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Sri Lanka Tour Package – 12 Days

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This Sri Lanka itinerary 12 days covers Negombo, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Galle and Colombo. Over 12 days in Sri Lanka, you’ll take in both ancient cities, cultural Kandy, two nights of hill-country tea estates, the Ella train region, a wildlife safari at Yala, and a properly unhurried two nights on the south coast at Galle. Private air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, and airport transfers are included throughout.

Your Sri Lanka Itinerary 12 Days at a Glance

Embark on a captivating Sri Lanka 12 day tour through the island, designed to showcase its diverse allure. Begin your adventure unwinding by the coast in Negombo, before stepping back in time to explore the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, delving into the rich history of bygone kingdoms.

Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Kandy, home to sacred traditions, then ascend to the cool, verdant tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. A picturesque train ride will lead you to the scenic haven of Ella, preceding an exhilarating wildlife safari in Yala National Park. Conclude your Sri Lanka 12 days trip by wandering through the charming colonial streets of Galle and relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches of Bentota, before the vibrant capital city of Colombo bids you farewell. This 12 day itinerary Sri Lanka offers a perfect blend of history, nature and relaxation, truly capturing the essence of the island.

Overnight Stays

Covered Locations and Activities

  • Negombo – Negombo Cathedral, Dutch Canal, Negombo Fish Market, Negombo Lagoon
  • Sigiriya – Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Village Tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Minneriya Jeep Safari
  • Anuradhapura – Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama Stupa, Isurumuniya Temple, Mihintale
  • Kandy –  Matale Spice Garden, Batik Factory, Kandy Cultural Show, Kandy View Point, Kandy Lake, Kandy Temple, Kandy City Tour, Handicraft Centre, Gem Museum, Peradeniya Botanical Garden
  • Nuwara Eliya – Ramboda Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda Waterfall, Tea Factory and Tea Fileds, Nuwara Eliya City Tour, Ancient Post Office, Nuwara Eliya View Point, Victoria Park and Gregory Lake, Strawberry Farms, Ambewela New Zealand Dairy Farm, Seetha Amman Temple, Hakgala Botanical Garden,
  • Ella – Ella Train Station, Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara Railway Station, Little Adaams Peak Hike ( Ella Swing, Ravana Zipline), Ravana Waterfall
  • Yala – Yala National Park, Thissa Temple, Thissa Lake
  • Galle – Still Fishing Sites, Galle Dutch Fort ( Light House, Clock Tower, Museums), Roomassala Mountain, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mines, Hikkaduwa Beach ( Surfing, Snorkeling, Turtle Feeding)
  • Bentota – Maadu River Mangroves Boat Ride, Cinnamon Island Visit, Fish Spa, Turtle Watching
  • Colombo – Colombo City Tour ( Galle Face, Lotus Tower, Independence Square, Gangarama Temple, Hindu Kovil)

Why Book With Silk Way Ceylon Tours

We’re an SLTDA-licensed Sri Lanka tour package specialist that plans every itinerary in-house, with a dedicated tour consultant and Sri Lanka private tours with driver on every trip — your own vehicle and guide throughout, never combined with other bookings.

