Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

15-Day Sri Lanka Heritage and Wildlife Tour with Ella and Mirissa

15 Days Round trip from Arrival in Sri Lanka – Transfer to Negombo Moderate pace
Leopard

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Conquer Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
  • 02 Spot elephants and leopards on safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks
  • 03 Explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the ancient city of Anuradhapura
  • 04 Enjoy the scenic train journey to Ella through misty mountains and tea estates
  • 05 Go whale watching off Mirissa and unwind on Sri Lanka's southern coast

Discover Sri Lanka's rich heritage, lush highlands, and sun-kissed coastline on this 15-day private adventure. Witness majestic elephants at Pinnawala and Minneriya, explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and experience the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Journey through tea plantations, hike Little Adam's Peak, enjoy one of the world's most scenic train rides to Ella, spot whales off Mirissa, and stroll through historic Galle Fort. Immerse yourself in culture, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes across the island.

Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural wonder with royal gardens and frescoes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Anuradhapura, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Bentota, Mirissa, Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Pinnawala, Minneriya National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Beruwala
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Negombo by the Coast

  • Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your chauffeur guide.
  • 09:00 AM: Transfer to Negombo, a charming coastal town famous for its sandy beaches and fishing community.
  • Spend the day relaxing by the sea or enjoying the hotel's facilities.

Overnight stay in Negombo with Bed and Breakfast.

2
Day 02

Negombo to Dambulla and Minneriya Safari

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Depart for Dambulla / Sigiriya.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued elephants, where you can observe them being fed and bathed.
  • 01:00 PM: Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, adorned with ancient murals and Buddha statues.
  • 02:30 PM: Enjoy an exciting evening safari at Minneriya National Park, known for its large herds of wild elephants.

Overnight stay in Dambulla / Sigiriya with Bed and Breakfast.

3
Day 03

Ancient Anuradhapura and Sacred Mihintale

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Visit the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient stupas and royal ruins dating back over 2,000 years.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, offering panoramic hilltop views and spiritual serenity.

Overnight stay in Dambulla / Sigiriya with Bed and Breakfast.

4
Day 04

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa

  • 07:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 08:30 AM: Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural wonder with royal gardens and frescoes.
  • 11:30 AM: Proceed to Polonnaruwa, the island's second ancient capital.
  • 02:00 PM: Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, filled with impressive stone sculptures, royal palaces, and sacred temples.
  • 07:00 PM: Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Dambulla / Sigiriya with Bed and Breakfast.

5
Day 05

To Kandy via Matale's Spice Heritage

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Depart for Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit a spice garden in Matale and learn about Sri Lanka's rich spice heritage.
  • 01:30 PM: Enjoy a city tour of Kandy, including a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the country's most revered Buddhist shrine.
  • 05:00 PM: Check-in and relax.

Overnight stay in Kandy with Bed and Breakfast.

6
Day 06

Kandy Temples, Gardens and Culture

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Visit the peaceful Bahirawakanda Temple and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Drive along the scenic Upper Lake Road.
  • 01:30 PM: Explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of plant species and beautifully landscaped paths.
  • 04:45 PM: Witness the colorful Kandy Cultural Show, showcasing Sri Lankan dance and drumming traditions.

Overnight stay in Kandy with Bed and Breakfast.

7
Day 07

Tea Country Journey to Nuwara Eliya

  • 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 08:30 AM: Depart for Nuwara Eliya, passing tea-covered hills and cascading waterfalls.
  • 01:30 PM: Check-in and relax.
  • 02:30 PM: Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory, experience tea plucking, and learn how the world-famous Ceylon Tea is produced.
  • 04:00 PM: City tour of Nuwara Eliya, visiting Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and the historic Golf Club.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya with Bed and Breakfast.

8
Day 08

Horton Plains and World's End Hike

  • 06:30 AM: Early departure with packed breakfast to explore Horton Plains National Park, a misty highland plateau rich in flora and fauna.
  • 11:30 AM: Hike to World's End, an incredible viewpoint with sweeping valley views.
  • 12:30 PM: Return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya with Bed and Breakfast.

