Experience the best of Sri Lanka in 10 days, from thrilling wildlife safaris and scenic tea plantations to golden beaches, ancient historical sites, and vibrant local cuisine. This incredible trip kicks off with a safari experience, before winding our way through the cultural center of the country and making our way to the south coast. We finish with 4 gorgeous days in a luxury resort in the Maldives (Optional Add On).
This trip is for the kind of traveller who wants to fit as much as possible into their trips, but also needs time to chill. The first 4 days of the tour are fast paced – moving every day to a new town to see as much as possible. Then, we start to slow down. We stop for two days in gorgeous Ella, before unwinding for 3 days on the beaches of the south coast. During our last few days we are staying 100m from the beach with optional tours to nearby towns and beaches, so you can chill or sightsee. If you’re the type of traveller who likes an adventure with a chilled beach vibe at the end, this tour is for you!
Once our time in Sri Lanka is finished, you can join an optional 3 night trip to a 5* resort in the Maldives. Add this at checkout when booking your spot.
Sri Lanka Highlights: A 10-Day Adventure of Wildlife, Culture, Tea, Beaches & Food
Embark on a 10-day journey through Sri Lanka’s most iconic landscapes and experiences. From wild safaris to lush tea plantations, golden beaches, ancient history, and vibrant cuisine, this tour offers a complete taste of the island’s magic! The focus is on authentic experiences, eco friendly travel, and getting to know the heart of Sri Lanka.
Highlights Include:
- Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park
- Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples & Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth
- Tea plantation tour & tea picking in Nuwara Eliya
- Scenic hikes: Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak & Ella Rock
- Ride one of the world’s most famous trains from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Experience a traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance
- Surf lesson in Weligama
- Local food experiences to try Sri Lankan cuisine
- Afternoon tea at a luxury hotel in ‘Little England’
- See the famous Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa
- Relax on golden beaches of the south coast
- Take a tour to the historic Galle Fort
This itinerary balances adventure and relaxation, offering a mix of guided tours and free time to soak in the scenery. Perfect for travelers looking to experience the wildlife, flavors, and culture of Sri Lanka in just 10 unforgettable days. When we finish our Sri Lanka tour, you have the option to add on 4 days in the Maldives.
Dates
- 9th January 2027 (solo female only)
- 20th March 2027 (mixed group)
Price
💲 EARLY BIRD EUR 1,999 per person (twin/double sharing)
💲 STANDARD PRICE EUR 2,299 per person (twin/double sharing)
💲 EUR 550 single supplement to upgrade to private rooms for the entire trip
Price Includes
✔ 9 nights accommodation
✔ Daily breakfast, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners
✔ Wilpattu jeep safari with a tea service after
✔ Guided Night Walk to see nocturnal animals
✔ Tea Tasting and tour in Nuwara Eliya
✔ Afternoon tea in ‘Little England’
✔ Scenic train to Ella (reserved seats)
✔ Sigiriya Rock Entrance Fee
✔ Guided tour of Galle Fort
✔ Surf lesson in Weligama
✔ Entrance fees for all included sites
✔ Private Transport in an A/C vehicle
✔ Local guide throughout
Not Included
✘ International flights
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Visas
✘ Optional activities (listed in itinerary)
✘ Tips for guides & drivers
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo, Game Drives in Wilpattu
Our luxury safari tents
Today we’ll kick off the first day of the tour by driving north to Wilpattu National Park, a journey of around 3.5 hours. Your check-in time will be at 8.30 am at Colombo Airport or 9:00am at Hotel Sico in Negombo. We’ll have a little welcome briefing when we set off from Hotel Sico. We will be travelling in one van together and stopping for a local Sri Lankan lunch en-route (included).
We will travel directly to our accommodation, an eco-friendly safari camp near Wilpattu National Park. Sri Lanka has many national parks where you can do game drives and spot wild animals. Some of these parks suffer from overcrowding, particularly in the high season. Wilpattu is the least crowded park in Sri Lanka – that means fewer jeeps, less noise, and more peaceful safari experience. This creates a better environment for the animals and it’s ideal for responsible travellers who care about wildlife welfare and sustainable tourism. Our safari camp, Mahoora, was created by the founder and president of the Sri Lanka Wilderness Foundation and are the world’s first and only Carbon Neutral Safari Camp.
