11-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour

11 Days 10 Nights
  • Negombo Beach – Relax on pristine shores with golden sunsets
  • Anuradhapura Ancient City – Explore Sri Lanka’s first capital and sacred Buddhist sites
  • Wilpattu National Park Safari – Spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears
  • Trincomalee Beaches – Enjoy pristine Nilaveli Beach and clear waters
  • Pigeon Island – Snorkel in coral reefs with 300+ fish species
  • Koneswaram Temple – Visit ancient Hindu temple overlooking the ocean
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Climb the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
  • Village Tour – Experience authentic rural Sri Lankan life
  • Dambulla Cave Temple – Marvel at 150+ Buddha statues in sacred caves
  • Temple of the Tooth – Experience Buddhist rituals in Kandy
  • Kandyan Dance Show – Watch traditional fire walking performances
  • Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – Stroll through 147 acres of tropical flora
  • Tea Plantation & Factory – Learn Ceylon tea production
  • Scenic Train Journey – Ride through stunning hill country
  • Nine Arch Bridge – Visit Ella’s iconic railway viaduct
  • Little Adam’s Peak – Hike to panoramic viewpoints
  • Whale Watching – See blue whales and dolphins in Mirissa
  • Galle Fort – Walk through Dutch colonial ramparts
  • Madu River Safari – Cruise through mangrove ecosystems
  • Turtle Hatchery – See endangered sea turtle conservation
  • 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Immerse in Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy
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Tour Overview

Discover the ultimate Sri Lankan experience with this exceptional 11-day Classic & Cultural Tour that beautifully balances ancient heritage, pristine beaches, thrilling wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary showcases the island’s complete diversity, from sacred Buddhist sites to tropical paradise beaches.

Begin your journey relaxing on Negombo’s golden shores before exploring Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital with magnificent stupas and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree. Experience thrilling wildlife safaris at Wilpattu National Park, spotting leopards and elephants in their natural habitat.

Discover the pristine beaches of Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s east coast, snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Pigeon Island, and visit the sacred Koneswaram Temple. Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress and experience authentic village life with bullock cart rides and traditional home-cooked meals.

Journey through the Cultural Triangle visiting Dambulla’s cave temples and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth. Ascend into misty tea plantations, experiencing one of the world’s most scenic train journeys to charming Ella. Watch magnificent blue whales in Mirissa, explore historic Galle Fort, and cruise through Madu River’s mangrove forests.

This perfectly paced tour delivers comprehensive Sri Lankan experiences with comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and warm local hospitality throughout.

