Sri Lanka · Wildlife

12-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Safari, Heritage and Whale Watching

12 Days Round trip from Canada Friendship Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Marvel at the magnificent Buddha idols inside Dambulla Cave Temple
  • 02 Visit Mihintale, where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka
  • 03 Climb Sigiriya Lion's Rock for sweeping views from the summit
  • 04 Pay your respects at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
  • 05 Ride the scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • 06 Enjoy a wildlife safari in Yala National Park
  • 07 Spot blue whales and dolphins off Mirissa
  • 08 Visit Galle Fort and a turtle farm along Sri Lanka's southern coast

Embark on a 12-day journey through Sri Lanka's cultural, spiritual, wildlife, and coastal highlights. Visit renowned landmarks such as Dambulla Cave Temple, Nalanda Gedige, Sigiriya Lion's Rock, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Experience wildlife on safari in Yala National Park, spot dolphins and blue whales in Mirissa, and admire the scenic beauty between Nuwara Eliya and Ella. The tour also includes time by the southern beaches, with visits to Galle Fort, a turtle farm, and Colombo en route to the airport.

Experience wildlife on safari in Yala National Park, spot dolphins and blue whales in Mirissa, and admire the scenic beauty between Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Anuradhapura, Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Matara, Bentota, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Habarana, Katunayake, Hikkaduwa, Yapahuwa
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival and Dambulla Cave Temple Visit

  • Transfer from the airport to Yapahuwa, the 3rd capital of Sri Lanka.

  • In the evening, visit Dambulla Cave Temple with your Sri Lankan guide.

Overnight stay at Dambulla.

2
Day 02

Anuradhapura Sacred City and Mihintale

  • Transfer from Dambulla to Anuradhapura, the 1st capital of Sri Lanka.

  • Visit the ancient sacred city.

  • In the evening, go to Mihintale, where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

3
Day 03

Sigiriya Lion's Rock and Evening Safari

  • Climb Sigiriya, also known as Lion's Rock, in the morning.

  • Join an evening safari through the national park.

Overnight stay at Polonnaruwa.

4
Day 04

Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Sigiriya Activities

  • After an early breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa, the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka.

  • Visit the ancient city in the morning, then continue to Sigiriya in the evening.

  • Enjoy activities such as a village tour and visits to wood-carving factories in Sigiriya.

Overnight stay at Sigiriya/Habarana.

5
Day 05

Journey to Kandy and Temple of the Tooth

  • After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kandy, the last capital and kingdom of Sri Lanka.

  • Visit Nalanda Gedige.

  • In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

6
Day 06

Peradeniya Gardens and Tea Country to Nuwara Eliya

  • After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Nuwara Eliya.

  • En route, visit the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, as well as tea plantations and factories, including the first tea factory in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan tea, known worldwide as Ceylon tea, is especially well known. Scenic viewpoints and waterfalls will also be visible along the way.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

7
Day 07

Nuwara Eliya City Tour and Ella Landmarks

  • After breakfast, leave for a city tour of Nuwara Eliya.

  • Visit Little Adam's Peak, Ella Gap, Nine Arch Bridge, and more.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

8
Day 08

Scenic Train Ride to Ella and Transfer to Yala

  • In the afternoon, catch a train for a scenic ride to Ella.

Overnight stay in Yala.

9
Day 09

Yala Safari and Coastal Journey to Mirissa

  • Enjoy an early morning safari in Yala National Park.

  • After lunch at the hotel, leave for Mirissa.

  • En route, visit the Blow Hole, Wewurukannala Buddhist Temple, Matara City, and more.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

10
Day 10

Whale Watching and Galle Fort Visit

  • Go for an early morning blue whale and dolphin-watching tour.

  • After lunch, leave for Hikkaduwa.

  • En route, visit Galle Fort in Galle.

Overnight stay at Hikkaduwa.

11
Day 11

Beach Time, Turtle Farm, and Bentota Transfer

  • Relax on the beach.

  • Transfer to Bentota.

  • Visit a turtle farm.

Overnight stay in Bentota.

12
Day 12

Beach Relaxation, Colombo Visit, and Airport Transfer

  • Relax on the beach.

  • Visit Colombo City en route.

  • Transfer to the airport according to your flight time.

Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Lion's Rock, Yala National Park, blue whale sightings off Mirissa

Where this trip takes you

Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Lion's Rock, Yala National Park, blue whale sightings off Mirissa

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Canada Friendship Rd 17 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private air-conditioned 4-seater Toyota KDH Hiace luxury minivan with rear space for heavy luggage

  • Sri Lankan chauffeur/guide service for the entire tour

  • Fuel for the entire tour

  • Passenger insurance for all guests

  • Government taxes/VAT

  • Driver's meals and lodging charges

  • Any toll fees

What's Not Included

  • Guest meals and beverage charges

  • Entrance fees at all sites as per the given itinerary

  • Safari tickets and fees for whale watching

  • Accommodation

  • Tips

Know before you go

  • The day-wise itineraries are flexible; guests may choose to remove or alter any sites or activities, provided this remains within the time and budget allocated to the tour.

  • The guide can suggest and arrange any extra activity that might interest you. However, this would be at your own expense.

  • The guide can recommend restaurants for lunch and dinner if required.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Canada Friendship Rd, කටුනායක 11450, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Canada Friendship Rd, කටුනායක 11450, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Canada Friendship Rd.

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