12-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour

12 Days 11 Nights
  • Climb iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and hike Pidurangala at sunset
  • Explore ancient Dambulla Cave Temple with stunning Buddhist murals
  • Experience world-famous scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Visit working tea plantation and pick Ceylon tea leaves
  • Thrilling elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park
  • Hike Little Adam’s Peak and photograph Nine Arch Bridge
  • Relax on pristine Mirissa Beach with optional whale watching
  • Explore UNESCO Galle Fort and cycle through paddy fields
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy with cultural performance
  • Cooking class and spice garden tour with local family
  • Madu River boat excursion through mangrove forests
  • Beach activities, surfing, and coastal relaxation
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Tour Overview

Discover the very best of Sri Lanka with our immersive 12-Day Classic Round Tour, perfectly designed to showcase the island’s incredible diversity from misty mountains to sun-drenched beaches. This comprehensive adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey through ancient kingdoms, lush tea plantations, pristine wildlife sanctuaries, and tropical coastal paradises.

Your journey begins exploring the Cultural Triangle’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and ancient Dambulla Cave Temple. Experience breathtaking sunset views from Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery before venturing into the enchanting Hill Country. Board one of the world’s most scenic train rides through emerald-green tea plantations while witnessing spectacular mountain vistas between Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

Embark on thrilling wildlife encounters with an elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park, hike to Little Adam’s Peak, and capture the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Transition to the golden beaches of Mirissa where you’ll enjoy surfing, relaxation, and optional whale watching adventures. Explore the colonial charm of Galle Fort, cycle through picturesque paddy fields visiting local schools, and discover mangrove ecosystems on a peaceful Madu River boat safari. This perfectly paced itinerary balances adventure, culture, nature, and beach relaxation for an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Colombo → Transfer to Negombo
  • Warm welcome and airport pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Transfer to beach resort in Negombo (15-minute drive)
  • Check-in and relax after your international journey
  • Evening welcome dinner featuring authentic Sri Lankan cuisine
  • Meet your Milan Tours guide and fellow travelers
  • Beach walk at sunset (optional)
  • Overnight in Negombo
Day 02: Negombo → Dambulla Cave Temple → Pidurangala Hike
  • Breakfast and departure to Cultural Triangle (4-hour scenic drive)
  • Visit UNESCO-listed Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
  • Marvel at 5 cave shrines with 150+ Buddha statues and ancient murals
  • Traditional Sri Lankan lunch at local restaurant
  • Check into Sigiriya area hotel
  • Afternoon hike to Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery
  • Enjoy spectacular 360-degree sunset views of Sigiriya Rock
  • Return to hotel for dinner
  • Overnight in Sigiriya/Dambulla area
Day 03: Sigiriya Rock Fortress Climb → Cultural Experience
  • Early morning start (6:00 AM) to climb Sigiriya Rock
  • Explore the 1,500-year-old “Eighth Wonder of the World”
  • See famous frescoes, Mirror Wall, and Lion’s Gate
  • Panoramic views from the summit (200m high)
  • Return to base and breakfast
  • Visit local village for authentic Sri Lankan lunch with family
  • Afternoon free time: relax by pool or optional elephant safari
  • Optional massage or spa treatment
  • Overnight in Sigiriya/Dambulla area
Day 04: Sigiriya – Spice Garden → Kandy (Cooking Class & City Tour)
  • Morning departure through Knuckles Mountain Range
  • Visit authentic spice and herbal garden in Matale
  • Interactive cooking class learning Sri Lankan cuisine secrets
  • Prepare traditional curry, roti, and sambols
  • Scenic drive to Kandy (2 hours)
  • Exciting tuk-tuk tour exploring Kandy city streets
  • Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO site)
  • Evening traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance
Day 05: Kandy → Tea Plantation → Scenic Train to Ella
  • Early morning departure to tea country
  • Visit working Ceylon tea estate and factory
  • Learn tea plucking techniques with plantation workers
  • Tea tasting of finest Ceylon varieties
  • Lunch in Nuwara Eliya (Little England)
  • Board world-famous train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Experience one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys (2.5 hours)
  • Tea-covered mountains, waterfalls, and stunning vistas
  • Arrive in charming Ella town
  • Overnight in Ella
Day 06: Ella – Free Day for Exploration
  • Leisurely breakfast at hotel
  • Full day at leisure to explore Ella at your own pace
  • Optional activities available:
    • Hike Ella Rock (early morning, 4 hours)
    • Trek to Diyaluma Falls (second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka)
