Sri Lanka Tour 13 Days: Grand Island Explorer – Coast, Highlands, Wildlife & Ancient Cities
Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Activity Level
Moderate
Starting From
USD-
Trip Type
Small Group
Discover the full richness of Sri Lanka in thirteen carefully planned days. This extensive journey takes you from the vibrant capital of Colombo and the southern coastline through the scenic highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, the sacred city of Kandy, and deep into the Cultural Triangle with Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya.
Along the way you will enjoy whale watching, ethical wildlife safaris, the iconic hill-country train, a climb of Sigiriya Rock, colonial Galle Fort, and rich cultural experiences. Prepared by Goalie Tours, this Sri Lanka 13 days tour offers a complete and well-paced exploration of the island’s coastline, nature, heritage and scenic beauty — with private transfers, certified local guides and responsible travel practices.
Locations:
Colombo
Hikkaduwa
Balapitiya
Galle
Mirissa
Tissamaharama / Yala
Ella
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
Matale
Dambulla
Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa
Minneriya
Key Highlights
- Comprehensive Colombo city tour
- Madu River boat safari, moonstone mine, Lunuganga Estate and Akurala kayaking
- Historic Galle Fort, stilt fishing, Rumassala and Jungle Beach
- Ethical morning whale watching from Mirissa (seasonal)
- Half-day Yala National Park safari
- Iconic Ella experiences: Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls
- Scenic train journey through the tea highlands
- Full cultural day in Kandy with Temple of the Tooth and dance show
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Pidurangala
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City and ethical Minneriya elephant safari
- Small-group intimacy with professional local guiding
Sri Lanka 13 Days Tour Itinerary
Airport Arrival & Colombo
You will be warmly welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) by a Goalie Tours representative. After assistance with luggage, transfer to Colombo and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and recover from your journey.
Overnight Stay: Colombo
Colombo City Tour & Transfer to Hikkaduwa
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive Colombo city tour covering major landmarks. In the afternoon, travel south to Hikkaduwa and check in to your hotel for the night.
Overnight Stay: Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa Full Day – River, Estate & Kayaking
Begin with a peaceful boat safari on the Madu River near Balapitiya. Visit a traditional moonstone mine and explore Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga Estate. In the evening, enjoy kayaking at Akurala wetland.
Overnight Stay: Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa to Mirissa – Galle & South Coast
Travel to the historic Galle Fort for a walking tour of the colonial ramparts and streets. Stop to observe traditional stilt fishing (when available), then visit Rumassala Temple and Jungle Beach. Continue to Mirissa and check in for the night.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa
Mirissa – Whale Watching & Beach
Rise early for an ethical whale-watching boat tour from Mirissa (seasonal, best November–April). Return to enjoy Mirissa Beach and relax. In the evening, visit Coconut Tree Hill for scenic views and sunset.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa
Mirissa to Tissamaharama – Yala Safari
Travel to the Tissamaharama area. In the afternoon, set out on a half-day ethical jeep safari in Yala National Park, known for leopards, elephants, birds and diverse wildlife.
Overnight Stay: Tissamaharama
Tissamaharama to Ella
Travel into the hill country toward Ella, stopping at the beautiful Ravana Falls. In the evening, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and enjoy a guided walk to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views.
Overnight Stay: Ella
Scenic Train to Nuwara Eliya
Board the scenic train from Ella to Nanu Oya, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Visit Gregory Lake and the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office. Enjoy a relaxed evening in the colonial hill town.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
Visit a working tea plantation and estate, then stop at the picturesque Ramboda Falls. Continue with a hike or visit to Ambuluwawa Tower before arriving in Kandy and checking in for the night.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Full Day Kandy Cultural Experience
Explore Kandy in depth. Visit a scenic viewpoint, Bahirawakanda Temple, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a gem museum and wood carving factory. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, followed by a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Kandy to Sigiriya
Travel toward the Cultural Triangle. Visit a Matale Hindu Temple, a traditional spice garden, Nalanda Gedige Temple and the Dambulla Cave Temples. Enjoy a Sigiriya village tour, then climb Pidurangala Rock or Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the late afternoon or evening light.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa Ancient City & Minneriya Safari
Travel to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa and explore its well-preserved ruins, royal palaces, temples and stone statues. In the evening, set out on an ethical wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for large elephant gatherings.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Sigiriya to Airport – Departure
After breakfast, begin the journey from Sigiriya to Bandaranaike International Airport. The tour ends with a comfortable airport drop-off timed according to your flight schedule.
- What's Included
- Airport pickup and final airport drop-off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver-guide
- 12 nights of accommodation in the selected hotel category
- Daily breakfast
- All listed sightseeing and entrance fees (as per final quotation)
- Ethical whale watching (seasonal) and wildlife safari arrangements
- Scenic train tickets (subject to railway confirmation)
- Madu River boat safari
- Bottled water during the tour
- 24/7 local trip support
- What's Included
- International flights and Sri Lanka visa fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches, dinners and beverages
- Personal expenses, tips and optional activities
- Entrance fees not listed in the final quotation
- Costs arising from major weather or transport disruptions
Important Notes
- Whale watching is seasonal (best November–April); alternative activities will be arranged if off-season
- Sigiriya / Pidurangala climb involves significant steps – moderate fitness is recommended
- Best time to visit: December–April (dry season); May–September offers greener landscapes
- Suitable for: First-time visitors, couples, families and travellers seeking a complete Sri Lanka experience
- Ethical focus: Responsible wildlife viewing, respectful temple visits and support for local communities
- Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle and binoculars for safaris
Pricing & Booking Starting from USD --- per person
twin share; seasonal variations; single supplement applies). Private/small-group options available.
Book Your Sri Lanka Tour 13 Days – Grand Island Explorer Today!
This extensive thirteen-day journey captures the very best of Sri Lanka — coastline, wildlife, tea country, sacred cities and ancient wonders. Limited small-group spots available — reserve your dates now!