Dambulla Cave Temple
Yala Leopard

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Airport → Negombo
  • Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Welcome by Milan Tours representative
  • Transfer to Negombo (30 minutes)
  • Check-in to deluxe beachfront hotel
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Relax by the pool or beach
  • Evening walk along Negombo Beach
  • Watch stunning sunset
  • Explore Negombo Fish Market (optional)
  • Visit St. Mary’s Church (optional)
  • Overnight in Negombo
Day 02: Negombo → Anuradhapura → Wilpattu Safari
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Depart for Anuradhapura (4 hours)
  • Visit Anuradhapura Ancient City (UNESCO)
  • Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (world’s oldest recorded tree)
  • Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba (great white stupa)
  • Abhayagiri Monastery ruins
  • Jetavanarama Stupa
  • Thuparamaya Dagoba
  • Ancient reservoirs and palace ruins
  • Lunch break
  • Afternoon Jeep Safari at Wilpattu National Park
  • Sri Lanka’s largest national park
  • Spot leopards, sloth bears, elephants
  • See deer, crocodiles, and exotic birds
  • Explore “villus” (natural lakes)
  • Return to hotel
  • Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 03: Anuradhapura → Trincomalee
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Depart for Trincomalee (3.5 hours)
  • Scenic drive through rural Sri Lanka
  • Arrive at east coast paradise
  • Check-in to beachfront resort
  • Visit Koneswaram Temple
  • Ancient Hindu temple on cliff
  • Stunning ocean views
  • Visit Fort Frederick
  • Dutch colonial fort
  • Afternoon at Nilaveli Beach
  • Swimming in crystal-clear waters
  • Relax on white sandy beach
  • Evening at leisure
  • Overnight in Trincomalee
Day 04: Trincomalee – Pigeon Island
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Morning boat ride to Pigeon Island
  • Snorkeling in coral reef (weather permitting)
  • 100+ species of colorful corals
  • 300+ species of reef fish
  • Sea turtles and reef sharks
  • Optional: Scuba diving
  • Return to mainland
  • Lunch break
  • Afternoon at leisure on beach
  • Swimming and sunbathing
  • Water sports available (optional)
  • Beach volleyball
  • Evening relaxation
  • Overnight in Trincomalee
Day 05: Trincomalee → Dambulla → Sigiriya
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Depart for Dambulla/Sigiriya (4 hours)
  • Arrive in Cultural Triangle
  • Traditional Village Tour experience
  • Bullock cart ride through village
  • Canoeing on village lake
  • Tuk-tuk ride
  • Traditional Sri Lankan lunch at farmer’s home
  • Learn about village life and agriculture
  • Late afternoon climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Ascend 1,200 steps to summit
  • View ancient frescoes
  • Lion’s Paw entrance
  • Palace ruins at top
  • 360-degree panoramic views
  • Sunset from Sigiriya
  • Visit Sigiriya Museum
  • Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 06: Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
  • Golden Buddha statue at entrance
  • Five sacred caves
  • 150+ Buddha statues
  • Ancient murals and frescoes
  • Panoramic views from temple
  • Depart for Kandy
  • Stop at Matale Spice Garden
  • Learn about Ceylon spices
  • Ayurvedic herbs and their uses
  • Spice shopping opportunity
  • Arrive in Kandy
  • Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO)
  • Witness evening puja ceremony
  • Sacred tooth relic of Buddha
  • Explore temple complex
  • Walk around Kandy Lake
  • Visit Kandy viewpoint
  • Traditional Kandyan Dance show
  • Fire walking performance
  • Acrobatic displays
  • Overnight in Kandy
Day 07: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
  • 147 acres of tropical flora
  • Orchid house with rare species
  • Giant bamboo avenue
  • Royal palm collection
  • Spice garden
  • Depart for Nuwara Eliya (3 hours)
  • Scenic drive through mountains
  • Photo stop at Ramboda Falls
  • Visit Tea Plantation and Factory
  • Walk through emerald tea fields
  • Meet tea pickers at work
  • Learn tea production process
  • Tea tasting experience
  • Arrive in Nuwara Eliya
  • “Little England” city tour
  • Gregory Lake and Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Colonial post office
  • Traditional market
  • Evening walk through town
  • Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Day 08: Nuwara Eliya → Ella
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station
  • Scenic train journey to Ella
  • One of world’s most beautiful train rides
  • 3-4 hours through tea plantations
  • Waterfalls and mountain vistas
  • Misty valleys and villages
  • Arrive at Ella Station
  • Driver meets at station
  • Explore Ella village
  • Visit Nine Arch Bridge
  • Iconic colonial railway viaduct
  • Watch trains pass through
  • Photo opportunities
  • Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
  • 45-minute moderate climb
  • Panoramic views of Ella Gap
  • Sunset from summit
  • Evening in Ella town
  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Laid-back atmosphere
  • Overnight in Ella
Day 09: Ella → Mirissa
  • Early breakfast (optional early start for whale watching)
  • Depart for Mirissa (3.5 hours)
  • Early morning Whale Watching boat tour (seasonal)
  • Depart 6-7 AM from Mirissa harbor
  • Blue whales and sperm whales
  • Dolphins sighting
  • 3-4 hour boat excursion
  • Return to harbor
  • Brunch/lunch break
  • Check-in to beach resort
  • Afternoon at leisure on beach
  • Swimming in turquoise waters
  • Sunbathing on golden sand
  • Optional: Surfing lessons
  • Optional: Snorkeling excursions
  • Optional: Water sports
  • Beach relaxation
  • Sunset on the beach
  • Overnight in Mirissa/Dickwella
Day 10: Mirissa → Galle → Bentota
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Depart for Galle
  • En route photo stop at Stilt Fishermen
  • Koggala or Weligama
  • Traditional fishing method
  • Walking tour of Galle Fort (UNESCO)
  • Dutch colonial architecture (17th century)
  • Walk along ramparts
  • Visit Galle Lighthouse
  • Dutch Reformed Church
  • Old Dutch Hospital (shopping/dining)
  • Maritime Museum
  • Boutique shops and galleries
  • Continue to Bentota area
  • Stop at Turtle Hatchery
  • See baby sea turtles
  • Learn about conservation
  • Optional turtle release
  • Madu River boat safari
  • Cruise through mangrove forests
  • Visit cinnamon island
  • Fish foot therapy
  • See monitor lizards and birds
  • Check-in to beach resort in Bentota
  • Evening at leisure
  • Overnight in Bentota
Day 11: Bentota → Colombo → Airport
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Depart for Colombo (2 hours)
  • Colombo city tour
  • Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque)
  • Gangaramaya Temple
  • Independence Square
  • Galle Face Green promenade
  • Beira Lake
  • Shopping opportunities
  • Odel Shopping Centre
  • Majestic City
  • Local markets
  • Lunch at famous Colombo restaurant (optional)
  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Drop-off according to flight schedule
  • End of tour with wonderful memories

