13-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour
13 Days 12 Nights- Complete island exploration from Cultural Triangle to pristine beaches
- Explore 3000-year-old Anuradhapura ancient city with 12 major Buddhist temples
- Climb iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit Dambulla Cave Temple
- Discover where Buddhism arrived at sacred Mihintale
- Visit Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Experience Ceylon tea country in Nuwara Eliya and scenic Ella
- Wildlife safari at Yala National Park – spot leopards and elephants
- Trek through UNESCO Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve
- Explore UNESCO Galle Fort and relax on Hikkaduwa & Bentota beaches
- Comprehensive Colombo city tour before departure
Tour Overview
Experience the complete essence of Sri Lanka with our exclusive 13-Day Round Tour, a comprehensive journey that unveils the island’s incredible diversity from ancient kingdoms to tropical beaches. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through every facet of Sri Lanka’s cultural, historical, and natural treasures, making it the ultimate introduction to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Begin your adventure in the Cultural Triangle, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the 3000-year-old Anuradhapura with its magnificent stupas and sacred Bodhi tree, the dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress rising 200 meters above surrounding plains, and the stunning Dambulla Cave Temple with ancient Buddhist murals. Journey through lush Hill Country to Nuwara Eliya’s emerald tea plantations and picturesque Ella town, experiencing the colonial charm and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Your expedition continues with thrilling wildlife encounters at Yala National Park, offering exceptional leopard sightings, followed by an unforgettable trek through Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka’s last viable rainforest ecosystem. Discover the architectural splendor of Galle Fort before unwinding on the golden beaches of Hikkaduwa and Bentota. This round tour perfectly balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, offering authentic experiences with local communities while staying in comfortable accommodations throughout your journey.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Colombo →Transfer to Negombo
- Warm welcome by Milan Tours representative at Bandaranaike International Airport
- Transfer to Negombo beach resort (20 minutes drive)
- Relax and recover from your international flight
- Optional evening stroll along Negombo beach
- Visit to bustling Negombo Fish Market (if time permits)
- Overnight in Negombo
Day 02: Negombo → Anuradhapura (Ancient Capital)
- Early morning departure to Anuradhapura (4-hour scenic drive)
- Explore Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital with 3000 years of history
- Visit 12 major Buddhist temples and religious sites
- See the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (oldest historically documented tree)
- Explore magnificent Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas
- Visit ancient twin ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) and moonstones
- Evening exploration of archaeological wonders
- Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 03: Anuradhapura → Mihintale → Sigiriya → Dambulla
- Morning visit to sacred Mihintale (cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka)
- Climb 1,840 steps to the summit where Buddhism arrived in 247 BC
- Explore ancient hospital ruins and meditation caves
- Visit iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (1700 years old)
- Climb the majestic rock to see ancient frescoes and Mirror Wall
- Marvel at panoramic views from the summit
- Overnight in Dambulla
Day 04: Dambulla → Spice Garden → Kandy
- Morning visit to UNESCO-listed Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
- Explore five cave shrines with 150+ Buddha statues and murals
- Stop at authentic Matale Spice and Herbal Garden
- Learn about cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and medicinal plants
- Scenic drive through mountains to Kandy (2 hours)
- Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in evening
- Witness traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance
- Overnight in Kandy
Day 05: Kandy → Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
- Morning city tour of UNESCO-listed Kandy
- Visit Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya (147 acres)
- Explore orchid collection, palm avenues, and spice garden
- See the giant Javan fig tree and medicinal plants section
- Visit Kandy Lake and Upper Lake viewpoint
- Explore local markets and gem museums (optional)
- Free time for shopping in Kandy city
- Overnight in Kandy
Day 06: Kandy → Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Morning excursion to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (1.5-hour drive)
- Watch elephant bathing time at Maha Oya River (10:00 AM & 2:00 PM)
- See baby elephants being bottle-fed
- Learn about elephant conservation efforts
- Return to Kandy for leisure time
- Optional activities: gem museum, batik factory, or wood carving workshops
- Overnight in Kandy
Day 07: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (Hill Country)
- Scenic drive through tea-covered mountains to Nuwara Eliya
- Stop at Ramboda Falls viewpoint
- Visit working tea plantation and factory
- Learn tea plucking techniques from local workers
- Tea tasting session of premium Ceylon tea varieties
- Explore colonial town of Nuwara Eliya (Little England)
- Visit Victoria Park and Gregory Lake
- Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Day 08: Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Kataragama
- Optional early morning train journey through Hill Country
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella (architectural marvel)
- Stop at Ravana Falls (cascading waterfall)
- Visit Ravana Cave with Buddhist significance
- Drive to Kataragama through scenic countryside
- Visit Kataragama Temple complex (multi-religious site)
- Overnight in Kataragama
Day 09: Kataragama → Yala National Park Safari → Matara
- Early morning jeep safari at Yala National Park (4-5 hours)
- Spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles
- Observe diverse birdlife including painted storks and peacocks
- Drive to southern coast town of Matara (2.5 hours)
- Visit Matara Fort and Parevi Duwa Temple
- Relax at Polhena Beach
- Overnight in Matara
Day 10: Sinharaja Rainforest → Matara
- Full day excursion to UNESCO Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve
- Guided trek through virgin rainforest (3-4 hours)
- Spot endemic bird species and unique flora/fauna