    • Visit Ravana Cave and Falls
    • Flying Rawana Mega Zipline adventure
    • Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment
    • Yoga session with mountain views
    • Explore local cafes and restaurants
  • Overnight in Ella
Day 07: Little Adam's Peak →Nine Arch Bridge →Udawalawe Elephant Safari
  • Early morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak (1-1.5 hours)
  • Breathtaking sunrise views over Hill Country
  • Visit world-famous Nine Arch Bridge
  • Photo opportunity on iconic colonial-era railway bridge
  • Breakfast and check out
  • Scenic drive to Udawalawe (3 hours)
  • Lunch en route
  • Afternoon elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park (3-4 hours)
  • Spot wild elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, and exotic birds
  • Unique glamping experience or comfortable eco-lodge
  • Overnight near Udawalawe
Day 08: Udawalawe – Journey to Mirissa Beach Paradise
  • Breakfast at safari camp/lodge
  • Morning departure to southern coast (2.5 hours)
  • Arrive in tropical beach paradise of Mirissa
  • Check into beachfront hotel
  • Afternoon free for beach activities
  • Swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, or relaxation
  • Sunset visit to iconic Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint
  • Fresh seafood dinner by the beach
  • Overnight in Mirissa
Day 09: Mirissa – Free Beach Day
  • Full day at leisure on Mirissa’s golden sands
  • Optional activities available:
    • Whale and dolphin watching boat tour (October-April)
    • Surf lessons for all skill levels
    • Snorkeling at nearby reefs
    • Scuba diving excursions
    • Stand-up paddleboarding
    • Beach volleyball and cricket
    • Ayurvedic beachside massage
    • Visit Secret Beach
  • Explore local restaurants and beach cafes
  • Overnight in Mirissa
Day 10: Galle Bike Tour → Local School Visit → Galle Fort
  • Morning 12km bicycle tour through lush paddy fields
  • Experience rural Sri Lankan village life
  • Visit local school and interact with children
  • Share cultural exchange and smiles
  • Return to Mirissa for lunch
  • Afternoon excursion to UNESCO Galle Fort (30 minutes drive)
  • Explore 400-year-old Dutch colonial architecture
  • Walk along fort ramparts with ocean views
  • Visit lighthouse, museums, and boutique shops
  • Try famous Galle ice cream
  • Return to Mirissa for beach sunset
  • Overnight in Mirissa
Day 11: Tsunami Memorial → Madu River → Transfer to Colombo
  • Morning beach time and leisurely breakfast
  • Visit 2004 Tsunami Memorial and learn about resilience
  • Transfer to Madu River wetland sanctuary
  • Boat excursion through mangrove forests (1.5 hours)
  • Spot monitor lizards, water birds, and fishing villages
  • Visit cinnamon island and fish therapy experience
  • Optional turtle hatchery visit in Kosgoda
  • Scenic coastal drive to Colombo (2 hours)
  • Check into Colombo hotel near airport
  • Overnight in Colombo/Negombo area
Day 12: Departure Day
  • Leisurely breakfast at hotel
  • Free time until airport transfer
  • Optional Colombo city tour if time permits
  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Departure assistance and fond farewells
  • Return home with unforgettable Sri Lankan memories
  • Airport pickup on Day 1 and drop-off on Day 12
  • Professional English-speaking chauffeur guide throughout 12 days
  • Accommodation in comfortable 3-star/4-star hotels (twin/double sharing)
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels
  • Welcome dinner on Day 1
  • Traditional Sri Lankan lunch with local family (Day 3)
  • Cooking class lunch (Day 4)
  • Transportation in air-conditioned private vehicle (car/van)
  • Scenic train tickets from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned attractions and monuments
  • Dambulla Cave Temple entrance
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress entrance and climb
  • Pidurangala Monastery hike
  • Temple of the Tooth entrance
  • Spice garden tour and cooking class
  • Tea plantation visit with tea picking experience
  • Udawalawe National Park elephant safari (shared jeep)
  • Galle Fort guided tour
  • Bicycle rental for Galle paddy field tour
  • Madu River boat safari
  • Tuk-tuk tour in Kandy
  • Traditional Kandyan cultural dance show
  • All fuel, tolls, parking fees, and driver expenses
  • Bottled water throughout the journey
  • Government taxes and service charges
  • 24/7 customer support from Milan Tours
  • International airfare to/from Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (approximately USD 50)
  • Lunch and dinner (except Day 1, 3, and 4 as mentioned)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips and gratuities for guide and service staff
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Camera/video permits at certain sites
  • Optional activities:
    • Additional elephant safaris
    • Whale watching tour in Mirissa
    • Surf lessons
    • Scuba diving
    • Massage and spa treatments
    • Ella Rock hike guide
    • Any activities not mentioned in inclusions
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry and telephone services
  • Any meals not specified in inclusions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. What makes this 12-day classic tour ideal for first-time visitors to Sri Lanka?

