Sri Lanka Explorer – 9 Nights 10 Days | Ancient Kingdoms, Wildlife & Tropical Beaches

Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa • Kandy • Mahiyanganaya • Ella • Udawalawa • Yala • Galle • Bentota

Discover the very best of Sri Lanka on this carefully designed 9 Nights 10 Days Sri Lanka Round Tour, combining ancient kingdoms, cultural heritage, mountain scenery, wildlife safaris, colonial history, and tropical beaches.

From the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and ancient city of Polonnaruwa, travel through the cultural heart of Kandy to the peaceful mountains of Mahiyanganaya and scenic Ella. Continue south through Udawalawa and Yala for unforgettable wildlife experiences before exploring historic Galle and relaxing on the golden beaches of Bentota.

This itinerary is designed to give travelers a comprehensive Sri Lankan experience while maintaining a logical route with comfortable overnight stops.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Discover the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa

• Experience the cultural heritage of Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

• Visit the scenic and culturally significant Mahiyanganaya

• Enjoy the spectacular mountain landscapes of Ella

• Experience a wildlife safari in Udawalawa National Park

• Explore Yala National Park, famous for its wildlife and leopards

• Discover the historic Galle Dutch Fort

• Relax on the tropical beaches of Bentota

• Experience Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, traditions, landscapes, and hospitality

• Travel through a diverse combination of cultural, mountain, wildlife, and coastal regions

The route brings together several of Sri Lanka's major heritage destinations: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Galle are all recognized among the country's UNESCO World Heritage attractions.

Day 1 – Arrival in Sri Lanka – Airport – Sigiriya

Approximate travel time: 4–4.5 hours

Meet and greet at Colombo International Airport (BIA) and begin your journey towards Sigiriya.

On the way, depending on your arrival time, you may stop for refreshments or visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient Buddhist murals and statues.

Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your hotel.

Spend the evening relaxing at the hotel or exploring the peaceful surroundings of Sigiriya.

Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

Day 2 – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

Approximate travel time: 3–4 hours including sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most famous archaeological sites.

Climb the ancient Lion Rock and explore the historic palace complex, water gardens, frescoes and surrounding archaeological remains. Sigiriya is a fifth-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch, proceed to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Explore the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, including:

• Royal Palace complex

• Audience Hall

• Sacred Quadrangle

• Parakrama Samudra

• Gal Vihara

• Ancient stupas and temples

Polonnaruwa is particularly renowned for its well-preserved ruins, monumental architecture and the famous rock-carved Buddha statues at Gal Vihara. Return to Sigiriya in the evening.

Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

Day 3 – Sigiriya – Kandy

Approximate travel time: 3–3.5 hours

After breakfast, depart Sigiriya and travel towards the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy.

On the way, you may visit:

• Dambulla Cave Temple, if not visited on Day 1

• Spice Garden

• Local handicraft centre

Continue to Kandy and check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon or evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist sites and a key part of Kandy's UNESCO World Heritage. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, featuring traditional dancing, drumming and cultural performances.

Overnight stay at Kandy.

Day 4 – Kandy – Mahiyanganaya

Approximate travel time: 3–3.5 hours

After breakfast, leave Kandy and travel through the scenic central and eastern highlands towards Mahiyanganaya.

Enjoy a beautiful journey through mountains, forests, villages and traditional agricultural landscapes.

Visit Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, one of Sri Lanka's historically significant Buddhist temples.

Depending on time and interests, you may also visit:

• Sorabora Wewa

• Sorabora ancient irrigation area

• Local village surroundings

• Traditional indigenous community areas

• Scenic viewpoints around Mahiyanganaya

Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this less-touristy part of Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay at Mahiyanganaya.

Day 5 – Mahiyanganaya – Ella

Approximate travel time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, depart Mahiyanganaya and travel towards the beautiful hill-country town of Ella.

The journey offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea-growing landscapes.