Each of their tents is tall enough to stand up in, and has two twin beds (or a double if you opt for the single supplement), a living room tent, a private en-suite bathroom, and a seating area outside the tent to relax on. There are power sockets in each tent, and interior lighting.
We will head out on an afternoon jeep safari through Wilpattu National Park after check in. The park is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, known for its dense jungle, vast lakes, and healthy populations of elephants, leopards, and sloth bears – it actually has highest leopard densities in Sri Lanka! If for any reason we arrive too late in the day for the afternoon safari, our safari will be rescheduled for the next morning .
After our game drive, we’ll settle in at camp and share a 7-course sit-down dinner together under the stars! Then we can relax and get to know each other around the campfire.
Accommodation: Mahoora, Wilpattu National Park
Included meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Morning Safari, Temple Visits and Cocktails at Sunset
Seeing an elephant on safari on the March 2026 Tour
If our safari took place yesterday afternoon, we’ll have a leisurely morning or you can choose to go on a second, optional early morning game drive to catch the animals at their most active. After an indulgent breakfast (or a packed breakfast in the jeep if you opt for the safari), we’ll hop back in our van and make our way further inland to Sigiriya. A 2.5 hour drive will take us to the town of Dambulla, where we will stop to stretch our legs and get a delicious Sri Lankan lunch. We will eat family-style, trying a selection of Sri Lankan dishes which we will guide you through. Dietary requirements will be accommodated for this, and all, meals.
After our delicious Sri Lankan lunch, we will visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temples, a complex of five caves filled with intricate Buddhist murals and over 150 statues. It’s a short uphill walk but well worth the effort! After the cave, we’ll take a short walk down to see a giant Golden Buddha statue at the end of the hill.
We’ll make our way to our hotel next, and check to our treehouse lodge – The Hideout. This family-run lodge has gorgeous little treehouse style huts which give an unobstructed view of Sigiriya rock, and panoramic views of the paddy fields that surround them. There is a small pool on site, where you can have a swim if you feel like it and relax before dinner. This evening we will eat at their 100% locally-sourced restaurant, having a Sri Lankan buffet – with rice grown in the fields around us. We will have an early night as we are hiking the next morning!
There is an optional sunset hike at Pidurangala Rock this evening before dinner.
Accommodation: The Hideout, Sigiriya
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Climbing Sigiriya Rock & Exploring Kandy
This morning, we will wake and have an early breakfast before climbing the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site topped by a ruined palace and ancient frescoes. This is one of the best activities in Sri Lanka, and the views from the top are incredible. The rock is 200m high, and takes around 45-60 minutes to climb a combination of stone and metal stairways. If you would prefer not to do this hike, you can have a lie in and breakfast at the hotel instead.
Once we return from the hike, you’ll have a chance to freshen up before we check out, hop in the van and travel south towards Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. Surrounded by hills and built around a tranquil lake, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. The drive takes two hours and we will stop for lunch en-route. After eating mostly Sri Lankan food so far, we’re going to have a traditional Indian Thali meal for lunch! The Indian food in Sri Lanka is the best I have tried outside India, due to its close proximity to the country. So you must try Indian food when you’re here!
We have one afternoon to explore this city, so you can choose from a range of activities to enjoy. Head to the local markets to shop and eat, wander around the lake and up to the city viewpoint for nature and gorgeous views, or visit the temple of the tooth. We’ll give you the options en route, and you can choose your preferred activity.
We will check into the stunning Kandy Hill Hotel later that afternoon and freshen up before gathering for dinner. We are staying close to the town, so we can walk in and grab a drink and group meal together.
Accommodation: Kandy Hill, Kandy or Similar
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Tea Plantations & Tastings
After breakfast, we will head south to the beautiful Nuwara Eliya. Known as “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya sits 1,868 metres above sea level in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. It’s surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush gardens, making it a great place to learn about Sri Lanka’s tea industry. The drive is around 2.5 hours through really pretty landscape. We’ll stop for coffee and a mid morning snack en route at a restaurant with excellent food and an even better view of Ramboda waterfall.
