Skip to content

Private, tailor-made tours across Sri Lanka

Talk to an expert(+94) 70 143 0096 Plan My Trip
Nine Arch Bridge from above, Ella

Sri Lanka Explorer Tour (12 Days)

Twelve days of south coast beaches, whale watching, the hill country, the Cultural Triangle and Trincomalee.

View Itinerary Enquire Now

An explorer’s loop around Sri Lanka in twelve days. Begin on the south coast with a river safari, a turtle hatchery, Galle Fort and whale watching in Mirissa, head into the hills of Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, explore Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa and finish on the beaches of Trincomalee.

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

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA → Galle via Madu River & Kosgoda

  • Pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Stop at Madu Ganga River Safari – mangrove forest & island temples
  • Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery – learn about sea turtle conservation
  • Continue to Galle – evening leisure or walk on Galle Fort ramparts

Overnight in Galle

Bentota Bentota Galle Galle
Day02

Mirissa Whale Watching

  • Early transfer to Mirissa
  • Embark on Whale Watching Tour (Nov–Apr) to spot blue whales & dolphins
  • Relax on Mirissa Beach or visit Coconut Tree Hill

Overnight in Mirissa

Mirissa Mirissa
Day03

Mirissa → Ella via Buduruwagala

  • Scenic drive from southern coast to hill country
  • En route visit Buduruwagala Rock Temple – 10th-century carvings
  • Visit Ravana Waterfall
  • Reach Ella by evening, enjoy mountain views

Overnight in Ella

Mirissa Mirissa Ella Ella
Day04

Ella Sightseeing

  • Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
  • Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge
  • Scenic drive or visit to Lipton’s Seat (optional)

Overnight in Ella

Ella Ella
Day05

Ella → Nuwara Eliya

  • Scenic train ride from Ella to Nanu Oya (advance booking recommended)
  • Explore Gregory Lake, colonial town, and Victoria Park

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Ella Ella Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day06

Nuwara Eliya → Kandy

  • Drive to Kandy, cultural capital of Sri Lanka
  • Visit Ramboda Falls and a tea factory & plantation
  • Stop at Ramboda viewpoint or local tea estate
  • Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic, stroll around Kandy Lake

Overnight in Kandy

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Kandy Kandy
Day07

Kandy → Sigiriya (via Spice Garden & Cave Temple)

  • Stop at Matale Spice Garden – learn about Sri Lankan herbs & spices
  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
  • Continue to Sigiriya, evening at leisure

Overnight in Sigiriya

Kandy Kandy Dambulla Dambulla Sigiriya Sigiriya
Day08

Sigiriya Rock → Polonnaruwa → Minneriya Safari

  • Early morning climb to Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
  • Tour ancient city of Polonnaruwa: Gal Vihara, Parakrama Samudraya, Royal Palace
  • Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to spot elephants

Overnight in Sigiriya

Sigiriya Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa
Day09

Sigiriya → Trincomalee via Anuradhapura

  • Visit Anuradhapura: Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Isurumuniya
  • Continue to Trincomalee, check in and relax at the beach

Overnight in Trincomalee

Sigiriya Sigiriya Anuradhapura Anuradhapura Trincomalee Trincomalee
Day10

Trincomalee: Pigeon Island & Beach

  • Morning boat ride to Pigeon Island National Park – snorkeling adventure
  • Visit Koneswaram Temple, explore Nilaveli Beach
  • Optional whale watching (seasonal) or relaxation by the sea

Overnight in Trincomalee

Trincomalee Trincomalee
Day11

Trincomalee → Negombo

  • Long but scenic transfer back to Negombo
  • Evening Dutch Canal Boat Tour
  • Explore Negombo town or enjoy the sunset on the beach

Overnight in Negombo

Trincomalee Trincomalee Negombo Negombo
Day12

Departure from BIA

  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight

End of tour with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Madu River boat safari
  • Sea turtle hatchery
  • Galle Fort (UNESCO)
  • Whale watching in Mirissa
  • Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak, Ella
  • Scenic hill country train ride
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Pigeon Island snorkelling

Travel Tips

  • Whale watching on the south coast runs from November to April.
  • Train seats to Ella sell out in high season, so book early.
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.

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.