Grand tour
Tailor-made
SLTDA licensed

Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

14 days, 13 nightsDuration
Airport to Airport (Katunayaka)Route
★ 4.976 reviews
from $2,290per person
$2,290$2,590per person, twin share, comfort tier

Overview

Suitable for: Family, Couple & Friends

The definitive island journey for those who want to see it all at a gentle pace. Two weeks take you from the sacred ancient capitals and the Lion Rock to the tea hills, two wildlife safaris and a long, slow finish on the south coast.

Trip highlights

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa ancient cities
Sigiriya rock fortress at sunrise
Traditional Ceylon Village Experience
Traditional Sri Lankan Ayurvedic Experience
Observe wild Asian elephants
Nanu Oya to Demodara – Scenic Highland Train Journey
Two safaris in Udawalawe and Yala
Galle Fort and a week of beaches

Your route

Katunayaka Airport (CMB)→Negombo→Anuradhapura→Sigiriya→Polonnaruwa→Kandy→Nuwara Eliya→Ella→Udawalawe→Yala→Galle→Mirissa→Colombo→Katunayaka Airport (CMB)

Day by day

Your private chauffeur guide meets you in the arrivals hall and drives you to Negombo, where you can unwind after your flight.

Activities
  • Airport meet & greet
  • Private transfer to Negombo
  • Settle in and relax
  • Evening at leisure
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeAirport to Negombo 25 Minutes
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Discover Anuradhapura, the first great capital of ancient Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage destination. Explore magnificent stupas, ancient monasteries, sacred Buddhist sites and remarkable irrigation works while experiencing the deep spiritual and historical heritage of the island.

Activities
  • Sri Maha Bodhi – one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
  • Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – an iconic white-domed stupa and important pilgrimage site.
  • Jetavanaramaya – one of the great monuments of ancient Anuradhapura.
  • Abhayagiri Monastery – a vast ancient monastic complex.
  • Ancient reservoirs – impressive examples of Sri Lanka's historic irrigation system.
  • Isurumuniya Temple
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeNegombo to Anuradhapura - 4.30 Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Sigiriya is traditionally associated with King Kashyapa I, who established his royal residence and fortress on the rock during the 5th century CE. The site later became a Buddhist monastic complex.
Village Tour is a wonderful way for visitors to experience traditional rural life in Sri Lanka. It is especially suitable for families, couples and travellers who want to experience something beyond the main sightseeing attractions.

Activities
  • Traditional bullock-cart ride through the village
  • Catamaran ride on a village lake or reservoir
  • Walk through paddy fields and countryside
  • Visit a traditional village home
  • Learn how a traditional Sri Lankan meal is prepared
  • See traditional methods of preparing coconut and other local ingredients
  • Participate in a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration
  • Enjoy a freshly prepared traditional village lunch
  • Experience local farming and rural lifestyle
  • Optional Pidurangala sunset
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeAnuradhapura To Sigiriya - 1.30 Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic cultural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically about 200 metres above the surrounding plains, the ancient rock fortress combines history, architecture, gardens and spectacular scenery.

Activities
  • Ancient Lion Rock Fortress
  • Historic frescoes
  • Water Gardens
  • Lion's Paw Terrace
  • Ancient palace ruins
  • Panoramic summit views
  • Leisure afternoon
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeN/A
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Polonnaruwa is ideal for travellers interested in history, Buddhism, architecture and ancient Sri Lankan engineering. The archaeological area is also surrounded by beautiful greenery, making it a pleasant place to explore by bicycle or vehicle.
A tusker elephant is a male elephant with prominent tusks. Seeing a wild tusker during a safari can be a memorable wildlife experience, although tuskers are not guaranteed on every safari.

