Tour Packages

Sri Lanka — the Highlands & the South Coast

The highlands by train and road, a safari, then four nights on the southern coast.

Destination: Sigiriya · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala · Unawatuna · Colombo — Sri Lanka
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Cities: Sigiriya · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala · Unawatuna · Colombo
Stay categories: 4★

Overview

Fifteen days across the highlands and the south: Sigiriya, Kandy, the tea country and Horton Plains, the scenic train and Ella, a Yala safari, Galle Fort and free days on the beaches of Unawatuna, ending in Colombo.

With ALNWRAS WORLD — from the Gulf to the world.

Stay areas: Sigiriya · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala · Unawatuna · Colombo

Choose the duration

Stay category

Coming Soon

Daily programme

1
Day 1
Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka — Pinnawala and Sigiriya village
Airport welcome, the Pinnawala elephants and the Sigiriya village.
- Pinnawala
- Sigiriya village
On arrival, our representative welcomes you; travel to Sigiriya via the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, then tour the Sigiriya village. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland lies a few hours north of the airport. Plan for a long first day on the road, with generous breaks.
Stop 1 — Pinnawala elephants
A well-known elephant orphanage and a nearby elephant foundation care for elephants of all ages, and the river where they bathe is a highlight when open to visitors. The visit depends on the programme available.
Stop 2 — Village life
A gentle introduction to rural Sri Lanka: paddy fields, village houses and local food traditions, often with a bullock-cart or boat ride where offered.
Note: Entrance fees, activities and optional programmes are not included unless confirmed in the final offer.
Stay: Sigiriya
2
Day 2
Day 2: Sigiriya — balloon (optional) and the rock
An optional morning balloon ride, and Sigiriya Rock in the afternoon.
- Balloon (optional, extra cost)
- Sigiriya Rock
An optional morning balloon ride around Sigiriya, when operating and at a separate cost, chosen by you.
Visit Sigiriya Rock in the afternoon. Overnight in Sigiriya.
A hot-air balloon over the plains at sunrise is a paid, optional extra that depends on wind and weather. The rock is climbed later in the day.
Stop 1 — Sigiriya Rock
A UNESCO World Heritage site: a massive rock topped by the ruins of a fifth-century royal palace. The climb is by steel stairways, passing the Mirror Wall and the Lion’s Paws, and rewards you with a view over the jungle plain. Start early to avoid the heat; the climb is moderate but includes many steps.
Note: Seasonal and weather-dependent: availability, operating times and fees are confirmed with the supplier; nothing is pre-paid or guaranteed.
Stay: Sigiriya
3
Day 3
Day 3: Dambulla, a spice garden and Kandy
The Dambulla temple, a spice garden, Kandy Lake and a cultural show; Peradeniya optional.
- Dambulla
- Spice garden
- Kandy Lake
- Cultural show
Travel to Kandy via the Dambulla temple and a spice garden. Peradeniya Garden is optional.
Tour Kandy Lake and enjoy a cultural show. Overnight in Kandy.
A gentle day to the hill capital.
Stop 1 — Dambulla cave temple
Painted cave shrines and Buddha statues carved in the rock.
Stop 2 — Spice garden
A walk through herbs and spices with explanations and a chance to buy.
Stop 3 — Kandy Lake and the cultural show
A lakeside walk and an evening show of Kandyan dance and drumming.
Note: Entrance fees, activities and optional programmes are not included unless confirmed in the final offer.
Stay: Kandy
4
Day 4
Day 4: Tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya
Tea plantations and a factory, then an evening city tour.
- Tea plantations
- Tea factory
Travel to Nuwara Eliya via the tea plantations and a tea factory, then an evening city tour. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
The road climbs through the tea country to Sri Lanka’s highest hill town, cool and often misty, with colonial-era villas and gardens.
