Private journey · 14 days / 13 nights
Ancient kingdoms, sacred landmarks, misty tea country, remarkable wildlife and golden tropical shores in one private island journey.
Tour overview
Discover the timeless beauty and remarkable diversity of Sri Lanka on this carefully designed private journey through ancient kingdoms, cultural landmarks, misty mountain landscapes, tea country, wildlife and tropical coastlines.
Begin beside the golden shores of Negombo before exploring the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa and the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Continue through Kandy and the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, with wildlife experiences in Minneriya or Kaudulla and Yala National Parks.
The journey concludes along the beautiful southern coast in Mirissa and Bentota, followed by a final Colombo city experience and private airport transfer. Throughout the tour, guests travel by private air-conditioned vehicle with the services of a professional English-speaking chauffeur-guide.
Day-by-day itinerary
The route can be refined around your dates, preferred pace, hotel style and seasonal conditions.
Meet your private chauffeur-guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo. Unwind after your flight and, when arrival time permits, discover the lagoon, Dutch Canal, colonial heritage and local fishing life.
Overnight: Negombo Approx. travel: 20–30 minutes
Travel to Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and explore its sacred Buddhist landscape of stupas, monasteries, royal ruins and early engineering.
Overnight: Anuradhapura Approx. travel: 4–4½ hours, excluding visits
Discover Polonnaruwa's royal palace, Sacred Quadrangle, Gal Vihara and ancient reservoir before a wildlife safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla, selected according to seasonal elephant movements.
Overnight: Sigiriya Approx. road travel: 4–5 hours, excluding visits and safari
Explore legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress and experience rural Sri Lanka on an authentic village tour, with a bullock-cart journey and time to relax at your resort.
Overnight: Sigiriya Local sightseeing; travel varies by hotel and activity
Travel to Kandy via Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil and a Matale spice garden. Visit the Temple of the Tooth and enjoy an evening Kandyan cultural performance.
Overnight: Kandy Approx. travel: 3½–4½ hours, excluding visits
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens before climbing into tea-covered hills. Pause at Ramboda Falls and a traditional tea factory, then discover Nuwara Eliya's cool climate, lake and colonial character.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Approx. travel: 3–4 hours, excluding visits
Set out early for Horton Plains National Park, where misty grasslands, cloud forest, World's End and Baker's Falls create a memorable highland experience. Return for high tea at the Grand Hotel.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Approx. drive: 2½–3 hours round trip, excluding hike
Ride the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella through mountains, tea estates and villages, then discover Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arches Bridge and Ella's relaxed evening atmosphere.
Overnight: Ella Approx. train: 3½–4½ hours, plus transfers
Descend from Ella toward Tissamaharama, pausing at Ravana Falls before an exciting safari in Yala National Park in search of the region's remarkable wildlife and birdlife.
Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama Approx. travel: 2½–3 hours, excluding stops and safari
Follow the changing landscape toward Mirissa and spend the afternoon beside the Indian Ocean, with time for the beach, Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock.
Overnight: Mirissa Approx. travel: 2½–3 hours
Enjoy the coastline at your own pace. Seasonal whale watching, snorkelling with sea turtles, surfing at Weligama or a visit to Secret Beach can be arranged.
Overnight: Mirissa Local travel according to selected activities
Travel along the southern coastline, explore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and its atmospheric old town, then continue to Bentota for a relaxed beachside evening.
Overnight: Bentota Approx. travel: 2½–3½ hours, excluding Galle
Cruise through the Madu River's mangrove waterways, learn about sea turtle conservation and discover Ambalangoda's traditional mask-making heritage before a final south-coast sunset.
Overnight: Bentota Approx. local road travel: 2–3 hours
Travel toward Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. When the flight schedule permits, enjoy selected cultural, colonial and modern city highlights with time for last-minute shopping.
Departure: Bandaranaike International Airport Approx. travel: 2½–3½ hours, excluding sightseeing
Proposed accommodation
Hotels and room categories remain subject to availability. A comparable property of the same category and standard may be proposed when necessary.
| Destination | Proposed hotel | Nights | Room | Meal plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Negombo | Goldi Sands Hotel | 1 | Standard Room | Bed & Breakfast |
| Anuradhapura | Lolu Village Resort | 1 | Double Room | Bed & Breakfast |
| Sigiriya | Amaya Lake | 2 | Deluxe Room | Bed & Breakfast |
| Kandy | Amaya Hills | 1 | Deluxe Room | Bed & Breakfast |
| Nuwara Eliya | Winchester Little England | 2 | Deluxe Room | Bed & Breakfast |
| Ella | Ella Flower Garden Resort | 1 | Deluxe Room | Bed & Breakfast |
| Yala | EKHO Safari | 1 | Superior Lake View | Bed & Breakfast |
| Mirissa | Triple O Six | 2 | Super Deluxe | Bed & Breakfast |
| Bentota | NH Bentota Ceysands Resort | 2 | Superior Garden View | Bed & Breakfast |
What's covered
Your final quotation will confirm every included service, entrance fee, safari and optional experience.
Important information
Availability. Hotels, room categories, transport, train seats and activities remain subject to reconfirmation at booking.
Wildlife. Minneriya or Kaudulla will be selected according to seasonal elephant movements. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Train journey. Nanu Oya–Ella tickets depend on railway availability. Private road transport will be arranged if seats are unavailable.
Outdoor activities. Safaris, marine activities and nature experiences depend on weather, operating conditions and safety requirements.
Final day. Colombo sightseeing will be adapted to flight time and traffic conditions to ensure a timely airport arrival.
Make it yours
Adjust the pace, hotel style, meal plan, excursions and beach time to create your preferred version of this complete Sri Lanka journey.