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Culture & Heritage

Grand Sri Lanka: 12-Day Ultimate UNESCO Heritage & Safari Tour

  • 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Waikkal → Beruwala · 13 stops
  • Private & tailor-made

From

US$2,450 per person

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Tour overview

Your journey

Embark on the ultimate exploration of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wonders on our perfectly paced 12-Day Cultural Heartlands Discovery Tour. Designed exclusively for culture lovers and first-time visitors, this grand journey seamlessly blends history, wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes. Step back in time as you traverse the UNESCO-listed ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, stand beneath the oldest historically documented tree on earth, and marvel at the gilded statues inside the Dambulla Cave Temple. Feel the thrill of scaling the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress before ascending into the misty, tea-covered hills of Nuwara Eliya and Ella via the world-famous hill-country train ride. Switch from culture to wild nature with an exhilarating Udawalawe jeep safari. Your unforgettable getaway concludes with a walk through the colonial streets of the Galle Dutch Fort, followed by blissful seaside relaxation on the golden beaches of Beruwala. Experience the absolute best of Sri Lanka in one breathtaking adventure.

Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Route
Waikkal → Beruwala
Ideal for
Culture & Heritage
Meals
Half board
Style
Private, tailor-made

Itinerary

Day by day

  1. Day 01

    Arrival & Coastal Relaxation in Waikkal

    Colombo Airport (CMB) → Waikkal

    Touchdown at the airport and enjoy a private transfer to the serene west coast. Settle into your hotel in Waikkal and relax after your journey.

    Overnight:
    Waikkal · or similar · Resort
    Meals:
    Half board
  2. Day 02

    Cycle Through Ancient Anuradhapura

    Waikkal → Anuradhapura

    Step back into deep history. Travel to the ancient capital and walk through the sacred ruins, visiting magnificent stupas like Ruwanweli Maha Seya, the Isurumuniya Temple, and the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree within Anuradhapura City.

    Overnight:
    Anuradhapura · or similar · Hotel
    Meals:
    Half board
  3. Day 03

    Explore Medieval Polonnaruwa & Dambulla Cave Temple

    Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa → Dambulla → Sigiriya

    Journey to Polonnaruwa and explore its spectacular royal palace ruins by bicycle. Later, marvel at the ancient, gilded frescoes inside the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple.

    Overnight:
    Sigiriya · or similar · Resort · 5★
    Meals:
    Half board
    Visiting:
    Polonnaruwa, Dambulla
  4. Day 04

    Conquer Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Experience Kandyan Culture

    Sigiriya → Kandy

    Achieve the ultimate climb scaling Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Continue to Kandy to pay respects at the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before enjoying a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance show.

    Overnight:
    Kandy · or similar · Hotel
    Meals:
    Half board
  5. Day 05

    Scenic Hill Country Drive to Nuwara Eliya

    Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

    Ascend into the misty, emerald hills. Stop for stunning views of Ramboda Falls and visit a working tea plantation before arriving in Nuwara Eliya.

    Overnight:
    Nuwara Eliya · or similar · Hotel
    Meals:
    Half board
  6. Day 06

    Leisure & Highland Exploration in "Little England"

    Nuwara Eliya → Gregory Lake → Nuwara Eliya

    Enjoy a relaxed day to explore the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya. Wander its beautifully manicured gardens or opt for scenic highland excursions.

    Overnight:
    Nuwara Eliya · or similar · Hotel
    Meals:
    Half board
    Visiting:
    Gregory Lake
  7. Day 07

    Board the Famous Ella Train & Journey to Udawalawe

    Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Nine Arches Bridge → Udawalawe National Park

    Take the world-renowned hill-country train ride to Ella. Marvel at Ravana Falls before descending to the southern plains of Udawalawe.

    Overnight:
    Udawalawe National Park · or similar · Resort
    Meals:
    Half board
    Visiting:
    Ella, Nine Arches Bridge
  8. Day 08

    Exhilarating Jeep Safari at Udawalawe National Park

    Udawalawe National Park → Galle

    Enjoy an exciting morning jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, continue your journey to historic Galle, home to the iconic Galle Fort and charming colonial heritage.

    Overnight:
    Galle · or similar · Resort
    Meals:
    Half board
  9. Day 09

    Explore the Ancient city of Galle & Transfer to Beruwala

    Galle → Beruwala

    Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover Galle’s charming colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and rich heritage. Later, continue your journey along Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coast to Beruwala for a relaxing beach stay.

