11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYSWILDLIFE & SAFARI
Sri Lanka Big Five Safari
Experience Sri Lanka's ultimate 12-day wildlife safari. Spot wild leopards in Yala, elephants in Minneriya and Udawalawe, blue whales in Mirissa, and trek Kanneliya.
Ceylon Grand Odyssey: Citadels, Highlands & Southern Seas
100% PRIVATE & TAILOR-MADE
PACKAGE STARTS FROM
$2335 USD/ person
Based on 2 travellers sharing · Fully customizable itinerary
Speak with our specialist: +94 779 165 755
Journey Highlights
100% Private Journey with Dedicated Chauffeur-Guide
UNESCO World Heritage: Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple
Iconic Hill Country Train & Ceylon Tea Plantation Tour
Horton Plains World's End Trek & Sunrise Pidurangala Hike
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home & Mirissa Whale Watching
Colonial Galle Dutch Fort & Unawatuna Beach Sanctuary
Handpicked 4-Star & 5-Star Luxury Accommodations (Half Board)
About This Journey
Embark on the Ceylon Grand Odyssey, a masterfully curated private journey by Overa Tours that weaves together the island’s most celebrated UNESCO landmarks, mist-veiled highland tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and sun-kissed southern shores into one seamless expedition. From the dramatic 5th-century sky citadel of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient cave monasteries of Dambulla to the sheer cliff of World’s End at Horton Plains, the colonial engineering of the Nine Arch Bridge, and the gentle giants at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, this itinerary is crafted for travelers who refuse to compromise on authenticity, luxury, or comfort.
Guided throughout by your dedicated, English-speaking private tour guide with comfortable private touring transport, you will travel at your own pace without the rush or constraints of group tours.
Every element, from private transfers and hotel half-board dining to curated site admissions and local experiences, is fully managed so you can relax and savor the wonders of Ceylon.
What’s Included
Included with Overa
- 10 Nights accommodation in handpicked 4-star and 5-star hotels on Half Board basis (Breakfast & Dinner)
- Authentic traditional Sri Lankan village lunch during the Hiriwadunna rural experience
- Dedicated private air-conditioned executive vehicle with licensed English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout
- All vehicle fuel, highway tolls, parking charges, vehicle insurance & statutory taxes
- Complimentary daily bottled mineral water during all transfers and sightseeing
- VIP meet, greet, and personalized paging service upon arrival at Colombo Airport (CMB)
- Key sightseeing admissions & excursions: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Pidurangala sunrise hike, Temple of the Tooth Relic, scenic hill country train, Horton Plains (World's End), Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, Mirissa whale watching boat tour & Kosgoda turtle hatchery
- Complimentary curated visits: Ceylon tea plantation & factory tour, Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Kandyan cultural dance show & guided Colombo city tour
Not Included
- International flights to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka tourist entry visa (Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA)
- Tuk-tuk charges wherever required outside standard vehicle transfers
- Early check-in, late check-out & personal expenses (beverages, laundry, telephone, minibar)
- Discretionary private guide, site guide, and hotel porter gratuities
- Anything not expressly stated under 'Inclusions'
Your Itinerary Route
Handcrafted circuit across Sri Lanka's cultural citadel, emerald tea hills, and wildlife savannahs.
Day 01Arrival at Colombo (CMB) · Negombo Coastal Sanctuary
Arrival at Colombo (CMB) · Negombo Coastal Sanctuary
Warm airport welcome by your private tour guide and transfer to your beachfront resort in Negombo. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Dutch canals and fish market, followed by a peaceful sunset stroll along golden shores.
Day 02Negombo to Sigiriya · Hiriwadunna Traditional Village Immersion
Negombo to Sigiriya · Hiriwadunna Traditional Village Immersion
Drive through lush countryside toward the Cultural Triangle, stopping at Hiriwadunna for a traditional bullock cart ride and catamaran boat cruise. Savor an authentic Sri Lankan village lunch before checking into your eco-resort in Sigiriya.
Day 03Sigiriya Rock Citadel & UNESCO Dambulla Cave Monasteries
Sigiriya Rock Citadel & UNESCO Dambulla Cave Monasteries
Ascend the 5th-century Sigiriya Sky Fortress in the morning cool to marvel at the ancient frescoes and summit panorama. In the afternoon, explore Dambulla Cave Temple’s five sacred rock sanctuaries adorned with centuries-old murals and Buddha statues.
