Wildlife with a beach finish
Ten days combining elephant safaris, Yala’s leopards, the Cultural Triangle and Kandy with two quiet nights on the south coast.
A wildlife-led version of the classic route. You see elephant herds in the Cultural Triangle and at Udawalawe, spend two nights near Yala for the best chance of leopards, and still climb Sigiriya and visit Kandy. The trip ends on the deep-south coast at Tangalle.
It skips the hill-country train to keep the focus on wildlife, but we can add Ella if you would like both.
Negombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Udawalawe – Yala – Tangalle
Airport welcome and transfer.
Drive to the Cultural Triangle, visiting Dambulla Cave Temple on the way.
Climb Sigiriya early; afternoon elephant safari at Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park.
Travel to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening ceremony.
A scenic drive through the hill country, past tea estates and waterfalls, down to Udawalawe.
Morning safari among Udawalawe’s elephants, then on to Yala.
Morning and afternoon game drives in Yala, resting at your lodge in between.
An optional early safari, then drive to the coast at Tangalle.
A free day on quiet beaches; optional turtle watch in the evening.
Drive to the airport via the Southern Expressway.
We suggest hotels at the level you choose — good-value, comfortable, boutique or premium — and explain why each one suits the route. You can swap any hotel before anything is booked.
You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle sized for your group and luggage, with the same driver or chauffeur guide throughout. Licensed site guides can be added at major heritage sites.
Best December to April for the beach and Yala access.
Availability depends on season and your dates — we confirm before adding anything. Tick the ones you like in the form below.
The Cultural Triangle pairs ancient sites with village life and elephant country.
Sigiriya area · 3 – 4 hours
Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park · About 3 hours
Sigiriya · 2 hours
Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya or Anuradhapura · 2 – 4 hours
Kandy is the home of Kandyan dance and a good place to learn Sri Lankan cooking.
Kandy · 1 hour
Kandy, Sigiriya, Ella or Galle · 2 – 3 hours
Yes. Udawalawe gives quick elephant sightings, and safaris are broken up with pool time.
Yes, from Mirissa between about December and April; we would add one night there.
Adjust anything below, or just tell us your dates. A consultant replies personally — this is not a booking and nothing is charged.
Updated . Travel conditions change — we confirm details when we plan your trip.
10 days · Culture, hills, safari & beach
Ten days that add breathing space and a beach finish to the classic route: two nights each in Sigiriya and Kandy, the tea country train, a Yala safari and the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
14 days · Two weeks, the whole island
Two weeks to see Sri Lanka properly: both great ancient capitals, Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country, a Yala safari, quiet southern beaches and Galle Fort.
Private tour · price on request
15 days · Relaxed pace, long beach stay
A relaxed fifteen-day journey with three nights in the Cultural Triangle, two in Kandy and Ella, an elephant safari and three unhurried nights on the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
Day tours that fit around this itinerary.
Half day · from Negombo
A relaxed half day near the airport: a lagoon boat ride through mangroves, the fish market, the Dutch canal and St Mary’s Church.
Half day · from Negombo
An early-morning look at Negombo’s fishing life: boats coming in, the auction, and a traditional outrigger on the lagoon.
Half day · from Kandy
Kandy’s highlights in a half day: the Temple of the Tooth, the lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and a cultural show.
Full day · from Kandy
Climb Sigiriya Rock and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple on a full day from Kandy.
