Your journey at a glance
Designed as a starting point, never a fixed package.
A complete loop through the cultural triangle, the hill country by rail, a private safari and a proper stretch on the south coast — the itinerary we point most first-time visitors towards.
The journey
Day by day
Follow the route as a guide, then tell us what you'd like to change. We can adjust the pace, hotels, experiences and time in each place around you.
- 01
Habarana
Arrival — Habarana
Arrive into Colombo and drive to Habarana, gateway to the cultural triangle. After settling in, head out on an evening jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, known for its seasonal gatherings of wild elephants.
- 02
Anuradhapura
Habarana — Anuradhapura — Habarana
Spend the day exploring Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and a living Buddhist heritage site of towering stupas and monastery ruins dating back over two thousand years. Return to Habarana for the night.
- 03
Kandy
Habarana — Kandy
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress on the way to Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sinhalese kings. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and take in a traditional cultural dance performance.
- 04
Kandy
Kandy
A full day around Kandy: the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala in the morning, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya in the afternoon, and an early walk through the Udawattakele forest reserve for those who want it before breakfast.
- 05
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy — Nuwara Eliya
Drive up into the hills, stopping at a working tea estate and factory along the way. Nuwara Eliya still carries its colonial-era character — spend the afternoon around Gregory Lake at the town's cool, 1,868m altitude.
- 06
Ella
Nuwara Eliya — Ella
Board the train from Nanu Oya to Ella — three hours through some of the most photographed tea-country scenery on the island. Settle into Ella for the night.
- 07
Yala
Ella — Yala
Walk out to the Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Gap in the morning, then drive south towards Yala. Break at the Ravana waterfall and caves, and visit Kataragama Temple — sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike — at evening prayers.
- 08
Bentota
Yala — Bentota
An early private jeep safari through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most visited park and one of the best places on earth to see a wild leopard. Afterwards, drive to Bentota on the south coast, stopping at Galle Fort along the way.
- 09
Bentota
Bentota
A gentler day: the turtle conservation centre at Kosgoda in the morning, then a boat safari through the mangroves of the Madu River in the afternoon.
- 10
Colombo
Bentota — Colombo — Departure
Check out and drive towards the airport via Colombo, with time for a short city tour of Sri Lanka's commercial capital before your onward flight.
Not quite the right fit?
Explore other journeys
Every route is a starting point. Compare lengths and choose the one closest to the trip you have in mind.
Highlights Express
The essentials, unhurried — for a first trip with limited time.
View itinerary →
Grand Ceylon Explorer
The full island, unhurried — for travellers who want it all.
View itinerary →
North & East Coast Explorer
The island most visitors never see — Kalpitiya, Jaffna and the east coast.
View itinerary →