A seasonal reverse-route journey through Sri Lanka’s south and highlands – beginning with the island’s most atmospheric ancient port city, moving through wildlife country and highland landscapes and finishing in Kandy. Best experienced between November and April when the southern coast is at its finest and whale watching season is in full swing off Mirissa.
DAY
01
Bandaranaike International Airport to Negombo - Lagoon Arrival
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Transfer to Negombo. Relaxed coastal introduction. Evening by the lagoon. Overnight in Negombo.
DAY
02
Negombo to Galle - Dutch Canal Tour & Southern Expressway
Optional guided Dutch Canal boat tour through the old colonial waterway network. Transfer south along the expressway to Galle. Overnight in Negombo or direct to Galle for early arrivals.
DAY
03
Galle - Fort Ramparts, Colonial Quarter & Ocean Sunset
Arrive in Galle. Afternoon guided walk through the ramparts – the lighthouse, the Dutch Reformed Church, the old gate and the hidden residential courtyards. Sunset from the fort overlooking the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Galle.
DAY
04
Galle to Yala via Mirissa - Whale Watching & Wildlife Lodge Arrival
Morning at leisure in Galle. Transfer east along the coastal road toward Yala. Optional whale watching boat excursion from Mirissa (December to April). Arrive near Yala by evening. Overnight near Yala.
DAY
05
Yala - Full Day Private Safari
Full-day private jeep safari in Yala National Park beginning at first light – leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and exceptional birdlife. Late afternoon return. Overnight near Yala.
DAY
06
Yala to Ella - Dry Zone to Highland Ascent & Bridge Walk
Drive north into the highlands toward Ella through transitional dry-zone and hill landscapes. Arrive in Ella by midday. Afternoon walk to Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak. Overnight in Ella.
DAY
07
Ella - Slow Day, Viewpoints & Ravana Falls
Full day in Ella at a slow pace. Morning hike to a viewpoint above the tea estates. Visit Ravana Falls. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Ella.
DAY
08
Ella to Nuwara Eliya - Reverse Scenic Train Journey
Scenic rail journey from Ella toward Nuvara Eliya (alighting at Nanu Oya) – the reverse direction gives a completely fresh perspective on this celebrated route. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY
09
Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains, Tea Estate & Highland Leisure
Optional early morning walk in Horton Plains – World’s End and Baker’s Falls. Return for late breakfast. Working tea estate visit with guided tasting session. Relaxed evening in the cool highland air. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY
10
Nuwara Eliya to Kandy via Matale - Spice Garden & Temple Visit
Scenic drive north through the highlands toward Kandy. Stop in Matale for a guided spice garden visit. Arrive in Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the late afternoon. Overnight in Kandy.
DAY
11
Kandy to Colombo - City Stop & Departure
Morning at leisure in Kandy. Scenic drive north to Colombo. Optional city stop at Independence Square or Gangaramaya Temple. Airport transfer and departure.
Tour Highlights
– Galle Fort guided rampart walk – UNESCO colonial fortification
– Optional whale watching from Mirissa (November to April)
– Yala National Park full-day private jeep safari
– Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak, Ella
– Ravana Falls and Sita Amman Temple
– Ella to Nanu Oya scenic train journey
– Horton Plains – World’s End and Baker’s Falls (optional)
– Working tea estate and factory visit with tasting, Nuwara Eliya
– Matale spice garden guided stop
– Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy
Inclusions
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- Accommodation (booked by Guardian Holidays)
- Meals on HB Basis (Breakfast + Dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking chauffeur-guide
- All entrance fees for listed attractions
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Bottled water throughout the journey
- Train tickets for scenic rail segment
- Spice garden visit
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Meals: Lunch
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Gratuities for guide and hotel staff
- Travel insurance
- Activities marked as optional within the itinerary
- Visa fees
- Whale watching from Mirissa (optional, seasonal)
- Horton Plains National Park entry (optional)