9
Day 09

Scenic Train Journey to Ella

  • 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 11:30 AM: Transfer to Nanuoya Railway Station.
  • 12:00 PM: Board the scenic train to Ella, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, passing misty mountains and tea estates.

Overnight stay in Ella with Bed and Breakfast.

10
Day 10

Ella Highlights and Nine Arch Bridge

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Enjoy the thrill of the Flying Ravana Zipline, offering breathtaking views of the valley.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Little Adam's Peak, Ella Gap, and Ravana Falls, capturing the essence of Sri Lanka's hill country.
  • 03:00 PM: Take a tuk-tuk ride to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial engineering surrounded by lush greenery.

Overnight stay in Ella with Bed & Breakfast.

11
Day 11

Wildlife Safari in Yala National Park

  • 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Proceed to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destination.
  • 02:30 PM: Afternoon Jeep Safari at Yala, known for its high leopard population and diverse wildlife.

Overnight stay in Yala with Bed and Breakfast.

12
Day 12

From Yala to the Beaches of Mirissa

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Travel to Mirissa, a laid-back coastal town.
  • 01:30 PM: Witness traditional stilt fishing, a unique fishing method practiced by local fishermen.
  • 03:00 PM: Check-in and relax by the beach.

Overnight stay in Mirissa with Bed & Breakfast.

13
Day 13

Whale Watching and Beach Time in Mirissa

  • 05:30 AM: Early morning Whale Watching Tour to spot blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
  • 11:30 AM: Return to the hotel and unwind.
  • 02:00 PM: Free time to relax on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach.

Overnight stay in Mirissa with Bed and Breakfast.

14
Day 14

Mirissa to Bentota via Historic Galle

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Depart for Bentota via Galle.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends colonial charm with coastal beauty.
  • 02:00 PM: Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or enjoy optional water sports.

Overnight stay in Bentota / Beruwala with Bed and Breakfast.

15
Day 15

Madu Ganga Safari and Departure

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 09:00 AM: Enjoy an optional Madu Ganga River Safari, exploring mangrove forests and small islands.
  • 01:00 PM: Visit a Turtle Hatchery to learn about conservation efforts protecting sea turtles.
  • Spend the rest of the day at leisure until your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your return flight.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Nine Arch Bridge, Galle Fort

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Nine Arch Bridge, Galle Fort

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arrival in Sri Lanka – Transfer to Negombo 17 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 14 nights' accommodation in hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide for sightseeing tours
  • Daily 500 ml bottled water provided during sightseeing
  • Welcome with garlands and assistance on arrival at the airport
  • Parking, highway charges, and all applicable taxes included

What's Not Included

  • Sri Lanka visa
  • Entrance fees (can be added to the final rate according to the customer's request)
  • Lunch and dinner during the tour (if not mentioned in the itinerary)
  • Any international airfare / airport taxes
  • Any change in tax structure resulting from an increase in the published tariff
  • Items of a personal nature, such as tips, laundry, and phone calls
  • Any video / still camera fees at monuments and places of visit
  • Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes
  • Bar, telephone, and laundry bills
  • Optional tours
  • Tips to guides, restaurant staff, and hotel personnel are not compulsory, but they are always appreciated.
  • Any other expenses

Know before you go

  • Respect local customs when visiting temples and sacred sites by dressing modestly and removing your shoes.
  • The climate varies from warm and humid in coastal areas like Mirissa and Bentota to cool and misty in the highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, so carry a light jacket.
  • Use sunscreen and a hat during outdoor activities such as safaris and sightseeing.
  • Stay hydrated throughout the journey.
  • Help protect Sri Lanka's natural beauty by avoiding plastic and supporting eco-friendly local businesses.
  • Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated for good service.
  • Travel times may vary due to traffic or weather, especially in the hill country.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bandaranaike International Airport
Tour start
Arrival in Sri Lanka – Transfer to Negombo
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 15 days finish where they began, in Arrival in Sri Lanka – Transfer to Negombo.

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