10 days · The full circuit, at a human pace · Most booked
The Grand Loop
Our most-booked trip. Everything in Island Essentials, plus Polonnaruwa by bicycle, a night at a tea bungalow, whale watching at Mirissa and an extra day everywhere it matters.
Highlights
- Cycle the ruins of Polonnaruwa
- Sleep in a colonial tea bungalow
- Blue whales at Mirissa
- Two safaris in Yala
- Three UNESCO sites
Day by day
- Day 01
Arrive, north to the oldest city
Meet at the airport and drive 4 hours to Anuradhapura, breaking for lunch. Dusk at Ruwanwelisaya as pilgrims arrive in white.
Sleep in Anuradhapura - Day 02
Sacred city, then Sigiriya
Morning at the Sri Maha Bodhi and the great stupas, optional Mihintale climb. Afternoon drive to Sigiriya; sunset from Pidurangala.
Sleep in Sigiriya - Day 03
Lion Rock and Polonnaruwa by bike
Sigiriya at 7 am. Afternoon cycling the medieval city at Polonnaruwa, ending at the Gal Vihara Buddhas.
Sleep in Sigiriya - Day 04
Elephants and the Temple of the Tooth
Minneriya elephant safari in season (or Dambulla caves), then Kandy. Evening puja at the Temple.
Sleep in Kandy - Day 05
Up into the tea
Peradeniya gardens, then the road up through the estates to a tea bungalow. Factory tour and tasting on arrival.
Sleep in Nuwara Eliya - Day 06
World's End, then the train
Horton Plains at dawn and the walk to World's End. Afternoon reserved-seat train from Nanu Oya to Ella, the prettiest stretch.
Sleep in Ella - Day 07
Ella to Yala
Little Adam's Peak at sunrise, the Nine Arch Bridge, then down to the dry zone. Afternoon safari.
Sleep in Yala - Day 08
Dawn safari, then the sea
Second Yala safari at 6 am. Coast road to Mirissa; sunset from Coconut Tree Hill.
Sleep in Mirissa - Day 09
Blue whales and Galle
Whale watching from 6.30 am (November to April; a turtle snorkel outside season). Afternoon to Galle Fort, rampart walk at sunset.
Sleep in Galle - Day 10
Departure
Free morning inside the fort. Expressway to the airport, 2.5 hours, timed to your flight.
Departure
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide for the whole trip
- All fuel, parking, tolls and the driver's meals and accommodation
- Hand-picked hotels with daily breakfast
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, whatever time your flight lands
- Reserved-seat train tickets where the route includes the hill-country train
- Licensed site guides at UNESCO sites
- Unlimited bottled water in the vehicle and a local SIM card on arrival
- 24-hour WhatsApp line to a real person in Colombo
- One tea factory tour and tasting
- Bicycle hire in Polonnaruwa
Not included
- International flights
- Entrance fees (we list every one in your quote so there are no surprises)
- Lunches and dinners, unless stated
- Jeep safari fees and boat charters, unless stated
- Travel insurance and visa
- Tips
