11-Day Private Sri Lanka Tour: Sigiriya, Tea Country, Yala Safari & Coastal Highlights
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with reasonable mobility; includes stairs, short hikes and multi-hour drives—basic stamina required.
Overview
A private 11-day circuit across Sri Lanka that stitches Sigiriya’s rock palace, misty tea country, Horton Plains’ World’s End and a Yala leopard safari into one seamless trip. Practical, flexible and driven with reserved train travel and local guides.
11-Day Private Sri Lanka Tour: Sigiriya, Tea Country, Yala Safari & Coastal Highlights
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You arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and step into a humid breath of island air—pungent with cinnamon and the sea. A driver in an air-conditioned vehicle meets you and steers toward Negombo, where fishing boats rock lazily against a Dutch-era canal. That first easy transfer sets the tone: this is a travel pace that moves deliberately, letting each landscape assert itself—rock, highland tea, jungle, and coastline—in sequence.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book the Nanu Oya–Ella train early
The mountain train is scenic but seats sell out—this itinerary includes reserved tickets; keep your train confirmation handy.
Layer for the highlands
Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains can be cool—pack a lightweight fleece and rain shell for early-morning hikes.
Carry small bills and card
ATMs are available in larger towns but not everywhere; small vendors and markets prefer cash.
Respect safari etiquette
Stay in the vehicle, keep noise low and follow your guide’s instructions to improve wildlife sightings and safety.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sri Lankan leopard (in Yala)
- Purple-faced langur and endemic birds in Horton Plains
History
Sigiriya was a fortified palace and garden complex built in the 5th century CE; Galle Fort preserves 17th–18th century Dutch colonial architecture.
Conservation
Protected areas like Horton Plains and Yala face pressure from tourism and development—follow park rules, avoid plastic waste and support local guides who practice low-impact tourism.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colombo
Recommended Gear
Breathable hiking shoes
Comfortable traction for Sigiriya steps, Horton Plains trails and uneven tea paths.
Light rain jacket
Afternoon and mountain showers are common; a packable shell keeps you dry.
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Mid-weight fleece or insulated layer
Highland nights in Nuwara Eliya can be chilly—bring a warm mid layer.
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Daypack with water reservoir
Carry snacks, camera, and at least 1–2 liters of water for hikes and transfers.
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