Our first stop as we come to Nuwara Eliya is a tea plantation and factory. Here we will pick leaves and learn how the country’s world-famous Ceylon tea is picked and produced. We will finish with a tea tasting in the gardens.
Next, we’ll visit the charming Pink Post Office to send a postcard home to friends and family. We’ll check into the 4-star, Araliya Green Hills hotel to freshen up and take a little downtime. You can use the gym or pool here if you like.
In the afternoon, we will visit a luxury hotel and enjoy afternoon tea with tea from nearby plantations. You can upgrade to a champagne afternoon tea if you like (at your own expense). We’ll relax and chat over three tiers of sweet and savoury snacks, before heading back to our hotel for a free evening. Our hotel has two restaurants, a spa, heated pool and lounge bar which we can use this evening if we feel like chilling out.
Accommodation: Araliya Green Hills, Nuwara Eliya
Included meals: Breakfast, Afternoon tea
Day 5: Scenic Train Ride to Ella
Early this morning, we’ll take the world-famous train ride from Nuwara Eliya’s Nanu Oya station to Ella!
This scenic ride is incredibly beautiful! For anyone hoping to get one of the iconic train photos here, I’ll be on hand to take pictures at the most scenic spots. The journey takes up to 4 hours, and we will have reserved seats so we can move around the carriage to take photos but have a place to leave our things. We will arrive in Ella just before lunch, and head to our accommodation to check in before getting lunch in the town. We are staying right in the center of town, so you can take some downtime at the hotel pool – or head out to the local markets to shop. There is a great hike, a zip line and many viewpoints in Ella – so we will have the chance to explore this afternoon and catch a sunset.
Ella has a lovely buzz in the evenings, and great places to eat. The nightlife is quite fun, with karaoke bars and cocktail bars. This evening, we’ll go for a walk through the town and have a group dinner together at a great local restaurant that has both local food and excellent wood-fired pizzas. Then sample the nightlife because we are finally stopping in a town for more than one night!
Accommodation: Oak Ray La Ella Breeze, Ella or similar
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Exploring Ella
Today avid hikers can take on the rewarding hike up Ella Rock, a 4–5 hour trek with incredible vistas from the summit. You can alternatively choose to do a gentle hike up Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping views across the valley, stopping at a tea plantation on the way. This hike takes around 2-3 hours, but there are a series of viewpoints so you can choose to do part of it if you don’t like to hike but want to see the views.
We’ll then visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge and get lunch at a spot overlooking the view. We’ll try to time our visit when the train rolls through for the best photos of the bridge!
There are optional activities here you can try such as ATV rides, archery, abseiling, or a Sri Lankan cooking class. There is also a great pool bar with gorgeous views, we can rent a cabana here if we want to tan and chill for a few hours. We will lay out your options the day before, and you can choose what you want to do.
This is our last night inland before we head to the coast, so we will grab dinner in town with the group. Tonight we will eat some great Sri Lankan food at a local spot.
Accommodation: Oak Ray La Ella Breeze, Ella or similar
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Start Our Beach Time in Weligama
This morning, we’ll leave the highlands behind and descend towards Sri Lanka’s palm-fringed southern coast. This is a long driving day – around 5 hours total with stops, but we break it up along the way with visits to the Buduruwagala Temple, home to giant ancient Buddha carvings, and the hidden Ellawela Falls tucked inside the jungle. We will also stop for lunch en route.
This is our last move of the trip, and we’re stopping at the coast for 3 gorgeous days of chilling out and exploring a little.
By afternoon we’ll arrive in Weligama, a beach town wedged between Mirissa and Ahangama that is great for beach lovers and beginner surfing. We are staying at a private villa 100m from the beach, with a rooftop terrace that has sunset and sea views.
The rest of the day is yours to unwind by the sea, before we meet for a group dinner at a gorgeous beachside restaurant together at sunset.
Accommodation: Private 8 bedroom, 8 bath villa, Weligama
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Coconut Tree Hill & Exploring Mirissa
This morning you can choose to lie in and have a slow breakfast, or a surf lesson for the early risers (included in the tour). The rooftop is perfect for practising yoga, if you want to stretch before we head out for the day.