Ready for 12 days in Sri Lanka covering both ancient cities, tea country, a Yala safari and a proper stretch of the coast? Contact us today to customise this Sri Lanka tour package and get your quotation — or see our 11 day Sri Lanka tour package or 15 day Sri Lanka tour package if you’d like a different length.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Evening arrival to Colombo, warm welcome at the airport.
  • Check-in at the hotel
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Explore Negombo (Visit  Negombo Cathedral, Dutch Canal, Negombo Fish Market )
  • Proceeding to Sigiriya
  • Check in to the hotel at Sigiriya
  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple -  Stunning cave complex in Sri Lanka, featuring five caves filled with Buddhist murals and statues.
  • Sigiriya Village Tour -  Offers visitors an immersive experience into traditional Sri Lankan rural life ( Bullock Cart Ride, Tractor Ride, Boat Ride, Local Cooking Demonstrations, Paddy Field Walks,  Tuk Tuk Ride)
  • Wildlife Jeep Safari at Minneriya national Park in the afternoon if time permits
  • Dinner at the hotel.
  • Breakfast at the hotel and proceeding to Anuradhapura
  • Visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple - Home to a revered sapling of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple offers foreign visitors a unique opportunity to observe Buddhist traditions, appreciate the temple's ancient atmosphere
  • Visit Ruwanwelisaya Stupa - One of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, Dominating the Anuradhapura skyline, captivates visitors with its sheer scale and its deep spiritual meaning for Buddhist devotees.
  • Visit Lovamahapaya - historical site marked by hundreds of stone pillars which once supported a multi-storied monastic residence.
  • Visit Abhayagiri Dagaba - towering brick structure in Anuradhapura, one of the largest stupas in the ancient world and a vital Buddhist institution.
  • Visit Jetavanarama Stupa - once among the tallest structures of the ancient world, remarkable example of ancient Sri Lankan brickwork, a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering.
  • Explore Samadhi Buddha Statue, Moonstone, Guardstone
  • Visit Isurumuniya Temple - charming rock temple renowned for its beautiful ancient stone carvings, including the famous "Lovers" sculpture.
  • Visit Mihintale - Sacred mountain peak where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka  marked by ancient stupas, monastic ruins and panoramic views
  • Proceeding back to Sigiriya
  • Climb Sigiriya Rock in the morning and witness sunrise- Ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka, renowned for its impressive frescoes, mirror wall, advanced urban planning, and historical importance as a royal Palace. Some believe Sigiriya as a royal residence during the Ramayana era, possibly linked to King Ravana.
  • Proceeding to Kandy
  • Visit Matale Spice Garden on the way - Showcasing the diverse range of spices grown on the island and their traditional uses.
  • Visit Batik Factory - Showcasing traditional art of batik, from wax application to vibrant dyeing
  • Kandy Hotel Check in
  • Kandy Cultural Show - Presents a vibrant display of traditional Sri Lankan dance, music, and drumming
  • Visit Kandy View Point - Enjoy panoramic views of the scenic Kandy Lake, city, and the surrounding hills
  • Walk around the Kandy Lake -  leisurely boat rides, scenic walks around its charming pathways
  • Visit Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic - holds immense significance as a symbol of Sri Lankan Buddhism and a vital pilgrimage site which houses the sacred tooth of the Buddha.
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden - stroll through orchids and palms, learn about spices and medicinal plants, enjoy peaceful picnics on the great lawn
  • Visit Kandy Handicraft Centre and Factory- Firsthand look at the creation of traditional Sri Lankan crafts, from raw materials to finished products.
  • Visit Kandy Gem Museum and Workshop- Explore Sri Lanka's rich gemstone heritage, showcasing a variety of precious stones and the island's gem mining and cutting traditions.
  • Some relax time in the afternoon.
  • Proceeding to Nuwaraeliya
  • Visit Ambuluwawa Tower and Biodiversity Complex if time permits- Tower situated on a mountain peak near Gampola, Sri Lanka, serving as a unique multi-religious center and ecological sanctuary with panoramic views.
  • Visit to Ramboda Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Kovil - Hindu temple dedicated to Hanuman located in Ramboda known for its 18-foot tall Hanuman statue and beautiful views. 
  • Visit Ramboda viewpoint and Ramboda Waterfall - Scenic waterfall you will see along Kandy- Nuwara Eliya Road
  • Tea Plantation Visit - Explore the tea-making process, including plucking, withering, rolling, fermentation, firing, and sorting. The tour concludes with a complimentary tea tasting session. 
  • Check-in to hotel at Nuwara Eliya
  • Scenic Drive through the hill country and the views of Waterfalls, Tea Factory and Tea Fields. Check in to the hotel and have a relaxing and charming evening while enjoying a cup of famous Ceylon Tea.
  • Wake up to a beautiful morning in an exceptionally cool climate. Breakfast at the hotel
