Classic Tour

Classic Tour

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Classic Tour

Experience the very best of Sri Lanka on this classic 12-night / 13-day journey — from Negombo’s coastal charm to Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress, Kandy’s sacred temple, the iconic Nanu Oya to Ella tea train, wildlife safaris in Minneriya and Yala, and a final beach escape in Tangalle.

Welcome to the Island of Serendipity. Sri Lanka’s gentle lush landscapes, fascinating culture, and rich wildlife combine to create one of Asia’s most rewarding journeys. This Classic Tour balances UNESCO heritage sites, scenic highland rail travel, thrilling jeep safaris, and unhurried beach time — thoughtfully paced for British travellers seeking culture, history, and coastal calm.

From soft-sanded shores and colonial canals in Negombo, to the plains of the Cultural Triangle and the misty tea country, every day reveals a new face of the island. Encounter elephants at Minneriya, climb Lion Rock at dawn, explore Polonnaruwa by bicycle, honour the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and ride one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Nanu Oya to Ella. Wildlife drama awaits in Yala before you unwind beside the Indian Ocean in Tangalle.

Travel season: November to February. Ideal for couples and small groups of two or more travellers.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya
Kandy Temple of the Tooth
Kandy
Ella Nine Arch Bridge
Ella
Yala National Park Safari
Yala
Journey Route
Arrival Negombo Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Dambulla Kandy Nanu Oya Ella Yala Tangalle Colombo Departure

Tour Highlights

UNESCO Lion Rock Fortress at Sigiriya
Minneriya elephant safari — “The Gathering”
Ancient Polonnaruwa cycling tour
Dambulla Cave Temple & Temple of the Tooth
Scenic Nanu Oya to Ella tea train
Nine Arch Bridge & Little Adam’s Peak
Yala National Park leopard safari
Tangalle beach leisure days
Journey Map

Itinerary

13 Days
Day 01

Airport → Negombo

Approx. 30 mins Overnight: Negombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo. Check in and unwind by the coast.

  • Airport meet & greet
  • Transfer to Negombo hotel
  • Evening at leisure
Negombo

A lively coastal city near the airport, known for sandy beaches, the fish market, colonial churches, canals, and fresh seafood.

Day 02

Negombo → Sigiriya → Minneriya Safari

Approx. 4 hrs Overnight: Sigiriya

Travel inland to Sigiriya, settle into your hotel, then head out for an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Sigiriya and check in
  • Afternoon jeep safari at Minneriya
Minneriya National Park

Famous for “The Gathering” — a spectacular seasonal congregation of wild elephants around the historic Minneriya Tank, with deer, birds, and more.

Day 03

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Overnight: Sigiriya

An early start to climb the majestic Lion Rock Fortress and enjoy panoramic views from the summit. Breakfast afterwards, then a leisurely afternoon.

  • Early ascent of Sigiriya Rock (from approx. 05:30)
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Day at leisure
Sigiriya (Lion Rock)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site — a 5th-century rock fortress rising nearly 200m, with water gardens, frescoes, the Lion’s Paw Terrace, and summit palace ruins.

Day 04

Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour

Approx. 1 hr 10 mins Overnight: Sigiriya

Explore the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa on a cycling tour among palaces, temples, and the iconic Gal Vihara Buddha statues.

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city cycling tour
  • Return to Sigiriya hotel
Polonnaruwa

UNESCO-listed second capital of ancient Sri Lanka (11th–13th centuries), with royal ruins, stupas, and the rock-cut Gal Vihara Buddhas.

Day 05

Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy

Approx. 3 hrs Overnight: Kandy

En route to Kandy, visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla — five caves filled with murals and Buddha statues — then check in to your Kandy hotel.

  • Breakfast and check-out
  • Dambulla Cave Temple visit
  • Arrive Kandy and check in
Dambulla Cave Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 1st century BC, with five cave temples, vivid frescoes, and over 150 statues atop a rock sanctuary.

Day 06

Kandy City & Sacred Sites

Overnight: Kandy

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, and explore the historic city of Kandy.

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Royal Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
  • Kandy city exploration
Kandy

UNESCO World Heritage city and last royal capital — home to Sri Dalada Maligawa and the celebrated Peradeniya gardens along the Mahaweli River.

Day 07

Kandy → Nanu Oya → Ella (Tea Train)

Approx. 2 hrs 45 mins + 3 hrs train Overnight: Ella

Travel into the highlands and board the scenic tea train from Nanu Oya to Ella — one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys.

  • Breakfast and check-out
  • Transfer to Nanu Oya
  • Scenic train to Ella
  • Check in and unwind
Nanu Oya to Ella Train

A legendary highland railway through tea estates, misty mountains, waterfalls, and bridges — including approaches to the Nine Arch Bridge near Ella.

Day 08

Ella Adventures

Overnight: Ella

Visit the Nine Arch Bridge, optionally zipline at Flying Ravana, then hike Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping highland views.

  • Nine Arch Bridge visit
  • Optional Flying Ravana zipline (direct payment)
  • Little Adam’s Peak hike
Ella

Hill-country favourite with the stone Nine Arch Bridge, easy Little Adam’s Peak trail (~1,141m), and optional adventure activities.

Day 09

Ella at Leisure

Overnight: Ella

A free day to relax in Ella — cafés, viewpoints, short walks, or simply soak up the cool mountain air.

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Full day at leisure
Ella

Use the day to revisit favourite viewpoints, browse local cafés, or rest before the journey south.

Day 10

Ella → Ravana Falls → Yala

Approx. 3 hrs Overnight: Yala

Descend toward the south coast via scenic Ravana Falls, then check in near Yala National Park.

  • Breakfast and check-out
  • Ravana Falls sightseeing
  • Arrive Yala and check in
Ravana Falls

A dramatic ~25m waterfall near Ella, cascading over rocky cliffs — especially photogenic after rains.

Day 11

Yala Safari → Tangalle

Approx. 2 hrs 20 mins Overnight: Tangalle

Early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park — renowned for leopards — then continue to Tangalle for beach time.

  • Morning Yala jeep safari
  • Breakfast after safari
  • Drive to Tangalle and check in
Yala National Park

Sri Lanka’s most famous park for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and rich birdlife across forests, grasslands, and lagoons.

Day 12

Tangalle Beach Leisure

Overnight: Tangalle

A full day at leisure on Tangalle’s pristine southern beaches — swim, stroll, or simply unwind.

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Beach day at leisure
Tangalle

A tranquil southern beach destination with soft sands, calm coves, and a slower pace — ideal for the final chapter of your journey.

Day 13

Tangalle → Colombo Airport

Approx. 3 hrs 20 mins

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your outbound flight.

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Airport transfer for departure
Departure

End of services — thank you for travelling with Brit Lanka Tours.

Included

  • 12 nights accommodation on BB / HB basis (Sgl / Double / Twin)
  • Meal plan as quoted (Bed & Breakfast / Half Board)
  • Air-conditioned car, van, or mini coach
  • Bottled water throughout the tour
  • Train tickets Nanu Oya → Ella
  • English-speaking chauffeur (2–7 pax) or national guide (8+ pax)
  • Safari jeep hires at national parks
  • Entrance fees for sites & experiences listed in the itinerary

Not Included

  • Lunches during the tour
  • Optional activities (e.g. Flying Ravana zipline — direct payment)
  • Beverages throughout the tour
  • Christmas & New Year supplements (on request)
  • Services not specified in the itinerary
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