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🍃5 Days — Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Bentota 🏙️6 Days — Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bentota & Colombo 🏛️7 Days — Heritage, Hill Country & Beach 🪷8 Days — Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Bentota & Colombo ✨9 Days — Premium Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Bentota 🚁10 Days — Sigiriya, Ella, Haputale & Bentota 🐆11 Days — Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala & Bentota 👑14 Days — Ancient Kingdoms, Highlands, Yala & Galle 🗺️View All Tour Packages
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👑 11-Day Grand Island Circle — With Yala Wildlife Safari
11 Days Sri Lanka — Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala & Bentota
Eleven days circling Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations — the UNESCO rock fortress of Sigiriya, the golden cave temples of Dambulla, a village tour with Ayurvedic wellness, sacred Kandy, misty tea highlands, two full days in Ella, a thrilling Yala leopard safari, two relaxed days at Bentota and a grand Colombo finale. The most complete private Sri Lanka experience available.
📅 11 Days / 10 Nights
🚗 Private A/C Vehicle
👥 Private Tour
⭐ 4.9 (64 Reviews)
🏛️ Sigiriya Rock (UNESCO)
🧗 Pidurangala Rock Sunrise
🕌 Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
🐘 Minneriya National Park
🌿 Ayurvedic Massage
🚜 Sigiriya Village Tour
🪷 Kandy Sacred Tooth Temple
🌿 Royal Botanical Gardens
💃 Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
🍃 Tea Factory & Tea Plucking
💧 Ramboda Falls
🏞️ Gregory Lake
🕌 Seetha Amman & Hanuman Temples
🥾 Little Adam’s Peak, Ella
🌉 Nine Arch Bridge, Ella
🧗 Ella Rock Sunrise Hike
🏺 Ravana Caves, Ella
💦 Ravana Ella Waterfalls
🐆 Yala National Park Safari
🛕 Tissamaharama Temple
🏖️ Bentota Beach (2 Days)
🛶 Bentota & Madu Ganga Safaris
🐢 Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
💦 Bentota Water Sports
🛕 Gangaramaya Temple
🗼 Colombo Lotus Tower
🌅 Galle Face Green
🏛️ Old Parliament, Colombo
🏥 Dutch Hospital Precinct
Tour Overview
What You’ll Experience
This 11-day private tour is the most complete Sri Lanka circle journey Proudy Lanka Tours offers — spanning eight distinct regions with unmatched diversity. Two dedicated days at Sigiriya allow you to climb Pidurangala at dawn, then savour the cave temples of Dambulla, an authentic village tour, an Ayurvedic massage and the Minneriya elephant safari. Kandy’s sacred temples and cultural show follow. Nuwara Eliya’s tea country, waterfalls and highland temples receive a rich Day 4. Ella earns two full days — Day 5 for the scenic Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak hike, Day 6 for the challenging Ella Rock sunrise, the mysterious Ravana Caves and Ella’s waterfalls. Day 7 adds the spectacular Tissamaharama Temple and a full Yala leopard safari. Day 8 covers a second Yala morning safari before the coastal transfer to Bentota. Two beautiful days at Bentota cover both river safaris, the turtle hatchery, water sports and souvenir shopping. And Colombo provides the perfect 7-experience city finale before departure. This is Sri Lanka at its most complete.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your Journey Day by Day
01
Airport → Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock & Pidurangala Sunrise
Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport — private A/C transfer north to Sigiriya (~4.5 hours)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage, 5th century) — climb 200m through royal water gardens, ancient cloud maiden frescoes and the mirror wall to the breathtaking summit palace ruins
Pidurangala Rock — the alternative summit directly opposite Sigiriya offering the finest wide-angle panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock; most dramatic at dawn (5:30am) or in the golden late afternoon light
💡 TipIf you arrive in the afternoon, climb Pidurangala for the golden hour view of Sigiriya Rock glowing in the setting sun. If you arrive late, do Pidurangala at 5:30am on Day 2 for the sunrise — widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary views in all of Asia.
