#24 Explore Scenic Sri Lanka 13 Days

#24 Explore Scenic Sri Lanka Round Tours - 13 Days

Tropical Coasts & Mountain Trails: A Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Natural Wonders

Discover the soul of Sri Lanka as you journey from golden tropical beaches to cool misty highlands. This immersive tour blends serene coastlines, lush tea country, cascading waterfalls, and rich wildlife encounters — offering a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether its whale watching in Mirissa, hiking in Ella, or a scenic train ride through the hills, you’ll experience the full spectrum of Sri Lanka’s diverse beauty.

#24 Explore Scenic Sri Lanka Round Tours 13 Days – 12 Nights 13 Days

Tour Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's breathtaking coasts, misty hills, and cultural landmarks. From tropical beaches to rainforests, ancient cities to highland tea plantations, this scenic round tour offers an immersive experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers. Covering the best tourist attractions like Bentota, Sinharaja, Haputale, Ella, Gal Oya, Kandy, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Pinnawala, Colombo through the journey.

Day 1: Colombo Airport - Bentota

Start your journey on your arrival at Colombo Airport (BIA) or Colombo or Negombo, Drive to Bentota.

Overnight Stay at Bentota.

Day 2: Bentota

Enjoy the Sun and Sand in Bentota - Where Golden Beaches Meet Serenity and Adventure Unwind on the golden shores of Bentota, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and tranquil beach destinations. Nestled along the southwest coast, Bentota is known for its soft sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a perfect mix of relaxation and water-based adventure.

Things to Do in Bentota:

Soak up the sun or take a leisurely swim in the calm sea

Try thrilling water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides

Enjoy a peaceful boat safari on the Bentota River, surrounded by mangroves

Visit a sea turtle hatchery and learn about local conservation efforts

Savor fresh seafood at beachside restaurants as the sun sets over the ocean

Whether you’re looking to relax under palm trees or dive into coastal excitement, Bentota offers the perfect tropical escape.

Overnight Stay at Bentota.

Day 3: Bentota - Sinharaja Rainforest

Venture deep into the heart of Sri Lanka’s only remaining virgin rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with rare flora and fauna. On a guided trek led by a local naturalist, discover a rich world of biodiversity — from vibrant birds like the Sri Lanka blue magpie to colorful frogs, giant ferns, and ancient trees. This tranquil jungle offers both adventure and serenity, as mist hangs over the canopy and hidden waterfalls reveal themselves along the trail.

Spend the night near the forest edge, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

Overnight Stay at Sinharaja Rain Forest.

Day 4: Sinharaja Rainforest - Ella

Travel into Sri Lanka’s cool and misty hill country, where emerald tea plantations blanket rolling hills. Stop in Haputale, a peaceful mountain town famed for its breathtaking views and colonial charm. Visit a working tea factory to witness the art of Ceylon tea production and stroll through lush estates where the aroma of fresh leaves fills the air.

Make your way to Lipton’s Seat, the legendary lookout points once favored by tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton — perfect for a golden-hour sunset over panoramic valleys. On your way to Ella, pause to admire the cascading Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall, where tiers of water tumble into natural rock pools.

End the day in Ella, a laid-back mountain village nestled among green hills — your perfect base for highland adventures.

Overnight Stay at Ella.

Day 5: Ella

Wake up in the fresh mountain air of Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic hill towns. Begin your day with a gentle hike to Little Adam’s Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations. For a more laid-back morning, relax in Ella’s cozy cafés and explore its charming village atmosphere.

Later, visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of colonial engineering surrounded by lush jungle — best experienced as a train passes through the mist. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic train journey to either Badulla or Nanu Oya, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train routes in the world.

Return to Ella for a restful overnight stay, taking in the tranquil highland setting.

Overnight Stay at Ella.

Day 6: Ella - Mahiyanganaya

Venture off the typical tourist trail as you transfer to Mahiyanganaya, a serene region nestled between mountains and reservoirs. Begin your cultural exploration in Dambana, home to Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community, where you’ll gain insight into their ancient way of life through stories, rituals, and traditions passed down for generations.

Visit the Ayurveda Museum, which showcases traditional healing practices and herbal knowledge rooted in centuries of wisdom. In the evening, unwind with a tranquil boat ride across the lake, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and wildlife as the sun sets.

Enjoy an overnight stay close to nature — a true escape into Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland.

Overnight Stay at Mahiyanganaya.

Day 7: Galoya National Park - Mahiyanganaya

Gal Oya National Park – Sri Lanka’s Hidden Wildlife Gem - Set out for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience in Gal Oya National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched and tranquil sanctuaries. Unlike typical safaris, here you’ll embark on a unique boat safari across the vast Senanayake Samudraya reservoir — the only place in Sri Lanka where you can witness elephants swimming between islands.

As you glide over calm waters, keep your eyes open for crocodiles, deer, exotic birdlife, and even rare eagles soaring above. The peaceful silence, broken only by nature's sounds, offers a deeply immersive experience in the wild.

After your safari, return to Mahiyanganaya for a relaxing overnight stay amidst serene surroundings.

Overnight Stay at Mahiyanganaya.

