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10‑Night Sri Lanka Loop: Mirissa Coast, Hiriketiya & Ahangama → Yala Safari → Ella (Iconic Train) → Nuwara Eliya → Kandy & Ambuluwawa → Sigiriya → Negombo (Feb 20 → Mar 01, 2026)

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Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

Mirissa, Sri Lanka on February 20, 2026

6:00am

Arrival Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Land at 6:00am; clear immigration and collect luggage. Meet your pre‑booked private transfer for the south coast drive to Mirissa (comfort stops en route).
LKR16000, 3h30m

9:30am

Optional Galle Fort stop & breakfast

Short stop in Galle Fort for a coffee and stretch — walk the ramparts if time allows (cafes open ~8:00am).
LKR1500, 1h15m

12:00pm

Check‑in Mirissa & beach time

Check into your Mirissa hotel and relax on Mirissa Beach after the journey; easy afternoon to acclimatize.
LKR6000, 2h

3:00pm

Tuk‑tuk rental briefing (coastal)

Arrange a coastal tuk‑tuk rental and a quick orientation with the rental company (helmets, parking, basic rules). Recommended only for short coastal hops; discuss trailer option if you want to keep it inland.
LKR2000, 1h

6:30pm

Sunset & dinner – Mirissa beachfront

Sunset on the headland and dinner at a beachfront restaurant featuring fresh seafood and local dishes.
LKR2500, 1h30m

Day 2: Whales & Hiriketiya

Mirissa → Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka on February 21, 2026

5:30am

Mirissa whale‑watching tour (early morning)

Depart pre‑dawn for a licensed whale‑watching boat (boats leave ~6:00–6:30am). February is prime season — good chances to see blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins. Tours are ~3–4 hours.
LKR12000, 4h

10:30am

Late breakfast in Mirissa

Return from the tour and enjoy a hearty brunch at a popular cafe (open from ~07:00).
LKR1500, 1h

12:00pm

Tuk‑tuk to Hiriketiya (coastal hop)

Short 40–50 minute tuk‑tuk ride to Hiriketiya to explore the horseshoe bay and chill at beach cafes.
LKR3000, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch – Hiriketiya beach cafe

Lunch at a beachfront cafe offering smoothie bowls, seafood and local curries.
LKR1600, 1h

2:30pm

Surf lesson or afternoon yoga (Hiriketiya)

Take a surf lesson (schools operate ~8:00–17:00) or join an afternoon yoga class — great for beginners and relaxed surfers.
LKR3000, 2h

6:30pm

Return to Mirissa & dinner

Evening return by tuk‑tuk and dinner in Mirissa; secure the tuk‑tuk in guarded parking if rented.
LKR2200, 1h30m

Day 3: Ahangama & Weligama

Ahangama & Weligama → Mirissa, Sri Lanka on February 22, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast – Mirissa

Relaxed breakfast locally, prepare for tuk‑tuk coastal exploration toward Ahangama and Weligama.
LKR800, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Ahangama – stilt fishermen viewpoints

Short tuk‑tuk ride to see the famed stilt fishermen, quieter stretch of coast and photo stops.
LKR500, 40m

10:30am

Coffee & surf‑watch at reef breaks

Enjoy the surf scene and cafés by the reef breaks; a calm morning to explore artisan shops and beachside stalls.
LKR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch – Weligama beachfront restaurant

Beachside lunch with fresh catch of the day or a local rice‑and‑curry experience.
LKR1400, 1h

3:00pm

Optional surf or market stroll

Try a board lesson or browse local markets for handicrafts; return to Mirissa late afternoon.
LKR2000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner & overnight in Mirissa

Finalize any tuk‑tuk rental matters and enjoy dinner; lodging cost for the night is included here (shared double assumption).
LKR6000, 1h30m

Day 4: Transfer to Ella

Mirissa → Ella, Sri Lanka on February 23, 2026

7:00am

Early breakfast & check‑out

Final breakfast on the coast. Today you move inland to Ella — decide final tuk‑tuk logistics (trailer or leave the vehicle).
LKR800, 45m

8:00am

Tuk‑tuk trailer transfer (if keeping tuk‑tuk)

If you want the tuk‑tuk in the highlands, arrange trailer transport Mirissa → Ella today (rental companies can collect & deliver).
LKR10000, Varies

8:30am

Private car transfer Mirissa → Ella (recommended for comfort)

Private car or taxi transfer to Ella (~4–5 hours) with short scenic stops (Ravana Falls, tea viewpoints) — faster and more comfortable than driving a tuk‑tuk uphill.
LKR9000, 4h30m

1:00pm

Check‑in Ella & lunch – Cafe Chill or similar

Arrive in Ella, check in and enjoy lunch; afternoon for easy hikes and viewpoint visits.
LKR1500, 1h

3:00pm

Nine Arch Bridge & Little Adam's Peak

Walk to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and hike Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views — ideal late afternoon light for photos.
LKR0, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner & overnight in Ella

Dinner at a hill‑country restaurant; lodging cost (shared double assumption) for the night shown here.
LKR6000, 1h30m

Day 5: Yala Safari Day Trip

Ella (day trip to Yala National Park), Sri Lanka on February 24, 2026

3:30am

Pre‑dawn departure toward Yala

Early morning drive from Ella to reach Yala for the highest wildlife activity — expect ~2–3 hours travel depending on route.
LKR0, 2h30m

6:00am

Morning jeep safari in Yala National Park

3–4 hour guided jeep safari (licensed driver/guide). Best opportunities for leopards, elephants, crocodiles and many birds; confirm park block & start time when booking.
LKR8000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch near Tissamaharama