🏨 Overnight: Sigiriya
02
Sigiriya
Cave Temples, Wildlife Safari, Village & Wellness
Dambulla Golden Cave Temple — five extraordinary caves containing 157 Buddha statues and 2,100 sq m of ancient murals; the greatest cave temple complex in all of Asia
Golden Temple of Dambulla — the striking white stupa and giant golden Buddha at the base of the Dambulla cliff, dramatically visible from the surrounding plains
Minneriya National Park jeep safari — the world-famous ‘Gathering’ (July–October): up to 300 wild elephants congregate around the ancient reservoir at dusk in an extraordinary spectacle
Sigiriya village tour experience — cycle or walk through the traditional farming village surrounding the rock; visit local homes, paddy fields, a village school and traditional handicraft makers
Ayurvedic massage experience — a traditional full-body herbal oil treatment at a local Ayurvedic centre; profoundly relaxing after the rock climbing
💡 TipBook Dambulla cave temple early (8am) for the best light through the cave mouths and fewer crowds. The village tour and Ayurvedic massage work perfectly as an afternoon duo — deeply authentic and relaxing. For the Minneriya safari, the dusk session (3–6pm) gives the best elephant sightings.
🏨 Overnight: Sigiriya
03
Sigiriya → Kandy
Sacred Temples, Botanical Gardens & Cultural Show
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), Kandy — Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine and UNESCO World Heritage site; home to the sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens — 60 magnificent hectares including the famous avenue of royal palms, giant Java fig tree, orchid house and bamboo grove
Kandy Lake — the serene man-made reservoir at the city’s heart, built by Sri Lanka’s last king in 1807; beautiful for an evening lakeside promenade
Kandy Viewpoint — panoramic hilltop view over the entire Kandy city bowl and surrounding mountains
Traditional Kandyan cultural dance & fire-walking show — vibrant drumming, mask dance, kandyan dance and dramatic fire-walking performed by trained artists
💡 TipAttend the 6:30pm evening Puja ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth — the sound of ancient drums, clouds of incense and offerings of flowers create an atmosphere unlike anything else in Sri Lanka. Dress modestly. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is most spectacular in the morning when the orchid house is fully open.
🏨 Overnight: Kandy
04
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Tea Country, Waterfalls & Highland Temples
Full Ceylon tea factory visit & tea plucking activity — see the complete tea-making journey from withering, rolling and fermenting to grading; then strap on a wicker basket and pick your own tea leaves with estate workers
Gregory Lake — the scenic colonial-era reservoir at the heart of Nuwara Eliya; a lakeside walk or optional rowing boat hire on the calm colonial waters
Ramboda Falls — a spectacular 109m multi-tiered waterfall visible from the highland road; best photographed in morning light after rain
Seetha Amman Temple — a colourful Hindu temple linked to the Ramayana legend, set beside a crystal-clear highland stream at Sita Eliya
Bhaktha Hanuman Temple — a vibrant hillside Hindu temple with sweeping Nuwara Eliya valley views, associated with Hanuman’s search in the Ramayana
💡 TipThe tea plucking activity is most authentic in the morning when estate workers are harvesting — ask at the factory reception to join an active group. Tea picked by yourself and processed through the factory makes for an extraordinary souvenir. Combine Seetha Amman and Hanuman temples together as they are near each other on the highland road.
🏨 Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
05
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arch Bridge
Scenic drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (~2.5 hours) through tea estates, misty mountain passes and jungle valleys
Little Adam’s Peak hike (~1.5 hours return) — a beautiful, accessible tea estate walk with breathtaking views of the Ella Valley, Ella Rock and the rolling highland ridges; suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Demodara Nine Arch Bridge — Sri Lanka’s most iconic and photographed railway viaduct, built entirely from stone and brick in 1921 without a single piece of steel; best viewed from the elevated tea estate path above the bridge
Explore Ella village — charming highland cafes with valley views, local shops and sunset viewpoints along the ridge
💡 TipPosition yourself at the Nine Arch Bridge viewpoint between 8–9am or 3:30–4:30pm when trains cross most frequently. The tea estate path above the bridge gives the best elevated classic shot. Little Adam’s Peak is most enjoyable in the morning before the afternoon heat — the valley views are at their clearest before noon.
