11 Days Private Tour of Sri Lanka

Your unforgettable Sri Lankan journey begins with a warm and friendly welcome from our professional English-speaking chauffeur-guide at the airport 🛬. After assisting with your luggage, you’ll travel in comfort and style aboard a private, air-conditioned cab 🚖, heading northeast toward the iconic town of Sigiriya, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. En route, take in the scenic beauty of the countryside—lush green paddy fields, coconut plantations, and glimpses of everyday village life. Upon reaching Sigiriya, check in to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time before setting out to explore the breathtaking Sigiriya Rock Fortress 🗿—a 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site that towers 200 meters above the jungle. Climb to the summit and discover ancient frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and panoramic views of forests and lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see. After a day filled with awe-inspiring history and stunning landscapes, unwind and settle into the peaceful surroundings of Sigiriya for a restful night.
📍Overnight Stay: Sigiriya 🛏️

Following the breakfast, your day begins with an immersive dive into Sri Lanka’s vibrant cultural fabric. Your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you just 10 km (approx. 20 minutes) from your Sigiriya hotel to the charming Sigiriya Craft Village 🎨—a living museum of traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship. Wander through workshops where artisans bring wood, fabric, and metal to life through techniques passed down generations. Watch batik being dyed in bold patterns, masks being chiseled with mythological expressions, and brass turned into gleaming souvenirs. You’ll not only gain insight into these traditional arts, but may also find a perfect keepsake to carry home 🛍️.

Next, travel 20 km south (approx. 30 minutes) to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple) 🛕—a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you gently ascend the steps of the granite outcrop, be greeted by a serene complex of five richly adorned cave sanctuaries. Inside, find over 150 Buddha statues, including a massive 14-meter-long reclining Buddha, as well as intricate frescoes that trace the religious and cultural history of the island. Take a moment to soak in the peace and sweeping views of the surrounding plains 🌄.

Around midday, proceed further south to Matale, located approximately 55 km away (1.5-hour drive) through scenic spice plantations and hills. Here, visit the renowned New Ranweli Spice Garden 🌿. Walk through aromatic plantations of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, and clove while your guide explains their medicinal and culinary values. Sip on a cup of spice-infused tea and breathe in the fragrant mountain air—it’s both a sensory and educational delight 🍵.

By late afternoon, your final leg of the journey begins with a 30 km (approx. 45-minute drive) to the sacred hill city of Kandy, nestled in the Central Highlands. The road winds through forested hills and tea estates, arriving in this UNESCO-listed cultural capital just as the sun dips behind the misty mountains.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the evening. You may enjoy a traditional Kandyan dinner or take a peaceful stroll near the Kandy Lake under starry skies.

📍Overnight Stay: Kandy

After breakfast, prepare for a culturally immersive day in the sacred hill capital of Sri Lanka—Kandy. Your private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur will be at your service throughout this enriching journey, guiding you through the spiritual, natural, and historical treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage City.

Begin your day with a spiritual highlight—the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) 🛕, located in the city center. Revered as one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, this golden-roofed temple houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Walk through its prayer halls filled with offerings, see the intricate carvings, and perhaps witness the morning puja ceremony conducted by resident monks. Take a moment in the serene gardens and soak in the tranquility of this deeply spiritual place.

Next, a short 2 km (approx. 10-minute drive) will take you uphill to the iconic Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue 🧘‍♂️—an 88-foot-tall white statue that looms gracefully above the city. Climb the steps for panoramic 360° views over Kandy, Kandy Lake, and the mist-kissed Knuckles Range in the distance. It’s a moment of peace, ideal for contemplation and photography 📸.

Continue on a short 3 km drive (approx. 10 minutes) to explore the Natural Gems and Gemmological Museum 💎. Discover why Sri Lanka is called the "Island of Gems" as you observe how sapphires, moonstones, and rubies are cut and polished. Learn about traditional gem mining, admire museum displays of priceless stones, and shop responsibly with certified dealers if you wish.

Enjoy some free time in the afternoon for lunch (at your own cost) at a scenic restaurant or café overlooking the lake 🌸.

Post-lunch, stroll through the Kandy Bazaar and Artisan Streets 🛍️, where local vendors showcase batik fabrics, wooden masks, lacquerware, and spices. Let your senses guide you through bustling market scenes and fragrant souvenir shops. Don't miss a walk along the shaded path around Kandy Lake, a man-made marvel built in 1807—watch lotus blooms and local birds as you absorb the city’s colonial charm.

As evening falls, the cultural heartbeat of Kandy comes alive at the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show 💃 (5:30 PM–6:30 PM). Watch dazzling performances of traditional Kandyan dance, fire walking, drum rituals, and masked storytelling, capturing centuries-old traditions in a vibrant hour of visual splendor.

As twilight descends, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

📍Overnight Stay: Kandy

Following the breakfast, embark on a mesmerizing highland journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, where winding roads lead through mist-draped valleys, endless tea plantations 🍃, and cascading waterfalls. Your first stop of the day is the stunning 💦 Ramboda Waterfall (approx. 60 km from Kandy, 2 hours drive), plunging from over 100 meters high — a beautiful natural spot surrounded by forested terrain, perfect for a quick scenic photo break.