Mid morning, we’ll drive to the nearby Coconut Tree Hill, a picture-perfect viewpoint lined with tall, swaying palms overlooking the ocean. We can take some photos at this iconic spot, before getting lunch together at one of the beautiful boujee restaurants on the beach.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy Mirissa at your own pace – whether that means sunbathing, swimming, or joining an optional activity such as surfing, turtle spotting, diving, yoga, or kayaking. We will help you arrange your activities, and get you there. If you want to chill out, we will have a space reserved at a gorgeous beach bar where you can relax for a few hours.
We will meet for dinner and drinks at sunset in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Private 8 bedroom, 8 bath villa, Weligama
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Beach Day On The South Coast
It’s our last full day of the trip, so you can choose to chill out or continue exploring.
You can relax on the beaches outside our villa, your last chance to fully unwind before the journey home. Or you can come on a trip to explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed city of cobblestone streets and Portuguese and Dutch architecture. We will have a 1 hour guided tour of the fort, learning about its unique history, before we wander the cute streets and get lunch, gelato and do a little shopping. It’s such a pretty historic town, and perfect for an afternoon ramble.
The bus will take us back to the hotel when we are finished, and we can take a few hours to wind down.
We will meet again for a sunset cocktail and a beautiful dinner together to say goodbye and toast to a wonderful trip!
Accommodation: Private 8 bedroom, 8 bath villa, Weligama
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Time To Say Goodbye To Sri Lanka!
After breakfast, we’ll drive back along the coast towards Colombo (approx. 3 hrs). Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance for some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.
If you are coming on the Maldives add-on, group transport to the airport will be included in the tour. The add-on does not include flights from Colombo airport to Male in Maldives. The flight we will take is approx €150 per person. Keep reading for details on the Maldives extension.
Included meals: Breakfast
Maldives Add-On
Add 4-days in Maldives to your trip to Sri Lanka with this add-on! We will stay at overwater bungalows in a 5* resort for the 3 nights after the tour.
The price includes return speedboat transfers from the airport to the island, the daily tourist tax, and all meals (Full Board). If you would like to upgrade to All Inclusive and have all alcoholic drinks included then you can pay €75 for the 4 days.
The resort has seven dining and bar venues, two pools, a gym, a spa and many beautiful beaches for sunbathing. I chose it because it is adults-only and it is close to the airport (30 min speedboat) so we can maximise our time on the island. You can see the resort and all amenities here.
The package includes all meals, and all transfers – so you don’t need much spending money once you get here! The tourist tax is included, and transfers from arrivals back to departures at the end of the trip.
Price (€1,100 pp) Includes
✔ 3 nights accommodation in an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort (twin room sharing)
✔ Full board package – all meals included (if you would like to upgrade to All Inclusive it’s €75 per person)
✔ Return speedboat transfers from the airport to the island at the start and end of your trip (if you extend the trip, your transfers will be included)
✔ Mandatory Green Tax
Not Included
✘ Flight from Colombo to Male (around €150-250)
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Visas
More photos of the resort
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book Sri Lanka & add the Maldives Add-On Later
If you book Sri Lanka Only & want to add the Maldives at a later date, I will absolutely contact the hotel and try to secure one at the same rate – however I cannot guarantee a room will be available and the rate will be the same. I can only hold rooms for a certain amount of time, and after this they may fill up.
What is included in the price?
The base price of the tour includes the 10 day tour in Sri Lanka. This does not include the Maldives add on, you can add this at checkout.
Sri Lanka Price Includes
✔ 9 nights accommodation
✔ Daily breakfast, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners
✔ Wilpattu jeep safari with a tea service after
✔ Guided Night Walk to see nocturnal animals
✔ Tea Tasting and tour in Nuwara Eliya
✔ Afternoon tea in ‘Little England’
✔ Scenic train to Ella (reserved seats)
✔ Sigiriya Rock Entrance Fee
✔ Guided tour of Galle Fort
✔ Surf lesson in Weligama
✔ Entrance fees for all included sites
✔ Private Transport in an A/C vehicle
✔ Local guide throughout
Maldives Price (€1,100 pp) Includes
✔ 3 nights accommodation in an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort (twin room sharing)
✔ Full board package – all meals included (if you would like to upgrade to All Inclusive it’s €75 per person)
✔ Return speedboat transfers from the airport to the island at the start and end of your trip (if you extend the trip, your transfers will be included)
✔ Mandatory Green Tax
What type of accommodation will we stay in?