Activities
  • Polonnaruwa Vatadage – an impressive ancient circular shrine with beautifully carved stonework.
  • Gal Vihara – famous for its magnificent Buddha statues carved directly into granite.
  • Royal Palace & Ancient Buildings – remains of the medieval royal city.
  • Parakrama Samudra – a huge ancient reservoir associated with King Parakramabahu I.
  • Rankoth Vehera – one of the largest stupas in Polonnaruwa.
  • Observe wild Asian elephants
  • Explore forests, grasslands and reservoir areas
  • Look for deer and other wildlife
  • See a variety of resident and migratory birds
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeSigiriya To Polonnaruwa- 1.30 Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Discover the mysterious Nalanda Gedige, an ancient stone monument surrounded by lush greenery in the Matale region. Admire its remarkable carvings and distinctive architecture, which reflects a fascinating blend of South Indian, Hindu and Buddhist artistic influences. This peaceful heritage site offers a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka's ancient cultural connections.

Activities
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Spice garden & short Ayurvedic massage
  • Built mainly from stone
  • Features a distinctive South Indian/Dravidian architectural influence
  • Contains detailed stone carvings and sculptures
  • Shows influences from both Hindu and Buddhist traditions
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeSigiriya To Kandy - 2.30 Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Surrounded by misty green hills and centred around the picturesque Kandy Lake, Kandy is a captivating city where history, spirituality and tradition come together. Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, discover traditional arts and crafts, and enjoy an unforgettable Kandyan cultural performance. Kandy offers a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

Activities
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – One of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist religious sites.
  • Kandy Lake – A scenic lake in the heart of the city.
  • Kandyan Cultural Dance – Traditional dancing, drumming and cultural performances.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya – Famous for its tropical plants, orchids and beautiful landscapes.
  • Gem & Jewellery Experience – Learn about Sri Lanka's famous gemstones and traditional jewellery craftsmanship.
  • Traditional handicrafts – Discover local wood carving, masks and other Sri Lankan crafts.
  • Surrounding hills
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeN/A
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Leave the cultural heart of Kandy behind and journey into the cool, misty mountains of Sri Lanka. Travel through spectacular tea-covered hills, visit a traditional Ceylon tea plantation and factory, and stop at the beautiful Ramboda Falls. Continue through winding mountain roads and breathtaking valleys before arriving in Nuwara Eliya, the charming hill-country destination known for its cool climate, colonial character and picturesque landscapes.Ride the blue train through the tea hills into cool Nuwara Eliya.

Activities
  • Tea plantation & factory visit with tasting
  • Ramboda Falls
  • Scenic Mountain Views
  • Nuwara Eliya Town visit
  • Victoria Park
  • Gregory Lake
  • Colonial-era buildings
  • Strawberry farms
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeKandy To Nuwara Eliya - 3. Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Enjoy an unforgettable train journey through Sri Lanka's spectacular hill country. Travel past emerald-green tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls and dramatic valleys before continuing towards Ella and the fascinating Demodara Railway Loop.

Activities
  • Beautiful tea plantations
  • Misty mountains and deep valleys
  • Lush forests and rural countryside
  • Waterfalls along the railway route
  • Classic Sri Lankan railway experience
  • Views around the Nine Arch Bridge area near Ella
  • Demodara Railway Loop – a unique engineering feature where the railway line curves around and passes beneath itself
  • Evening at leisure
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeNanu Oya To Demodara- 3. 30 Hours (Train Travel Time)
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Escape into the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka's hill country in Ella, a charming mountain destination surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations, misty peaks, cascading waterfalls and lush forests. Discover the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, hike to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views.

Activities
  • Nine Arch Bridge
  • Little Adam's Peak hike
  • Ella Rock
  • Ella Gap
  • Sunrise or sunset viewpoints
  • Hiking and nature walks
  • Ravana Falls
  • Optional Ella zip-line
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeN/A
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife destinations, particularly for seeing wild Asian elephants. The park's open grasslands, scrub forest and reservoir areas make wildlife relatively easy to observe.
Elephant Transit Home is a rehabilitation facility near the park where orphaned wild elephant calves are cared for with the aim of eventually returning them to the wild. Visitors can observe scheduled feeding sessions from a viewing area.