Continue uphill and arrive at the renowned 🍵 Damro Labookellie Tea Centre & Estate (approx. 15 km, 30 minutes from Ramboda). Here, enjoy a guided factory tour where you’ll discover the fascinating process of Ceylon tea-making — from plucking and withering to rolling and drying. Round off your visit with a refreshing complimentary cup of freshly brewed high-grown tea while admiring panoramic views of the plantations.

By afternoon, enter Nuwara Eliya, often nicknamed “Little England” for its cool climate and British colonial influence. Before hotel check-in, stop for a brief visit to the iconic 🏤 Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a red-brick Tudor-style building dating back to 1894. If time allows, take a leisurely stroll through 🌸 Victoria Park or along 🌊 Gregory Lake, where horse rides and paddle boating offer a pleasant end to the day.

📍Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya 🛏️

Following breakfast, begin your morning with a visit to the serene Gregory Lake 🌊, located just 2 km from Nuwara Eliya town. In the crisp morning air, take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade, or enjoy paddle boating in a graceful swan-shaped boat 🦢. You may also indulge in freshly picked strawberries from nearby farms 🍓 or opt for a horseback ride 🐎—a delightful way to start your day in this “Little England” of Sri Lanka.

After soaking in the morning tranquility, proceed on a 15-minute drive (approx. 8 km) to the historic Nanu Oya Railway Station 🚉, where you’ll board Sri Lanka’s most scenic train ride bound for Ella 🚆. The journey, lasting approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, winds through misty tea-covered hills, eucalyptus forests 🌲, and cascading waterfalls 💦, offering unmatched views and a glimpse into the highland way of life. Watch out for St. Clair’s Falls, the intricate Demodara Loop, and the picture-perfect Nine Arches Bridge, where many travelers gather for photos and train-spotting 📸.

Upon arrival at Ella Station by mid-to-late afternoon, you’ll be greeted by your private chauffeur-guide and transferred to your hotel in this charming, laid-back hill town nestled between lush mountains 🌄. With cooler temperatures and scenic surroundings, Ella is the perfect escape from the heat of the plains. Spend your evening at leisure—sip a hot cup of Ceylon tea while watching the sun dip below the hills, or take a short walk through town to explore cozy cafés and handicraft boutiques.

📍Overnight Stay: Ella

Following a hearty breakfast, set out on an invigorating day of discovery in the misty mountain haven of Ella, nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Your first stop is the 🌉 Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural gem built during the British colonial period, made entirely of brick and stone without a single piece of steel. The bridge is set in a lush valley and becomes an unforgettable sight when a train rumbles across its graceful arches. A short walk through shaded forest paths brings you to the perfect photo vantage point.

Next, take on the 🥾 hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a scenic trail through emerald tea plantations and small village pathways. While the climb is gentle, the panoramic views at the top are grand—sweeping vistas of Ella Gap, far-off mountain ranges, and cloud-kissed peaks stretch before you. Pause here to breathe in the crisp mountain air, snap some photos, and appreciate the serene surroundings.

After descending, the afternoon is yours to explore Ella’s relaxed town center. You can visit a local café for a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea ☕, pick up a handmade souvenir from a boutique shop 🛍️, or simply unwind at your hotel surrounded by nature.

As the sun sets beyond the hills, you’ll retreat into the peaceful embrace of Ella, your highland sanctuary.

📍Overnight Stay: Ella 🛏️

Following breakfast, check out from your hotel in Nuwara Eliya and embark on an awe-inspiring journey to the southeastern dry zone of Sri Lanka, heading toward the legendary wilderness of Yala. The day begins with a scenic drive 🚗 winding down from the misty hills through lush tea plantations, pine forests, and gushing streams. En route, make a brief yet refreshing stop at the picturesque Ravana Falls 💦 near Ella — a multi-tiered waterfall cascading dramatically over rocky terrain and steeped in mythological tales from the Ramayana. Stretch your legs, capture a few postcard-perfect photos 📸, and enjoy the serene jungle surroundings.

Continue your journey through changing landscapes—from cool mountains to sun-drenched plains—covering a total travel distance of approximately 180 km and a journey time of 5.5 to 6 hours, including sightseeing stops and breaks. By early afternoon, arrive at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary 🐘. In the comfort of a private 4x4 jeep 🚙, set off on a thrilling 3-hour safari, where you might spot elusive leopards, majestic elephants, crocodiles basking in the sun, sloth bears roaming the forest, and hundreds of exotic bird species soaring overhead. Your English-speaking naturalist will enhance the experience by sharing knowledge of animal behavior, park conservation, and hidden wildlife hotspots.

