Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Highlands, Wildlife & Coast — 10 Days
Tea country to Yala safari and Galle Fort, with jungle trekking and beach time
This ten-day itinerary traces a path from Colombo through Sri Lanka's central highlands and south-eastern wildlife zones to the coastal fort towns of the south. The route centers on three distinct geographies: the tea gardens and misty plateaus around Nuwara Eliya, where a nature trail crosses Horton Plains; the tropical forest around Koslanda, accessed by guided jungle trek; and the wildlife reserve at Yala, known for leopard and elephant sightings. The journey ends at Galle, where a seventeenth-century Dutch fort remains the best-preserved sea fortification in South Asia, and includes two nights of beach time. Accommodation alternates between heritage properties, safari camp, and coastal villas, with all transfers by private vehicle and English-speaking driver.
Highlights
- Four-hour nature trail across Horton Plains National Park to Baker's Waterfall and World's End viewpoint
- Guided jungle trek through private forest reserve near Koslanda
- Game drives at Yala National Park with potential sightings of leopards, elephants, and endemic bird species
- Walking tour of Galle Fort, a preserved Dutch colonial fortification
- Two nights of beach access and coastal relaxation at Thalpe
Day by day
1Arrival at ColomboColombo · Lake Colombo hotel · Colombo city centre
International arrival in Colombo leads to a one-hour transfer to the city centre and overnight stay at Lake Colombo hotel on bed and breakfast basis.
2Colombo to Nuwara EliyaColombo to Nuwara Eliya · Heritance Tea Factory
Breakfast at the hotel, then a six-hour drive through the central highlands to Nuwara Eliya. Overnight at Heritance Tea Factory.
3Horton Plains National Park Nature TrailHorton Plains National Park · Baker's Waterfall · World's End · Heritance Tea Factory
A guided four-hour nature trail through Horton Plains National Park traverses open grassland and cloud forest, passing Baker's Waterfall and concluding at World's End, a dramatic cliff edge overlooking the lowlands below. The trail covers montane terrain at high altitude. Return to Heritance Tea Factory for overnight stay.
4Transfer to KoslandaKoslanda · Living Heritage Koslanda property
A three-hour drive south and downward brings the itinerary to Koslanda and Living Heritage Koslanda property, with overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.
5Guided Jungle Trek at Koslandaprivate jungle stretch adjoining Living Heritage Koslanda · Living Heritage Koslanda
A guided trek through the private jungle stretch adjoining Living Heritage Koslanda offers forest immersion and wildlife observation. Overnight stay at the same property.
6Transfer to Yala and Evening Game DriveYala National Park · Yala Safari Camp
A two-and-a-half-hour drive leads to Yala National Park. Arrival at Yala Junction at noon is followed by transfer to Yala Safari Camp. An evening game drive follows, with dinner and overnight stay at the camp on an all-inclusive basis. Yala is Sri Lanka's primary wildlife reserve and home to leopard, elephant, buffalo, and endemic bird populations.
7Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Thalpethe camp · southern coast · Apa Villa
An early-morning game drive departs the camp, followed by breakfast and checkout. A four-hour drive westward along the southern coast delivers the group to Thalpe and Apa Villa, with overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.
8Galle Fort and Beach TimeGalle Fort · Thalpe · Apa Villa
A visit to Galle Fort, located near the southern tip of the island, focuses on the preserved Dutch fortification complex The fort remains the best-kept sea fortress in South Asia, with intact walls, ramparts, and colonial-era architecture. The afternoon is free for beach time at Thalpe. Overnight stay at Apa Villa.
9Transfer to Negombowest coast and Negombo · Jetwing Blue
A five-hour drive north returns the itinerary to the west coast and Negombo. Overnight stay at Jetwing Blue on bed and breakfast basis.
10Departure from ColomboColombo International Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Colombo
- 2Horton Plains National Park
- 3Baker's Waterfall
- 4Yala National Park
- 5Galle Fort
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 1 night at Lake Colombo on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 nights at Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 nights stay at Living Heritage Koslanda on bed and breakfast basis
- 1 night Yala Camping on all inclusive basis
- 2 nights at Apa Villa in Thalpe on bed and breakfast basis
- 1 night at Jetwing Blue on bed and breakfast basis