  • Nuwara Eliya City Tour - Walk around the city, vegetable and fruit markets
  • Visit Nuwara Eliya Post Office - Established during the British colonial era and is one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. You can send a postcard to your home.
  • Visit Shanthipura View Point- Shanthipura is the highest situated village in Sri Lanka. Offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the Nuwara Eliya town.
  • Gregory Lake and Victoria Park - Boat Rides, Speed Boats, Jet Ski, Horse Rides, Leisure Walks with your loved ones
  • Visit Ambewela New Zealand Dairy Farm - Picturesque landscape similar to New Zealand, offers the chance to experience a working dairy farm, observe cattle farming, milking process, enjoy fresh dairy products.
  • Visit picturesque Strawberry Farms - Walk through the fields, hand-pick fresh, juicy strawberries, learn about their cultivation and enjoy strawberry-based jams, juices, and desserts.
  • Leisure time in the evening in a exceptionally cool environment and enjoy Ceylon Tea
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Breakfast at the the hotel and start proceeding to Ella.
  • Visit Nuwaraeliya Seetha Amman Temple - known as the place where Sita was held prisoner in the Hindu epic "Ramayana."
  • Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden - Believed to be the "Ashok Vatika" from the Ramayana, where Sita was held captive by Ravana.
  • Visit Ella Train Station - Famous and picturesque train station 
  • Nine Arch Bridge - Beautiful old bridge in Ella with nine arches, and it's a great spot to see trains go by in a pretty green setting.
  • Visit Demodara Railway Station - Notable for its spiral loop track, where the railway line curves around and passes under itself through a tunnel, a remarkable feat of engineering in Sri Lanka's hill country.
  • Visit Little Adams Peak - Relatively easy hike for rewarding panoramic views of Ella. If you are into bit of an adventure you can try Ella Zipline on the way for a thrilling ride and capture a memorable photo on the Ella Swing overlooking the stunning scenery.
  • Relaxing time in the evening at Ella Hotel
  • Enjoy night life in Ella - Often featuring live acoustic music or chill DJ sets in its cozy restaurants and bars, creating a relaxed evening leisure experience.
  • Breakfast at the hotel and start proceeding to Yala
  • Visit Ravana Ella Waterfall - Ravana Ella Waterfall is a stunning waterfall named after the legendary King Ravana from the Ramayana story, where it's said he hid Princess Sita.
  • Lunch at Yala
  • Jeep Safari at Yala National Park in the afternoon - Most popular National Park in Sri Lanka renowned for its high density of leopards, diverse wildlife including elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Breakfast at the hotel and start proceeding to Galle.
  • Coconut Tree Hill - Picturesque hill in Mirissa, filled with plantation of symmetrical coconut palms, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
  • Visit Still Fishing sites - Cultural spectacle where fishermen perch on stilts in the shallow waters
  • Visit Roomassala Mountain -Hill near Galle and Unawatuna, famous for its association with the Ramayana epic, diverse medicinal plants, jungle beach and the tranquil Japanese Peace Pagoda.
  • Visit Japanese Peace Pagoda- Stupa built by Japanese monks as a symbol of peace, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
  • Check in at Galle Hotel
  • Visit Galle Dutch Fort - UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic fort, showcasing a blend of European architectural styles and offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean.( Clock Tower, Light House, Museums, International Cricket Ground )
  • Check into Galle Hotel
  • Some relaxing time at the beach and enjoy sunset views.
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Visit Hikkaduwa Beach - If time permits we can enjoy some surfing, snorkeling or turtle feeding at famous Hikkaduwa Beach. Snorkeling can be done very close to the beach in 3FT-4FT deep water with no risk at all.
  • Visit Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mines - Offer tourists a glimpse into the traditional mining of moonstones, a precious gemstone unique to Sri Lanka, and the process of extracting and polishing them.
  • Proceeding back to hotel.
  • Relaxing time at the beach in a beachfront hotel.
  • Breakfast at the hotel and start proceeding to Colombo
  • Maadu River Boat Ride, Fish Spa - Scenic boat safari experience through a network of mangrove forests, providing opportunities to witness diverse wildlife.
  • Visit Cinnamon Islands in Maadu River - Witness the cultivation and processing of cinnamon, learn about its history, and experience the local village life.
  • Turtle watching in Bentota - Observe and learn about turtle conservation and get close to baby turtles, Releasing baby turtles to sea
  • Proceeding to Colombo and check in at Colombo hotel. Enjoy night life at Colombo.
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Colombo City Tour - Galle Face Green, Lotus Tower, Independence Square, Gangarama Temple, Hindu Kovil, Colombo National Museum, Colombo Town Hall
  • Enjoy some shopping
  • Proceeding to airport for evening/midnight departures.