Activities
  • Udawalawe Jeep Safari
  • Wild Asian elephants
  • Water buffalo
  • Spotted deer and other deer
  • Crocodiles
  • Monitor lizards
  • Many species of birds
  • Elephant Transit Home visit
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeElla To Udawalawa  2 Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's best-known wildlife destinations, covering dry-zone forests, scrublands, grasslands, lagoons and coastal landscapes. It is particularly famous for Sri Lankan leopards, while elephants and many other animals can also be seen.

Activities
  • Sri Lankan Leopard
  • Wild Asian Elephant
  • Spotted Deer
  • Wild Buffalo
  • Crocodiles
  • Monkeys
  • Wild Boar
  • Peacocks
  • Many species of birds
  • Sloth Bear — possible but much less frequently seen
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeUdawalawa To Yala 1.30 Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

Galle is ideal for your final cultural/coastal stop, especially Galle Fort, with its historic ramparts, colonial architecture, cafés, boutiques and ocean views.

Activities
  • Galle Fort & Dutch Reformed Church
  • Stilt fishermen at Ahangama
  • Beach time
  • Optional
  • Whale watching from  Mirissa
  • Surfing / Surf Lesson
AccommodationStar class luxury Hotel
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeYala to Galle 4 Hours
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

A final morning at leisure before your drive back to Katunayaka Airport, with an optional Colombo city and shopping stop if your flight timing allows.

Activities
  • Optional Colombo city & shopping tour
  • Transfer to Katunayaka Airport
  • Good bye To Anuja Travels and Tours ✈️ Wishing you a safe and pleasant flight!
Meal planBreakfast
Travel timeN/A
TransportPrivate luxury Vehicle (air-conditioned)

What's included

Included

  • Assistance at the Airport
  • Airport pick up
  • Airport drop off
  • Private air-conditioned car
  • Fuel & local insurance for the vehicle
  • Hand picked accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Private English Speaking Chauffeur for the entire journey
  • Spice Garden visit & 15 min Ayurvedic Massage
  • Kandy city tour
  • Colombo city & shopping tour
  • Galle city tour
  • Tea plantation visit & factory visit – Free tea tasting
  • All government taxes related to the traveling destination are included
  • Note: All rooms and tickets are subject to availability

Not included

  • Air tickets NOT included
  • Sightseeing entrance charges (Unless Specified)
  • Camera & video permits
  • Travel Insurance
  • Guide/Driver tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Late check-outs & early check-in charges
  • Early check in or late check out at all hotels based on availability
  • Sri Lankan train rides are subject to availability and schedule changes; seats are not always guaranteed, and delays may occur due to local conditions

Gallery

What travelers say

The places we visited were wonderful, and the trip was very well organized. The driver was excellent. Highly recommended!

Valeria

Russia, Jan 2026

We spent two fantastic weeks with our Dee. Always available and available, he fulfilled our every wish.

Simonetta

UK, Jan 2026

Good to know

Yes. Every tour is fully private and tailor made, with your own vehicle and licensed chauffeur guide. Nothing is shared with other travellers.

December to March suits the south and west coast and the hill country. May to September is best for the east coast and the north. We route your trip to the season.

Yes,Possible Add nights, upgrade hotels, swap in more beach time. Send us your ideas and we will tailor it around you.

A 25% deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is payable upon arrival. The balance can be paid in USD, Euro or LKR. Please note that USD and Euro rates change daily – if you pay in USD or Euro, the amount should align with the LKR total according to the exchange rate on the day of payment.

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to arrange your own hotel bookings, you are welcome to do so. We can then adjust the total package cost accordingly, excluding the hotel accommodation charges. Simply share your hotel details with us, and we will tailor the package price to suitable your arrangements.

Things to Remember

Want to tweak this trip?

Every tour is tailor-made — add the Maldives, swap in more beach time, or stretch it to two weeks. Tell us your ideas.