Classic Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has all the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday: exceptional cuisine, ancient cities, misty mountains and beautiful beaches. Add encounters with wild elephants and elusive leopards, and you have the perfect blend of culture, adventure and relaxation. This journey follows one of Sri Lanka’s classic travel routes, combining its most captivating highlights with memorable wildlife experiences and time to unwind along the coast, while discovering charming villages, scenic landscapes and the island’s warm hospitality along the way.
Journey Highlights
Visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fort & the local village
Explore the UNESCO Heritage site of Anuradhapura
Witness the cultural dance show at Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Enjoy a scenic train journey through tea plantations
- Search for leopards in Yala National Park
Walk around the historic city of Galle
Itinerary
DAY 01
Arrive Colombo
Arrive Colombo, meet your Indus Bound Representative and transfer to your hotel. Later, explore Colombo’s historic landmarks, museums, temples and bustling Pettah market, where pavement traders and hawkers offer an authentic glimpse of local life.
DAY 02
Drive to Sigiriya
You will drive to Sigiriya (4–5 hours), stopping at a scenic coconut estate to discover how coconuts are grown and used. On arrival, settle into your hotel before exploring a nearby village and visiting a traditional mud house.
DAY 03
In Sigiriya
Today is devoted to Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage, beginning with the UNESCO-listed ruins of Anuradhapura, the island’s first capital. Admire the serene Samadhi Buddha before continuing to Mihintale, revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
DAY 04
In Sigiriya
This morning, climb the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress, rising 200 metres above the surrounding jungle. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, renowned for its remarkable ancient ruins and archaeological treasures.
DAY 05
Drive to Kandy
A short drive brings you to Dambulla, home to its spectacular cave temple, dating back to the 1st century BC. Continue to Matale, Sri Lanka’s spice capital, for a plantation tour before driving onwards to Kandy (3–4 hours).
DAY 06
In Kandy
Begin with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya before exploring Kandy on an orientation tour, discovering traditional Sinhalese arts and crafts. Visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, then enjoy an evening of vibrant Kandyan dance.
DAY 07
Train to Nuwara Eliya
Transfer to Kandy Railway Station for a scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya in an air-conditioned first-class carriage. On arrival, continue to your hotel before exploring this charming hill town, known for its colonial architecture and cool, refreshing climate.
DAY 08
In Nuwara Eliya
This morning, drive through scenic highlands to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO natural heritage site rich in endemic wildlife and flora. Later, visit a tea plantation and factory to discover how Sri Lanka’s finest Ceylon tea is produced.
DAY 09
Drive to Yala National Park
After breakfast, drive to Yala National Park (5–6 hours), one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most renowned wildlife reserves. Enjoy a thrilling safari, with the chance to encounter Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears and majestic elephants in their natural habitat.
DAY 10
In Yala National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through Yala National Park, home to spotted deer, wild boar, buffaloes, langurs, crocodiles and colourful peacocks. The park also shelters more than 200 bird species, including impressive flocks of migratory birds.
DAY 11
Drive to Galle
This morning, drive to historic Galle (4–5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial architecture blends beautifully with Sri Lanka’s tropical charm. Explore the atmospheric fort, historic streets and distinctive blend of European and Asian influences.
DAY 12
In Galle
Today is at leisure to explore Galle at your own pace or with your driver. Discover the historic fort, Maritime Museum, Dutch Reformed Church, bastions and lighthouse, alongside charming shops, while experiencing its unique blend of European and South Asian heritage.
DAY 13
Drive to Colombo & Departure
This morning, transfer to Colombo Airport (2–3 hours) for your flight home, or continue your journey with us on an onward adventure through Sri Lanka or beyond.
Enquiry
Starting from On Request
Price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change depending on the hotels selected and travel dates.
Your tour includes daily breakfast, all monument entrance fees, expert local guides, train tickets, Jeep safaris, airport transfers, a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned SUV, and all applicable taxes.
Much of what we do at Indus Bound is driven by a quest for originality: finding unique and special people and places who will transform your trip.
Meet our Sri Lanka Specialists
Pankaj Singh
Travel Specialist
TAILOR-MADE
Vardaan Behl
Travel Specialist
ADVENTURE
Emma Lovell
Travel Specialist
RETREATS
Raghu Kulkarni
Travel Specialist
WILDLIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY
"An incredible trip to India"
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we had been missing during our last six trips to India—a truly authentic Indian experience! Every part of the journey felt thoughtfully planned, allowing us to connect with the culture, people, and destinations in a much more meaningful way. A piece of advice for anyone hesitating to work with you: If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and are looking for an authentic, personalised travel experience in India, you are absolutely in the right place. Thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
"Nothing Short of Extraordinary"
We have had the most amazing time, great hotels and great experiences. Our drivers and guides have been excellent, in particular Govinder Raj who has been our driver and companion for the last ten days. Govinder has been extremely obliging and has made sure we have been safe and where we should be, on time, with all our belongings and with a stack of goodies and water. He has kept the car immaculate both inside and out, and has driven us with care and skill on all our journeys. Your planning of all the inclusions such are the ceremonies at temples, boat rides and the Everest Flight made the whole trip one never to forget.
Mr & Mrs Davies-Webb, UK
"Highly Recommended"
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
Ms Gayle Rawes & Mr Andrew Slatford, UK
"Superb Service"
The outcome of this trip far exceeded our expectations and we would recommend your agency without any reservation. Our sincerest thanks for a well planned and executed tour.
Mr Eugene & Ms Mirasol Johnson, USA
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