Skip to main content

Velvet Lanka Tours

Isle Do It All & 13 Days in Sri Lanka

Best For

First-time visitors wanting the complete Sri Lanka experience

Best Season

Dec – Apr

Style

Culture · Wildlife · Coast · Spirituality

Day by Day Itinerary

Day

01

Arrival & Coastal Welcome

Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to the lively seaside town of Negombo. Explore the historic Dutch Canal, wander through the bustling fish market, and stroll along the golden beach at sunset. Enjoy a relaxed evening with the sound of waves as your backdrop.

 

Day

02

Temples & Ancient Roads North

Begin the day at St. Mary’s Church in Negombo, then visit the Munneswaram Shiva Temple for morning puja. Pass through Chilaw and stop at St. Anne’s Church in Talawila. Continue north through lush landscapes to the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital.

 

Day

03

Sacred Sites & Village Life

Explore Anuradhapura’s iconic monuments, Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri Monastery. Walk the serene shores of Tissa Wewa tank before heading to Sigiriya for an immersive Cultural Village Tour featuring tuk-tuk rides, bullock carts, canoe paddling, and a delicious traditional village lunch.

 

Day

04

Caves & Spice Garden Magic

Ascend Sigiriya Rock Fortress or hike scenic Pidurangala for breathtaking sunrise panoramas. Descend into Dambulla’s five ancient cave temples, housing over 150 Buddha statues. Continue to Matale’s aromatic spice gardens for a guided walk and tasting, then enjoy a spectacular Kandyan cultural dance performance in Kandy.

 

Day

05

Gems, Gardens & Sacred Ceremonies

Experience the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka at the revered Temple of the Tooth during morning puja. Stroll beside Kandy Lake and browse sparkling sapphires and rubies at the Gem Museum. Wander through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, explore vibrant city markets, and discover traditional batik and lacquerwork artisan studios.

 

Day

06

Mountains & Tea Country

Wind through emerald tea plantations on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. Visit a working tea factory to understand the tea-making process. Explore Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and the Hakgala Botanical Garden, then visit the mystical Seetha Amman Temple on the Ramayana trail.

 

Day

07

World's Most Scenic Train Journey

Board the hill-country train from Nanu Oya, winding through misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and emerald tunnels for three to four hours. Arrive in charming Ella and visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic valley views, with clearest skies from January to April.

 

Day

08

Waterfall Wonders & Safari

Drive toward the wild south, stopping at the Ravana Waterfall. Optionally detour to Buduruwagala rock carvings in Wellawaya, featuring seven ancient figures. Arrive in Tissamaharama, a gateway to Yala’s wilderness. Settle into your boutique lodge surrounded by dry-zone forest, scrubland, and ancient lakes.

 

Day

09

Yala Safari & Kataragama Rituals

Rise before dawn for thrilling jeep safaris through Yala’s iconic Block 1, scanning for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and colourful peacocks. Optionally visit the sacred Kataragama complex, including the Maha Devale and Kiri Vehera Stupa. Witness the mesmerising evening puja and spectacular traditional firewalking ceremony.

 

Day

10

Southern Coast & Blowholes

Journey toward Mirissa along Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coast. Optionally, climb Mulkirigala Rock Temple via seven ancient cave temples and 550 steps for coastal panoramas. Discover the powerful Hummanaya Blowhole, one of Asia’s largest, sending sea spray skyward in dramatic sprays. Settle into your beachside Mirissa accommodation.

 

Day

11

Whale Watching & Coastal Charm

Wake early for an exhilarating whale and dolphin watching excursion from Mirissa harbour, Sri Lanka’s prime cetacean hot spot. Optionally photograph the iconic stilt fishermen. Enjoy an optional Koggala Lake boat ride through cinnamon islands and mangroves before checking into the historic and atmospheric Galle Fort.

 

Day

12

Galle Fort, Turtles & River Safari

Walk Galle Fort’s cobblestone lanes, visit the Dutch Reformed Church, and stroll the ocean-facing ramparts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to meet rescued sea turtles. Glide through Madu River’s lush mangrove ecosystem on a memorable boat safari before reaching Colombo.

 

Day

13

City Highlights & Farewell

Explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital with visits to Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, the colourful Pettah bazaar, and the National Museum. Browse curated boutiques in the Dutch Hospital shopping precinct and Barefoot Gallery. Savour your final moments of Sri Lankan culture before transferring to the airport for departure.

Isle Do It All is the itinerary for the traveller who hates leaving anything out, a journey that moves from the temples of Anuradhapura and the rock art of Sigiriya through misty Ella and into the wild south without ever feeling rushed. Sri Lanka, without compromise and without leaving a single chapter unread.

  • 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Galle Fort & Kandy
  • Ride the hill-country scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Yala National Park
  • Whale & dolphin watching from Mirissa
  • Immersive Sigiriya Cultural Village Tour
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress or sunrise hike, Pidurangala Rock
  • Explore five cave temples at Dambulla
  • Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
  • Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery visit
  • Madu River mangrove boat safari
  • Galle Fort walking tour
  • Colombo city tour
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • 12 nights’ accommodation
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels
  • Guided Cultural Village Tour including tuk-tuk, bullock cart, and canoe ride
  • Tea factory guided tour with tasting session
  • 24/7 in-destination support
  • Train tickets
  • Cultural Dance show tickets
  • International airfare and airport taxes
  • Visa fees (Electronic Travel Authorisation – ETA)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned
  • Personal expenses – souvenirs, laundry, tips, and gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages and minibar charges
  • Entrance fees