Day 1· Airport → Negombo
Arrive Colombo
Land, meet your guide and rest by the lagoon.
Airport pickupLagoon dinner
Stay: Boutique · Negombo
Sri Lanka · Private tour
Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Ten unforgettable days from ancient kingdoms to the tropical south.
Duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
Stops
5 places
Group
2–6 guests
Rated
5.0 (176)
Overview
An unforgettable route across the island
Our deepest island loop — ruined cities, sacred peaks, tea trains, wildlife and beach time, paced so nothing feels rushed.
Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa ruins
Sigiriya sunrise climb
Highland train & village walks
Two full days on the southern coast
Day by day
Your itinerary
10 thoughtfully paced days across Sri Lanka — and every day is yours to change.
Flexible itinerary — customise any day
Route map
Where you'll travel
- 1Day 1Colombo Airport (CMB)
- 2Day 1–2Negombo
- 3Day 2Anuradhapura
- 4Day 3–4Sigiriya
- 5Day 5–6Kandy
- 6Day 6–7Nuwara Eliya
- 7Day 7–8Ella
- 8Day 8–9Yala
- 9Day 9–10Tangalle
- 10Day 10Colombo Airport (CMB)
- 1
- 2Day 2· Negombo → Anuradhapura
Ancient Anuradhapura
Cycle through the ruins of Sri Lanka's oldest kingdom.
Ruin cycling tourSacred Bo treeStay: Heritage hotel - 3Day 3· → Sigiriya
Sigiriya at Dawn
Beat the crowds to the summit of Lion Rock.
Sunrise climbVillage lunchStay: Jungle lodge - 4Day 4· Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa & Minneriya
Medieval ruins in the morning, elephants in the afternoon.
Polonnaruwa tourElephant safariStay: Jungle lodge - 5Day 5· → Kandy
Sacred Kandy
Dambulla caves, spice gardens and the Tooth Temple.
Cave templesCultural showStay: Heritage hotel · Kandy - 6Day 6· Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Tea Country
Waterfalls, tea estates, high-tea afternoon.
Tea factoryHigh teaStay: Colonial estate - 7Day 7· Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Train to Ella
The famous scenic rail journey through the highlands.
Blue trainNine Arch BridgeStay: Cliff cabin · Ella - 8Day 8· Ella → Yala
Yala Safari
Afternoon in leopard country.
Jeep safariBush sundownersStay: Tented camp - 9Day 9· Yala → Tangalle
Southern Beaches
Slow coast day — swim, spa or sea turtles at dusk.
Beach timeTurtle beach walkStay: Beach villa · Tangalle - 10Day 10· Tangalle → Airport
Farewell
Coastal drive back with a Galle Fort stop.
Galle FortAirport transfer
100% customisable
Customise this tour Make this itinerary your own
This is a private tour, never a fixed group departure. Add or drop days, swap destinations, change hotel standards, add a safari or extra beach nights, slow the pace for family travel, or match everything to your flight dates. Tell us what you'd like and we rebuild the route around you — at no extra planning cost.
What's included
Everything, sorted
- 9 nights curated accommodation
- Private vehicle & chauffeur-guide
- Daily breakfast, 4 dinners
- All park fees, jeep safaris & train tickets
Not included
A few extras
- International flights
- Visa
- Lunches unless noted
- Personal expenses
Your vehicle
Choose from our fleet
This tour is private — pick the vehicle that fits your group, with a licensed driver guide included.
Toyota Prius
2 seater
Toyota KDH
6 seater
KDH High Roof
10 seater
Toyota Coaster
16 seater
Good to know
Grand Tour of Sri Lanka questions
Everything travellers ask us before booking this Sri Lanka itinerary.
How long is the Grand Tour of Sri Lanka tour?
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Grand Tour of Sri Lanka runs for 9 Nights / 10 Days (10 days) and covers Habarana, Kandy, Ella, Yala, Beach. Because every departure is private, we can shorten or extend the itinerary to match your flight dates.
Is a private driver guide included?
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Yes. Every Ceylon Bound Holidays & Tours tour includes a licensed, English-speaking Sri Lankan driver guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle from our own fleet — a Toyota Prius (2 guests), KDH van (6), KDH High Roof (14) or Coaster (20).
Where does the tour start and finish?
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We start with a complimentary pick-up from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, or from any hotel on the island, and finish with a drop-off wherever suits your onward travel.
What is the best time of year for this Sri Lanka tour?
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Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so there is always a dry coast. December to April suits the west and south coast and the cultural triangle; May to September suits the east coast and Trincomalee. The hill country on this route is pleasant year-round.
How much does the Grand Tour of Sri Lanka tour cost?
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From $1,990 per person, based on two travellers sharing. The final quote depends on your hotel standard, travel dates and group size — send an enquiry and we reply with a full itinerary and price within 24 hours.
Can the itinerary be customised?
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Yes. This is a private tour, not a fixed group departure. Add a Yala or Udawalawe safari, extra beach nights, a honeymoon upgrade or family-friendly pacing and we rebuild the route around you.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Full details are on our cancellation policy page.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
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Most visitors need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before arrival. It is applied for online and is usually approved within 24–48 hours. Our Sri Lanka visa guide walks through it step by step.
Still deciding? Ask us anything about this tour or read our cancellation policy.
Ready when you are
Let's plan your Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Talk to a Sri Lanka specialist — we'll tailor this itinerary to your dates, pace and interests.
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