Day 8: Mahiyanganaya - Kandy

Kandy – Culture, Spirituality & Scenic Charm - Travel to the historic hill capital of Kandy, a city rich in tradition and surrounded by lush greenery. Begin with local sightseeing, exploring the charming streets, vibrant markets, and serene lake at the heart of the city.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the island’s heritage with a cultural dance performance featuring traditional drumming, fire dances, and colorful costumes. As night falls, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most revered sites, beautifully lit and filled with the scent of incense.

Enjoy an overnight stay in picturesque Kandy, were culture and tranquility blend seamlessly.

Overnight Stay at Kandy.

Day 9: Kandy - Sigiriya

Kandy to Sigiriya – Village Traditions & Majestic Views - Depart from Kandy and journey north toward Habarana, with your first stop at a fragrant spice garden in Matale. Learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices through an interactive garden walk.

Continue to a nearby traditional village, where you'll enjoy an authentic rural experience: a bullock cart ride through the countryside, a peaceful canoe ride across a lake, and a hearty Sri Lankan lunch cooked over firewood — all offering a glimpse into the island’s timeless way of life.

In the afternoon, climb the lesser-known yet awe-inspiring Pidurangala Rock, located just beside Sigiriya. The summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views, including a spectacular vantage point of Sigiriya Rock Fortress itself — a perfect sunset moment.

End the day with an overnight stay in the Sigiriya area, surrounded by jungle and ancient history.

Overnight Stay at Sigiriya.

Day 10: Sigiriya

Begin your day early with a sunrise climb to the summit of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend the ancient stairways, explore the frescoes and gardens, and witness breathtaking sunrise views from the top of this legendary citadel.

Polonnaruwa Ruins - Step back in time with a visit to the majestic Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a relaxed bicycle tour through this well-preserved medieval capital, where you’ll explore centuries-old temples, palace ruins, sacred stupas, and the remarkable rock-cut statues of Gal Vihara — a true testament to Sri Lanka’s architectural and spiritual heritage.

Overnight Stay at Sigiriya.

Day 11: Sigiriya - Anuradhapura

Morning, switch gears for a wildlife safari at one of the nearby national parks around Habarana, such as Minneriya or Kaudulla (season-dependent). These lush parks are famous for their herds of wild elephants, spotted deer, exotic birds, and vibrant natural landscapes.

Anuradhapura – Sacred City of Kings and Relics - Travel to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its deeply spiritual atmosphere and awe-inspiring ruins. Walk through centuries of history as you explore massive Buddhist stupas, ancient monasteries, and royal bathing ponds nestled among sacred trees and lotus-filled lakes.

Marvel at the towering Ruwanwelisaya, the serene Jetavanaramaya, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, grown from a branch of the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Visit the Isurumuniya Temple, famed for its ancient rock carvings and peaceful setting, and see the impressive ruins of ancient palaces and the royal park.

Anuradhapura is not just a historical site — it’s a living spiritual center, where pilgrims continue age-old traditions among the remnants of a glorious past.

Ritigala – Mystical Forest Monastery of the Ancient Monks - Journey into the serene and lesser-known Ritigala Forest Reserve, a place where nature, history, and legend intertwine. Hidden within a lush jungle at the foot of Ritigala Mountain lies the ancient monastic complex of Ritigala — once a retreat for meditative Buddhist monks.

Walk along stone pathways shaded by towering trees, and explore the mysterious ruins of meditation platforms, bathing pools, and stone bridges that date back to over 2,000 years. The air is cool and still, filled with the calls of forest birds and the scent of damp earth — an atmosphere perfect for reflection and wonder.

Steeped in myth and believed to be connected to the Ramayana legend, Ritigala is a truly tranquil escape and a hidden gem among Sri Lanka’s sacred sites.

Mihintale – Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka - Visit the sacred mountain of Mihintale, a serene and spiritually significant site regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This ancient pilgrimage site is where the Buddhist monk Mahinda is believed to have first met King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BCE, introducing the teachings of the Buddha to the island.

Climb the stone steps — more than 1,800 in total — to reach a series of white stupas, rock shrines, and ancient monastic ruins, all set against sweeping views of the surrounding plains. Explore the Ambasthala Dagoba, the Aradhana Gala (meditation rock), and the ancient hospital ruins, which reflect the spiritual and cultural depth of this revered site.

Mihintale offers not only a journey through history but also a peaceful, meditative atmosphere that continues to draw pilgrims and travelers alike.

After a day of history and nature, check in to a hotel in Anuradhapura and unwind in peaceful surroundings.

Overnight Stay at Anuradhapura.

Day 12: Anuradhapura - Pinnawala - Colombo

Pinnawala to Colombo – Gentle Giants & City Lights - Begin your journey back to the capital with a scenic transfer to Colombo, stopping en route at the beloved Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Here, you’ll witness rescued elephants, young and old, roam freely in a safe environment. Enjoy watching them bathe in the nearby river and learn about the conservation efforts that protect these majestic animals.

Continue your drive to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital. In the evening, embark on a city tour through its colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, seaside promenade, and cultural landmarks like the Gangaramaya Temple. Wrap up your day with a bit of shopping at local boutiques or artisan stores before settling in for your overnight stay in Colombo, surrounded by city lights and coastal charm.

Overnight Stay at Colombo. 

Day 13: Colombo - Airport - Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to the airport for your departure, carrying with your unforgettable memories of your time in this beautiful island paradise.

Safe travels and come back soon — Ayubowan!