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Highlights · 13 Nights / 14 Days

Sri Lanka Grand Circuit

Two full weeks — the ancient cities, an elephant gathering, Kandy, tea country, Ella, a Yala safari and a long stretch of the south coast.

13 Nights / 14 Days 112 travellers Starts Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) Private tour

About this tour

Our longest standard route, and the only one with enough room to genuinely slow down. It covers Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa with a village day in between, the Minneriya safari, Kandy, the tea estates, hiking around Ella, two nights at Yala, and then five unhurried days working west along the coast through Mirissa, Unawatuna and Galle before Colombo.

Fourteen days is enough time to stop rushing, and this itinerary is built to take advantage of that.

Highlights

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Experience
  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic – Kandy
  • Scenic Tea Plantations & Hill Country
  • Ella Hiking & Mountain Views
  • Yala National Park Safari
  • Mirissa & Unawatuna Beaches
  • Galle Dutch Fort Exploration
  • Colombo City Experience

Day-by-day itinerary

This is our recommended route. Everything on it can be swapped, dropped or extended — just say the word when you enquire.

Day 1

Airport → Negombo (Night 1)

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your driver-guide and transferred to Negombo. Relax after your flight and enjoy the calm beach atmosphere of this coastal town.

Included today
  • Airport pickup & welcome assistance
  • Transfer to Negombo hotel
  • Relaxation by the beach
  • Leisure evening
Overnight: Negombo
Day 2

Negombo → Habarana (Night 1 of 3)

After breakfast, begin your journey to Sri Lanka’s famous Cultural Triangle. Enjoy scenic countryside views, local villages, and tropical landscapes along the way before arriving in Habarana.

Included today
  • Scenic countryside drive
  • Village & rural landscape views
  • Hotel relaxation
  • Leisure evening
Overnight: Habarana
Day 3

Sigiriya & Village Experience (Night 2)

Wake up early to visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore ancient ruins, frescoes, and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan village experience.

Included today
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
  • Ancient frescoes & ruins
  • Bullock cart ride
  • Catamaran boat ride
  • Traditional Sri Lankan village lunch
Overnight: Habarana
Day 4

Polonnaruwa & Safari Adventure (Night 3)

Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, filled with historic temples, royal palaces, and massive Buddha statues. Later, enjoy an optional wildlife safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.

Included today
  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour
  • Historical ruins & temples
  • Minneriya / Kaudulla safari
  • Elephant gathering experience
  • Wildlife photography
Overnight: Habarana
Day 5

Habarana → Kandy (Night 1 of 2)

Travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital surrounded by green mountains and scenic landscapes. Optional stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe rescued elephants feeding and bathing.

Included today
  • Scenic drive to Kandy
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (optional)
  • Kandy city exploration
  • Kandyan cultural dance show
Overnight: Kandy
Day 6

Kandy Exploration (Night 2)

Discover the rich culture and spiritual heritage of Kandy with visits to temples, viewpoints, and local attractions.

Included today
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic
  • Walk around Kandy Lake
  • Local market exploration
  • Scenic viewpoints
  • Optional Ambuluwawa Tower visit
Overnight: Kandy
Day 7

Kandy → Ella (Night 1)

Journey through Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country filled with waterfalls, tea plantations, and mountain scenery. Visit a tea factory to learn about world-famous Ceylon tea production.

Included today
  • Scenic hill country drive
  • Tea plantation visit
  • Tea factory tour & tasting
  • Waterfall stops
  • Ella sightseeing
Overnight: Ella
Day 8

Ella → Yala (Night 1 of 2)

Start the morning with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic mountain views before continuing towards Yala. Visit Buduruwagala Rock Temple and enjoy scenic countryside landscapes along the route.

Included today
  • Little Adam’s Peak hike
  • Mountain photography
  • Buduruwagala Rock Temple
  • Scenic transfer to Yala
Overnight: Yala
Day 9

Yala Safari Experience (Night 2)

Enjoy an unforgettable wildlife safari at Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and exotic birds.

Included today
  • Jeep safari in Yala National Park
  • Leopard spotting
  • Elephant & wildlife viewing
  • Bird watching
  • Nature photography
Overnight: Yala
Day 10

Yala → Mirissa (Night 1)

Travel along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline towards Mirissa, one of the island’s most beautiful beach destinations. Enjoy beach relaxation and optional snorkeling or turtle spotting activities.

Included today
  • Coastal scenic drive
  • Dondra Head Lighthouse visit
  • Mirissa Beach relaxation
  • Optional snorkeling & turtle spotting
Overnight: Mirissa
Day 11

Mirissa → Unawatuna / Galle (Night 1)

Continue along the southern coast to Unawatuna and Galle, famous for beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal vibes.

Included today
  • Unawatuna Beach relaxation
  • Coconut Tree Hill visit
  • Parrot Rock exploration (optional)
  • Beach cafés & coastal views
Overnight: Galle / Unawatuna
Day 12

Galle → Colombo (Night 1 of 2)

Explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort before traveling to Colombo. Walk through colonial streets, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy scenic ocean views.

Included today
  • Galle Dutch Fort tour
  • Lighthouse & fort walls
  • Colonial architecture exploration
  • Scenic drive to Colombo
Overnight: Colombo
Day 13

Colombo City Tour (Night 2)

Discover Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital with visits to historical landmarks, temples, shopping malls, and oceanfront attractions.

Included today
  • Gangaramaya Temple
  • Independence Square
  • Galle Face Green
  • Lotus Tower (optional)
  • Shopping & dining experiences
Overnight: Colombo
Day 14

Colombo → Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka.

Included today
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Airport transfer
  • Departure assistance

What’s included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole tour
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Fuel, tolls, parking and all driver expenses
  • Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Bottled water throughout the journey
  • 24/7 WhatsApp support while you are in Sri Lanka

Not included

  • International flights and Sri Lanka ETA visa
  • Entrance tickets to sites and national parks
  • Lunches, dinners and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Anything not listed under what is included

Well suited to

Two-week travellersCouplesFamiliesRepeat visitors

Gallery

Sri Lanka Grand Circuit — photo 1
Sri Lanka Grand Circuit — photo 2
Sri Lanka Grand Circuit — photo 3
Sri Lanka Grand Circuit — photo 4
Plan this trip

Tell us what you want from Sri Lanka Grand Circuit

Every itinerary we run is private and rearranged around the people travelling. Send us a rough idea and we will come back with a day-by-day plan and a firm price.

  • A reply within 24 hoursUsually the same working day.
  • One fixed priceVehicle, driver, fuel and hotels in a single figure.
  • Change anythingRevise it as many times as you like before committing.
  • Nothing to pay nowNo card details, no deposit to get a plan.

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