Highland Trails and Ceylon Escape
Package 07 Signature Tours 13 Nights / 14 Days

Highland Trails and Ceylon Escape

An active crossing of the island: cycling, the full hill-country train, a tea-estate trek, Arugam Bay surf and two big safaris.

See the day-by-day plan
Duration
13 Nights / 14 Days
Best for
Travellers from Australia
Pace
Active
Best time to travel
April (both coasts in season) · Jun – Sep for the east coast
Starts & ends
Bandaranaike International Airport

The journey at a glance

Overview

An active island crossing: cycling and cooking near Kandy, the full hill-country train, a tea-estate trek, surf and safaris on the east coast, then Yala, Mirissa and Galle's creative scene.

  1. Colombo1 night
  2. Sigiriya1 night
  3. Kandy2 nights
  4. Ella1 night
  5. Bandarawela1 night
  6. Arugam Bay2 nights
  7. Yala2 nights
  8. Mirissa1 night
  9. Galle1 night
  10. Colombo1 night
  11. DepartFly home

Who this journey suits

Trekking, cycling, Arugam Bay surf and big safaris for Australia's active, surf-loving travellers. The east-coast season matches the Australian winter.

Tour highlights

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Village cycling and a home-cooking class near Kandy
  • The full 7-hr hill-country train from Kandy to Ella
  • Guided Pekoe Trail trek through tea estates
  • Surf at Arugam Bay and a Pottuvil Lagoon boat safari
  • Full-day Kumana and Yala safaris with bush picnics
  • Surf coaching in Mirissa and Galle Fort's creative scene
  • Colombo galleries and rooftop bars

14 days, paced for real travel

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Arrive BIA → Colombo
    Colombo

    Day 1: Day 1

    Arrive BIA → Colombo

    Travel
    ~1 hr airport transfer
    Free time
    Rest after arrival
    Overnight
    Colombo
    • MorningMeet & greet, then transfer to a stylish boutique city hotel.
    • AfternoonGuided exploration of colonial quarters, hidden cafés and lively local markets.
    • EveningRooftop dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Colombo Seven · Tintagel Colombo (or similar)

  2. Colombo → Sigiriya
    Sigiriya

    Day 2: Day 2

    Colombo → Sigiriya

    Travel
    ~4 hrs drive
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Sigiriya
    • MorningEarly drive north, visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple on the way.
    • AfternoonClimb UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the cooler late afternoon.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Vil Uyana · Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela (or similar)

  3. Sigiriya → Kandy
    Kandy

    Day 3: Day 3

    Sigiriya → Kandy

    Travel
    ~2.5–3 hrs drive
    Free time
    Early afternoon
    Overnight
    Kandy
    • MorningDrive from the dry-zone plains into the hills.
    • AfternoonTraditional spice garden: spice heritage, Ayurvedic ingredients and local cultivation.
    • EveningEvening ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

    Sample hotels: Theva Residency · The Kandy House (or similar)

  4. Kandy
    Kandy

    Day 4: Day 4

    Kandy

    Travel
    Local only
    Free time
    Late afternoon
    Overnight
    Kandy
    • MorningCycling through quiet village roads and rice paddies.
    • AfternoonHands-on cooking in a village home. Optional craft workshop or produce market.
    • EveningKandy Lake walk or a traditional cultural dance performance.

    Sample hotels: Theva Residency · The Kandy House (same hotel)

  5. Kandy → Ella (train)
    Ella

    Day 5: Day 5

    Kandy → Ella (train)

    Travel
    ~7 hrs train
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Ella
    • MorningBoard the hill-country train past waterfalls, tea plantations and misty forests.
    • AfternoonContinue through mountain villages to Ella.
    • EveningCafé exploration and a relaxed mountain evening.

    Sample hotels: 98 Acres Resort & Spa · EKHO Ella · Newburgh Ella (or similar)

  6. Ella → Bandarawela
    Bandarawela

    Day 6: Day 6

    Ella → Bandarawela

    Travel
    ~30 min drive + trek
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Bandarawela
    • MorningGuided Pekoe Trail trek through the Nayabedda tea estate region.
    • AfternoonPlantation life, panoramic viewpoints and tea-growing communities.
    • EveningEvening at leisure in the cool mountain air.

    Sample hotels: Bandarawela Hotel · Nine Skies (or similar)

  7. Bandarawela → Arugam Bay
    Arugam Bay

    Day 7: Day 7

    Bandarawela → Arugam Bay

    Travel
    ~4 hrs drive
    Free time
    Afternoon on the beach
    Overnight
    Arugam Bay
    • MorningEarly visit to Nine Arch Bridge, then descend from the highlands to the east coast.
    • AfternoonArrive in the surf town of Arugam Bay and hit the beach.
    • EveningOptional Pottuvil Lagoon sunset boat safari through the mangroves.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Surf · Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing · Hideaway Arugam Bay (or similar)

  8. Arugam Bay (Kumana)
    Arugam Bay

    Day 8: Day 8

    Arugam Bay (Kumana)

    Travel
    ~1 hr each way to Kumana
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Arugam Bay
    • MorningFull-day safari in Kumana National Park: wetlands, nesting water birds (Apr–Jul), elephants and crocodiles.
    • AfternoonPicnic lunch in the park with experienced local trackers.
    • EveningRelaxed evening by the beach.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Surf · Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing · Hideaway Arugam Bay (same hotel)

  9. Arugam Bay → Yala
    Yala

    Day 9: Day 9

    Arugam Bay → Yala

    Travel
    ~3.5–4 hrs drive
    Free time
    Morning surf session
    Overnight
    Yala
    • MorningOptional sunrise hike to Kudumbigala Monastery, then a surf session (east-coast surf season May–Sep).
    • AfternoonDrive south to Yala.
    • EveningFireside evening at a wilderness camp.

