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CeyloneyPremium
Sigiriya Lion Rock rising above the jungle at sunrise

10 Days / 9 Nights

Classic Ceylon Grand Tour

Ancient kingdoms, misty tea hills, wild leopards and the golden south.

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Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Regions
Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, Wildlife, South Coast
Style
Private & tailor-made
Price
On request

Overview

The journey

This is the journey that captures the whole soul of the island. You begin among the ruined cities and cave temples of the Cultural Triangle, where kings once built palaces on top of a 200-metre rock. From there, the road climbs to Kandy, the last royal capital, and on into the cool emerald folds of tea country.

A slow train carries you through cloud forest to Ella before you descend to the dry plains of Yala, home to the highest density of leopards on Earth. The journey ends where the island meets the Indian Ocean — in the honey-coloured lanes of Galle Fort and the palm-lined beaches of the south.

Throughout, your private chauffeur guide handles every detail, and each night you stay in a property we know personally: restored planters’ bungalows, design-led jungle lodges and intimate beachfront villas.

Route

Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle

Highlights

  • Sigiriya at first lightClimb the Lion Rock before the crowds with a private archaeologist.
  • Temple of the ToothAttend the evening puja ceremony in Kandy’s most sacred shrine.
  • Tea estate staySleep in a restored planter’s bungalow and pluck tea with estate workers.
  • Hill country railwayReserved observation seats on one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
  • Yala leopard safariTwo private game drives with an expert naturalist tracker.
  • Galle Fort at duskWalk the UNESCO ramparts as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.
  • South coast escapeUnwind at a secluded beach villa with your own stretch of sand.

Day by Day

Itinerary

Your private itinerary can be adjusted at any stage — this is simply how we would suggest experiencing it.

  1. Your chauffeur guide welcomes you at the airport with cool towels and a garland. A smooth drive north brings you to a jungle lodge overlooking the lake.

    Overnight: Water Garden Sigiriya (or similar)

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned luxury vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • Handpicked boutique and luxury accommodation throughout
  • Daily breakfast plus selected curated dinners
  • All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
  • Private safari jeep with naturalist tracker
  • Airport meet & greet with welcome amenities
  • Bottled water, cool towels and Wi-Fi on board
  • 24/7 concierge support from our Colombo team

Not included

  • International flights and Sri Lanka ETA visa
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Lunches and beverages unless specified
  • Gratuities for guides, chauffeurs and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses, spa treatments and optional activities

Practical

Know before you go

Visa
Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), applied for online before arrival.
Dress code
Shoulders and knees should be covered at temples; footwear and hats are removed before entering.
Climate
Coastal lowlands are warm year-round (27–31°C); the hill country is cool, especially at dawn — pack a light layer.
Currency
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cards are widely accepted in hotels; carry small notes for markets and temples.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers. Drink bottled water and use mosquito repellent at dusk.
Pace
Every itinerary is fully private and flexible — we adjust timings, stays and activities to your rhythm.
Best time to travel
December to April for the south and hill country; year-round with smart routing.

Questions

Frequently asked

How much does this journey cost?

Every Ceyloney Premium journey is tailor-made, so pricing depends on your dates, group size and choice of stays. Send an enquiry and we will prepare a personalised proposal within 24 hours.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. Every journey is private and can be lengthened, shortened or re-routed. Our travel designers will shape it around your interests and pace.

Is the journey suitable for families?

Yes. We regularly host families with children of all ages and adapt activities, room configurations and travel times accordingly.

Who will be guiding us?

You will travel with a licensed, English-speaking chauffeur guide in a private luxury vehicle, joined by specialist site guides and naturalists along the way.

Enquire

Begin planning this journey

Tell us a little about your trip and we will send a tailored proposal and quote within 24 hours.

We reply within 24 hours. Your details are never shared.

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