🏨 Overnight: Ella
06
Ella
Ella Rock, Ravana Caves & Waterfalls
Early morning Ella Rock sunrise hike (~3–4 hours return) — the most challenging and rewarding hike in Ella; a 360° panorama of the Ella Gap, Highland Valley and the distant Indian Ocean; through tea estates, bamboo forest and rocky scrambles to the summit
Ravana Caves — an ancient cave complex associated with the Ramayana legend; King Ravana is said to have hidden Sita here; the atmospheric cave network is carved into the cliff face above Ella town
Ravana Ella Waterfalls — a beautiful three-tiered 25m cascade tumbling over ancient volcanic rock just outside Ella; accessible from the main road and often rainbow-lit in afternoon sun
Afternoon at leisure in Ella — explore the village rooftop bars, souvenir shops and valley viewpoints; or revisit the Nine Arch Bridge at a different time of day
💡 TipStart Ella Rock by 5:30am for the sunrise — the 1.5–2 hour climb through tea estates and bamboo forest is steep in sections. Bring plenty of water and ask your guesthouse to arrange a local guide (~$5) as the path is unmarked in places. The Ravana Caves are best in the morning light — the entrance cave looks into a deep gorge below.
🏨 Overnight: Ella
07
Ella → Yala
Tissamaharama Temple & Yala Wildlife Safari
Scenic drive from the Ella highlands south to Yala (~3 hours via Wellawaya)
Tissamaharama Temple (Tissa Dagoba) — one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient and revered Buddhist monuments; a magnificent white dagoba dating back to the 3rd century BC, set on the banks of the beautiful Tissa Wewa reservoir
Yala National Park jeep safari — Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife park, holding the world’s highest concentration of wild leopards per square kilometre; also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, water buffalo and 200+ bird species
Evening at the eco-lodge — sundowner drinks as the last safari animals emerge at dusk around the water holes
💡 TipThe best Yala safari strategy: book the 5:30am opening slot — leopards are most active in the first 2 hours after sunrise. Always book a private jeep (not a shared one) — your tracker can spend time waiting patiently at a sighting spot. Dry season (Feb–July) offers the best visibility through sparse vegetation. Tissamaharama temple at sunrise is magical.
🏨 Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama
08
Yala → Bentota
Morning Safari & Coastal Beach Transfer
Second Yala jeep safari — morning session (5:30–9:30am) for the best leopard, elephant and sloth bear sightings in the early golden light
Transfer from Yala to Bentota on the Indian Ocean coast (~3.5 hours via the southern expressway)
Arrive Bentota — Sri Lanka’s premier west-coast beach resort; check into your oceanfront hotel
Bentota Beach — a long, golden stretch of protected Indian Ocean beach with calm lagoon waters ideal for swimming
Bentota River Safari — explore the Bentota Ganga by private boat through mangrove channels; visit a traditional cinnamon island where bark is harvested and peeled by hand
Sunset stroll on the beach and fresh seafood dinner
💡 TipHaving two Yala safaris (evening on Day 7, morning on Day 8) dramatically increases your chances of seeing leopards — leopards are most active at these exact times. The cinnamon island on the Bentota River safari is fascinating — the fresh Ceylon cinnamon fragrance is extraordinary. After the safari dust, a long swim in the calm Bentota lagoon is perfect.
🏨 Overnight: Bentota
09
Bentota
Madu Ganga, Turtle Hatchery & Shopping
Madu Ganga River boat safari (~1.5 hours) — glide through the UNESCO-listed Madu Ganga wetland ecosystem; 64 mangrove islands teeming with monitor lizards, water birds, rare orchids and ancient temple islands
Visit the Buddhist temple island and a traditional fish market island accessible only by boat within the Madu Ganga
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery — an ethical conservation centre protecting all five Sri Lanka sea turtle species; see hatchlings and at sunset, watch baby turtles released into the Indian Ocean
Go shopping for souvenirs — the Bentota beachside shops and Aluthgama market offer handloom fabrics, lacquer work, Ceylon tea, spices and Ceylon cinnamon at excellent prices
Afternoon water sports in Bentota — jet skiing, banana boat, windsurfing or kayaking (charged separately)
Final beach dinner under the stars
💡 TipThe Madu Ganga and Bentota River safaris offer two very different wetland experiences — the Madu Ganga is wider, wilder and more biodiverse. Time the Kosgoda turtle hatchery for 5:30–6:30pm — the baby turtle release into the ocean at sunset is one of the most moving moments of the entire tour. For the best souvenir prices, the Aluthgama spice market is excellent.
