Grand Sri Lanka: Culture, Wildlife, Tea Hills & Beaches - 9-Day Tour
A 9-day private grand tour of Sri Lanka: temples, tea hills, the Ella train, a Yala leopard safari, whale watching in Mirissa, Galle Fort and beaches, with a private car and driver.
Overview
Ayubowan - "may you live long." Sri Lanka packs an astonishing amount into one small island, and this nine-day journey captures the very best of it. From sacred cities and cool green tea country to leopard-rich national parks, whale-filled seas and palm-fringed beaches, you'll experience the culture, wildlife and coastline of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean in one unforgettable trip. Begin in sacred Kandy, climb into the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya, then ride the world-famous train to Ella and its Nine Arch Bridge. Track leopards and elephants on a 4x4 safari in Yala, watch for blue whales off Mirissa, wander historic Galle Fort, and finish along the golden southern coast - travelling privately with your own driver, on half board, in your choice of 3-star or 4-star hotels.
Who This Trip Is Perfect For
What's Included
Suggested Activities
Day 1 · Arrival & Transfer to Kandy
Airport meet & greet, then a scenic drive to Kandy with an en-route visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (time permitting). Check in and relax. (Dinner)
Day 2 · Sacred Kandy
A full day exploring Kandy: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a traditional Kandyan cultural show, the Kandy Gem Museum and the Hanthana Sanda Giri Maha Seya. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 · Into the Tea Hills — Nuwara Eliya
Climb into the highlands past Ambuluwawa Tower and Ramboda Falls, with a stop at a working tea plantation and factory. Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden, Seetha Amman Temple, the colonial red post office and Gregory Lake. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 · Ella Scenic Train & Transfer to Yala
Board one of the world's most beautiful train rides from Nanu Oya toward Ella. Explore the Nine Arch Bridge, Flying Ravana, Ella Swing and Ravana Falls, then continue to Yala for the night. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 · Yala Leopard Safari & Coast
An early 4x4 morning safari in Yala — one of the world's highest leopard densities, plus elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and 200+ bird species. Afterwards transfer to the coast, visiting Hambantota Bird Park and the Hummanaya blow hole en route. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 · Mirissa Whale Watching & Galle
An early boat trip from Mirissa in search of blue whales, sperm whales, Bryde's whales and dolphins. Later, explore historic Galle Fort — the lighthouse, ramparts, Dutch Reformed Church and museums — and its charming cafés. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 · Bentota — Turtles & Madu River Safari
Relax at the hotel, then visit the Kosgoda turtle hatchery and take a scenic Madu River safari through mangrove forests, birdlife and traditional cinnamon islands. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 · Departure
Breakfast at the hotel, then a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (Breakfast)
