Sri Lanka · Culture

12-Day Sri Lanka Heritage and Wildlife Tour with Scenic Train Ride

12 Days Round trip from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover Sri Lanka's rich heritage at Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and sacred temples
02 Experience a thrilling jeep safari in Yala National Park
03 Enjoy a scenic train journey from Ella to Nuwara Eliya through lush tea plantations
04 Relax on the pristine beaches of Trincomalee and enjoy its coastal beauty

Explore the wonders of Sri Lanka on a diverse journey through cultural cities, scenic landscapes, and coastal retreats. Travel from Colombo to Galle, experience a wildlife safari in Yala, and enjoy a breathtaking train ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya. Discover Kandy's heritage, visit ancient sites like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, and relax on Trincomalee's beaches. This immersive tour blends history, nature, and relaxation across the island's most iconic destinations and culturally rich regions.

Explore the wonders of Sri Lanka on a diverse journey through cultural cities, scenic landscapes, and coastal retreats.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Anuradhapura, Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Trincomalee, Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Pinnawala, Minneriya National Park, Habarana, Katunayake, Kataragama

Languages English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Tamil

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Galle

Arrive in Colombo and receive a warm welcome from your chauffeur guide.
Travel towards the southern coast for relaxation.
Enjoy a brief experience in Colombo en route to Galle, depending on your arrival time.
Arrive in Galle, check in at the hotel, and relax.

Dinner and overnight stay in Galle.

Day 02

Galle Fort Exploration and Yala Safari

Enjoy breakfast and explore Galle, known for its colonial architecture from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods.
Walk through the old fort area with its narrow streets near the Indian Ocean.
Proceed to Yala National Park and check in.
Enjoy a safari jeep experience, spotting leopards, crocodiles, elephants, and migratory birds.

Dinner and overnight stay in Yala.

Day 03

Buduruwagala, Kataragama and Ella

After breakfast, depart for Buduruwagala Temple, known as the Rock of Buddhist Sculptures.
Learn about the meaning of Buduruwagala, derived from Budu for Buddha, ruva for images, and gala for stone.
Explore the rock carvings and experience the spiritual atmosphere.
Continue to Kataragama, a pilgrimage site for multiple religions.
Visit temples and experience the sacred ambiance.
Travel to Ella, a scenic village surrounded by tea plantations and mountains.
Enjoy views of Ella Gap and explore the surroundings.

Dinner and overnight stay in Ella.

Day 04

Scenic Train Journey to Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, transfer to Ella train station and board the train to Nanu Oya.
Enjoy one of the most picturesque train rides through mountains, valleys, and plantations.
Have lunch served on the train.
Continue to Nuwara Eliya, known as Little England for its scenery and climate.
Spend the afternoon exploring Nuwara Eliya.

Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05

Ramboda Falls and Kandy Exploration

After breakfast, travel towards Kandy by road.
Stop at Ramboda Falls and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Visit a tea plantation and factory and enjoy the surroundings.
Arrive in Kandy for lunch and explore the city, bazaar, and arts centre.
Experience cultural dances and performances.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 06

Botanical Gardens and Pinnawala

After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and explore its diverse flora, including the orchid house.
Continue to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Enjoy shopping and a city tour, including Upper Lake Drive for panoramic views.
Walk through local markets and explore crafts, batiks, brassware, and gift shops.
Witness sunset views over Kandy Lake.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 07

Dambulla, Matale and Habarana

After breakfast, travel to Dambulla Cave Temple, dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Visit Matale Spice Garden and discover a variety of spices used in cooking and medicine.
Continue to Habarana.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or wellness centre.
Optionally, enjoy a forest safari to see elephant herds or a village tour with a tropical lunch.

Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.

Day 08

Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 200-metre-high ancient royal complex built by King Kashyapa.
Explore its gardens, pathways, and architecture.
Enjoy a local tropical lunch.
Visit Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital with well-preserved ruins.
Return to Habarana.
Optionally, enjoy a safari at Minneriya National Park to see wild elephants.

Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.

Day 09

Trincomalee Beach Escape

After breakfast, travel to Trincomalee.
Enjoy white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Check in at the resort and relax or enjoy optional activities.

Dinner and overnight stay in Trincomalee.

