Highlights of Sri Lanka
Negombo - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala - Mirissa
Overview
Discover the very best of Sri Lanka on this 10-day highlights tour. From the cultural triangle's ancient fortresses and cave temples to misty tea highlands, dramatic train journeys, leopard safaris in Yala, and the whale-watching shores of Mirissa.
Top Stops on This Journey
Popular destinations you'll explore across this 10-day itinerary
Negombo
A major coastal city in Sri Lanka known for its long sandy beaches, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant fishing industry.
Why you'll love it
- Negombo Beach
- Dutch Canal
- Angurukaramulla Temple
Kandy
A large city in central Sri Lanka set among hills and tea plantations, famous for its sacred Buddhist sites.
Why you'll love it
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Kandy Lake
Mirissa
A small seaside town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka renowned for its beautiful beaches and whale watching opportunities.
Why you'll love it
- Mirissa Beach
- Coconut Tree Hill
- Parrot Rock Bridge
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Negombo. Welcome dinner.
- Airport welcome
- Hotel check-in
- Welcome dinner
Negombo – Sigiriya
Drive to Sigiriya. Visit Minneriya National Park for elephant safari.
- Minneriya National Park safari
- Elephant gatherings
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave Temple
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO). Afternoon Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO).
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
Sigiriya – Kandy
Drive to Kandy via spice garden. Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO). Cultural dance show.
- Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Kandyan cultural dance show
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. Tea factory and plantation tour. Drive to Nuwara Eliya.
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Tea factory & plantation
Nuwara Eliya – Ella
Iconic scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella. Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, Ravana Falls.
- Scenic hill-country train
- Nine Arches Bridge
- Little Adam's Peak
Ella – Yala National Park
Drive to Yala National Park. Afternoon jeep safari for leopard spotting.
- Yala National Park safari
- Leopard spotting
Yala – Mirissa
Morning Yala safari. Drive to Mirissa beach. Afternoon at leisure.
- Morning Yala safari
- Mirissa beach
Mirissa – Whale Watching & Beach
Early morning whale-watching boat excursion. Afternoon free for beach leisure.
- Blue whale watching
- Snorkelling
- Beach leisure
Mirissa – Colombo – Departure
Drive to Colombo airport. Optional Colombo stop for shopping.
- Optional Colombo stop
- Airport departure
What's Included
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking guide
- Minneriya & Yala jeep safaris
- Scenic train tickets Nanu Oya–Ella
- Whale-watching excursion
- Kandyan cultural dance show
- Tea factory visit
- All applicable hotel taxes
Not Included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Lunch & dinner (unless specified)
- Monument entrance fees
- Personal expenses
Starting from
AUD $1,189
per person
Free personalised itinerary planning