Top to Bottom Adventure of Sri Lanka
Overview
Travel beyond the classic Sri Lanka tourist route on an 11-day, 10-night Top to Bottom Adventure of Sri Lanka, travelling from the west coast to the northern Jaffna Peninsula before heading south through ancient cities, wildlife parks, the central highlands and Sri Lanka's beautiful southern coastline.
This Sri Lanka private tour is ideal for British, European and Australian travellers who want to see a more varied and less-visited side of the island. Discover the distinct Tamil culture and heritage of Jaffna, explore ancient Anuradhapura, experience wildlife safaris at Wilpattu and Minneriya, visit Dambulla and Kandy, enjoy a genuine Nuwara Eliya tea plantation experience, and finish with Galle Fort, Weligama's beaches and Colombo.
Gallery
Highlights
- Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura
- Experience a Wilpattu National Park jeep safari
- Discover the distinctive Tamil culture and heritage of Jaffna
- Explore local markets and northern Sri Lankan life
- Enjoy a Minneriya National Park safari
- Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Discover Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Experience a working Nuwara Eliya tea plantation and tea factory
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort
- Relax on Weligama Beach
- Experience Sri Lankan coastal life and optional surfing
- Finish with Colombo sightseeing and shopping
Included & excluded
- 10 nights' accommodation in carefully selected star hotels or similar
- Half-board accommodation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance fees to Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya and other attractions
- Wilpattu National Park jeep safari
- Full-day Jaffna sightseeing
- Minneriya National Park jeep safari
- Government taxes
- 1 litre of bottled water per person per day
- International airfare
- Sri Lankan visa fees
- Entrance fees unless specifically stated as included
- Lunches and meals not mentioned
- Optional surfing and water sports
- Optional activities and excursions
- Early check-in or late check-out charges
- Tips and porterage
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Any services not specifically listed under inclusions
Day by day
Arrival — Negombo
Start your Sri Lanka adventure with a short private transfer from Bandaranaike International Airport to the relaxed coastal town of Negombo.
- Airport arrival and private meet-and-greet
- Transfer to Negombo
- Check in to your hotel
- Relax after your international flight
- Enjoy a beach walk or explore the surrounding area
- Overnight in Negombo
Negombo → Anuradhapura → Wilpattu National Park
Travel north into Sri Lanka's cultural heartland before heading into the country's wilderness.
- Depart Negombo after breakfast
- Travel towards Anuradhapura
- Explore selected highlights of the ancient city
- Continue towards Wilpattu National Park
- Enjoy a Wilpattu jeep safari
- Look for elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and birdlife
- Return to your hotel after the safari
Anuradhapura → Jaffna
Continue north to the Jaffna Peninsula and experience a distinctly different side of Sri Lanka.
- Scenic journey towards northern Sri Lanka
- Arrive in Jaffna
- Explore the local surroundings
- Visit Jaffna Fort
- Discover the area's Dutch colonial heritage
- Experience the distinctive Tamil culture and architecture
- Enjoy a relaxed evening in Jaffna
Jaffna
Spend a full day discovering Jaffna's culture, history, food and everyday life.
- Visit the Jaffna Public Library
- Explore Jaffna Fort and its historic surroundings
- Visit selected Hindu temples
- Explore local markets
- Discover traditional northern food and local produce
- Visit coastal areas around the Jaffna Peninsula
- Free time to explore or relax
Jaffna → Minneriya National Park → Habarana
Leave the north behind and travel south towards Sri Lanka's wildlife-rich Cultural Triangle.
- Scenic drive through northern and central Sri Lanka
- Continue towards Minneriya
- Enjoy Minneriya National Park jeep safari
- Look for wild elephants and other wildlife
- Continue to Habarana
- Relax at your hotel
Habarana → Dambulla → Kandy
Continue towards Kandy, stopping at one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural and religious sites.
- Depart Habarana
- Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Continue towards Kandy
- Arrive in Kandy
- Walk around Kandy Lake
- Explore the city and local streets
- Evening at leisure
Kandy → Peradeniya → Nuwara Eliya
Enter Sri Lanka's spectacular tea country, with gardens, waterfalls and a genuine Ceylon tea experience.
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
- Enjoy scenic mountain roads and waterfall stops
- Visit a working tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya
- Learn about tea cultivation and traditional tea production
- Continue to Nuwara Eliya
- Evening at leisure in the cool hill-country climate
Nuwara Eliya → Galle → Weligama
Leave the tea country behind and travel towards Sri Lanka's southern coast.
- Enjoy a relaxed morning in Nuwara Eliya
- Scenic journey from the hills towards the south
- Arrive in Galle
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort
- Walk through historic streets and colonial-era buildings
- Browse local boutiques, cafés and galleries
- Continue to Weligama
- Relax at your beach hotel
Weligama Beach & Coastal Experience
Enjoy a slower day on the south coast after several days of sightseeing and travel.
- Relax on Weligama Beach
- Enjoy swimming and beach time
- Watch traditional coastal fishing activities
- Optional beginner surfing experience
- Explore the local town and coastal area
- Optional short tuk-tuk ride along the coast
Weligama → Colombo
Travel north along Sri Lanka's western coastline towards the capital.
- Enjoy a relaxed morning in Weligama
- Depart for Colombo
- Arrive in Colombo
- Explore selected Colombo city highlights
- Visit Galle Face Green
- Explore the historic Pettah area
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple
- Enjoy some last-minute shopping
- Overnight in Colombo
Colombo → Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Sri Lanka before your private transfer to the airport.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time depending on your flight schedule
- Optional final shopping or short Colombo visit
- Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Departure from Sri Lanka
Map
Frequently asked questions
Why include Jaffna when most itineraries skip the north entirely?
It's a genuinely different region — Tamil culture, Dutch colonial history, its own food — and this route suits travellers who've likely done a south or hill-country trip before and want to see the rest of the island.
Is it comfortable to travel in Jaffna?
Yes, it's a normal part of the domestic tourism circuit today, with good accommodation and a warm reception for visitors.
Is 11 days the minimum for a route that includes the north?
Realistically yes — Jaffna alone is close to a full day's drive from Colombo each way, so a shorter trip would turn it into a rushed detour rather than a proper stop.