In Sri Lanka we will stay at local hotels and guesthouses that balance comfort, local charm, and great locations. We have opted for Sri Lankan owned businesses where possible, and sustainable eco-friendly hotels.
This is not a resort style tour; one decision I made after the previous tour was to prioritise hotels within a close proximity to each town. This allows you more time explore each place we visit on the tour, as we are staying in many places for just one night. Staying closer to the town means that hotels will be city hotels rather than resorts.
Rooms are based on twin/double share. A single supplement is available if you prefer your own room.
In Maldives, we will stay at a luxury 5* resort in overwater bungalows on a full board basis. You can upgrade to all inclusive for a fee of €75 for your stay.
Are meals included?
In Sri Lanka, daily breakfast is included, plus 6 lunches and 6 dinners. For any meals that are not included, I know some great local options we can head to – or you can get room service if you want to chill.
After you book, I will send a pre-trip form where you can state your food preferences and allergies. These will be taken into account when we book any restaurants.
In the Maldives, your package will be full board. You can upgrade to all inclusive for a fee of €75 for your stay.
How many people will be in the group?
There will be 12 people in the group: 11 people and Steph.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka & the Maldives?
Yes, most travellers require an e-visa (ETA) for Sri Lanka which can be obtained online before arrival. Full instructions will be sent to you upon booking.
For the Maldives, there is a form that needs to be filled out before we go. I will send these details to you after booking.
What level of fitness is required?
This trip includes some light hikes and walks (such as Sigiriya Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and Dambulla Cave Temple). The hikes are optional, just let us know if you want to skip any of them.
What is the transport like?
We travel in comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicles for the duration of our time in Sri Lanka. We will travel with our luggage, so one piece of check in luggage is advised. A soft case or a backpack is preferred.
What should I pack?
- Light, modest clothing (cover knees & shoulders for temples).
- Warm layers for Nuwara Eliya (it’s cooler in the hills).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and reusable water bottle.
Is alcohol allowed on the trip?
Yes, but please note alcohol sales are banned on Full Moon (Poya) days in Sri Lanka. You can still consume alcohol in private if purchased beforehand. Alcohol will be available in the resort we are staying in the Maldives.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated in Sri Lanka & Maldives. We recommend budgeting a small amount for guides and drivers.
I’m a solo traveller — can I join?
Absolutely! Many of our guests travel solo. We’ll pair you with a same-gender roommate if you book a shared room, or you can opt for a single supplement if you’d like your own.
What’s the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?
January is a great time to visit Sri Lanka & The Maldives! We can expect clear weather, blue skies and sunshine on our route.
What is the payment and deposit structure for this tour?
To secure your place on the tour, payments are made in instalments rather than one large upfront payment. The standard payment structure is as follows:
- 15% deposit — at time of booking
- 2 x 30% payments (custom plan, choose when you pay – or spit the payments into smaller amounts)
- 25% final payment — 8 weeks before the tour starts
If you’d prefer a different payment schedule, you’re welcome to email us to request a custom payment plan, as long as the full balance is paid no later than 8 weeks before the tour begins.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour
We know plans can change, so we’ve kept our guest cancellation policy clear and fair:
- To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking.
- Your final balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
- The balance will be divided into standard payment plan, which will be sent to you after booking.
- You can accept this plan, or request a custom plan with dates and amounts of your choosing.
If you need to cancel:
- 12+ weeks before your trip: You’ll only lose your deposit****
- 8–11 weeks before your trip: 50% of your trip cost is non-refundable.
- 4–7 weeks before your trip: 75% of your trip cost is non-refundable.
- Less than 4 weeks before your trip: Unfortunately, no refund can be given.
If you cancel and we can find someone to take your spot, then it will be possible to refund any monies paid minus an admin & processing fee. If it’s too late to replace you, or we cannot find someone, then the standard cancellation policy applies.
If we ever have to cancel (for example, if minimum numbers aren’t met), you’ll get a full refund or the option to transfer to another date. You can read the full cancellation policy here.
Travel insurance is required to protect you in case of illness, flight cancellations, or other unexpected events.
