Sample itinerary
Wild & wonderful
Route: Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala, South coast
Sample itinerary
The island edit
Ancient rock fortresses, a temple city, the famous hill-country train and a slow finish on the south coast.
Overview
A balanced first look at Sri Lanka. Start among the ancient sites of the Cultural Triangle, settle into Kandy, ride the scenic railway into the hills around Ella, then unwind on the south coast with time to explore Galle Fort. It is a classic loop for good reason — and every part of it can be reshaped around you.
Good for: First-time visitors · Couples · Friends
Your route
Day by day
Day 1Arrive in Sri Lanka
Land at the international airport near Negombo and take an easy first evening by the sea to recover from the journey.
Day 2Into the Cultural Triangle
Head inland to the Sigiriya area, surrounded by forest, lakes and village paddy fields.
Ideas for the day
- Late-afternoon walk or cycle through nearby villages
- Sunset from Pidurangala rock
Day 3Sigiriya and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya early, before the heat, then visit the painted cave temples of Dambulla.
Ideas for the day
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Dambulla cave temples
Day 4On to Kandy
Travel south through spice-growing country to Kandy, the hill capital set around its lake.
Ideas for the day
- Evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Day 5Kandy at your pace
Spend a day exploring the town, its markets and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.
Ideas for the day
- Peradeniya botanical gardens
- Walk around Kandy Lake
Day 6The scenic train to Ella
One of the island’s great journeys: the railway climbs through tea estates, tunnels and cloud forest to Ella.
Day 7Ella’s viewpoints
A day for short hikes and big views, with plenty of time for cafés in between.
Ideas for the day
- Little Adam’s Peak
- Nine Arch Bridge
Day 8Down to the south coast
Descend from the hills to the palm-fringed south coast for some well-earned beach time.
Day 9Galle Fort
Wander the ramparts, lanes and lighthouse of Galle’s historic fort, then return to the beach.
Ideas for the day
- Walk the fort ramparts at sunset
Day 10Departure
Transfer back to the airport via the Southern Expressway for your flight home.
Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and stops.
Inclusions and exclusions
What’s included?
Accommodation, transport, activities and prices are not fixed on this page. Your personalised proposal will list exactly what is and isn’t included before anything is booked.
