Day 1· Airport → Habarana
Arrival to the Cultural Triangle
Skip Colombo traffic and head straight into the jungle for your first sunset over the paddy fields.
Airport pickupVillage welcomeSunset drinks
Stay: Jungle lodge · Habarana
Sri Lanka · Private tour
Sri Lanka at a Glance
The island's greatest hits in one carefully-crafted loop.
Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Stops
4 places
Group
2–6 guests
Rated
5.0 (214)
Overview
An unforgettable route across the island
Ancient rock fortresses, sacred elephants, cool mountain air, big cats on safari and a finish by the sea — this is the classic Sri Lanka circuit refined.
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock at dawn
Elephants at Minneriya National Park
Blue-train ride through the highlands
Leopard safari in Yala
Day by day
Your itinerary
8 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 1–3Habarana
- 3Day 3–4Kandy
- 4Day 4–5Nuwara Eliya
- 5Day 5–6Ella
- 6Day 6–7Yala
- 7Day 7–8Bentota
- 8Day 8Colombo Airport (CMB)
- 1
- 2Day 2· Habarana
Sigiriya & Wild Minneriya
Dawn climb of the 5th-century rock fortress, then an afternoon jeep safari to see the great elephant gathering.
Sigiriya climbFrescoes & Mirror WallMinneriya elephant safariStay: Jungle lodge · Habarana - 3Day 3· Habarana → Kandy
Dambulla to Sacred Kandy
Explore the golden cave temples of Dambulla before descending into the hill capital for the evening puja.
Dambulla cavesSpice garden stopCultural dance performanceStay: Heritage hotel · Kandy - 4Day 4· Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Into the Highlands
Tea estates, waterfalls and a proper high-tea in the coolest corner of the island.
Ramboda FallsTea factory & tastingGregory Lake strollStay: Colonial estate · Nuwara Eliya - 5Day 5· Nuwara Eliya → Ella
The Legendary Blue Train
One of the world's great train rides through cloud forest and hanging valleys.
Scenic rail journeyNine Arch BridgeLittle Adam's PeakStay: Cliff cabin · Ella - 6Day 6· Ella → Yala
Leopards of Yala
Drop into the dry zone for an afternoon safari in Sri Lanka's most-loved national park.
Afternoon jeep safariSundowners in the bushBush dinnerStay: Tented camp · Yala - 7Day 7· Yala → Bentota
Coast to Coast
Follow the southern coast past surf towns and stilt fishermen to your beach hotel.
Scenic coast driveBeach check-inSunset swimStay: Beach resort · Bentota - 8Day 8· Bentota → Airport
Farewell to the Island
One last slow beach morning before your transfer to the airport.
Beach breakfastAirport 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
- 7 nights hand-picked stays
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout
- Daily breakfast, 3 dinners
- All safaris & jeep permits
Not included
A few extras
- Flights
- Lunches
- Optional experiences
- Tips & gratuities
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
Sri Lanka at a Glance questions
Everything travellers ask us before booking this Sri Lanka itinerary.
How long is the Sri Lanka at a Glance tour?
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Sri Lanka at a Glance runs for 7 Nights / 8 Days (8 days) and covers Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala. 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 Sri Lanka at a Glance tour cost?
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From $1,490 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 Sri Lanka at a Glance
Talk to a Sri Lanka specialist — we'll tailor this itinerary to your dates, pace and interests.
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