Medium tour

9-Day Classic Sri Lanka Round Tour: Ancient Cities, Hill Country, Safari & Beach

Sri Lanka

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Tour type
Round tour
Location
Sri Lanka

Overview

This 9-day classic Sri Lanka round tour follows the island’s most loved circuit, from the sacred ruins of the north to the leopard country of the south. It adds Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first great capital, to the standard route, and gives you two relaxed nights in the cool hill country before heading to the coast.

Expect ancient dagobas and Buddhist pilgrims, rock fortresses and cave temples, tea plantations and misty mountain viewpoints, a wildlife safari and a final seaside stay near Bentota or Galle. A private chauffeur-guide drives you in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, so you can stop for photos, local snacks and village visits whenever you like. A great fit for travellers who want a complete Sri Lanka trip without rushing.

Highlights

  • Anuradhapura sacred city
  • Mihintale
  • Sigiriya Rock
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Temple of the Tooth
  • Tea plantation visit
  • Ella viewpoints and Nine Arches Bridge
  • Yala safari
  • Galle Fort
  • South coast beaches

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Colombo Airport (Negombo) to Anuradhapura

    Head north through Kurunegala and Dambulla to Anuradhapura (about 4 to 5 hours). If time allows, visit the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, as pilgrims gather at dusk. Overnight in Anuradhapura.

  2. Day 2

    Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Sigiriya

    Explore the ancient city's giant white stupas, such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanarama, and climb Mihintale, where Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. Continue to Sigiriya (about 2.5 hours). Overnight in Sigiriya.

  3. Day 3

    Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa

    Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise or early morning. Spend the afternoon at Polonnaruwa, with its Gal Vihara Buddha statues and royal ruins, by bicycle or vehicle. Overnight in Sigiriya.

  4. Day 4

    Sigiriya to Kandy

    Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, then stop at a Matale spice garden and a woodcarving or batik workshop. Reach Kandy in the afternoon, then visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and watch a Kandyan dance show. Overnight in Kandy.

  5. Day 5

    Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

    Browse Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens in the morning, then drive up through tea country to Nuwara Eliya (about 3.5 to 4 hours). Tour a tea factory and enjoy tea tasting. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

  6. Day 6

    Nuwara Eliya to Ella

    Take an early trip to Horton Plains and World's End, or ride the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella. Spend the afternoon at the Ravana Falls and Nine Arches Bridge. Overnight in Ella.

  7. Day 7

    Ella to Yala

    Start with a short walk up Little Adam's Peak, then drive to the Tissamaharama and Yala area (about 2.5 hours). Take an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park, looking for leopards, elephants and sloth bears. Overnight near Yala.

  8. Day 8

    Yala to the South Coast

    Optional second early safari, then drive along the coast (about 3 to 4 hours) to Galle for a walk around the Dutch-era fort. Continue to your beach hotel near Bentota. Overnight on the south-west coast.

  9. Day 9

    Beach Morning and Departure

    Enjoy a final swim or a river safari on the Bentota River, then transfer to Colombo Airport (about 2.5 hours) for your flight.

Good to Know

Sri Lanka has two monsoons. The south and west coast are best from November to April, while the east coast is best from May to September.