → BIA (Departure)
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure
End of tour
Journey Highlights
- Trip Length: 22 Days / 21 Nights
- Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- Wilpattu National Park safari
- Anuradhapura sacred city
- Jaffna and the far north
- Nagadeepa Island temple
- Pigeon Island snorkelling
- Minneriya elephant safari
- Scenic hill country train ride
- Yala National Park safari
- Whale watching
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.