The Ceylon Classic

Your route

Where you'll go

Read more about Dambulla · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala · Mirissa · Galle

Day by day

Your itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   Ayubowan! Arrive in Negombo

   Your chauffeur-guide meets you at the airport with a cool king coconut. Ease into island time by the lagoon, with an optional evening stroll past the fishing boats and old Dutch canal.

   Overnight in Negombo
2. 2
   Day 2

   Into the Cultural Triangle

   Drive north through paddy fields and coconut groves to Dambulla's painted cave temple, then settle into a lodge near Sigiriya in time for a village walk at dusk.

   Overnight in Sigiriya
3. 3
   Day 3

   Lion Rock & wild elephants

   Climb Sigiriya in the cool of early morning to see the frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the great lion paws. In the afternoon, head out by jeep to see herds of elephants in Minneriya or Kaudulla.

   Overnight in Sigiriya
4. 4
   Day 4

   Polonnaruwa by bicycle

   Pedal between the palaces, dagobas and lotus ponds of the medieval capital, finishing at the serene rock-carved Buddhas of Gal Vihara.

   Overnight in Sigiriya
5. 5
   Day 5

   Spice gardens to Kandy

   Visit a spice garden in Matale, then continue to Kandy for the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

   Overnight in Kandy
6. 6
   Day 6

   Kandy at your own pace

   Wander the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, walk around the lake and catch a performance of Kandyan dance and drumming.

   Overnight in Kandy
7. 7
   Day 7

   Up into tea country

   A spectacular drive past waterfalls and emerald estates to Nuwara Eliya. Tour a working tea factory and taste freshly made Ceylon tea.

   Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
8. 8
   Day 8

   The train to Ella

   Board the famous blue train at Nanu Oya for one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, then catch the Nine Arch Bridge in golden light.

   Overnight in Ella
9. 9
   Day 9

   Little Adam's Peak to Yala

   An easy sunrise hike up Little Adam's Peak, then descend to the dry zone for an afternoon game drive in Yala National Park.

   Overnight in Yala
10. 10
    Day 10

    Down to the southern beaches

    An optional dawn safari before driving to Mirissa. Kick off your shoes: the rest of the day belongs to the beach.

    Overnight in Mirissa
11. 11
    Day 11

    Whales & Galle Fort

    Head out whale watching (Nov–Apr) or enjoy a slow beach morning, then explore the ramparts, cafés and boutiques of Galle Fort.

    Overnight in Galle
12. 12
    Day 12

    Farewell, for now

    A smooth expressway transfer to the airport (around 2.5 hours), with time for one last rice and curry on the way.

The details

What's included