10 daysFirst time in Sri Lanka
The Classic Island Loop
Negombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle
Best: Dec–Apr
from$1,390 pp

Leopards in Yala, elephant herds, blue whales
Yala has one of the highest leopard densities on earth. Udawalawe's elephants are almost guaranteed year-round, and from July to October hundreds gather at Minneriya. Blue whales pass Mirissa from December to April. We only use responsible jeep operators, and never offer elephant rides.
10 daysNegombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle
Best: Dec–Apr
8 daysNegombo → Sigiriya → Udawalawe → Yala → Mirissa
Best: Feb–Apr (Minneriya herds Jul–Oct)
8 daysNegombo → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Trincomalee → Pasikudah → Arugam Bay
Best: May–Sep
9 daysNegombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → Udawalawe → Hikkaduwa
Best: Dec–Apr · Jul–Aug