Classic Highlights 9 Nights / 10 Days
10-Day Sri Lanka Complete Highlights
Cultural Triangle, Ella Scenic Train, Yala Safari & Coast
Dambulla Sigiriya Kandy Nuwara Eliya Ella Yala Mirissa Galle Colombo
Duration 10 days / 9 nights
Destinations 9 stops
Transport Private chauffeur
From $980 / person 2 sharing · excl. flights
About This Tour
The most popular route we run, and the one we recommend to most first-time visitors. Ten days is enough to add Polonnaruwa, the Ella train and a Yala safari to the classic circuit without any day feeling rushed.
Best time to travel December – April
Pace Comfortable — two nights in most locations
Tour Highlights
Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
Kandy & Tea Gardens
Ella Scenic Blue Train
Yala National Park Safari
Your Day-by-Day Journey
- Day 1
Arrival & Transfer to Dambulla
Dambulla- Airport reception and private chauffeur transfer to Dambulla.
- Day 2
Sigiriya & Minneriya Elephant Gathering Safari
Sigiriya- Morning Sigiriya fortress climb, afternoon wild elephant safari.
- Day 3
Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom Ruins
Sigiriya- Explore ancient royal palace ruins by bicycle or vehicle.
- Day 4
Drive to Kandy & Royal Botanical Gardens
Kandy- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens and Kandy Lake.
- Day 5
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Highlands
Nuwara Eliya- Scenic highland drive past waterfalls and tea pickers.
- Day 6
Ella Scenic Train Ride & Nine Arch Bridge
Ella- Board world-famous blue train from Nanu Oya to Ella.
- Sunset at Nine Arch Bridge.
- Day 7
Little Adam's Peak & Yala National Park
Yala- Hike Little Adam's Peak, transfer to Yala wildlife zone.
- Day 8
Yala Jeep Safari & Galle Fort Transfer
Mirissa- Dawn leopard safari in Yala, transfer to historic Galle Fort.
- Day 9
Galle Dutch Fort Walking Tour & Beach
Galle- Explore UNESCO Galle Dutch Fort ramparts and lighthouse.
- Day 10
Colombo City Tour & Airport Departure
Colombo- Transfer to Colombo for last minute souvenirs and airport dropoff.
Booking Information
How to Proceed
- Let us know if you would like to customise the itinerary above — every tour is a starting point, not a fixed package.
- Once the travel plan is agreed, we send you a written quotation with several accommodation options.
- Accommodation options include 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels, boutique hotels, nature hotels, villas, and camping or glamping.
- When the plan and accommodation are agreed, you lock the package with an advance payment. The percentage depends on how much time remains before your travel date.
- Payments to Sri Lanka can be made by bank transfer.
- Please read the Cancellation Policy and Terms & Conditions before confirming your reservation.
Inclusions
- 9 nights in 3–4 star boutique hotels with breakfast
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur-guide
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Jeep and tracker for the Yala game drive
- Fuel, tolls, parking and all driver expenses
Exclusions
- International flights and visa (ETA)
- Heritage site entrance tickets (budget $100–150 per person)
- Lunches, dinners and personal expenses
- Train seat reservations and optional activities
- Tips for driver and hotel staff
Sustainable Practice Policy
- We work with locally owned hotels, guesthouses and villas wherever possible, so the money you spend stays in the communities you visit.
- Our chauffeur guides are Sri Lankan, employed directly, and paid a living wage with accommodation and meals covered on every tour.
- We do not offer elephant rides or any activity involving captive wildlife performance. Wildlife is viewed in national parks, from licensed jeeps, at a respectful distance.
- Vehicles are maintained and routed to reduce unnecessary mileage, and we give every guest a refillable water bottle to cut single-use plastic.
- We follow the SLTDA guidelines on responsible tourism and brief every guest on temple etiquette and local customs before arrival.
Interested in this itinerary?
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll come back with a written quotation, including accommodation options at your preferred star level. No obligation, and every itinerary can be adjusted.
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