Deluxe Tour of Sri Lanka
Overview
A longer, more comprehensive island route for travellers with the time to see it properly — Colombo, the cultural triangle, an elephant safari at Minneriya, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, tea country in Nuwara Eliya, Ella's hill-country trails, and a jeep safari at Yala before a south-coast finish.
Gallery
Highlights
- Minneriya National Park safari
- Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dambulla cave temple
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens and a cultural performance
- Nuwara Eliya's tea country
- Yala jeep safari — leopards, elephants and more
- South-coast beach finish
Included & excluded
- Accommodation, 3–4 star hotels or similar, half-board basis
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- Assistance of a chauffeur guide
- Government taxes
- 1 litre bottled water per person per day
- Minneriya safari, a Yala jeep safari & Kandy's botanical gardens
- Entrance fees to sights in Sri Lanka
- Airfare and visa fees
- Early check-in / late checkout charges
- Tips and porterage
- Lunch and any other meals not mentioned
Day by day
Arrival — Colombo
Tour Colombo's historic centre — a working bell tower and colonial-era architecture around the bustling Pettah Bazaar, with visits to both Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Colombo → Sigiriya
Travel to the cultural triangle to climb Sigiriya rock fortress.
Polonnaruwa → Minneriya National Park → Sigiriya
Explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa, then an afternoon safari at Minneriya in search of wild elephant herds.
Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
Visit the Dambulla cave temple en route to Kandy.
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Visit the Temple of the Tooth and Royal Botanical Gardens, with a cultural dance performance, before driving up to Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Continue through tea country to Ella, known for hiking trails and hill-country views.
Ella → Yala National Park
Head south for a jeep safari at Yala in search of leopards and elephants.
Yala National Park → Departure
A final safari drive or morning at leisure before transfer to the airport.
Map
Frequently asked questions
What makes this the “deluxe” version compared to the shorter routes?
More time in each place rather than luxury-grade upgrades specifically — it adds a proper Minneriya safari and a fuller hill-country stretch that shorter itineraries have to compress or cut.
Is there a safari at both Minneriya and Yala?
Yes, this is one of the few routes that includes both — Minneriya for elephants, Yala for leopards and broader wildlife.
Is 8 days too long for a first visit?
Not if you want real time in each region rather than a rushed circuit — it's a common length for a first, thorough trip.