Stop 1 — Tea plantation and factory
See the tea pluckers and the processing, then taste fresh Ceylon tea.
Stop 2 — Nuwara Eliya city tour
An evening drive past the lake, the old post office and the racecourse of the «Little England» town.
Note: Entrance fees, activities and optional programmes are not included unless confirmed in the final offer.
Stay: Nuwara Eliya
5
Day 5
Day 5: Horton Plains, Baker’s Falls and Ambewela
Horton Plains National Park, Baker’s Falls and the Ambewela farm.
- Horton Plains
- Baker’s Falls
- Ambewela farm
Visit Horton Plains National Park and Baker’s Falls, and the Ambewela farm. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
A dawn start gives the clearest views. Bring warm clothing and walking shoes.
Stop 1 — Horton Plains National Park
A high plateau of grassland and cloud forest, famous for the viewpoint called World’s End, where the land drops steeply away. The loop trail is easy to moderate and takes a few hours; start early, as mist usually covers the view by mid-morning. Entry fees apply.
Stop 2 — Baker’s Falls
A waterfall on the same trail, reached by a short side path through the forest.
Stop 3 — Ambewela farm
A highland dairy farm with grazing cattle on green pastures, a pastoral scene unlike the rest of the island.
Note: Seasonal and weather-dependent: availability, operating times and fees are confirmed with the supplier; nothing is pre-paid or guaranteed.
Stay: Nuwara Eliya
6
Day 6
Day 6: The scenic train and Flying Ravana
The scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, subject to availability, and the Flying Ravana adventure centre.
- Scenic train
- Flying Ravana
Ride the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, subject to availability, then visit the Flying Ravana adventure centre. Overnight in Ella.
The famous hill-country train arrives in Ella, followed by an adventure stop for those who wish.
Stop 1 — Scenic train
A slow ride through tea estates and forest with open doors for photographs, subject to seat availability.
Stop 2 — Flying Ravana
Zip-lines over the valley, a paid extra with age and weight limits.
Note: Seasonal and weather-dependent: availability, operating times and fees are confirmed with the supplier; nothing is pre-paid or guaranteed.
Stay: Ella
7
Day 7
Day 7: Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge
Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge.
- Little Adam’s Peak
- Nine Arches Bridge
Visit Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge. Overnight in Ella.
A light day in Ella, with a morning walk and an afternoon at the bridge.
Stop 1 — Little Adam’s Peak
An easy climb through tea fields to a viewpoint over the valley.
Stop 2 — Nine Arches Bridge
A graceful stone viaduct in the jungle; trains cross a few times a day.
Stay: Ella
8
Day 8
Day 8: Ravana Falls, Tissa Lake and a Yala safari
Ravana Falls, Tissa Lake and a Yala safari.
- Ravana Falls
- Tissa Lake
- Yala safari
Visit Ravana Falls and travel to Yala; tour Tissa Lake and join a Yala safari. Overnight in the Yala area.
Timing and inclusions are approved in advance.
A day moves from the hills to the wildlife of the dry zone.
Stop 1 — Ravana Falls
A broad roadside waterfall, a quick stop on the way.
Stop 2 — Tissa Lake
A large ancient reservoir and temple, good for birds.
Stop 3 — Yala National Park
One of the island’s best-known wildlife reserves, home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears and many birds. Safaris leave early in a 4×4 vehicle with a tracker; sightings are never guaranteed, and the park has closure periods.
Note: Seasonal and weather-dependent: availability, operating times and fees are confirmed with the supplier; nothing is pre-paid or guaranteed.
Stay: Yala
9
Day 9
Day 9: Galle Fort and the southern beaches
Galle Dutch Fort and the maritime museum, passing Hirikatiya Beach as time allows.
- Galle Dutch Fort
- Maritime museum
- Hirikatiya Beach
Travel to Unawatuna. Visit Galle Dutch Fort and the maritime museum, and pass Hirikatiya Beach as time allows. Overnight in Unawatuna.
