Sample itinerary

Wild & wonderful

  • 10 days
  • Active pace
  • Wildlife
  • Heritage & culture
  • Beaches & coast

Ancient sites and hill country, followed by safari days in the dry south-east and a beach finish.

Overview

For travellers who want wildlife at the heart of the trip without missing the classics. After the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, follow the hills down to Yala for game drives in search of elephants, birds and — with luck — leopards, then finish on the south coast. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and park access can change with the season.

Good for: Nature lovers · Photographers · Families with older children

Your route

  1. Negombo
  2. Sigiriya
  3. Kandy
  4. Ella
  5. Yala
  6. South coast

Day by day

Day 1Arrive in Sri Lanka

Arrive near Negombo and rest after your flight.

Day 2To Sigiriya

Travel inland to the Cultural Triangle.

About 4 hours by road Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 3Ancient Sigiriya

Climb the rock fortress in the cool of the morning and explore the surrounding countryside.

Ideas for the day

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Village or lake walk

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 4Kandy

Continue to Kandy, stopping at Dambulla’s cave temples on the way if you wish.

About 3 hours by road Overnight: Kandy

Day 5Train into the hills

Ride the railway through tea country to Ella.

About 6–7 hours by train Overnight: Ella

Day 6Ella

Walk to viewpoints and tea estates around Ella.

Ideas for the day

  • Little Adam’s Peak
  • Nine Arch Bridge

Overnight: Ella

Day 7Down to Yala

Drop from the hills to the dry zone and take an afternoon game drive.

About 2.5 hours by road Overnight: Yala

Day 8Safari day

An early-morning game drive, when animals are most active, with a rest in the heat of the day.

Overnight: Yala

Day 9South coast

Head west along the coast for beach time.

About 2.5–3 hours by road Overnight: South Coast

Day 10Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

About 3 hours to the airport

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.