Day 04Sunrise Pidurangala Hike, Transfer to Kandy & Temple of the Tooth
Sunrise Pidurangala Hike, Transfer to Kandy & Temple of the Tooth
Embark on an early morning hike up Pidurangala Rock for breathtaking sunrise views facing Lion Rock. Proceed to Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, concluding the day with an evening Kandyan cultural dance performance.
Day 05Scenic Hill Country Train, Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory & Transfer to Ella
Scenic Hill Country Train, Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory & Transfer to Ella
Board the world-famous hill country train from Kandy, gliding past misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and emerald tea valleys. Visit a working tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya before continuing to the mountain village of Ella.
Day 06Horton Plains World's End Trek, Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arch Bridge
Horton Plains World's End Trek, Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arch Bridge
Trek through Horton Plains National Park to the dramatic 880-meter sheer cliff at World's End. Later, hike gentle trails up Little Adam's Peak and photograph the iconic colonial Nine Arch Bridge nestled in lush jungle.
Day 07Ella Highlands to Udawalawe & Elephant Transit Home Sanctuary
Ella Highlands to Udawalawe & Elephant Transit Home Sanctuary
Descend from the central highlands into the southern plains of Udawalawe. Visit the renowned Elephant Transit Home to watch feeding sessions of rehabilitated orphaned baby elephants being prepared for release back into the wild.
Day 08Udawalawe to Historic Galle Dutch Fort & Unawatuna Golden Beach
Udawalawe to Historic Galle Dutch Fort & Unawatuna Golden Beach
Proceed toward the southern coast to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Dutch Fort, strolling its colonial ramparts, lighthouse, and charming boutiques. Check in to your beach resort in Unawatuna for a relaxing evening by the sea.
Day 09Mirissa Blue Whale Watching Safari & Southern Coast Leisure
Mirissa Blue Whale Watching Safari & Southern Coast Leisure
Set sail from Mirissa Harbour on an early morning boat excursion in search of blue whales, sperm whales, and leaping dolphins. Spend a leisurely afternoon unwinding on the golden sands of Mirissa or Unawatuna beach.
Day 10Unawatuna to Colombo via Turtle Conservation & Guided City Tour
Unawatuna to Colombo via Turtle Conservation & Guided City Tour
Head along the coastal expressway to visit a sea turtle conservation hatchery in Bentota. Continue to Colombo for an afternoon city tour covering Independence Square, Galle Face Green, colonial landmarks, and the bustling Pettah bazaar.
Day 11Colombo Departure to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Colombo Departure to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Enjoy breakfast before your chauffeur-guide escorts you in comfort to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in time for your onward flight home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we tailor or modify this 11-day itinerary?
Yes, 100%. Every Overa Tours journey is completely private and customizable. You can adjust the tempo, upgrade or swap hotels, add extra beach days in Mirissa or Bentota, or include additional wildlife game drives in Udawalawe or Yala with your dedicated travel specialist.
How are private guiding and on-ground travel arranged?
Your tour is led by an experienced, English-speaking private tour guide dedicated exclusively to your party throughout the entire 11 days. We provide comfortable private air-conditioned touring transport, seamlessly managing all route sequencing, hotel check-ins, and on-ground logistics so you can relax and travel at your personal pace.
When is the best season for Mirissa whale watching?
The prime season for spotting blue whales and dolphins off Mirissa on Sri Lanka's southern coast runs from November to April, when the seas are calm and visibility is optimal. Outside this window, we arrange alternative coastal adventures or marine excursions.
What should we pack for this tour?
Sri Lanka has diverse microclimates. Bring light, breathable cotton clothing and swimwear for the warm beaches of Negombo and Unawatuna, comfortable walking shoes for Sigiriya and Pidurangala, modest attire covering shoulders and knees for Buddhist temples, and a light fleece or windbreaker for the cool mornings in Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya.
What is covered in the Half Board meal plan?
The Half Board meal plan includes daily breakfast and evening dinner at your luxury hotels. In addition, this package includes a special authentic Sri Lankan village lunch during your Hiriwadunna cultural experience on Day 2.
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