The road reaches the southern coast, home of Galle’s ramparts and the island’s best-known bays.
Stop 1 — Galle Fort
A UNESCO-listed fortified town built by the Portuguese and Dutch, with ramparts above the sea, a lighthouse, colonial houses and small shops and cafés to explore on foot.
Stop 2 — Maritime museum
A museum inside the old Dutch warehouses presenting the coast’s sea life and trade history.
Stop 3 — Hirikatiya Beach
A sheltered bay with calm water, a stop as time allows.
Note: Entrance fees, activities and optional programmes are not included unless confirmed in the final offer.
Stay: Unawatuna
10
Day 10
Day 10: Rest on the beaches of Unawatuna
Rest at Unawatuna / Jungle Beach; optional water sports.
- Unawatuna
- Jungle Beach
A day to relax on the beaches of Unawatuna and Jungle Beach, with optional water sports. Overnight in Unawatuna.
A day with no driving: swim, read, enjoy the beachfront cafés, or add a water activity such as snorkelling or a boat ride, paid locally.
Note: Entrance fees, activities and optional programmes are not included unless confirmed in the final offer.
Stay: Unawatuna
11
Day 11
Day 11: A free coastal day or whale watching
A free day, or whale watching from Mirissa when the season suits.
- Free day
- Whale watching (seasonal)
A free day on the coast, or a whale-watching trip from Mirissa when the season and availability suit. Overnight in Unawatuna.
A day for yourself, or a boat trip from Mirissa during the whale season, which runs roughly from the end of the year to spring. Sightings depend on the sea and are never guaranteed.
Note: Seasonal and weather-dependent: availability, operating times and fees are confirmed with the supplier; nothing is pre-paid or guaranteed.
Stay: Unawatuna
12
Day 12
Day 12: A free day or Udawalawe
A free day, or the optional Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
- Free day
- Udawalawe (optional)
A free day on the coast, or an optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. Overnight in Unawatuna.
A free day on the coast, or an optional trip to the Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe, which cares for orphaned elephant calves before their return to the wild. Feeding times are fixed and the visit is brief.
Note: Seasonal and weather-dependent: availability, operating times and fees are confirmed with the supplier; nothing is pre-paid or guaranteed.
Stay: Unawatuna
13
Day 13
Day 13: Turtles, the Madu River and Colombo
A turtle centre, a Madu River boat ride and the Geoffrey Bawa gardens if time allows.
- Turtle centre
- Madu River
- Geoffrey Bawa gardens
Travel to Colombo with a visit to a turtle centre, a Madu River boat ride and the Geoffrey Bawa gardens if time allows. Overnight in Colombo.
The coast road north is broken up with three gentle stops.
Stop 1 — Turtle centre
A hatchery protecting turtle eggs and releasing hatchlings to the sea.
Stop 2 — Madu River boat ride
A calm boat trip through mangrove islands, passing fishing villages and small temple islands; cinnamon-peeling demonstrations are a common stop.
Stop 3 — Geoffrey Bawa gardens
The gardens of Sri Lanka’s celebrated architect, a landscaped retreat set on the coast, where time allows.
Note: Entrance fees, activities and optional programmes are not included unless confirmed in the final offer.
Stay: Colombo
14
Day 14
Day 14: A free day or Colombo and shopping
A free day, or a Colombo tour and shopping.
- Colombo
- Shopping
A free day, or a Colombo city tour and shopping. Overnight in Colombo.
A free day in the capital, or a city tour with shopping for tea, spices and handicrafts.
Stop 1 — Colombo highlights
Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya temple and the Pettah market are the classic stops.
Stay: Colombo
15
Day 15
Day 15: Farewell to Sri Lanka
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.
- Airport transfer
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your departure, according to your flight time.
Allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport, as traffic around Colombo can be heavy; your representative confirms the pickup time.
End of the programme

