12-Day Sri Lanka Adventure with Safari, Ella Train and Galle

12 Days Round trip from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore Dambulla Cave Temple
  • 02 Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
  • 03 Ride the world-famous scenic train through tea country to Ella
  • 04 Spot Sri Lankan leopards and Asian elephants on a Yala jeep safari
  • 05 Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Dutch Fort and its oceanfront lighthouse

Discover Sri Lanka on a 12-day private journey that blends ancient heritage, sacred temples, misty hill country, wildlife, and the southern coast. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore Dambulla Cave Temple and Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic, then continue through tea plantations, waterfalls, and the world-famous scenic train route to Ella. Search for leopards and elephants on safari in Yala National Park, relax on the beaches of Mirissa, and wander the historic streets of Galle before ending with a Colombo city tour. Please note that accommodation and daily breakfast are not included and must be arranged independently by the guest.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Mirissa, Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Adam's Peak

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Negombo and Lagoon Sunset

  • Airport Pick-up: Receive a warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) by Serandib Lanka Tours and transfer to Negombo.
  • Negombo Beach: Relax and unwind after your flight on the sandy shores of Negombo.
  • Lagoon Boat Tour: Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the historic Negombo Lagoon while exploring the local flora and fauna.
  • Beach Sunset: Witness a stunning tropical sunset over the Indian Ocean.
2
Day 02

Sigiriya Fortress and Dambulla Heritage

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Climb this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient palace complex and fortress.
  • Pidurangala Rock (Optional): Embark on an early morning hike for an incredible panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock.
  • Dambulla Cave Temple: Explore the magnificent historic rock cave temple complex, filled with ancient Buddhist statues and murals.
  • Village Experience: Immerse yourself in local rural culture with a traditional village tour, a bullock cart ride, and an authentic Sri Lankan lunch.
3
Day 03

More of Sigiriya and Village Life

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Climb this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient palace complex and fortress.
  • Pidurangala Rock (Optional): Embark on an early morning hike for an incredible panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock.
  • Dambulla Cave Temple: Explore the magnificent historic rock cave temple complex, filled with ancient Buddhist statues and murals.
  • Village Experience: Immerse yourself in local rural culture with a traditional village tour, a bullock cart ride, and an authentic Sri Lankan lunch.
4
Day 04

Sacred Kandy and Cultural Traditions

  • Temple of the Tooth Relic: Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, the highly sacred temple that houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
  • Royal Botanical Garden: Stroll through the lush and historic Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, famous for its grand orchid collection.
  • Kandy Lake: Enjoy a peaceful walk around the scenic lake in the city center.
  • Cultural Dance Show: Experience a vibrant traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performance showcasing local heritage.
5
Day 05

Tea Country and Nuwara Eliya

  • Tea Plantation & Factory: Tour an authentic Sri Lankan tea estate, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy a fresh tasting session.
  • Ramboda Waterfall: Stop at the breathtaking Ramboda Falls for scenic views and photography.
  • Gregory Lake: Relax by the beautiful lake, with optional boat rides and leisure activities.
  • City Tour: Discover the colonial-era architecture, the historic post office, and the cool mountain climate of Nuwara Eliya.
6
Day 06

Scenic Train Journey to Ella

  • Scenic Train Ride: Experience one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, winding through mountains, tea estates, and tunnels.
  • Nine Arch Bridge: Visit this architectural masterpiece, a colonial-era brick railway bridge hidden in lush jungle greenery.
  • Little Adam's Peak: Hike up for spectacular panoramic views over the Ella Gap.
  • Ravana Falls: Visit the iconic roadside waterfall, steeped in local folklore.
7
Day 07

Ella Views and Iconic Landmarks

  • Scenic Train Ride: Experience one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, winding through mountains, tea estates, and tunnels.
  • Nine Arch Bridge: Visit this architectural masterpiece, a colonial-era brick railway bridge hidden in lush jungle greenery.
  • Little Adam's Peak: Hike up for spectacular panoramic views over the Ella Gap.
  • Ravana Falls: Visit the iconic roadside waterfall, steeped in local folklore.
8
Day 08

Yala National Park Safari

  • Jeep Safari: Embark on an adventurous 4x4 open safari jeep tour through Sri Lanka's second-largest wildlife sanctuary.
  • Wild Elephants & Leopards: Search for the famous Sri Lankan leopards and herds of Asian elephants.
  • Bird Watching: Observe a wide variety of endemic and migratory bird species flourishing in the lagoons and forests.
9
Day 09

Mirissa Coast and Seasonal Whale Watching

  • Coconut Tree Hill: Visit the highly photographed dome-like palm tree hill overlooking the blue ocean.
  • Whale Watching (Seasonal): Take an early morning boat cruise to spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat.
  • Beach Relaxation & Ocean Sunset: Spend a relaxing afternoon on the golden sands and enjoy a peaceful sunset.
10
Day 10

Historic Galle Fort and Seaside Streets

  • Galle Dutch Fort: Explore the historic fortified UNESCO World Heritage city built by European colonists.
  • Galle Lighthouse: Walk along the iconic ramparts to the beautiful oceanfront lighthouse.
  • Boutique Streets, Cafés & Shopping: Wander through charming cobblestone streets filled with arts, crafts, souvenirs, and trendy cafés.
11
Day 11

More Time in Galle's Old Quarter

  • Galle Dutch Fort: Explore the historic fortified UNESCO World Heritage city built by European colonists.
  • Galle Lighthouse: Walk along the iconic ramparts to the beautiful oceanfront lighthouse.
  • Boutique Streets, Cafés & Shopping: Wander through charming cobblestone streets filled with arts, crafts, souvenirs, and trendy cafés.
12
Day 12

Colombo Highlights and Departure

  • Colombo City Tour: Explore the highlights of the commercial capital, where colonial charm meets modern skyscrapers.
  • Gangaramaya Temple: Visit the famous architecturally diverse temple on Beira Lake.
  • Galle Face Green: Walk along the seaside urban park promenade.
  • Shopping & Airport Transfer: Enjoy last-minute shopping for souvenirs, tea, and garments, then transfer safely back to the airport for your departure flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) 11 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Airport pickup and drop-off transfers
  • All transfers and sightseeing logistics
  • Fuel, parking, and highway charges
  • 24/7 customer support

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation
  • Daily breakfast

Know before you go

  • Please note that this tour package does not include accommodation or daily breakfast. All hotel bookings and overnight stays must be arranged independently by the guest. The package benefits are solely for premium transport, guiding, and itinerary logistics as detailed below.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Tour start
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

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