Day 10

Leisure Day in Trincomalee

Enjoy a full day at leisure after breakfast.
Relax on the beach or participate in activities according to your preference.

Dinner and overnight stay in Trincomalee.

Day 11

Anuradhapura and Negombo

After breakfast, depart for Negombo.
En route, visit Anuradhapura and explore sacred stupas, ruins, gardens, and ancient engineering marvels.
Continue to Negombo and relax at the hotel or explore the fishing village.
Enjoy seafood experiences or relax by the beach.

Dinner and overnight stay in Negombo.

Day 12

Departure from Sri Lanka

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight.
Conclude your journey with memorable experiences as the team at Relax Lanka Tours bids you farewell and hopes to welcome you again soon.

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ella to Nuwara Eliya train, Yala National Park safari, Trincomalee beaches

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited 18 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Meet and greet service, luggage assistance, and hotel transfer
Shared double-room accommodation for the tour duration
Half-board meal plan from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day
Transport in an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Welcome drinks in all hotels
One bottle of mineral water per person per day
Service charges at hotels and applicable government taxes
Departure and check-out assistance at the airport
Food and lodging for the driver
Petrol, toll, and parking charges for the vehicle
Vehicle insurance coverage up to LKR 500000 per person
24-hour customer care service
Airport taxes
All government taxes
Local SIM card to communicate with the guide during the tour
Jeep safari in Yala National Park
Dinner at Ella Chill restaurant
Fresh seafood dinner in Negombo
Complimentary extras:
Cultural show entrance tickets
Local SIM card with data and voice loaded with USD 03

What's Not Included

Airfare
Lunch, beverages, and any other meals not mentioned in the program
Tips to guides and drivers
Visa fees
Options and extensions: visits to any place other than those mentioned in the tour program
Entrance and excursion fees to the places mentioned in the itinerary
Any extras such as tips and other expenses of a personal nature, Ayurveda spa treatments, etc.
Services that are not indicated in the program
Online payment fees

What to bring

Essential Clothing - Modest attire: clothes covering shoulders and knees for religious sites.
Lightweight layers: breathable fabrics for tropical heat.
Warm layers: a sweater or light jacket for the cooler Nuwara Eliya/Ella regions.
Swimwear: for beaches and hotel pools.
Footwear: comfortable sandals or hiking shoes, and flip-flops.
Health & Safety Items - Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Mosquito repellent: crucial for evenings and forested areas.
First-aid kit: a basic kit including anti-diarrhea medication, antiseptic wipes, and personal prescriptions.
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes: highly useful.
Electronics & Useful Gear - Universal travel adapter: Sri Lanka uses sockets D, G, and M. This will be provided free of charge by all hotels.
Power bank: vital for long train rides or safaris.
Small backpack: for daily outings.
Optional/Useful Extras - Reusable water bottle: to reduce plastic waste. Bottled water will be provided free of charge.
Unlocked smartphone: to insert a local SIM card (e.g., Dialog/Mobitel) at the airport. This will be provided free of charge by us.
What to Leave Behind - Heavy clothing (unless visiting the hills).
Too many pairs of shoes.
Large hairdryers (most hotels provide them).

Know before you go

Programme Schedule - The programme is a suggested itinerary and can be customised.
Share your preferences to tailor the tour accordingly.
Tours can be adjusted based on budget and requirements.
Share the confirmed itinerary with all travel partners to avoid errors during the tour.
International Flights - International flights to and from Colombo are not included.
Train Tickets - Train tickets to Nanu Oya and Ella are subject to availability.
Travel Insurance - Travel insurance is not included.
It is recommended to obtain coverage from Allianz Insurance or a provider in your country.
Public Liability Insurance - Tour operator liability insurance is covered by Allianz Insurance.
Coverage includes activities such as rafting, hot air ballooning, trekking, zip lining, whale watching, safari, biking, hiking, fishing, boat riding, water sports, and camping.
Visa Information - Visa requirements depend on nationality and must be arranged by the traveller.
Refer to the official Sri Lanka visa website for details.
Important Information - Standard hotel check-in time is 1400 hrs, and check-out time is 1200 hrs.
Hotel availability is subject to confirmation based on travel dates.
Train tickets between Ella and Nanu Oya are subject to availability.
Free upgrade to the next room category is subject to availability.