Overview
Experience the ultimate journey around Sri Lanka on this unforgettable 14-day island adventure. From ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites and breathtaking hill country landscapes to thrilling wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, marine adventures, scenic train journeys, and vibrant cities, this carefully crafted itinerary showcases the very best the island has to offer. Designed to avoid repeated experiences while maintaining the perfect balance of culture, nature, wildlife, adventure, relaxation, and authentic local encounters, this is the complete Sri Lankan holiday.
Experience the very best of Sri Lanka on one extraordinary journey around the island. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, explore the ancient kingdoms of Polonnaruwa, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, witness rescued elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and enjoy the vibrant Kandy Cultural Dance Performance. Travel through the breathtaking tea country aboard the world-famous Blue Train, discover Ella's spectacular mountain scenery, embark on an unforgettable safari in Yala National Park, witness majestic blue whales and spinner dolphins in Mirissa, wander through the historic streets of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, explore the spiritual landmarks of Trincomalee, snorkel among colourful coral reefs at Pigeon Island National Park, unwind on the pristine beaches of Pasikuda, and conclude your adventure with a guided tour of Colombo before your departure. Carefully crafted to avoid repetitive experiences while maintaining the perfect balance of culture, heritage, wildlife, adventure, nature, beaches, and relaxation, The Grand Island offers the ultimate Sri Lankan holiday experience.
What's included
- 13 Nights Accommodation
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- Airport Meet & Greet
- Airport Pick-up & Drop-off
- Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Scenic Train Tickets (Subject to Availability)
- Professional English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Fuel, Parking & Highway Tolls
- Government Taxes
Trip highlights
- Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Sigiriya Village Experience
- Pidurangala Rock
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Kandy Cultural Dance Performance
- Royal Botanical Garden
- Tea Plantation Experience
- Tea Factory Tour & Tea Tasting
- Scenic Blue Train Journey
- Nine Arch Bridge
- Little Adam's Peak
- Flying Ravana Mega Zipline
- Yala National Park Jeep Safari
- Whale & Dolphin Watching
- Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Koneswaram Temple
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Snorkeling Experience
- Pasikuda Beach
- Colombo City Tour
Trip at a glance
- Duration
- 14 Days / 13 Nights
- Tour type
- Private Tour
- Starts
- Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Ends
- Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Destinations
- 11
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- 4
- National parks
- 2
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Friends · Solo Travelers
Destinations covered
- Sigiriya
- Polonnaruwa
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Yala National Park
- Mirissa
- Galle
- Trincomalee
- Pasikuda
- Colombo
Route: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala National Park → Mirissa → Galle → Trincomalee → Pasikuda → Colombo → Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
Gallery
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival | BIA → Sigiriya
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Meet your private chauffeur guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and begin your journey into Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
- Airport Meet & Greet
- Scenic Drive to Sigiriya
- Spice & Herbal Garden Visit
- Sigiriya Village Experience
- Traditional Sri Lankan Lunch
- Evening Relaxation
Day 2: Sigiriya Heritage Experience
Explore two of Sri Lanka's most iconic archaeological treasures.
- Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Royal Gardens
- Mirror Wall
- Sigiriya Frescoes
- Pidurangala Rock Sunset
Day 3: Polonnaruwa → Kandy
Explore Sri Lanka's medieval kingdom before travelling to the cultural capital of the island.
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Royal Palace
- Sacred Quadrangle
- Gal Vihara
- Rankoth Vehera
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Evening Kandy Cultural Dance Performance
Day 4: Kandy Sightseeing
Discover the cultural treasures of Sri Lanka's hill capital.
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Kandy Lake
- Kandy Viewpoint
- Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya
- Gem Museum
- Wood Carving Workshop
Day 5: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Journey through the breathtaking central highlands.
- Tea Plantation Visit
- Tea Factory Tour & Tea Tasting
- Ramboda Waterfall
- Gregory Lake
- Nuwara Eliya City Tour
- Colonial Buildings & Victoria Park (Photo Stops)
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Enjoy one of the world's most scenic railway journeys.
- Scenic Blue Train Journey (Nanu Oya → Ella)
- Nine Arch Bridge
- Little Adam's Peak
- Ravana Falls
- Ella Town Exploration
Day 7: Ella → Yala National Park
Travel through Sri Lanka's southern wilderness.
- Flying Ravana Mega Zipline
- Scenic Mountain Drive
- Evening Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
- Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear & Crocodile Sightings
Day 8: Yala → Mirissa
Leave the wilderness behind and head towards Sri Lanka's beautiful southern coastline.
- Scenic Coastal Drive
- Mirissa Beach
- Coconut Tree Hill
- Beach Leisure
- Sunset by the Ocean
Day 9: Mirissa → Galle
Experience Sri Lanka's spectacular marine life before exploring its colonial heritage.
- Early Morning Whale & Dolphin Watching
- Blue Whales & Spinner Dolphins
- Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Dutch Ramparts
- Galle Lighthouse
- Boutique Shopping
Day 10: Galle → Trincomalee
Travel across the island to Sri Lanka's stunning East Coast.
- Scenic Cross-Island Journey
- Evening Beach Walk
- Oceanfront Sunset
Day 11: Trincomalee → Pasikuda
Discover the history and coastal beauty of Sri Lanka's East Coast.
- Koneswaram Temple
- Swami Rock Viewpoint
- Fort Frederick
- Deer Park
- Nilaveli Beach
- Pasikuda Beach Relaxation
Day 12: Pasikuda Marine Adventure
Explore one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular marine parks.
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Snorkeling Experience
- Coral Reef Exploration
- Tropical Fish & Sea Turtles
- Glass Bottom Boat Ride
- Optional Scuba Diving
Day 13: Pasikuda → Colombo
Travel back to Sri Lanka's vibrant commercial capital.
- Scenic Coastal & Countryside Drive
- Leisure Stops
- Shopping
- Relaxing Evening
Day 14: Colombo City Tour → Departure (BIA)
Conclude your unforgettable Sri Lankan journey with a guided tour of Colombo before your departure.
- Colombo City Tour
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Independence Square
- Galle Face Green
- Old Parliament Building
- Port City Colombo
- Lotus Tower (Photo Stop)
- Pettah Market
- Shopping
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
Best time to go
Because this itinerary crosses both monsoon zones, some stretch of it is in season whenever you travel, so we sequence the East Coast days into the May–September window and the west/south/hill country days into December–March where your dates allow.
Best months for this route: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Grand Island a private tour?
Yes. Every Majesty Tours itinerary, including The Grand Island, is private: your own air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking chauffeur guide, with no other travellers on your schedule.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Yes. This is a sample itinerary: the route, pace, hotel category and stops can all be adjusted to your interests and travel dates. Tell us what you’d like changed when you enquire.
Are hotels included?
Yes. 13 nights of accommodation are included, along with daily breakfast and dinner, as listed above.
Where does the tour start and end?
Pickup and drop-off are at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). We meet you at arrivals and transfer you back for your departure flight.
Do I get the free Colombo City Tour with this package?
Yes. Every Majesty Tours booking includes a complimentary open-top double-decker sightseeing tour of Colombo at no extra cost.
Is 14 days enough to see all of this without feeling rushed?
Yes. This itinerary is deliberately sequenced to avoid backtracking and repeated experiences, with two or more nights in most stops so each region gets unhurried time rather than a checklist pace.
Ready to plan The Grand Island?
Tell us your travel dates and we'll confirm availability and a final quote.