As the sun casts golden hues over the savannah, your safari concludes and you’ll be transferred to your lodge or hotel near the park. Spend the evening soaking in the sounds of the wild under a starlit sky—an unforgettable close to your day of exploration and adventure.
📍Overnight Stay: Yala 🛏️

After breakfast, bid farewell to the wild plains of Yala as you begin a picturesque coastal journey southwest toward the palm-fringed shores of Mirissa. Your private chauffeur will guide you through serene backroads and coastal villages, with scenic views of the Indian Ocean accompanying you for most of the drive. The route covers approximately 150 km and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, including leisure stops.

Your first destination is the serene Tangalle Beach 🏝️ (Approx. 80 km / 2.5 hrs from Yala), a quiet, uncrowded stretch of coast known for its wide sandy shores, gently lapping waves, and peaceful ambiance. Here, take a one-hour break to dip your toes in the sea, sip on a fresh king coconut 🥥, or simply relax on the warm golden sand while watching local fishermen at work—a true escape from the bustle of the world.

Resuming your drive along the southern coastline, you'll pass fishing villages and lush paddy fields until you reach the laid-back paradise of Mirissa by mid-afternoon. Before heading to your hotel, stop at the legendary Coconut Tree Hill 🌴, an elevated red cliff dotted with perfectly aligned coconut palms overlooking the vibrant blue waters of the Indian Ocean. A favorite among photographers and Instagrammers, this iconic spot is ideal for snapping panoramic shots and catching the glow of a tropical sunset if time allows.

As dusk begins to set, check in at your beach resort, where the rhythm of the waves and salty sea breeze welcome you to an evening of tropical bliss. You may opt to relax by the pool, take a sunset stroll on the beach, or indulge in fresh seafood at a beachfront café to end the day on a perfect note.

📍Overnight Stay: Mirissa 🛏️

Following the early morning hours, set off on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure 🐋 from Mirissa Harbour. Departing just before sunrise, this approximately 4-hour ocean expedition takes you deep into the Indian Ocean where sightings of blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, and sea turtles are common during the season. Enjoy the magical experience of watching these gentle giants rise and dive against the backdrop of the rising sun, with the sea breeze and ocean spray adding to the thrill.

Return to shore by mid-morning and enjoy a well-deserved tropical breakfast at your hotel. After freshening up, your journey continues northward along the scenic southern coastline. Your next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Galle Fort 🏰 (Approx. 40 km | 1 hour drive from Mirissa).

Spend about 2 hours wandering through the 17th-century Dutch fort, a stunning blend of colonial architecture and coastal charm. Explore cobbled alleys, browse through local art galleries and boutiques, and relax at one of the chic seaside cafés. Don't miss walking along the historic ramparts, which offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the iconic Galle Lighthouse—a perfect setting for memorable photos and peaceful reflection.

By late afternoon, resume your journey and head to Hikkaduwa (Approx. 20 km | 45 minutes), a bustling beach town known for its vibrant coral reefs, colorful nightlife, and laid-back surfer vibe. Once you check in, feel free to unwind on the golden sands, dip into the warm waters, or explore the beach promenade lined with shops and eateries.

📍Overnight Stay: Hikkaduwa 🛏️

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your drive to the vibrant capital city of Colombo, located approximately 120 km away. The journey by private and exclusive air-conditioned cab 🚗, driven by your friendly English-speaking chauffeur, takes around 2 hours, passing through changing landscapes—from coastal charm to urban vibrancy.

Upon arrival, embark on a guided city tour that blends historical landmarks with modern energy. Your first stop is the serene Gangaramaya Temple 🛕—a unique and eclectic shrine that combines Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural influences. Admire its ornate interiors, spiritual ambiance, and the museum of rare religious artifacts housed within.

Next, drive to Independence Square 🇱🇰, a national monument that honors Sri Lanka’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1948. The elegant pavilion and expansive grounds offer an ideal spot for peaceful reflection and photography 📸. Just a short drive away lies Galle Face Green, a breezy seaside promenade where locals gather for kites, snacks, and sunsets 🌅. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in coastal city vibes.

In the afternoon, explore the Colombo National Museum 🏛️—Sri Lanka’s largest museum, home to a treasure trove of royal regalia, ancient manuscripts, and cultural relics that narrate the island’s fascinating past. Conclude your city experience with a walk through the bustling lanes of Pettah Market 🛍️, where vibrant stalls brim with colorful fabrics, spices, handcrafted goods, and local street food delicacies 🍢.

As the sun sets over the skyline, return to your hotel for a relaxed evening in the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital.
📍Overnight Stay: Colombo 🛏️

Following breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning with time for any last-minute shopping 🛍️ or a leisurely stroll through Colombo’s vibrant streets. If your flight is scheduled for the evening or night, you may check out from the hotel and securely store your luggage in the hotel's locker room 🧳. With your hands free, explore the nearby attractions 🏞️, indulge in a delicious local meal 🍛, or simply relax at a cozy café ☕ while taking in the city one last time.

When you're ready, return to the hotel at your convenience, where our dedicated driver will be ready in your private, air-conditioned cab 🚖 to transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport as per your flight schedule. As you bid farewell to the tropical charm, cultural wonders, and heartfelt hospitality of Sri Lanka, you’ll carry home cherished memories from an extraordinary journey.

Safe Travels !