Deluxe Tour of Sri Lanka
Overview
Experience the best of Sri Lanka on an 8 Days / 7 Nights Deluxe Tour, combining ancient heritage, wildlife, tea country, scenic mountain journeys, the famous hill-country train ride and relaxing time on the south-west coast.
The journey begins in the cultural heartland with Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pinnawala, followed by an evening elephant safari at Minneriya National Park. Continue through Kandy, the tea-covered mountains of Nuwara Eliya and the spectacular Nuwara Eliya–Ella scenic train journey.
The second half of the journey brings you closer to Sri Lanka's wildlife and coast, with a Yala National Park jeep safari, a relaxing stay in Bentota and a final day exploring Colombo and enjoying some last-minute souvenir shopping before departure.
Gallery
Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Minneriya National Park evening safari
- Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- Matale Spice Garden
- Nuwara Eliya tea plantations and tea factory
- Scenic Nuwara Eliya–Ella train journey
- Ella's mountain scenery and Little Adam's Peak
- Yala National Park jeep safari
- Relaxing beach time in Bentota
- Colombo city sightseeing
- Last-minute souvenir shopping in Colombo
Included & excluded
- 7 nights' accommodation in the selected hotel category
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport pickup and departure transfer
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees to Sigiriya, Pinnawala, Peradeniya, Temple of the Tooth and other attractions
- Minneriya National Park jeep safari
- Yala National Park jeep safari
- Scenic Nuwara Eliya–Ella train journey
- 1 litre drinking water per person per day
- Driver and vehicle-related expenses
- Applicable hotel and government taxes
- International flights and airfare
- Sri Lanka visa / ETA fees
- Lunches
- Optional Kandyan cultural dance
- Additional/optional safaris
- Optional Bentota boat trips and water sports
- Train seat upgrades or special-class tickets, if applicable
- Personal expenses, shopping and beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Early check-in or late check-out charges
- Any services not specifically mentioned under Included
Day by day
Arrival — Pinnawala → Sigiriya
Begin your Sri Lankan adventure with a journey from the airport towards the cultural triangle.
- Airport arrival and private meet-and-greet
- Private transfer towards Sigiriya
- Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Continue towards Sigiriya
- Check in to your hotel
- Optional village or countryside experience
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Sigiriya area
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Sigiriya → Minneriya National Park
Discover one of Sri Lanka's most iconic ancient sites before heading into the wilderness for an evening safari.
- Early morning visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Return to the hotel and relax
- Evening Minneriya National Park jeep safari
- Search for wild elephant herds
- Return to your hotel after the safari
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Sigiriya → Matale → Kandy
Travel from the cultural triangle into Sri Lanka's central highlands, combining local experiences with Kandy's cultural heritage.
- Breakfast and departure from Sigiriya
- Visit a Matale Spice Garden
- Learn about Sri Lanka's famous spices and traditional Ayurvedic plants
- Continue towards Kandy
- Visit Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- Visit Kandy Lake
- Explore the historic city centre
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Optional Kandyan cultural dance performance
- Overnight in Kandy
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Continue into the cool, green tea country of Sri Lanka.
- Morning departure from Kandy
- Stop at waterfalls and mountain viewpoints
- Travel through tea-covered landscapes
- Visit a working tea plantation
- Visit a tea factory
- Learn about Sri Lankan tea production
- Arrive in Nuwara Eliya
- Visit Gregory Lake, subject to time and weather
- Relax at your hotel
- Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya → Ella by Scenic Train
Enjoy one of Sri Lanka's most memorable journeys aboard the famous hill-country train.
- Morning transfer to the railway station
- Board the scenic Nuwara Eliya area–Ella train
- Travel through tea plantations, forests, valleys and mountain scenery
- Arrive in Ella
- Transfer to your hotel
- Explore Ella town
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge, subject to time and train operations
- Optional Little Adam's Peak walk
- Overnight in Ella
Ella → Yala National Park
Leave the mountains behind and continue south towards Sri Lanka's famous wildlife region.
- Breakfast and departure from Ella
- Visit Ravana Falls
- Arrive near Yala National Park
- Hotel check-in and relaxation
- Afternoon or evening Yala jeep safari
- Return to your hotel after the safari
- Overnight near Yala
Yala → Bentota → Colombo
Continue from Sri Lanka's wildlife-rich south towards the south-west coast, with time to enjoy Bentota before heading towards Colombo.
- Optional early-morning Yala safari, depending on safari timing
- Depart towards the south-west coast
- Arrive in Bentota
- Relax by the beach
- Optional river cruise or water activities, subject to weather and availability
- Evening at leisure
- Overnight in Colombo
Colombo City Tour → Departure
Finish your Sri Lankan holiday with a relaxed exploration of Colombo and time for last-minute shopping before your flight.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Colombo city sightseeing
- Visit Galle Face Green
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple
- Explore the vibrant Pettah Market
- Enjoy last-minute souvenir shopping
- Free time for lunch or refreshments
- Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Departure from Sri Lanka
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.