Ultimate Sri Lanka Experience

🐠 10-Day Ultimate Sri Lanka Experience

Discover the soul of Sri Lanka β€” from sacred temples and ancient cities to misty mountains, wild safaris, and turquoise beaches. This perfectly balanced adventure is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience the island’s full diversity.

Colombo

Colombo

Begin your Sri Lankan adventure in Colombo, the vibrant commercial capital.

Gangaramaya Temple

Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture filled with statues and relics.

Galle Face Green

Take a stroll along the Galle Face Green promenade as the sun sets, and enjoy some delicious street food by the ocean.

Independence Square

Explore Independence Square, colonial buildings, and local markets for a taste of city life.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Colombo

πŸ“Œ Day 2: Cultural North

Cultural North – Journey to Jaffna

Scenic morning train or private drive to Jaffna

Scenic morning train or private drive to Jaffna

Take a scenic morning train or private drive to Jaffna, in the Northern Province.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Library, and Jaffna Fort.

Visit the iconic Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Library, and Jaffna Fort.

Tamil culture and cuisine

Discover the region’s unique Tamil culture and cuisine.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Jaffna

πŸ“Œ Day 3: Islands & Heritage

Islands & Heritage – Delft & Nagadeepa

Delft Island

Delft Island

Take a ferry to Delft Island, home to wild ponies and Dutch ruins.

Nagadeepa Purana Vihara

Visit Nagadeepa Purana Vihara, a sacred Buddhist temple on a peaceful islet.

enjoy local seafood by the lagoon

Return to Jaffna for a relaxed evening or enjoy local seafood by the lagoon.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Jaffna

πŸ“Œ Day 4: Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura – Sacred Ruins & History

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura

Drive north to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Marvel at ancient stupas

Marvel at ancient stupas like Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, grown from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Mihintale

Visit Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with its ancient stairway and panoramic views.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Anuradhapura or nearby

πŸ“Œ Day 5: Sigiriya & Dambulla

Icons of Ancient Ingenuity

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as the Lion Rock, with its famous frescoes, water gardens, and royal ruins atop a giant monolith.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s largest cave temple complex, with vibrant murals and over 150 Buddha statues carved into rock.

Village for a traditional lunch

Optionally visit a local village for a traditional lunch or try a bullock cart ride.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Sigiriya or Habarana

πŸ“Œ Day 6: Kandy

Kandy – Culture, Dance & Devotion

Kandy

Kandy

Travel through the central hills to the sacred city of Kandy, a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist temples in the world.

Kandy Lake

Stroll around Kandy Lake, and shop for local crafts and batik art.

traditional cultural dance show

In the evening, watch a traditional cultural dance show with Kandyan drumming and fire-walking.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Kandy

πŸ“Œ Day 7: Nuwara Eliya

Tea Trails & Colonial Charm

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya

Travel to Nuwara Eliya, also called β€œLittle England” for its cool climate and colonial buildings.

Tea plantations and a tea factory

Visit lush tea plantations and a tea factory to learn about Ceylon tea production and taste fresh brews.

Victoria Park

Walk through Victoria Park, one of the best-maintained botanical gardens in the country.

Gregory Lake

Take in views of Gregory Lake, or enjoy a quiet boat ride.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Nuwara Eliya

πŸ“Œ Day 8: Scenic Train to Ella

Scenic Train to Ella – Hills & Waterfalls

train ride from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Ella

train ride from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Ella

Hop on the iconic train ride from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Ella, one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

Soak in the views

Soak in the views of rolling hills, tea estates, and distant waterfalls.

Ravana Falls

Explore Ravana Falls and take a relaxing walk around Ella town.

Little Adam’s Peak

Optionally visit Little Adam’s Peak or the Nine Arches Bridge for golden-hour photography.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Ella

Day 9: Yala Safari & Southern Coast

In Search of the Elusive Leopard πŸ†

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Travel to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most visited and second-largest national park.

Highest leopard density in the world

Known for the highest leopard density in the world, Yala offers the best chance to spot one in the wild.

Safari Adventure

Your safari adventure might also reward you with sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, and jungle cats.

Varied landscape

Explore the park’s varied landscape β€” from coastal lagoons and grassy plains to dense scrub jungle.

relax by the beach

Continue toward Tangalle or Mirissa, with time to relax by the beach.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Tissamaharama or near Yala

πŸ“Œ Day 10: Galle Fort & Departure via Colombo

Galle & Unawatuna – Colonial Fort & Beach Bliss

Galle Fort

Galle Fort

Travel to the southern coast and step into Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved Dutch colonial town with cobblestone streets and historic charm.

Galle Lighthouse

Visit the Galle Lighthouse, old churches, museums, and quaint cafes.

Unawatuna Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing at Unawatuna Beach, swimming in turquoise waters or enjoying fresh seafood by the ocean.

πŸ›οΈ Overnight stay

Galle or Unawatuna / End of Tour

🌍 Why should Be on Your Bucket List?

🌏 Tour Summary

  • Ancient Cities: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla

  • Sacred Sites: Nagadeepa, Temple of the Tooth, Nallur Kovil

  • Nature & Wildlife: Yala Safari, Highlands, Waterfalls

  • Train Journey: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

  • Beaches: Mirissa, Tangalle, Trincomalee (optional add-on)

  • Culture & Cuisine: Local food, dance shows, tea trails