Navira Ceylon
Classic Sri Lanka Island Explorer — Aerial view of Sigiriya Lion Rock rising above misty jungle at sunrise

Classic Sri Lanka Island Explorer

Ancient kingdoms, hill country, wildlife and the southern coast in one complete journey.

10 days / 9 nights8 destinationsPrivate tour — any group size

Overview

About this journey

A complete introduction to Sri Lanka — the Cultural Triangle's rock fortresses and cave temples, Kandy's sacred heritage, the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, a safari in Yala and a relaxed finish on the southern coast.

Every day can be adjusted to your pace, interests and preferred hotels.

Day-by-day itinerary

1

Meet your chauffeur at the airport and travel inland to the Cultural Triangle.

Activities: Airport welcome · Scenic drive · Evening at leisure

Dinner

Hotel near Dambulla / Sigiriya

Approx. 3–4 hours by road

Rows of Buddha statues under painted rock ceilings in Dambulla Cave Temple
2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Accommodation

Choose from comfortable, boutique or luxury hotels — your preference is confirmed in the quotation.

Transport

Private air-conditioned car or van with an English-speaking chauffeur throughout, plus the scenic train between Nuwara Eliya and Ella when available.

Typically included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur
  • Accommodation as agreed in your quotation
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Itinerary planning and WhatsApp support during the trip

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Anything not listed in your confirmed quotation

Optional activities

  • Whale watching in Mirissa (seasonal)
  • Hot-air ballooning in the Cultural Triangle (seasonal)
  • Cooking class

Ideal for

  • First-time visitors
  • Couples
  • Families

Important travel information

  • Final inclusions, hotels and prices are confirmed in your written quotation.
  • Entrance tickets and safari jeeps are quoted separately unless stated in your quotation.
  • Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) is required at temples.
  • A valid passport and Sri Lanka travel authorisation are required for international visitors.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation terms depend on your hotels and services and are provided in writing with your quotation, before you confirm.

Photo gallery

Rows of Buddha statues under painted rock ceilings in Dambulla Cave TempleAerial view of Sigiriya Lion Rock rising above misty jungle at sunriseTemple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy reflected in the lake at duskMisty tea plantations with tea pickers in Nuwara EliyaBlue train crossing the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella surrounded by tea hillsHerd of wild elephants walking through Yala National Park at golden hour

Questions

On this route

Destinations covered

Dambulla, Matale District, Central Province — Golden cave temples filled with ancient statues and murals.

Matale District, Central Province

Dambulla

Golden cave temples filled with ancient statues and murals.

Explore Destination
Sigiriya, Matale District, Central Province — The ancient Lion Rock fortress rising above emerald jungle.

Matale District, Central Province

Sigiriya

The ancient Lion Rock fortress rising above emerald jungle.

Explore Destination
Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province — The last royal capital, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Kandy District, Central Province

Kandy

The last royal capital, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Explore Destination
Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province — Cool highlands, rolling tea estates and colonial charm.

Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province

Nuwara Eliya

Cool highlands, rolling tea estates and colonial charm.

Explore Destination
Ella, Badulla District, Uva Province — Misty tea hills, the Nine Arch Bridge and scenic train rides.

Badulla District, Uva Province

Ella

Misty tea hills, the Nine Arch Bridge and scenic train rides.

Explore Destination
Yala, Hambantota & Monaragala Districts — Leopards, elephants and golden savanna safaris.

Hambantota & Monaragala Districts

Yala

Leopards, elephants and golden savanna safaris.

Explore Destination

Experiences

Included experiences

Yala National Park Jeep Safari — Herd of wild elephants walking through Yala National Park at golden hourWildlife & Safari
YalaDuration on request

Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Search for leopards, elephants and sloth bears in Sri Lanka's best-known national park.

Price on request

Sigiriya Village Tour — Aerial view of Sigiriya Lion Rock rising above misty jungle at sunriseVillage Experiences
SigiriyaDuration on request

Sigiriya Village Tour

Experience rural life in the villages around Sigiriya.

Price on request

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy reflected in the lake at duskCulture & Heritage
KandyDuration on request

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist temple in the heart of Kandy.

Price on request

Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb — Aerial view of Sigiriya Lion Rock rising above misty jungle at sunriseCulture & Heritage
SigiriyaDuration on request

Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb

Climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya for sweeping views.

Price on request

Dambulla Cave Temple Visit — Rows of Buddha statues under painted rock ceilings in Dambulla Cave TempleCulture & Heritage
DambullaDuration on request

Dambulla Cave Temple Visit

Explore painted cave shrines filled with Buddha statues.

Price on request

Little Adam's Peak Hike — Blue train crossing the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella surrounded by tea hillsAdventure & Hiking
EllaDuration on request

Little Adam's Peak Hike

A popular hill-country walk with wide views over Ella Gap.

Price on request

Hill Country Scenic Train Ride — Blue train crossing the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella surrounded by tea hillsNature & Scenic
Nuwara Eliya, EllaDuration on request

Hill Country Scenic Train Ride

Ride the famous railway through tea estates, tunnels and misty hills.

Price on request

Tea Factory Visit & Tasting — Misty tea plantations with tea pickers in Nuwara EliyaNature & Scenic
Nuwara EliyaDuration on request

Tea Factory Visit & Tasting

See how Ceylon tea is made and taste it where it grows.

Price on request

Galle Fort Heritage Walk — Galle Fort lighthouse and ramparts at sunsetPhotography Experiences
GalleDuration on request

Galle Fort Heritage Walk

Wander colonial-era lanes and ramparts, ending with sunset by the lighthouse.

Price on request

Experiences

Optional experiences

Whale Watching in Mirissa — Palm tree leaning over turquoise water at Mirissa beachBoat Experiences
MirissaDuration on request

Whale Watching in Mirissa

Head out to sea from Mirissa in search of blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins.

Price on request

Sri Lankan Cooking Class — Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy reflected in the lake at duskFood & Cooking
Kandy, Sigiriya, EllaDuration on request

Sri Lankan Cooking Class

Learn to cook rice and curry with local spices, then enjoy what you make.

Price on request

Experiences

Related experiences

Ayurveda Wellness Treatment — Galle Fort lighthouse and ramparts at sunsetWellness & Ayurveda
Galle, Mirissa, KandyDuration on request

Ayurveda Wellness Treatment

Relax with a traditional Ayurvedic treatment during your trip.

Price on request

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