Grand Tour — 10 Days

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Meet your driver-guide at Bandaranaike International Airport with a traditional welcome. Transfer to your beach hotel in nearby Negombo, just 20 minutes from the airport. Spend the afternoon at leisure on the beach or exploring the Dutch-influenced fishing town with its colourful boats and bustling fish market.

After breakfast, journey to the heart of the cultural triangle. Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the late afternoon when the heat eases — climb the 1,200 steps for unforgettable 360° views and explore the ancient frescoes and royal water gardens.

Morning visit to Dambulla Cave Temples — five magnificent caves filled with 153 Buddha statues and ancient ceiling frescoes. Continue to Kandy via Matale spice garden for a guided tour and lunch. Evening visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth followed by a traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance.

Morning visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya — one of the finest in Asia. Catch the legendary scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya — regularly named one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. Tour a working Ceylon tea factory in the afternoon with a tasting session.

Drive through stunning hill country to Ella, with stops at Ramboda Falls and Tea Country viewpoints en route. Afternoon hike up Little Adam's Peak — an easy 45-minute walk with breathtaking 360° views over Ella Gap. Visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge to catch the sunset train crossing.

After breakfast, descend from the hills toward the southern plains. Stop at Ravana Falls — one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Arrive in Yala in the afternoon for an evening half-day jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to the highest density of leopards in Asia.

Optional dawn safari for keen wildlife photographers (extra cost). Drive west along the south coast to Mirissa — the famous whale watching base. Afternoon at leisure on Mirissa beach, visit the iconic Coconut Tree Hill at sunset, and watch the famous stilt fishermen at Weligama.

Early morning whale watching boat trip from Mirissa harbour (Nov–Apr) with strong chances of spotting blue whales — the largest animals on Earth. Mid-morning drive to historic Galle. Afternoon walking tour of Galle Fort — a perfectly preserved 17th-century Dutch colonial town. Sunset stroll along the ramparts.

Leisurely drive north along the south coast to Bentota — Sri Lanka's premier beach resort area. Optional Madu River safari through mangroves with kingfishers, water monitors and a cinnamon island. Afternoon at leisure on the golden sand or by the pool.

Final beach morning at leisure. Drive to Colombo for a brief city tour — Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Pettah market and Barefoot for last-minute shopping. Optional lunch at the famous Ministry of Crab. Departure transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.