The classic first-visit route. In eight days you complete the island's great loop: the ancient Cultural Triangle, sacred Kandy, the tea country and its famous train, a Yala safari and the ramparts of Galle Fort. If you want one tour that shows you the essentials of Sri Lanka, start here; the 10-day Explorer adds the south-coast beaches.
Highlights
Sigiriya Lion Rock
Dambulla Cave Temple
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Scenic hill-country train
Nine Arch Bridge
Yala safari
Galle Fort
Pricing
From USD 550 per person
The starting price is per person, based on two travellers sharing a private vehicle. Your price depends on your travel dates, the number of travellers, your hotel category and the activities you choose. Tell us yours and we send a clear, itemised quote with no hidden extras. Payment and cancellation terms are confirmed in writing with your quote (see our booking terms).
A day-by-day overview of your journey, with highlights and experiences at each destination.
DAY1
Airport pickup and transfer straight into the Cultural Triangle. Settle in and relax. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Private transfer from airport
Overnight in Sigiriya
DAY2
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock in the morning light, then the Dambulla Cave Temple and a village experience, with an optional safari to finish. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Sigiriya Lion Rock
Dambulla Cave Temple
Overnight in Sigiriya
DAY3
Pause at a Matale spice garden on the way to Kandy for the city, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and an evening cultural dance show. Overnight in Kandy.
Matale spice gardens
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Overnight in Kandy
DAY4
Tea country: a plantation walk, a factory visit and Ramboda Falls, then sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Tea plantations and factories
Ramboda Falls
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
DAY5
The optional scenic train journey, then Ella's icons: the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak, with the evening free in town. Overnight in Ella.
Kandy to Ella scenic train
Nine Arch Bridge
Overnight in Ella
DAY6
Ravana Falls on the way down to safari country, with an optional evening game drive. Overnight near Yala.
Ravana Falls
Overnight near Yala
DAY7
A morning safari among leopards and elephants, then the southern coastal drive to Galle Fort's historic streets. Overnight in Galle.
Galle Fort
Overnight in Galle
DAY8
Beach and coastal sightseeing, a Colombo city tour, and your airport drop-off.
Airport drop-off
Route map7 stops
Natural Earth
1Colombo
2Sigiriya
3Kandy
4Nuwara Eliya
5Ella
6Yala
7Galle
What is covered
Included & not included
Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole tour
English-speaking driver-guide
Airport pickup and drop-off
Fuel, parking and highway charges
Driver-guide's accommodation and meals
Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
Government taxes
Not included
Yala jeep safari and park entrance fees (we can book them and add them to your quote)
Entrance tickets to sites and temples
Visas or ETA, travel insurance and international flights
Personal expenses and gratuities
Available on request
Accommodation and extras
Not part of the tour price. Ask for any of these and we add them to your quote.
Accommodation: we shortlist hotels in your budget band and add them to your quote
Every vehicle is private and air-conditioned, with your own English-speaking driver-guide. We match the vehicle to your group and luggage; upgrades are quoted on request.
Car
1 to 2 travellersToyota Prius or similar, a comfortable saloon for couples and solo travellers
Van
3 to 7 travellersToyota HiAce or similar, for families and small groups
KDH high-roof van
Larger groupsExtra headroom and luggage space
Minibus
GroupsToyota Coaster or similar, for larger groups
Coach
Large groupsFull-size air-conditioned coach for big groups and events
Optional
Optional activities
Extra cost, chosen by you. We can book them in advance or arrange them on the day.
Scenic hill-country train tickets (subject to availability; your vehicle meets you at the other end)
Kandy cultural dance show tickets
Village experience with bullock cart, lake crossing and home-cooked lunch
Evening game drive on Day 6
Reviews
What travellers say
From Tripadvisor, where we are listed as Holiday Lanka Tours (Pvt) Ltd.
Yes. You travel only with your own group, in your own air-conditioned vehicle with your own English-speaking driver-guide. There are no shared coaches and no strangers.
Is accommodation included?
Not in the base tour. We shortlist hotels in your budget band for each night and add them to your quote, so you can see exactly what you are paying for. If you have already booked hotels, we simply plan the route around them.
Are entrance tickets and safari jeeps included?
No. Entrance tickets, national park fees and safari jeeps are paid separately. We can book them for you and add them to your quote, or you can pay on the day.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every day can be adjusted before you travel, and your driver-guide can make sensible changes on the road, such as starting earlier or adding a stop.
Can we add extra days or change hotels?
Yes. Tell us how many days you have and the kind of places you like to stay, and we will adjust the route and quote.
Which vehicle will we travel in, and can we upgrade?
We match the vehicle to your group and luggage, from a car for one or two travellers to a van for larger groups. Upgrades can be quoted on request.
Is airport pickup included?
Yes. Your driver-guide meets you at Bandaranaike International Airport (Katunayake), day or night, and drops you off at the end.
What if our flight changes?
Send us your new flight details by WhatsApp or email as soon as you know and we will move your pickup time.
Can I book as a single traveller?
Yes. Solo travellers are very welcome, and every tour can be quoted for one person.
How do we confirm the booking?
Send an enquiry or message us on WhatsApp. We reply within 12 hours with a personal itinerary and quote; your booking is confirmed once you accept the quote in writing, and we explain the payment steps at that point.
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