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Ceylon Classic Tour
| Tours | Sri Lanka
Known to ancient travellers as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations – a compact island of extraordinary contrasts, where sacred ancient kingdoms, mist-covered tea highlands, abundant wildlife and golden southern beaches exist within just a few hours of each other. The Ceylon Classic Tour is Cyplon’s definitive private introduction to the island, thoughtfully paced over 13 nights to reveal Sri Lanka at its most enchanting.
The journey takes in five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya’s legendary rock fortress to the cultural heart of Kandy. Expert private guides bring each site to life, while carefully chosen experiences – a scenic train ride through Ella’s tea country, a guided hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range, kayaking across lotus-filled lakes and an authentic Kamatha village dining experience – ensure the itinerary feels genuine rather than generic.
Wildlife lovers are exceptionally well served, with private safaris in both Wilpattu and Yala National Parks offering exceptional chances of encountering leopards, elephants and sloth bears in their natural habitat. The tour concludes on the south coast at Hikkaduwa, where three nights allow guests to decompress on the beach before departure. Throughout, Cyplon’s hand-picked 5-star properties and knowledgeable local guides ensure a seamless, immersive experience from arrival in Colombo to final departure.
What We Love
- Private Safaris in Wilpattu & Yala
- Visit 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Scenic Train Ride
- Guided Hike in Knuckles Range
- Authentic Kamatha Dining Experience
Holiday Types ByDesign
Hayley
Reservations
We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.
Caroline
Reservations
We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.
At a Glance
Duration:
13 Nights
Tour Type:
Private Tour
Star Rating:
5*
Board Basis:
Combination B&B + All Inclusive
Departures:
All Year
Start / Finish:
Colombo – Colombo
Optional Excursions:
- Bike & Boat Adventure along Kape Ela River
- Guided Trek through Kanneliya Rainforest
- Mask Carving & Painting in Ambalangoda
- Cinnamon Plantation visit
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What's Included
Exclusions
Other
Board Basis
Why we like it
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Colombo
On arrival in Colombo, guests are met at the aircraft with CIP fast track service. An airport representative holding a personalised sign escorts travellers to the Silk Route lounge, where a chauffeur-guide is waiting. Luggage is collected and brought through customs by airport staff while guests relax with tea, coffee, and light refreshments. Wi-Fi, restrooms, and currency exchange assistance are available. Once formalities are complete, transfer to accommodation near the airport (approximately 20 minutes) to unwind after the flight.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2 | Dambulla - Anuradhapura
After breakfast, travel through scenic backroads and villages toward the Cultural Triangle (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours). En route, visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, an active pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries. This remarkable complex of five sanctuaries features 157 statues and intricate Buddhist murals, representing one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. Continue to the Anuradhapura area (approx. 45 minutes) and check into the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, experience an authentic “Kamatha Dinner” at Ulagalla – a unique paddy field dining concept that celebrates royal Sri Lankan recipes in an atmospheric setting among working rice fields.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3 | Ancient Anuradhapura - Village Life
After breakfast, embark on a guided cycling journey through the sacred city of Anuradhapura, one of Asia’s greatest ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore remarkable temples including Mirisaveti, Jetavana, and Ruvanweli, which align with the Orion’s Belt constellation, a phenomenon shared only with the Great Pyramids, Mayan temples, and Angkor Wat.
Enjoy an al fresco vegetarian and vegan picnic lunch among the ruins, in keeping with the sanctity of the site. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Later, enjoy a kayaking experience at the Wanamaduwa Tank, a serene 100-acre reservoir dating back to the 3rd century AD. Paddle through water lilies and lotus flowers, observing herons, egrets, and kingfishers as the sun sets over the tranquil waters.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4 | Sigiriya - Wilpattu National Park
Depart early with a packed breakfast to climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Rising 180 metres above the jungle, this granite peak holds the remains of an ancient royal citadel built by King Kassapa I. Stairways and galleries lead to the summit, once guarded by a massive lion-shaped gateway.
Return to the hotel for some leisure time.
In the afternoon, take a private jeep safari through Wilpattu National Park, home to leopards, sloth bears, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species. The park’s unique 'villus' (natural lakes) create a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5 | Kandy
After breakfast, travel to the hill capital of Kandy (approximately 3 hours), the last royal stronghold of the Sinhalese Kingdom. Mist-shrouded hills and the shimmering lake form the city’s heart, surrounded by lush forests. Explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic, located within the former Royal Palace complex. Housing a sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth, the temple remains one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world. Check into accommodation in the Kandy area and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6 | Kandy
Embark on a guided hike in the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range, known for its breathtaking vistas and biodiversity. The trek is hosted by Sri Lanka’s first climber to summit Mount Everest, offering personal insight into the region’s ecology and history. A natural waterfall stop allows for a refreshing dip before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7 | Nuwara Eliya - Ella
Depart after breakfast and travel through winding mountain roads and tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 2.5 hours). After a short stop, continue to Nanu Oya Railway Station and board a vintage local train for a scenic 2-hour 20-minute journey to Ella, passing misty hills, waterfalls, and tea estates. Upon arrival, visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge, an elegant 1920s engineering marvel surrounded by lush greenery. Check into the bungalow accommodation and relax, or explore the charming town of Ella.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8 | Ella
Spend the day on Stage 15 of the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka’s first long-distance walking route. Starting from a Buddhist temple in Makulella village, the trail winds through forests, tea plantations, and eucalyptus groves, ascending to the summit of Ella Rock for sweeping views of Little Adam’s Peak and the Ella Gap. Descend past local homes and gardens toward Kithal Ella Station, then walk along the railway line to Ella Station, where the stage concludes. Later, visit a local tea factory to learn about traditional tea production methods still in use since colonial times.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 9 | Yala
At sunrise, take a gentle hike up Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views over the surrounding hills and tea country. After breakfast, travel to Yala (approximately 3 hours) and check in at Chena Huts in time for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a shared jeep safari in Yala National Park (Block 1), world-renowned for its high density of leopards. The park also supports elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a variety of deer and birdlife.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 10 | Yala
Morning and afternoon safaris in Yala National Park provide further opportunities to spot leopards, elephants, and other wildlife in the park’s diverse ecosystems of grasslands, lagoons, and scrub forest. Return to the lodge between drives to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 11 | Hikkaduwa
After a final early morning game drive and breakfast, depart Yala and travel south to Hikkaduwa (approx. 3–3.5 hours).
Arrive and check in at the hotel for a leisurely afternoon on the coast.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 12 | Hikkaduwa
A full day at leisure to enjoy the beach or take an optional experience:
A guided bike and boat adventure along the Kapu Ela River, followed by a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and lunch with a local host. This experience offers glimpses of rural life, wildlife, and authentic culinary traditions.
In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through the historic Galle Fort, exploring its cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant blend of cultures.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 13 | Hikkaduwa
A day at leisure or optional excursions, including: A guided trek through the Kanneliya Rainforest with a local tracker, followed by a traditional lunch by a lake, or a mask carving and painting session in Ambalangoda, learning from local artisans or a cinnamon plantation visit, with an interactive peeling demonstration and a cinnamon-infused lunch amid the spice gardens.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 14 | Depart Colombo
At the appropriate time, transfer to Colombo International Airport (approx. 2 hours).
Guests departing without CIP fast track service may use porter assistance for baggage and proceed through standard check-in and security procedures.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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