    Overnight:
    Beruwala · or similar · Resort
    Meals:
    Half board
  10. Day 10

    Relax at Beaches in Beruwala

    Beruwala

    Beruwala, a beautiful coastal destination known for its golden beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Spend the day relaxing by the Indian Ocean, enjoying the warm tropical sunshine and peaceful beach surroundings.

    Overnight:
    Beruwala · or similar · Resort
    Meals:
    Half board
  11. Day 11

    Unwind on the Beaches of Beruwala

    Beruwala

    Enjoy a full leisure day by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Relax on the golden sands or partake in optional exciting water sports.

    Overnight:
    Beruwala · or similar · Resort
    Meals:
    Half board
  12. Day 12

    Final Memories & Departure

    Beruwala → Colombo Airport (CMB)

    Transfer to the airport, concluding your extraordinary 12-day Sri Lankan grand tour.

    Overnight:
    —
    Meals:
    Bed & breakfast
  • Waikkal

North Western Province

1.Waikkal

Day 1 · 1 night · Near the airport

A quiet coastal village north of Negombo, between the lagoon and the sea, close to the airport.

RouteColombo Airport (CMB) → Waikkal → Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa → Dambulla → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Gregory Lake → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Nine Arches Bridge → Udawalawe National Park → Galle → Beruwala → Colombo Airport (CMB)

Photo gallery

Moments ahead

Your price

What's included

Included

  • Meet & assistance at the airport on arrival and departure
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle (car, van or coach) for all transfers
  • English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout
  • Accommodation as listed, with meals as shown for each day
  • Sightseeing visits and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
  • One bottle of mineral water per person per day
  • Map of Sri Lanka
  • Free upgrades on availability

Not included

  • International airfare and visa charges
  • Lunches and meals outside the stated meal plan
  • Video and camera permits at sights
  • Early check-in and late check-out (standard check-in 14:00, check-out 12:00)
  • Expenses of a personal nature and tips
  • Compulsory room supplements during festive periods
  • Use of the vehicle outside the itinerary
  • Sights marked as optional
  • Travel insurance
  • Any other services not specified above

Before you travel

Good to know

  • Climate

    Warm and tropical all year — around 25–30 °C by day, cooler in the hill country; brief afternoon showers are common.

  • Clothing

    Light summer clothing, plus a light jacket for the hills and air-conditioned spaces.

  • Footwear

    Comfortable shoes for sightseeing; sandals are handy for temple visits.

  • Essentials

    Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

  • Temple dress code

    Shoulders and knees covered; shoes are removed at temples, so socks are useful on hot ground.

  • Travel comfort

    Some drives are long — loose, breathable clothing makes the journey easier.

  • Evenings

    Casual but neat attire is recommended at hotels.

  • Wellness

    Hotel spas offer massages and treatments (extra charge); yoga and water sports are widely available.

  • Health

    No antimalarial medication is needed; protect against daytime mosquitoes because of dengue risk.

  • Visa (eTA)

    Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization before arrival.

    eta.gov.lk(opens in a new tab)

Booking with confidence

Payment & cancellation

Payment schedule

  • 50% deposit at the time of booking to secure your reservation
  • The remaining 50% is due at least 60 days before arrival
  • For bookings made within 60 days of arrival, full payment is required at booking

Cancellation terms

Cancellation charges by notice period
When you cancelCharge
61 days or more before arrivalFull refund (minus processing fees)
30 – 60 days before arrival50% cancellation fee
29 days or less / no-showNo refund

Terms & conditions

1. Booking & confirmation
All bookings are subject to availability. A booking is confirmed only once the deposit is received. We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion.
2. Passport & visas
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka. A tourist visa (eTA) must be obtained before arrival.
3. Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical emergencies and baggage loss.
4. Changes to the itinerary
We make every effort to follow the planned itinerary, but may adjust routes, hotels or activities due to unforeseen circumstances, always with an alternative of a similar standard.

Tailor-made for you

Request your private quote

Tell us your dates and wishes. A Sri Lanka travel specialist will send you this itinerary with hotels and a personal price — adjusted exactly the way you like.

  • No payment needed to enquire
  • A specialist replies within 24 hours on office days
  • Every day, hotel and activity can be changed
  • Private chauffeur-guide and 24/7 support
WhatsApp+94 76 342 7054Call us+94 76 342 7054Emailsales@simpliflysrilanka.com

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From, per person

US$2,450