Classic Sri Lanka Experience
7 Days / 6 Nights
A perfect introduction to Sri Lanka, combining culture, nature, scenic landscapes, and wildlife. This journey is ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience the highlights of the island in comfort and style.
Day 1 – Arrival & Cultural Triangle
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Meet your private driver and travel towards the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, with the option to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route or continue directly to the Sigiriya - The Lion Rock (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Overnight stay near Sigiriya.
Day 2 – Ancient Heritage & Kandy
Visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Explore a traditional Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices. Continue to Kandy and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 3 – Hill Country & Tea Country
Visit the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. Travel through the scenic hill country, stopping at a Ceylon tea plantation and tea factory. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, including a visit to the iconic Pink Post Office. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 4 – Ella Highlights
Journey to Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque towns. Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge and hike Little Adam’s Peak for breath taking views. Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 5 – Wildlife Adventure
Stop at Ravana Waterfall before travelling south. Enjoy an exciting jeep safari at Yala National Park, home to elephants, leopards, and a wide variety of wildlife. Overnight stay near Yala.
Day 6 – Southern Coast
Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax along the golden sands of Unawatuna Beach. Overnight stay on the southern coast.
Day 7 – Colombo & Departure
Travel to Colombo for a short city tour (time permitting). Transfer to the airport for departure.
What’s Included
- Private transport with an experienced local driver
- Hotel accommodation options (3★ / 4★ / 5★ available)
- Tailor made itinerary
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Flights, entrance fees, and safari jeep fees are typically excluded unless requested.
Optional Beach Extension
For travellers who wish to slow down and unwind after the journey, this itinerary can be extended with a relaxing beach stay on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.Choose to add a few extra nights or a full additional week at a carefully selected beach resort in destinations such as Unawatuna, Bentota, Mirissa, or Ahangama, depending on your preferences. This extension offers the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation — combining a rich cultural journey with peaceful beach time at the end of your holiday.Beach stays are fully flexible and can be arranged to suit your preferred hotel standard and travel style.
Start Planning
This itinerary can be fully customised to suit your travel style, pace, and hotel preferences. Message us to begin planning your bespoke Sri Lanka journey.
Some of Our Classic Journey Highlights
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Rising nearly 200 metres above the surrounding jungle, Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, this ancient royal citadel is famous for its dramatic setting, beautifully preserved frescoes, landscaped water gardens, and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. A visit to Sigiriya offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable highlight of any Sri Lanka journey.
Ella & The Nine Arch Bridge
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country, Ella is a charming mountain town known for its cool climate, lush greenery, and breathtaking views. Surrounded by tea plantations, rolling hills, and waterfalls, Ella offers a peaceful yet adventurous atmosphere that has become a favourite among travellers.
One of the area’s most iconic landmarks is the Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive colonial-era railway bridge built entirely of stone and brick without the use of steel. Set amidst dense jungle and tea fields, the bridge is a remarkable example of early 20th-century engineering and one of the most photographed spots in Sri Lanka. Watching a train pass over the arches is a truly memorable experience.
Visitors to Ella can also enjoy gentle hikes such as Little Adam’s Peak, explore nearby waterfalls, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty — making Ella a perfect balance of scenery, culture, and tranquillity within your journey.
Galle Fort & Southern Coast (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully preserved historic fortress built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, its cobbled streets are lined with colonial architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and museums, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and coastal charm.
Beyond the fort, Sri Lanka’s southern coast is known for its golden beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and crystal-clear waters. Popular areas such as Unawatuna, Mirissa, Bentota, and Ahangama are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, whale watching, or simply unwinding by the sea. This region provides the perfect contrast to the cultural and scenic journey through the island — combining exploration with laid-back beach relaxation.
Yala National Park & Wildlife Safari
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve and one of the best places in Asia to experience a safari. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, and an exceptional diversity of birdlife.
Yala is also renowned for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, making it a prime location for wildlife sightings. Safari experiences are conducted in open-top 4x4 vehicles with experienced local trackers, offering visitors the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat while respecting conservation efforts.
Set against a dramatic landscape of jungles, grasslands, and lagoons, a safari in Yala provides an unforgettable contrast to Sri Lanka’s cultural and scenic regions — adding a true sense of adventure to your journey.
Southern Coast Beaches & Beach Resorts
Sri Lanka’s southern coast is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, warm turquoise waters, and laid-back coastal lifestyle. Destinations such as Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Bentota each offer a unique beach experience, from lively seaside towns to peaceful resort escapes.
Unawatuna Beach is known for its calm waters, golden sands, and vibrant beachfront cafés — ideal for swimming and relaxed coastal living.
Mirissa offers a more tranquil atmosphere, famous for its crescent-shaped bay, stunning sunsets, and seasonal whale watching.
Bentota is perfect for those seeking luxury beach resorts, long sandy beaches, and a quieter, more refined setting.
Carefully selected beach hotels and resorts range from boutique beachfront properties to premium 4★ and 5★ resorts, offering comfort, privacy, and exceptional ocean views. Whether added as part of your journey or as an optional beach extension, the southern coast provides the perfect setting to unwind after exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural and scenic highlights.
Colombo City Highlights
Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, offers a fascinating blend of modern city life and colonial heritage. As the country’s commercial and cultural hub, Colombo showcases historic landmarks, lively markets, contemporary cafés, and a growing skyline along the Indian Ocean.
A city tour may include visits to areas such as Galle Face Green, colonial-era buildings, bustling local markets, and stylish neighbourhoods like Cinnamon Gardens. Colombo also offers excellent shopping opportunities, from traditional handicrafts to modern shopping malls.
As the final stop of your journey, Colombo provides a relaxed introduction to Sri Lanka’s urban lifestyle — a fitting conclusion before departure or a comfortable overnight stay prior to your flight home.
