Heritage, Highlands & South Coast in Sri Lanka

Private tailor made Sri Lanka tour

Heritage, Highlands & South Coast

A private route through the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, followed by a hill-country train journey, wildlife experiences and an extended stay by the southern coast.

Route and highlights

From ancient sites to the southern coast.

Explore the Cultural Triangle and Kandy before crossing the tea country by train to Ella. Continue to Tangalle via Udawalawe, with a visit to Galle Fort and several days at leisure by the coast. This is a suggested starting point and can be tailored to your interests, dates and preferred pace.

The journey in pictures

Landscapes along the way.

Buddha statues and painted cave ceiling at Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
Kandy
Tea pickers gathering leaves among Sri Lanka tea fields
Tea country
Aerial view of Galle Fort and the coast
Galle Fort

Tour itinerary

Day by day.

Day 1Arrival and transfer to SigiriyaAirport · Sigiriya

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel to Sigiriya; the source estimates approximately 3½ hours.

Accommodation

Jetwing Vil Uyana or similar · Sigiriya

Room type: Forest Dwelling · 3 nights

Day 2Sigiriya Rock and MinneriyaSigiriya · Minneriya

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then take an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. A loris night trail is listed as optional.

Accommodation

Jetwing Vil Uyana or similar · Sigiriya

Room type: Forest Dwelling

Day 3Polonnaruwa and HiriwadunaSigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Hiriwaduna

Explore Polonnaruwa and visit Hiriwaduna village, including a catamaran ride and village-house visit. The source includes a local lunch experience.

Accommodation

Jetwing Vil Uyana or similar · Sigiriya

Room type: Forest Dwelling

Day 4Dambulla to KandySigiriya · Dambulla · Kandy

Travel to Kandy via Dambulla Cave Temple; the source estimates approximately 2½ hours for the drive. A Kandy evening food walk is listed as optional.

Accommodation

Kings Pavilion or similar · Kandy

Room type: Deluxe Room · 2 nights

Day 5Heel Oya and KandyKandy · Heel Oya

Take a guided hike around Heel Oya, with a village visit and lunch noted in the source. Later, explore Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a cultural dance performance.

Accommodation

Kings Pavilion or similar · Kandy

Room type: Deluxe Room

Day 6Train journey to EllaKandy · Nanu Oya · Ella

Travel by road from Kandy to Nanu Oya (approximately 3½ hours as stated), then take the train to Ella (approximately 2½ hours). Train tickets are subject to availability.

Accommodation

Uga Ghiri or similar · Ella

Room type: Southerland Villa with Private Outdoor Jacuzzi · 2 nights

Day 7Ella, tea and Nine Arch BridgeElla

Climb Little Adam’s Peak, visit Halpe Tea Factory and see Nine Arch Bridge by tuk-tuk.

Accommodation

Uga Ghiri or similar · Ella

Room type: Southerland Villa with Private Outdoor Jacuzzi

Day 8Ella to Tangalle via UdawalaweElla · Udawalawe · Tangalle

Travel to Tangalle (approximately four hours via Udawalawe) and visit the Elephant Transit Home en route.

Accommodation

Kayaam House or similar · Tangalle

Room type: Palm Residence with Jacuzzi · 5 nights

Day 9Galle FortTangalle · Galle · Tangalle

Visit Galle Fort and return to Tangalle; the source estimates approximately 1½ hours each way.

Accommodation

Kayaam House or similar · Tangalle

Room type: Palm Residence with Jacuzzi

Day 10Tangalle at leisureTangalle

Spend the day at leisure by the coast. The source notes that a vehicle is not at disposal during the beach stay.

Accommodation

Kayaam House or similar · Tangalle

Room type: Palm Residence with Jacuzzi

Day 11Tangalle at leisureTangalle

Spend the day at leisure by the coast. The source notes that a vehicle is not at disposal during the beach stay.

Accommodation

Kayaam House or similar · Tangalle

Room type: Palm Residence with Jacuzzi

Day 12Tangalle at leisureTangalle

Spend the day at leisure by the coast. The source notes that a vehicle is not at disposal during the beach stay.

Accommodation

Kayaam House or similar · Tangalle

Room type: Palm Residence with Jacuzzi

Day 13DepartureTangalle · Airport

Transfer from Tangalle to Bandaranaike International Airport; the source estimates approximately 3½ hours.

A few useful details

Frequently asked questions.

How much does a custom Sri Lanka tour cost?

The cost depends on your travel dates, trip length, accommodation, room arrangement and chosen experiences. Tell us what you have in mind and we can prepare a tailored quote.

Can I adjust this Sri Lanka itinerary?

Yes. Treat this itinerary as a starting point. Contact Cinnamon Travel to discuss changes to the route, pace, accommodation, experiences or travel dates.

Are international flights included?

No. International flights are not included in the tour price.

Plan your tour

Ask about Heritage, Highlands & South Coast

Ask about Heritage, Highlands & South Coast and tell us when you would like to travel.