    Sample hotels: Wild Coast Tented Lodge · Kulu Safaris · Leopard Trails (or similar)

  10. Yala
    Yala

    Day 10: Day 10

    Yala

    Travel
    In-park safari
    Free time
    None (full safari day)
    Overnight
    Yala
    • MorningFull-day safari with naturalists: elephants, leopards (best Feb–Jul), sloth bears, crocodiles and jackals.
    • AfternoonPicnic lunch in the bush.
    • EveningFireside dining under the stars.

    Sample hotels: Wild Coast Tented Lodge · Kulu Safaris · Leopard Trails (same hotel)

  11. Yala → Mirissa
    Mirissa

    Day 11: Day 11

    Yala → Mirissa

    Travel
    ~2.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Mirissa
    • MorningDrive to the southern surf coast.
    • AfternoonSurf gentle waves or take beginner coaching. Coconut Tree Hill.
    • EveningBeach cafés and coastal village life.

    Sample hotels: Mandara Resort · Mirissa Hills · Paradise Beach Club (or similar)

  12. Mirissa → Galle
    Galle

    Day 12: Day 12

    Mirissa → Galle

    Travel
    ~45 min drive
    Free time
    Late afternoon
    Overnight
    Galle
    • MorningOptional dawn whale watching (Nov–Apr).
    • AfternoonGalle Fort's colonial streets, artisan boutiques, cafés and galleries. Meet local creatives.
    • EveningSunset walk on the ramparts.

    Sample hotels: The Fort Bazaar · Galle Fort Hotel · Jetwing Lighthouse (or similar)

  13. Galle → Colombo
    Colombo

    Day 13: Day 13

    Galle → Colombo

    Travel
    ~2 hrs drive
    Free time
    Morning
    Overnight
    Colombo
    • MorningRelaxed coastal morning.
    • AfternoonDrive to Colombo with optional stops at coastal viewpoints or artisan spaces.
    • EveningBoutique stores, contemporary galleries and rooftop bars.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Colombo Seven · Tintagel Colombo (or similar)

  14. Colombo → Depart
    Departure day

    Day 14: Day 14

    Colombo → Depart

    Travel
    ~1 hr to the airport
    Free time
    Depends on flight time
    Overnight
    Departure
    • MorningBreakfast at leisure.
    • AfternoonPrivate transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.
    • EveningDeparture.

    No overnight: departure day

Chosen for character and comfort

Hotels at a glance

LocationNightsDaysSample hotels (or similar)
Colombo1Day 01Jetwing Colombo Seven · Tintagel Colombo
Sigiriya1Day 02Jetwing Vil Uyana · Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela
Kandy2Days 03–04Theva Residency · The Kandy House
Ella1Day 0598 Acres Resort & Spa · EKHO Ella · Newburgh Ella
Bandarawela1Day 06Bandarawela Hotel · Nine Skies
Arugam Bay2Days 07–08Jetwing Surf · Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing · Hideaway Arugam Bay
Yala2Days 09–10Wild Coast Tented Lodge · Kulu Safaris · Leopard Trails
Mirissa1Day 11Mandara Resort · Mirissa Hills · Paradise Beach Club
Galle1Day 12The Fort Bazaar · Galle Fort Hotel · Jetwing Lighthouse
Colombo1Day 13Jetwing Colombo Seven · Tintagel Colombo
Total1313 nights / 14 days

Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole journey
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide (other languages on request)
  • Accommodation as listed, or similar, with daily breakfast
  • Airport meet & greet and private transfers
  • Fuel, parking, highway tolls and your guide's meals and lodging
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • 24/7 local support throughout your journey

Not included

  • International flights
  • Sri Lanka visa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Entrance tickets, safari jeeps and train tickets, unless your quote includes them
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Camera and video permits at some sites
  • Optional activities
  • Tips, early check-in, late check-out and personal expenses

Good to know

  • National parks run daytime safaris only (gates around 6 AM–6 PM).
  • Kandy → Ella train tickets sell out quickly; book as soon as dates are confirmed.
  • East-coast surf (May–Sep) and Mirissa whales (Nov–Apr) peak in opposite seasons. April gets the best of both.
  • Reserved and observation seats on the hill-country train sell out. Book as soon as dates are confirmed.
  • Temple visits: shoulders and knees covered; shoes and hats off at shrines.
  • Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and photo stops.
  • Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

Day tours on this route

Each of these days is also available on its own.

Dambulla and Sigiriya Day TourGalle Fort and Southern Coast Heritage TourColombo City Culture, Markets and Street FoodYala National Park Day TourKandy TourWhale and Dolphin Watching in MirissaElla Highlights Day Tour

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