Sri Lanka: Legendary Trails & Coasts - 9 Nights / 10 Days

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your private chauffeur for a comfortable transfer via the Southern Expressway to the historic coastal city of Galle. The journey covers approximately 155 kilometers over 2.5 hours. 

Upon arrival, step into the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, celebrated for its Dutch colonial architecture, cobbled alleyways, boutique shops, and charming cafes. In the late afternoon, walk along the historic ramparts to take in panoramic sunset views over the Indian Ocean. Conclude your evening with a tranquil stroll through the vibrant fortifications before checking in. 

Overnight stay at Galle.

Following breakfast, depart Galle and drive along the scenic southern coastline toward Yala National Park. The route covers 170 kilometers in approximately 3.5 hours. Check into your accommodation upon arrival and prepare for an afternoon wilderness adventure. 

Board an open 4x4 safari jeep to enter Yala National Park, home to one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Traverse the arid scrublands with a camera ready to spot Asian elephants, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and vibrant endemic birdlife. 

Overnight stay at Yala.

After breakfast, leave the dry zone plains behind and journey 100 kilometers (approx. 2.5 hours) to the mountain village of Ella. Pause to admire Ravana Falls and view the iconic Nine Arch Bridge set amid dense jungle greenery. 

Board the train at Ella Station for a world-renowned scenic rail journey to Nanu Oya. Your driver will meet you at Nanu Oya Station to complete the short 10-kilometer transfer (25 minutes) to Nuwara Eliya. 

Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.

Begin your morning with a visit to a tea plantation and processing factory to learn how world-famous Ceylon tea is cultivated, hand-picked, and crafted. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed high-altitude tea against the backdrop of emerald rolling hills. 

Next, embark on an 80-kilometer scenic drive down mountain roads (approx. 3 hours) toward Kandy, stopping en route at Ramboda Falls. Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, housing Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist relic. Conclude the day with a cultural performance featuring traditional drumming and fire-walking. 

Overnight stay at Kandy.

After breakfast, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe rescued and orphaned elephants as they feed and bathe together in the nearby river. Continue your drive through the Cultural Triangle, covering 85 kilometers in about 2 hours to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Dambulla Cave Temple complex. Ascend to explore five spacious caves adorned with ancient wall murals and over 150 statues of Lord Buddha. 

Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

Ascend the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning, climbing 200 meters up the granite monolith to marvel at the ancient Mirror Wall, Lion Gate, and summit ruins. 

Afterward, travel to the ancient royal capital of Polonnaruwa to explore its preserved royal palaces, stone shrines, and the colossal Buddha statues of Gal Vihara. In the afternoon, travel to Minneriya National Park for a private jeep safari, where wild elephant herds gather around the central reservoir alongside wild buffalo and water birds. 

Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

Following breakfast, travel 100 kilometers (approx. 2.5 hours) northeast from the Cultural Triangle to the coastal haven of Trincomalee. Upon arrival, visit the cliffside Koneswaram Temple perched atop Swami Rock, offering panoramic ocean vistas. 

Explore the neighboring Fort Frederick, a historic fortress built by Portuguese and Dutch colonial forces. Afterward, transfer to your beach resort for an afternoon of relaxation by the sea. 

Overnight stay at Trincomalee.

Spend a full day resting on the golden beaches of Trincomalee. Relax by the resort pool or swim in the clear waters. Optional activities include a snorkeling trip to Pigeon Island National Park to experience marine life or a seasonal dolphin and whale-watching excursion depending on sea conditions. 

Overnight stay at Trincomalee.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive across the island back toward the west coast city of Negombo. This route covers approximately 230 kilometers and takes roughly 5 hours. 

Upon arrival in Negombo, take a brief city tour featuring the historic Dutch Canal, St. Mary’s Church with its stained-glass windows, the bustling fish market, and the coastal beach road. Unwind at your hotel and prepare for your homeward journey. 

Overnight stay at Negombo.

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home. The 12-kilometer drive from Negombo takes approximately 20 minutes. Please arrive at the terminal three hours prior to your scheduled international flight departure.