You land at CMB at 6:00am; collect luggage and meet your private driver for the 2.5–3.5 hour drive south to Mirissa (traffic dependent). This sets you directly into the south-coast base for the next few days.
Check into a beachfront hotel in Mirissa (recommendations: Mandara Resort, Number One Mirissa or W22 by Tamarind) and recover from travel; many hotels allow early luggage drop and late check-in with prior notice.
Dinner at Ummami by the Beach or King Coconut for fresh seafood and tapas-style plates, ideal for an easy first night (check restaurant hours; many open until 10pm).
Early departure for Mirissa whale watching — boats typically leave between 6:00–6:30am; trips return before midday. February is prime season for blue and sperm whales; book in advance with a reputable operator.
Drive north to Ahangama for coconut-lined beaches, laid-back cafes and surf points; good for photography and a quieter beach vibe (no strict opening hours).
Short 35–60 minute drive to Hiriketiya (Dikwella area). Hiriketiya is a small crescent bay known for surfing, yoga and relaxed beach cafés — check into a local surf guesthouse if you want an overnight here.
Relax on the sheltered crescent beach; afternoon is perfect for swimming and watching surfers — Hiriketiya faces southwest so you’ll get a nice sunset.
Long scenic transfer from the south coast up into the hill country; you’ll pass coastal towns and then ascend into tea country (stops en route recommended).
Check into recommended Ella hotels/guesthouses (e.g., 98 Acres Resort, Mountain Heavens or small boutique guesthouses) and relax; the town is compact and walkable.
Late afternoon walk up Little Adam’s Peak (open all day; best in late afternoon for cooler temps and golden light) — 45–60 minute easy hike with great views.
Walk to Nine Arches Bridge (early morning is best to avoid crowds) and watch a train cross the iconic viaduct — trains usually pass in the morning and mid-afternoon; check local schedules for photo timing.
Very early pickup from Ella (approx 3:30–4:00am) to reach Yala entrance for the morning safari window; many operators run shared or private jeep safaris starting at park opening (around 6:00am).
Yala Block I/ Main Park safari (park opens ~6:00am) — prime time for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and a wide variety of birds. Morning safaris typically last 3–4 hours.
Early breakfast and check out; walk to Ella station for the scenic train leg. Purchase reserved observation or 2nd class window seats in advance if possible for the best views.
Board the iconic train north through tea plantations and cloud forest; the journey to Nanu Oya (closest station to Nuwara Eliya) typically takes ~2–3 hours and is one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic rides.
Visit Gregory Lake, the town’s market and a short walk through tea estate viewpoints; cool hill-country weather and colonial charm make this a relaxing afternoon.
Arrive Kandy, check in to a hotel near the lake (recommendations: The Kandy House, Earl’s Regency or boutique lakeside hotels) and later visit the Temple of the Tooth in the late afternoon; the temple has daily puja times — check for evening ceremony around 6:00pm.
Afternoon walking tour of Kandy’s market, Bahirawakanda Temple of the Buddha (viewpoint) and the lake promenade; light shopping for tea and handicrafts.
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock (open ~7:00am–5:00pm) — the UNESCO-listed rock fortress with frescoes and panoramic views is a must-see; expect 1.5–2.5 hours on-site.
Long transfer to Negombo (approx 3.5–4 hours) to be close to the airport for your departure; plan for evening arrival and final night near the beach/airport.
Dinner at a seafood restaurant along Negombo Beach (e.g., Lords Restaurant Complex or the Shell Restaurant) and pack for departure; Negombo offers a relaxed final night near CMB.
Short transfer (20–40 minutes depending on hotel) to CMB for your outbound flight. If your flight departs early, request hotel breakfast packed for travel.
If your flight is late in the day, a morning lagoon boat tour or short market visit in Negombo is a pleasant way to spend extra time; tours typically operate from 8:00am onward.