10-Day Essence of Ceylon

Traveling time - ~30 Mins

Warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) by your Royal Ceylon Holidays representative. Transfer to your coastal hotel in Negombo to relax after your long flight.

Overnight: Negombo | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~3.5 to 4 Hours

Drive inland to the UNESCO Cultural Triangle. En route, stop to explore the ancient Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple, home to over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant wall frescoes. Afterward, continue to your Sigiriya jungle resort.

Overnight: Sigiriya | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~45 Mins (local transfers)

Climb the iconic 5th-century Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress early in the morning to beat the heat and enjoy panoramic jungle views. In the afternoon, embark on an open-top 4x4 jeep safari in Minneriya National Park to witness wild elephant herds.

Overnight: Sigiriya | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~2.5 to 3 Hours

Depart for the hill capital of Kandy. Stop en route at a Matale spice garden for an educational tour of local herbs and Ceylon spices. In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance.

Overnight: Kandy | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~2.5 to 3 Hours

Ascend into the misty central highlands, known as "Little England". Visit a working Ceylon tea plantation and processing factory to learn about tea making and sample fresh highland tea. In the late afternoon, take a relaxing walk around Gregory Lake.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~3.5 Hours (Train)

Board the scenic mountain train from Nanu Oya station to Ella, passing through emerald tea estates, cloud forests, and mountain tunnels. Upon arrival in Ella, visit the photo-worthy Nine Arch Bridge nestled in the jungle.

Overnight: Ella | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~2.5 to 3 Hours

Enjoy an early morning walk up Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic valley views. Descend the highlands to the southern plains of Yala and embark on an afternoon 4x4 jeep safari in Yala National Park to spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.

Overnight: Yala | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~3 to 3.5 Hours

Drive along the southern coast toward Galle. Walk through the historic narrow streets, artisan boutiques, and oceanfront ramparts of the 17th-century UNESCO Galle Dutch Fort. Check into your beach resort in Mirissa.

Overnight: Mirissa | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - Local transfers only

Enjoy a full day of leisure on Mirissa's golden sandy beach or swim with sea turtles in sheltered coves. Optionally, join an early morning ocean boat tour for blue whale and dolphin watching in the Indian Ocean.

Overnight: Mirissa | 3/4 Star Hotel

Traveling time - ~2.5 to 3 Hours

Enjoy breakfast at the resort before driving along the Southern Expressway toward Colombo. Take a brief city orientation tour of Colombo's landmarks before transferring directly to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your flight home.