Private tailor made Sri Lanka tour
Sri Lanka, Immersed
A private journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, wildlife-rich landscapes, tea country and southern coast, with cultural encounters and time to explore at your own pace.
Route and highlights
Culture, wildlife and coast.
Travel from Negombo through the Cultural Triangle and Kandy to Ella, Yala and Galle. The itinerary combines heritage, wildlife, local food, tea country and the southern 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.
Tour itinerary
Day by day.
Day 1Arrival and NegomboAirport · Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to the hotel in Makandura, stopping at Lellama fish market. The stated airport-to-Makandura drive is approximately 45 minutes.
Accommodation
The Notary’s House or similar · Negombo
Room type: Standard Room · 1 night
Day 2Dambulla and MinneriyaNegombo · Dambulla · Minneriya
Travel to Dambulla (approximately 3½ hours), stopping in Koskale for local refreshments. In the afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park (about 50 minutes from the hotel); later, join the property’s guided night trail to look for slender loris.
Accommodation
Jetwing Vil Uyana or similar · Sigiriya
Room type: Paddy Dwelling · 3 nights
Day 3Sigiriya and PolonnaruwaSigiriya · Polonnaruwa
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then continue to Polonnaruwa (approximately 1½ hours from Sigiriya) to explore the ancient city. The source describes an optional lunch stop at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Jetwing Vil Uyana or similar · Sigiriya
Room type: Paddy Dwelling
Day 4Village life and AnuradhapuraHiriwaduna · Anuradhapura
Visit Hiriwaduna for a village experience including a catamaran ride and tuk-tuk journey, then travel to Anuradhapura (approximately 1½ hours from Hiriwaduna) to explore the ancient capital.
Accommodation
Jetwing Vil Uyana or similar · Sigiriya
Room type: Paddy Dwelling
Day 5Dambulla and KandyDambulla · Kandy
Travel to Kandy (approximately 2½ hours from Dambulla), visit Dambulla Cave Temple, then see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a cultural dance performance.
Accommodation
Jetwing Kandy Gallery or similar · Kandy
Room type: Luxury Room · 2 nights
Day 6Kandy village and food experiencesYatiwawala · Kandy
Explore village life around Yatiwawala, including local markets and a cooking experience. In the evening, join a guided Kandy food walk; the source notes this can count as dinner.
Accommodation
Jetwing Kandy Gallery or similar · Kandy
Room type: Luxury Room
Day 7Scenic train to EllaKandy · Ella
Take the hill-country train from Kandy to Ella, approximately six hours. The source notes train seats are subject to availability and train timings may be delayed; road travel is the stated alternative if tickets cannot be secured.
Accommodation
EKHO Ella or similar · Ella
Room type: Deluxe Room · 2 nights
Day 8Tea country and Nine Arch BridgeElla
Visit a local tea factory for a guided tour and tasting, and see Nine Arch Bridge. Flying Ravana Adventure Park is listed as an optional activity.
Accommodation
EKHO Ella or similar · Ella
Room type: Deluxe Room
Day 9Ella to Yala via UdawalaweElla · Udawalawe · Yala
Travel to Yala (approximately 5½ hours via Ella as stated in the source), visiting the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe en route. An afternoon game drive is listed on arrival.
Accommodation
Jetwing Yala or similar · Yala
Room type: Superior Room · 2 nights
Day 10Yala safariYala
Take a morning jeep safari in Yala National Park. The source describes one game drive per day, with an afternoon safari also mentioned as an option.
Accommodation
Jetwing Yala or similar · Yala
Room type: Superior Room
Day 11Yala to GalleYala · Tissamaharama · Galle
Travel to Galle (approximately three hours), stopping in Tissamaharama for a curd-making experience. Later, join a guided walk through Galle Fort with a local resident.
Accommodation
The Fortress Resort and Spa or similar · Galle
Room type: Ocean Room · 2 nights
Day 12Galle countryside by bicycleGalle
Take a cycling tour through the countryside around Galle, passing plantations, paddy fields and fishing areas. The route is offered as approximately 15 or 23 kilometres and can be tailored to preference.
Accommodation
The Fortress Resort and Spa or similar · Galle
Room type: Ocean Room
Day 13DepartureGalle · Airport
Transfer from Galle to Bandaranaike International Airport; the source estimates approximately 2½ 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