Tour Overview
Culture, hill country, and golden beaches combined. Explore the island's heritage heartland, then unwind on the sun-drenched south coast.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The south coast beaches are at their best November to April. For June—October visits we will advise on which beaches are calm at that time of year.
Arrival & Transfer to Sigiriya
Colombo Airport → Sigiriya
Your driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to Sigiriya (approx. 3.5 hours) for the first night.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave Temple
Sigiriya → Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya Rock in the cool morning, then explore Dambulla's golden cave temples — 153 statues and ancient murals spanning 2,000 years of unbroken Buddhist tradition.
Sigiriya to Kandy — Pinnawala & Temple of the Tooth
Sigiriya → Pinnawala → Kandy
Stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see rescued elephants bathe in the river, then continue to Kandy for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and an evening Kandyan dance performance.
The Scenic Train — Kandy to Ella
Kandy → Ella
The legendary hill country train winds through tea estates, tunnels, and misty valleys to Ella — one of Asia's finest train journeys, with views that improve at every bend.
Ella — Bridges, Waterfalls & Viewpoints
Full day in Ella: hike Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views, walk the tea-estate path to the Nine Arch Bridge, and visit Ravana Falls cascading through the jungle.
Ella to the South Coast
Ella → South Coast
Drive south through the hill country and lowland plains to the south coast. Arrive at your beach hotel in time for sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Beach Day — Mirissa or Unawatuna
A full day to relax on the golden sand beaches of the south coast. Optional whale watching at Mirissa (November—April) or snorkelling at Unawatuna's reef.
Galle Fort & Departure
Galle → Colombo
Morning walk through Galle Fort — the UNESCO-listed Dutch colonial fortification with boutique streets and ocean views — before transferring to Colombo for your departure.
Tour Route
What's Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
- Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Bottled water in vehicle throughout
- Scenic train ticket (Kandy to Ella) — subject to availability
Not Included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches and dinners unless otherwise specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
