1
Arrival — Colombo & Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Met on arrival by a RIZ representative and private chauffeur guide, then transferred to Negombo to settle in.
RIZ-1221 Days / 20 NightsPrivate Journey
Grand Sri Lanka
The definitive RIZ journey — every region, every experience pillar, at an unhurried pace across three weeks. The most complete way to experience the island.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
The Definitive RIZ Journey.
Grand Sri Lanka is the flagship RIZ itinerary — three weeks covering the Cultural Triangle, the north and east coast, the Central Highlands, wildlife safaris, and the south coast, all at a pace generous enough to properly experience each region rather than simply pass through it.
This is the itinerary for travellers with the time to see Sri Lanka in full: every heritage site, every landscape, every experience pillar RIZ offers, brought together into a single, carefully sequenced journey.
ROUTEColombo / Negombo→Sigiriya & Dambulla→Polonnaruwa & Minneriya→Trincomalee→Jaffna→Anuradhapura→Kandy→Nuwara Eliya→Ella→Udawalawe→Yala→Galle & Mirissa→Departure
Why This Journey
- The single most complete RIZ itinerary, covering every region of the island.
- Generous pacing — this is a journey to be lived in, not rushed through.
- Combines heritage, wildlife, highlands, coast and the north and east.
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout — no fixed group departures.
- Every accommodation and vehicle tier can be adjusted to suit budget and style.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Moments That Define the Journey
Climb to the summit of Sigiriya
Clear waters of Trincomalee
Northern culture in Jaffna
Evening at the Temple of the Tooth
A working tea estate in the hills
The hill-country rail journey
Safari drives at Yala & Udawalawe
Sunset on the Galle Fort ramparts
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Twenty-One Days Across the Island
1
2–4
Cultural Triangle — Sigiriya & Dambulla
Ancient Cities & Cave Temples
The climb to Sigiriya's summit, the painted cave temples of Dambulla, and time to properly explore the region.
5
Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Safari
Royal Ruins & Wild Elephants
The medieval royal capital followed by an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park.
6–7
Trincomalee
Clear Waters & the East Coast
Koneswaram Temple, Nilaveli beach and time by the water at one of Asia's finest natural harbours.
8–9
Jaffna & the North
A Different Sri Lanka
Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and the region's own cuisine.
10
Anuradhapura
The Sacred City
A guided tour of the ancient capital's dagobas, monasteries and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi.
11–12
Kandy
The Cultural Capital of the Hills
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens and an evening Kandyan dance performance.
13–14
Nuwara Eliya
Tea Country & Cool Highlands
A working tea factory visit, time beside Gregory Lake, and the cool climate of "Little England."
15
Ella
Mountain Views & Scenic Rail
The hill-country train, the Nine Arch Bridge and a hike to Little Adam's Peak.
16
Udawalawe Safari
Elephant Country
A safari drive through Udawalawe National Park, known for its large resident elephant herds.
17–18
Yala Safari
Into Leopard Country
Two full days of game drives through Yala National Park in search of the Sri Lankan leopard.
19–20
South Coast — Galle & Mirissa
Heritage Fort & Coastline
The UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, with time to relax along the beaches and coves of Mirissa.
21
Departure
Journey's End
Private transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure, bringing the Grand Sri Lanka journey to a close.
This itinerary is indicative. Sequence, drive times and inclusions may be adjusted for seasonal conditions, park closures or supplier availability, and your final programme is confirmed in your RIZ quotation.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Choose Your Level of Comfort
Accommodation Tier
- EssentialQuality 3-star / boutique
- Comfort4-Star / 5-Star / Boutique Hotels & Villas
- PremiumSuperior 4-star / selected 5-star
- Luxury5-star / curated boutique
- SignatureHandpicked unique stays
Vehicle Category
- StandardPrivate sedan
- ComfortPrivate SUV / premium MPV
- Family / Small GroupPrivate SUV / large MPV / premium van
- Premium GroupLuxury van / premium coach
- Large GroupTour coach
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & ADD-ONS
Extend the Journey
Whitewater Rafting — KitulgalaHot Air Balloon — Cultural TriangleAyurveda Spa ProgrammeWhale Watching — MirissaCooking ClassVillage & Homestay ExperiencePhotography-Led SafariAdditional Night — Colombo
CORE INCLUSIONS
What's Included
- 20 nights' accommodation at the selected tier
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur-guided transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- All entrance fees and safari jeep charges listed in the itinerary
- 2nd class reserved hill-country train tickets
- Airport meet & greet and departure transfer
- 24/7 RIZ emergency contact during travel
NOT INCLUDED
Important Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Sri Lanka ETA / visa fees
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified for a particular day)
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and add-ons
IMPORTANT OPERATING NOTES
Before You Travel
- Itinerary sequence may be adjusted for seasonal conditions, park closures or road access.
- Dietary and accessibility requirements should be shared before confirmation.
- Hotel check-in/check-out times follow individual property policies.
- Safari game drives are subject to national park regulations and availability.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & SAFETY
Travelling Responsibly
- Pre-arrival confirmation and an arrival safety briefing are provided.
- Drivers and guides are briefed to RIZ's professional service standards.
- Wildlife viewing follows responsible, respectful observation distances.
- Local suppliers and community experiences are prioritised where possible.
REQUEST A QUOTE
Ready to Begin Planning
Grand Sri Lanka?
Share your travel dates and preferences and a RIZ Lanka DMC specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for RIZ-12.