Upon arrival in Ella, visit some of the area's most popular attractions, depending on time:

• Nine Arch Bridge

• Little Adam's Peak

• Ella Gap

• Ravana Falls

Ella is particularly known for its mountain scenery, hiking opportunities and spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Spend the evening relaxing in Ella and enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere.

Overnight stay at Ella.

Day 6 – Ella – Udawalawa

Approximate travel time: 3–3.5 hours

After breakfast, leave Ella and descend from the central highlands towards Udawalawa.

Enjoy the changing scenery as the cool mountains give way to the warmer dry-zone landscapes of southern Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon, enjoy a Udawalawa National Park Safari.

The park is particularly well known for its wild Asian elephants and offers opportunities to see elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, deer and numerous species of birds. After the safari, return to your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at Udawalawa.

Day 7 – Udawalawa – Yala

Approximate travel time: 2–3 hours

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before continuing towards Yala. On the way, you may visit the Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawa, subject to opening times. Continue towards Yala and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for a Yala National Park Jeep Safari. Yala is one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destinations and is particularly famous for its leopard population. The park also provides opportunities to see elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer and a wide variety of birds. Return to your hotel after the safari.

Overnight stay at Yala / Tissamaharama.

Note: Yala's operating blocks can vary by season. For example, the official Yala site currently lists a partial closure of Blocks 1 and 2 from 14 September to 15 October 2026, while other blocks remain open. Safari arrangements should therefore be confirmed for the actual travel dates.

Day 8 – Yala – Galle

Approximate travel time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, depart Yala and travel along Sri Lanka's scenic southern coastline towards Galle.

Day 9 – Galle – Bentota

Approximate travel time: 1.5–2 hours

After breakfast, leave Galle and travel north along the beautiful southwest coast towards Bentota.

On the way, you may visit or experience:

Day 9 – Galle – Bentota

• Hikkaduwa

• Ambalangoda mask-making traditions

• Madu River boat safari

• Coastal villages

Continue to Bentota and check in to your beach hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach or enjoying optional activities such as:

• Boat safari

• Water sports

• River cruise

• Spa treatment

• Beach relaxation

Bentota is known for its golden beaches and is one of Sri Lanka's established coastal holiday destinations.

Overnight stay at Bentota.

Day 10 – Bentota – Colombo Airport – Departure

Enjoy your final morning at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, depart Bentota for Colombo International Airport (BIA).

The journey to the airport can be arranged according to your flight departure time, allowing sufficient time for check-in and airport formalities.

End of your unforgettable 9 Nights 10 Days Sri Lanka Round Tour.

COST FOR THE TOUR:

FOR 2 TRAVELLERS - TRANSPORTATION BY: SEDAN CAR

PER PERSON PER DAY: USD 144.00

2 PERSONS WHOLE TOUR: USD 2,016.00

FOR 4 TRAVELLERS - TRANSPORTATION BY: STANDARD VAN

PER PERSON PER DAY: USD 124.00

4 PERSONS WHOLE TOUR: USD 3,472.00

FOR 6 TRAVELLERS - TRANSPORTATION BY: LARGE VAN

PER PERSON PER DAY: USD 117.00

6 PERSONS WHOLE TOUR: USD 4,914.00

• Please be advised that the above rates are applicable for travel completed on or before 15 November 2026. 

Inclusions

• Transportation throughout the tour in a private vehicle

• Airport pickup and drop-off

• Accommodation in standard hotels or similar

• Daily breakfast &  dinner at the hotel you will be staying.

• Driver accommodation and meals

• Fuel and parking

• Highway charges

• Vehicle-related taxes

• Replacement vehicle in case of breakdown

• All prevailing taxes

Exclusions

• International airfares

• Entrance tickets to attractions

• National Park entrance fees

• Safari Jeep charges

• Boat safari charges

• Lunches unless specifically stated

• Professional guide charges

• Bank, payment transaction commissions.

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Medical/accident insurance

• Tips and porterage