4-star hotels

★★★★
Sigiriyana Resort
Sigiriya · 2 nights
Room type: Superior / Deluxe room (Superior / Deluxe Room)
Spelled «Sigiriana» in other files; the supplier file lists it as 4★; the name is verified before the final offer.
Photos of this hotel and room are pending and will be added once usage rights are secured.
★★★★
Thilanka Kandy
Kandy · 1 night
Room type: Superior / Deluxe room (Superior / Deluxe Room)
The hotel name and classification are verified with the supplier before the final offer; the hotel is never replaced without the owner’s approval.
Photos of this hotel and room are pending and will be added once usage rights are secured.
★★★★
Galway Height
Nuwara Eliya · 2 nights
Room type: Superior / Deluxe room (Superior / Deluxe Room)
The hotel name and classification are verified with the supplier before the final offer; the hotel is never replaced without the owner’s approval.
Photos of this hotel and room are pending and will be added once usage rights are secured.
★★★★
Mountain Heavens
Ella · 2 nights
Room type: Superior / Deluxe room (Superior / Deluxe Room)
The hotel name and classification are verified with the supplier before the final offer; the hotel is never replaced without the owner’s approval.
Photos of this hotel and room are pending and will be added once usage rights are secured.
★★★★
Elephant Reach
Yala · 1 night
Room type: Superior / Deluxe room (Superior / Deluxe Room)
The hotel name and classification are verified with the supplier before the final offer; the hotel is never replaced without the owner’s approval.
Photos of this hotel and room are pending and will be added once usage rights are secured.
★★★★
South Beach
Unawatuna · 4 nights
Room type: Superior / Deluxe room (Superior / Deluxe Room)
The full name «South Beach» is to be confirmed with the supplier; the hotel is never replaced without the owner’s approval.
Photos of this hotel and room are pending and will be added once usage rights are secured.
★★★★
Maradha Colombo
Colombo · 2 nights
Room type: Superior / Deluxe room (Superior / Deluxe Room)
Maradha Colombo appears with two different classifications in the supplier files; the classification is verified before the final offer.
Photos of this hotel and room are pending and will be added once usage rights are secured.

Included

Included services will be listed once the programme is approved.

Not included

Excluded services will be listed once the programme is approved.

Terms and conditions

Prices are announced as «Coming Soon». No supplier price, discount or payment is available yet, and nothing here is a confirmed booking.
The offer depends on the supplier’s confirmation for the travel date and the number of travellers; room and activity availability is not guaranteed.
The meal plan (breakfast, or breakfast and dinner) follows the chosen offer and the supplier contract; dinner is not assumed to be included.
Entrance fees, activities, the Ella train, boat and safari tours, balloon rides and whale watching are not pre-paid tickets unless clearly confirmed; they are seasonal and weather-dependent, and animal-welfare rules apply.
Cancellation and payment terms differ between suppliers and are not published until reviewed and approved.
Sending a request is not a confirmed booking: nothing is paid and no rooms are held until the consultant confirms the offer with you.

Overview

Daily programme

Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka — Pinnawala and Sigiriya village

Stop 1 — Pinnawala elephants

Stop 2 — Village life

Day 2: Sigiriya — balloon (optional) and the rock

Stop 1 — Sigiriya Rock

Day 3: Dambulla, a spice garden and Kandy

Stop 1 — Dambulla cave temple

Stop 2 — Spice garden

Stop 3 — Kandy Lake and the cultural show

Day 4: Tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya

Stop 1 — Tea plantation and factory

Stop 2 — Nuwara Eliya city tour

Day 5: Horton Plains, Baker’s Falls and Ambewela

Stop 1 — Horton Plains National Park

Stop 2 — Baker’s Falls

Stop 3 — Ambewela farm

Day 6: The scenic train and Flying Ravana

Stop 1 — Scenic train

Stop 2 — Flying Ravana

Day 7: Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge

Stop 1 — Little Adam’s Peak

Stop 2 — Nine Arches Bridge

Day 8: Ravana Falls, Tissa Lake and a Yala safari

Stop 1 — Ravana Falls

Stop 2 — Tissa Lake

Stop 3 — Yala National Park

Day 9: Galle Fort and the southern beaches

Stop 1 — Galle Fort

Stop 2 — Maritime museum

Stop 3 — Hirikatiya Beach

Day 10: Rest on the beaches of Unawatuna

Day 11: A free coastal day or whale watching

Day 12: A free day or Udawalawe

Day 13: Turtles, the Madu River and Colombo

Stop 1 — Turtle centre

Stop 2 — Madu River boat ride

Stop 3 — Geoffrey Bawa gardens

Day 14: A free day or Colombo and shopping

Stop 1 — Colombo highlights

Day 15: Farewell to Sri Lanka

4-star hotels

Sigiriyana Resort

Thilanka Kandy

Galway Height

Mountain Heavens

Elephant Reach

South Beach

Maradha Colombo

Included

Not included

Terms and conditions