- Learn about biodiversity and conservation
- Visit waterfalls and natural pools within the forest
- Return to Matara for evening relaxation
- Overnight in Matara
Day 11: Matara → Galle Fort → Hikkaduwa
- Morning departure to historic Galle (1-hour drive)
- Explore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort (Dutch colonial architecture)
- Walk along ramparts with ocean views
- Visit lighthouse, museums, and boutique shops
- Transfer to Hikkaduwa beach resort (30 minutes)
- Optional coral reef snorkeling or glass-bottom boat ride
- Visit turtle hatchery and conservation center
- Overnight in Hikkaduwa
Day 12: Hikkaduwa → Bentota
- Morning at leisure in Hikkaduwa
- Beach activities, surfing, or water sports (optional)
- Transfer to Bentota (1-hour coastal drive)
- Optional Madu River boat safari through mangroves
- Visit turtle hatchery in Kosgoda
- Relax on pristine Bentota beach
- Water sports available: jet skiing, banana boat rides, windsurfing
- Overnight in Bentota
Day 13: Bentota → Colombo City Tour → Airport Departure
- Leisurely breakfast at beach resort
- Scenic coastal drive to Colombo (2 hours)
- Comprehensive Colombo city tour
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square
- Explore Pettah Market and colonial Fort area
- Shopping time at Odel or Laksala for souvenirs
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Departure with cherished memories
- Meet and greet service at Colombo Airport
- Airport pickup and drop-off with comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking chauffeur guide for entire 13 days
- Accommodation in 3-star or 4-star hotels (double/twin sharing rooms)
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Transportation in modern air-conditioned car/van throughout tour
- All fuel charges, highway tolls, and parking fees
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned sites and attractions
- Yala National Park safari with experienced tracker
- Sinharaja Rainforest guided trek with naturalist
- Cultural dance performance in Kandy
- Bottled water throughout the journey
- All government taxes and service charges
- 24/7 customer support from Milan Tours team
- International airfare to/from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka visa fees (ETA - approximately USD 50)
- Lunch and dinner throughout the tour
- Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
- Travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)
- Camera and video permits at archaeological sites
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services and telephone calls
- Any other services not specified in inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes this 13-day round tour different from shorter Sri Lanka tours?
This comprehensive round tour covers all major regions of Sri Lanka including the Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, wildlife parks, rainforest, and beaches in one seamless journey. Unlike shorter tours that focus on specific regions, this itinerary provides the complete Sri Lankan experience. You'll explore ancient kingdoms, climb iconic rock fortresses, experience authentic tea culture, encounter wildlife, trek through virgin rainforest, and relax on tropical beaches. It's perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see everything Sri Lanka offers without feeling rushed, with comfortable pacing and diverse experiences every day.
2. Is this tour suitable for families with children and elderly travelers?
Yes, this tour is designed to accommodate travelers of all ages. While some activities like climbing Sigiriya Rock and Mihintale steps require moderate fitness, these can be adjusted or substituted with alternatives. For families with young children or elderly travelers, we can modify the itinerary to include more leisure time, skip strenuous climbs, and add extra rest stops. Our experienced guides are patient and flexible, ensuring everyone enjoys the journey at their own pace. Hotels offer family rooms, and we can arrange baby cots or special meals upon request.
3. What is the best time of year to take this round tour?
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the ideal time for this comprehensive tour is December to March when most regions enjoy dry, sunny weather. However, since this tour covers both coasts and Hill Country, some regions may experience brief showers regardless of season. April to September is also excellent, with good weather in the Cultural Triangle and east coast. We recommend avoiding October-November when the northeast monsoon brings heavy rains to many regions. Our team will advise on the best travel dates based on your preferences.
4. Can I customize this 13-day itinerary to match my interests?
Absolutely! Milan Tours specializes in personalized experiences. We can adjust this itinerary to spend more time in areas that interest you most, whether that's wildlife safaris, beach relaxation, cultural immersion, adventure activities, or Ayurvedic wellness. Want to add whale watching in Mirissa, visit additional national parks, or extend your beach stay? We'll tailor the tour to your preferences. We can also upgrade accommodations to luxury hotels or boutique properties, add special experiences like hot air ballooning over Sigiriya, or arrange professional photography services.
5. What should I pack for this diverse 13-day journey through different regions?
Pack light, breathable cotton clothing for the Cultural Triangle's hot weather, a light jacket or sweater for cooler Hill Country evenings in Nuwara Eliya, and modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) for temple visits. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, sandals for beaches, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, and rain jacket. Bring swimwear for beach days and water activities. For Sinharaja rainforest trek, wear long pants and closed shoes. Don't forget camera, power adapter (230V UK-style plug), any prescription medications, and copies of important documents.
6. How does Milan Tours ensure safety and quality throughout this tour?
Milan Tours prioritizes your safety and comfort with experienced chauffeur guides, well-maintained vehicles with comprehensive insurance, and carefully selected accommodation partners with proven track records. Our guides are trained in first aid, and we maintain 24/7 communication support throughout your journey. We follow all COVID-19 safety protocols, ensure vehicles are regularly sanitized, and provide bottled water. All activities include necessary safety equipment and briefings. We have partnerships with reputable safari operators and certified naturalist guides for specialized experiences. Our team monitors your tour progress daily to ensure everything runs smoothly.