🏨 Overnight: Bentota
10
Bentota → Colombo
Temples, Lotus Tower & City Life
Drive from Bentota to Colombo (~2 hours via coastal expressway)
Gangaramaya Viharaya (Gangarama Temple) — one of Colombo’s most revered and eclectic Buddhist temples; the extraordinary museum contains vintage cars, elephant tusks, Buddha statues and thousands of unique devotional donations
Galle Face Green terrace — Colombo’s iconic ocean-front promenade; enjoy ‘isso wade’ (prawn crackers) and kite flying with locals beside the Indian Ocean
Lotus Tower (Nelum Kuluna) — Sri Lanka’s tallest structure at 350m; the observation deck offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views over Colombo and the Indian Ocean
Old Parliament Building (now Presidential Secretariat) — a magnificent neo-baroque colonial building facing Galle Face; a defining landmark of Colombo’s historic waterfront
Dutch Hospital Precinct — a beautifully restored 17th-century Dutch colonial hospital now housing excellent restaurants, bars and boutique shops; ideal for last-minute souvenir shopping and dinner
Night life in Colombo — rooftop bars with Indian Ocean views, live music at the Dutch Hospital or fine dining at Galle Face Hotel
💡 TipStart the Colombo day at Gangaramaya Temple in the morning when it’s at its most atmospheric. The Lotus Tower at dusk (5–6pm) is the highlight of the Colombo day — book observation deck tickets online in advance. The Dutch Hospital precinct for dinner is the perfect final evening: colonial architecture, great food and a wonderful selection of last-minute gifts.
🏨 Overnight: Colombo
11
Colombo
Departure Day
Morning at leisure — hotel breakfast and optional final Colombo activity
Optional: last-minute souvenir shopping at Colombo Arcade Independence Square or House of Fashion
Optional: Pettah Market final purchases — spices, teas, textiles and handloom fabrics
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (~45 minutes from Colombo city centre)
Farewell — Ayubowan! May the memories of Sri Lanka travel home with you always
💡 TipAllow at least 3 hours before your international flight for check-in, immigration and security. If your flight departs in the afternoon, ask us about leaving luggage at the hotel — spend a relaxed final morning at Negombo Beach (10 minutes from the airport) before heading to the terminal.
🏨 Overnight: Departure from Bandaranaike International Airport
Visual Journey
Tour Gallery
What’s Covered
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
Warmly welcome with Garlands
Fully air-conditioned vehicle fro the entire tour
English-speaking experienced chauffeur
Airport Pickup & Airpot Drop
Accommodations
All Government Taxes
24/7 Fineray Lanka support
✗ Not Included
Air fares
Early cheking and late checkout
All sites entrance fees
All activity fees
Personal Expenses
Guest Stories
What Travellers Are Saying
⭐ 4.9 / 5 based on 64 verified reviews
★★★★★
11 Days Grand Island Circle
“Two Yala safaris was the best decision we made on this tour. We saw nothing on the evening session — then on the morning session we spotted a leopard dragging prey up a tree less than 30 metres away. Our group was completely silent for five minutes. Having a private jeep both times made all the difference.”
★★★★★
11-Day Sri Lanka Grand Tour
“Eleven days is exactly right for this tour — not one day too many. Having two full nights in both Sigiriya and Ella meant we never felt rushed. The Ella Rock sunrise was the single most spectacular moment of the trip — starting at 5:30am in pitch darkness and arriving at the summit as the valley filled with golden light is a memory I will carry forever.”
★★★★★
11 Days — Sigiriya to Colombo
“The Tissamaharama Temple visit on the way to Yala was completely unexpected — we sat by the reservoir at sunset watching elephants come to drink while the ancient white dagoba reflected in the water. Then the following morning we had a sloth bear sighting at Yala. No tour could have prepared us for the sheer wildlife richness of those two days.”
★★★★★
11-Day Ultimate Tour
“The Sigiriya village tour was the most underrated experience of the whole trip. Walking through rice paddies and drinking king coconut at a local family’s home felt more ‘real’ than any UNESCO monument. The Madu Ganga safari was the same — peaceful, wild and unlike anything we’d done before. This tour has soul.”
Why Book With Us
✅No payment upfront
🔒Free cancellation (48hrs)
🎯100% customisable
🤝Local Sri Lanka experts
📞24/7 on-tour support
🐆2 private Yala safari sessions
🌿Ayurvedic massage included
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Start Your 11-Day Sri Lanka Grand Circle Tour
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