Alternative: Extend your stay in Bentota or Negombo for beach relaxation

  • Airport pickup and drop-off with assistance
  • 10 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels
  • Daily breakfast at hotels
  • Meal plan options: BB / HB / FB available
  • Professional English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • Fully air-conditioned modern private vehicle
  • Fuel and local vehicle insurance
  • Jeep safari at Wilpattu National Park
  • Jeep safari at Yala National Park (if selected)
  • Boat ride to Pigeon Island
  • Village tour experience (bullock cart, canoe, lunch)
  • Scenic train tickets (Nuwara Eliya to Ella)
  • Madu River boat safari
  • Government taxes included
  • No hidden charges
  • 24-hour emergency contact support
  • International airfare
  • Visa fees for Sri Lanka
  • Entrance fees to attractions and UNESCO sites
  • Meals not stated in itinerary (if BB selected)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips for guide and drivers (optional)
  • Travel insurance
  • Camera and video permits
  • Optional activities (whale watching, scuba diving, water sports)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Late check-out and early check-in charges
  • Any services not mentioned in inclusions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. Why choose an 11-day tour instead of shorter options?

An 11-day tour provides the most comprehensive Sri Lankan experience without feeling rushed. Unlike shorter tours, this itinerary includes both the west coast (Negombo, Bentota) and pristine east coast (Trincomalee), Wilpattu National Park (less crowded than Yala), and dedicated beach days for relaxation. You'll visit 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience authentic village life, and have time to truly immerse in Sri Lankan culture. This duration is perfect for travelers seeking depth over breadth, with comfortable pacing between activities and relaxation.

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2. What makes Trincomalee and Pigeon Island special?

Trincomalee on the east coast offers pristine, less-crowded beaches compared to the south coast. Pigeon Island is one of Sri Lanka's only two marine national parks, featuring the country's best coral reefs with over 100 coral species and 300+ fish species. It's considered the best snorkeling spot in Sri Lanka. The east coast has a different cultural atmosphere being predominantly Tamil and Hindu, offering unique temple experiences at Koneswaram Kovil. The season is opposite to the south coast, making it ideal April-October.

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3. Is whale watching guaranteed during the tour?

Whale watching in Mirissa is a seasonal activity (November to April, best December-March) and sightings are never guaranteed as we're observing wild animals. However, Sri Lanka has one of the world's highest blue whale sighting rates, typically 90-95% during peak season. Tours depart early morning (6-7 AM) and last 3-4 hours. If weather conditions are unsuitable, the boat tour may be canceled for safety. We can adjust the itinerary if you're traveling outside whale watching season.

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4. Can I customize this 11-day itinerary?

Absolutely! This tour is fully customizable. Popular modifications include: skipping Trincomalee to spend more time in Cultural Triangle or south coast beaches, adding Yala Safari instead of Wilpattu, including Horton Plains National Park trek, extending beach stays in Mirissa or Bentota, adding Udawalawe elephant safari, including Arugam Bay for surfing, or combining with Maldives extension (2-4 nights). We can adjust accommodation levels, meal plans, and activities to match your preferences and budget.

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5. What accommodation options are available?

We offer three accommodation categories throughout the tour:

  • Standard (3-Star): Comfortable hotels with essential amenities, clean rooms, good service
  • Deluxe (4-Star): Superior hotels with excellent facilities, often beachfront or scenic locations
  • Superior (5-Star): Luxury hotels and resorts with premium amenities, spa facilities, exceptional service

All accommodations are carefully selected for quality, location, and guest reviews. You can mix categories (e.g., 4-star in Kandy, 5-star beach resorts). Specific hotel names are provided in your tour confirmation.

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6. What is the best time to take this 11-day tour?

This tour visits both west/south coasts and east coast, making timing important:

  • December to March: Best for south/west coast beaches (Negombo, Mirissa, Bentota) and whale watching. East coast may have rain.
  • April to September: Best for Trincomalee and east coast. South/west coast experiences monsoon rains (though not constant).
  • Year-round: Cultural Triangle and hill country are accessible year-round.

We recommend December-March for optimal overall conditions, but can adjust the itinerary for