Day01
Arrival – Negombo
- Pick-up from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Transfer to Negombo
- Relax on the beach or take a short city tour (Dutch Canal, St. Mary’s Church)
Sri Lanka Explorer Tour (22 Days)
Twenty-two days of history, wildlife, adventure and beaches, including Trincomalee, Kitulgala rafting, Yala and Mirissa.
This twenty-two day explorer tour has something for everyone. Climb Sigiriya, explore Anuradhapura, relax in Trincomalee, visit Kandy, go white water rafting in Kitulgala, ride the train to Ella, spot leopards in Yala and finish with whale watching and beach days in Mirissa and Unawatuna.
Route: Negombo → Sigiriya → Anuradhapura → Trincomalee → Kandy → Kitulgala → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa → Unawatuna → Colombo → BIA
Day by Day Itinerary
Day02
Sigiriya
- Transfer to Sigiriya
- Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
- Visit Pidurangala Rock at sunset for panoramic views, or
- Afternoon Village Tour near Habarana with bullock cart, lake canoe ride
Day03
Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Safari
- Explore ancient city of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Afternoon Jeep Safari at Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park
Day04
Sigiriya – Anuradhapura – Village Tour
- Visit sacred city of Anuradhapura (Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya)
Day05
Trincomalee
- Drive to Trincomalee on the east coast
- Relax at Uppuveli or Nilaveli Beach
Day06
Trincomalee – Pigeon Island
- Morning boat ride to Pigeon Island for snorkeling
- Free time on the beach
Day07
Trincomalee City Tour
- Visit Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick, Hot Springs of Kanniya
- Optional: Visit Marble Beach or Whale Watching (seasonal)
Day08
Trinco → Kandy (via Dambulla & Spice Garden)
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
- Stop at Matale Spice Garden
- Arrive in Kandy and relax
Day09
Kandy – Pinnawala – City Tour
- Morning visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Explore Temple of the Tooth, Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake Walk, Gem Museum
- Optional: Cultural Dance Show
Day10
Kandy → Kitulgala (White Water Rafting)
- Travel to Kitulgala, a lush rainforest destination
- Enjoy white-water rafting in the Kelani River
- Nature walk or visit a waterfall nearby
Day11
Kitulgala → Nuwara Eliya
- Scenic drive through tea country
- En route visit Ramboda Falls and Tea Factory
- Evening walk around Gregory Lake
Day12
Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing
- Visit Seetha Amman Temple, Ambewela Farm, or Hakgala Gardens
- Explore tea plantations and local markets
Day13
Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Train Ride)
- Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
- Check-in and relax in Ella
Day14
Ella Sightseeing
- Hike Little Adam’s Peak
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge
- Optional: Ravana Falls or Flying Ravana zipline
Day15
Ella → Yala (via Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home)
- Stop at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- Continue to Yala National Park
Day16
Yala Safari & Kataragama Temple
- Early morning Yala Jeep Safari (look for leopards, elephants)
- Evening visit to Kataragama Temple
Day17
Yala → Mirissa (Whale Watching)
- Drive to Mirissa
- Early morning Whale Watching Tour (seasonal: Nov–Apr)
Day18
Mirissa Leisure Day
- Enjoy the beach, water sports, or a massage
- Optional visit to Coconut Tree Hill or Parrot Rock
Day19
Mirissa → Unawatuna
- Transfer to Unawatuna
- Relax at Unawatuna Beach or visit Jungle Beach and Japanese Peace Pagoda
Day20
Unawatuna – Maduganga River Safari
- Morning visit to Galle Dutch Fort
- Afternoon boat safari on Maduganga River
- Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Day21
Unawatuna → Colombo (City Tour)
- Transfer to Colombo
- Explore Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, shopping
Day22
Departure – BIA
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for departure
End of Tour
Journey Highlights
- Trip Length: 22 Days / 21 Nights
- Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- Anuradhapura sacred city
- Minneriya elephant safari
- Pigeon Island snorkelling
- Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
- White water rafting in Kitulgala
- Scenic hill country train ride
- Yala National Park safari
- Whale watching
- 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.