Grand Island Explorer
The whole of Sri Lanka in one unforgettable loop
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Approx. distance
~1350 km
Destinations
11 stops
Trip highlights
- Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock at sunrise
- Scenic Kandy → Ella train ride
- Leopard safari in Yala National Park
- Sunset on Galle Fort ramparts
- Blue whale watching in Mirissa
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What will this trip cost?
Already set up for this itinerary. Change the vehicle, days or travellers and the price updates instantly.
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How many days?
1 – 2 days
Pay per KM
3 – 5 days
$50 / day
6+ days
$40 / day · best value
Where are you going?
Optional — day rate applies, distance is unlimitedAirport → Negombo → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa → Galle → Colombo → back
Estimated road distance
Travellers & date
Your route
Tap a stop to learn more about it.
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1Arrival & Negombo beach
Airport welcome with a garland, check in, sunset seafood dinner on the beach.
Negombo Overnight: Negombo - 2
Day 2Ancient Anuradhapura
Cycle between giant stupas and visit the sacred Bodhi tree, then continue to Sigiriya.
Anuradhapura Overnight: Sigiriya - 3
Day 3Lion Rock & village life
Early climb of Sigiriya, village tour by bullock cart with a home-cooked lunch.
Sigiriya Overnight: Sigiriya - 4
Day 4Dambulla caves → Kandy
Golden cave temple, spice garden stop, Kandyan dance show in the evening.
Dambulla Kandy Overnight: Kandy - 5
Day 5Temple of the Tooth & tea
Morning puja at the Temple of the Tooth, drive through tea estates to Nuwara Eliya.
Kandy Nuwara Eliya Overnight: Nuwara Eliya - 6
Day 6The famous train to Ella
Ride the blue train through clouds and waterfalls. Nine Arch Bridge at golden hour.
Ella Overnight: Ella - 7
Day 7Yala leopard safari
Afternoon jeep safari looking for leopards, elephants and crocodiles.
Yala Overnight: Yala - 8
Day 8Mirissa whales & beaches
Optional whale-watching boat trip, then chill at Coconut Tree Hill.
Mirissa Overnight: Mirissa - 9
Day 9Galle Fort
Wander cobbled lanes, boutique cafés and the lighthouse at sunset.
Galle Overnight: Galle - 10
Day 10Colombo & departure
City tour and shopping in Colombo, then airport drop-off.
Colombo
Included
- Private vehicle with English-speaking driver
- Fuel, highway tolls & parking tickets
- Driver's accommodation & meals
- Airport / hotel pickup & drop-off
Not included
- Hotels (we can book them for you)
- Entrance tickets & safari jeeps
- Your meals & personal expenses
Add to your trip
All-inclusive experiences on this route
Safari tickets, jeep, boat, guide and meals are not part of the tour price. Add one of these and we sort everything for one price per person.
All inclusiveYala National Park
Yala National Park Safari
Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife park, plus natural hot springs
6:00 AM · 1:30 PM
All inclusiveMirissa
Mirissa Whale Watching
Blue whales and dolphins off the south coast
6:00 AM
All inclusiveThalaramba, near Mirissa
Snorkeling with Turtles
Swim with sea turtles, and take home the video
7:00 AM (premium hours)
All inclusiveWeligama or Dewata
Beginner Surf Lesson
Stand up on your first wave
Flexible, we pick the best tide
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