Complimentary Value-Added Services

  • Spice garden visit, Tea plantation visit & factory visit - Free tea tasting
  • Free Gem shop and lapidary visit, Visit to art and craft center, Batik and Silk Centre

    • Visa Formalities

    The Validity of the passport should be 06 months from the date of departure. Please note all clients will have to log into the website and obtain the visas prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

    Important Notes

    • All sightseeing is optional, one can visit if the guest likes only.
    • Some sites are subject to time and weather conditions and other unavoidable circumstances. E g: safari, whale watching
    • At Nuwara Eliya, sightseeing & travel are not allowed after 8 pm due to mist & fog.
    • Smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle.
    • Please note that the transfer duration if mentioned is approximate only. Transfer durations are subject to change due to weather, traffic, road conditions according to the chosen route, or issues beyond our control.
    • In temples, visitors will have to wear long clothes that cover the body. ( Ex: Kandy Temple )
    • The hotels mentioned above will only be confirmed on availability at the time of booking. If the hotel is not available similar alternative will be arranged.
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    Important

    Prices are per person based on double occupancy and vary by season, hotel type and group size — request a free quote with your exact dates.

    Client Reviews

     
     
     
     
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     Bimsara Alahapperuma 
     
     
     
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    The staff were incredibly reliable and always punctual. Fantastic service from start to finish. I highly recommend choosing Silk Way Ceylon Tours for your next vacation.
      
     
      
     
     
     
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     Wasana Tennakoon 
     
     
     
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    We came from Finland and our tour around Sri Lanka was arranged by the company. Mainly we had a beach holiday. Hotel selected were good and the driver provided by the company was also really helpful with the work. Friendly staff. Always reachable to contact.
      
     
      
     
     
     
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     Tharindu Isuranga 
     
     
     
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    Highly recommend.
      
     
      
     
     
     
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     Brandi Phiri 
     
     
     
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    Would highly recommend! Very professional and efficient
      
     
      
     
     
     
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     yomeshi herath 
     
     
     
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    Excellent service. Highly recommended. Friendly staff. Reliable travel agent from Sri Lanka.
      
     
      
     
     
     
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    The staff is really helpful and they were always available to answer my questions. Highly recommended for their customer service.
      
     
      
     
     
     
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    I had been looking for a good tour guide for when i visit sri lanka a few months ago and i found out about silk way tours through instagram. From first contact I recieved the best help from Suchira. The trip itself exceeded our expectations and got to visit all of the places we wanted and beyond, meaning we got to see everything from a locals perspective and had a really good experience. I highly recommend this company to everyone who is planning on visiting sri lanka. Contact them and never look back! Thanks again for making our visit a great experience!!

    FAQs on Sri Lanka Itinerary 12 Days

    This Sri Lanka itinerary 12 days includes airport pick-up and drop-off, 11 nights’ accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis, all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, bottled water during sightseeing, and all sightseeing listed in the itinerary. Entrance fees, personal expenses and visa charges are not included.
    For 12 days in Sri Lanka, yes — this is a genuinely complete trip, covering both ancient cities, hill country, a wildlife safari and a full two-night stay on the south coast, this itinerary’s exact route.
    A well-balanced Sri Lanka 12 day tour pairs a relaxed arrival with the ancient cities (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura), cultural Kandy, hill country tea estates, the Ella region, a wildlife safari, and a properly unhurried finish on the coast — the exact structure of this tour.
    This Sri Lanka 12 day itinerary includes everything in our 11-day route, plus a full extra night in Galle — giving the south coast leg of the trip proper time rather than a single rushed overnight.
    Yes — this itinerary includes an afternoon jeep safari at Yala National Park, one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild, alongside elephants, sloth bears and a wide range of birdlife.
    For 12 day itinerary Sri Lanka planning, prioritise Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Anuradhapura’s ancient stupas, Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, Nuwara Eliya’s tea estates, Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge, a Yala safari, and the Galle Dutch Fort — all included on this route.
    When planning a 12 day Sri Lanka itinerary, group regions logically to avoid backtracking — arrival and ancient cities first, then hill country, then safari country, finishing with proper time on the coast. This itinerary follows exactly that structure.
    Yes. Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before arrival, regardless of trip length. It’s a simple online application — apply at least a few days before you travel.
    Yes — this is a Sri Lanka private tours with driver experience throughout, with your own vehicle and English-speaking guide, so the pace is entirely yours.
    Yes. This Sri Lanka itinerary 12 days is a starting template — we regularly adjust the pace, add or remove regions, or extend it further based on what you’d like to see.

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