This 12-day classic tour is perfectly structured to showcase Sri Lanka's incredible diversity without feeling rushed. You'll experience all major highlights including ancient UNESCO heritage sites, iconic train journeys, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and beautiful beaches. The itinerary balances active adventures with relaxation days, allowing you to fully absorb each experience. With expert guidance throughout, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics handled by Milan Tours, this tour provides the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka's culture, nature, and hospitality. The pacing allows for both structured activities and free time to explore independently.

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2. What fitness level is required for the hiking and climbing activities?

This tour includes moderate physical activities suitable for most fitness levels. Sigiriya Rock involves climbing approximately 1,200 steps (1.5-2 hours round trip), while Pidurangala hike is moderately challenging with some rock scrambling. Little Adam's Peak is an easier 30-45 minute hike suitable for most ages. All hikes can be done at your own pace with rest stops. If you have mobility concerns, some activities can be substituted with alternatives. The bicycle tour in Galle is on flat terrain and manageable for casual cyclists. We recommend basic fitness, comfortable walking shoes, and starting hikes early to avoid midday heat.

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3. What is the best season to take this tour and will I see whales in Mirissa?

The ideal time for this tour is December to March when weather is sunny and dry across most regions. This period also coincides with whale watching season (December-April) in Mirissa, offering 90%+ success rates for blue whale sightings. April to September also works well, with good weather in the Cultural Triangle and Hill Country, though Mirissa may experience afternoon showers. The scenic train journey is stunning year-round. Whale watching is seasonal and depends on migration patterns. Our team will advise the best travel dates based on your priorities and can customize the itinerary for optimal experiences.

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4. Can this tour be customized for families with children or extended with more beach time?

Absolutely! Milan Tours specializes in family-friendly customizations. For families with children, we can adjust activity intensity, add more pool time, include kid-friendly attractions like elephant orphanages, and arrange family rooms. The itinerary is flexible - if you prefer more beach relaxation, we can extend your Mirissa stay to 4-5 nights and reduce time in the Cultural Triangle, or add Unawatuna/Bentota beaches. We can also include additional activities like surfing lessons, snorkeling, cooking classes, or wildlife experiences based on your children's ages and interests. Just let us know your preferences when booking.

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5. What should I pack for this diverse 12-day journey through different climates?

Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothing for hot weather in Cultural Triangle and beaches. Bring a light jacket for cooler Ella and train journey evenings (temperatures drop to 15-18°C). Essential items include comfortable hiking shoes, sandals, modest temple wear (covering knees and shoulders), swimwear, sunscreen SPF 50+, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, and rain jacket. For activities: athletic shoes for hikes, comfortable clothes for cycling and cooking class. Don't forget camera with extra memory cards, power adapter (230V UK-style), reusable water bottle, basic first-aid kit, and any prescription medications. Pack light as you'll move between hotels.

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6. Are meals included and can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Daily breakfast is included at all hotels throughout the tour. Additionally, we include welcome dinner on Day 1, traditional lunch with a local family on Day 3, and cooking class lunch on Day 4. Other lunches and dinners are not included, giving you flexibility to explore local restaurants and cuisine at your own pace. Sri Lanka offers excellent vegetarian options, and we can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements - just inform us at booking. Your guide will recommend authentic restaurants and help you navigate menus. Most hotels offer diverse breakfast buffets with Sri Lankan and Western options.