Lunch at a local cafe or hotel near the park; simple, hearty local food to refuel after the safari.
LKR1600, 1h

1:30pm

Return drive to Ella & rest

Drive back to Ella, arriving mid‑late afternoon to relax and enjoy the cooler highland air.
LKR0, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner & overnight in Ella

Evening meal in Ella, relax and recount safari highlights.
LKR2500, 1h30m

Day 6: Ella & Tea

Ella, Sri Lanka on February 25, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & optional tea factory visit

Take a short tour of a working tea factory for tasting (most open from ~09:00). Learn about processing and enjoy fresh highland tea.
LKR1200, 1h

10:00am

Short hikes or waterfalls

Visit nearby waterfalls (Ravana/Diyaluma depending on interest) or stroll through tea plantations for photos and fresh air.
LKR0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch – Ella town

Casual lunch in town; afternoon to prepare for your scenic train or drive to Nuwara Eliya the next day.
LKR1400, 1h

3:00pm

Tuk‑tuk/hill safety note

If you kept the tuk‑tuk, be aware of steeper climbs in the highlands and consider trailer/shipping or swapping to a car for longer highland transfers.
LKR0, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner & overnight

Final evening in Ella — confirm reservations for train or car trips tomorrow.
LKR2000, 1h30m

Day 7: Scenic Train & Nuwara Eliya

Ella → Nanu Oya / Nuwara Eliya → Kandy (planning), Sri Lanka on February 26, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast & transfer to Nanu Oya / station

Early breakfast and transfer to the station if you plan to take the iconic mountain train. Book reserved seats in advance; get a window seat for the best views.
LKR800, 45m

8:15am

Scenic train option (booked in advance)

Board the scenic train for unforgettable tea‑country vistas. You can travel to Nanu Oya/Nuwara Eliya then onward by car, or stay on the train toward Kandy depending on your booking.
LKR1500, 4h30m

12:30pm

Check‑in Nuwara Eliya & lunch

If stopping in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy a colonial‑style lunch and a stroll around Gregory Lake or Hakgala Gardens (open 8:00–17:00).
LKR2200, 1h

3:00pm

Tea factory/estate walk

Visit a tea estate for photos and a brief tasting, then relax in the cool hill climate.
LKR1200, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner & overnight (Nuwara Eliya or transfer to Kandy next day)

Dinner and plan tomorrow’s move to Kandy; lodging is included for the night.
LKR6000, 1h30m

Day 8: Kandy & Ambuluwawa

Kandy → Ambuluwawa (Matale), Sri Lanka on February 27, 2026

8:00am

Drive to Kandy (or train depending on schedule)

Travel to Kandy (private car recommended for flexibility). Arrive late morning and check into your hotel near Kandy Lake.
LKR5000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch – Kandy lake area

Lunch near Kandy Lake with views of the old town; relaxed afternoon planned.
LKR1600, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Ambuluwawa Tower (Matale)

Excursion to Ambuluwawa Tower for panoramic views and nature trails (open ~8:00–17:00). The round trip drive from Kandy is ~1.5–2 hours total.
LKR500, 1h30m

5:30pm

Temple of the Tooth (evening visit)

Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth); evening rituals and short visits are possible — check the temple timetable for exact ritual times.
LKR1500, 1h

7:30pm

Cultural dance performance & dinner

Attend a Kandyan dance performance (~60–75 minutes) then enjoy dinner nearby.
LKR2500, 2h

9:30pm

Overnight in Kandy

Overnight lodging included (shared double assumption).
LKR6000, 9h

Day 9: Sigiriya & Dambulla

Kandy → Sigiriya / Dambulla, Sri Lanka on February 28, 2026

7:00am

Early breakfast & checkout

Early departure toward Sigiriya to avoid the midday heat for the rock climb (drive ~2.5–3 hours).
LKR700, 45m

10:00am

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore UNESCO‑listed Sigiriya Rock (open 7:00–17:30). The climb and exploration take ~1–2 hours and offer frescoes, gardens and sweeping views.
LKR6000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch – Habarana/Sigiriya area

Lunch near Sigiriya with local rice‑and‑curry options to refuel before afternoon temples.
LKR1200, 1h

2:30pm

Dambulla Cave Temple visit

Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex (open 7:00–19:00) to see painted caves and large Buddha statues; allow ~1 hour.
LKR1500, 1h

5:00pm

Check‑in & dinner near Sigiriya

Check into a resort or eco‑lodge near Sigiriya/Habarana and enjoy an evening meal; overnight shown here (shared double assumption).
LKR6000, 1h30m

Day 10: Negombo & Departure Prep

Sigiriya → Negombo (via Colombo), Sri Lanka on March 1, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Breakfast and prepare for the drive back west toward Negombo. Arrange tuk‑tuk return (if rented) or final vehicle handover in Colombo/Negombo.
LKR700, 45m

9:00am

Drive Sigiriya → Negombo (3.5–4.5 hours)

Drive to Negombo with buffer time for Colombo traffic; this is the main transfer back toward the international airport area.
LKR7000, 4h

1:30pm

Check‑in Negombo & lunch – beachfront

Check into a beach hotel and enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch near the Dutch canal or beach (restaurants open from ~11:00).
LKR1700, 1h

3:00pm

Negombo fish market & canal walk

Stroll the Dutch canal and visit the fish market for a final local experience; enjoy a leisurely late afternoon.
LKR0, 1h

6:00pm

Return tuk‑tuk / vehicle handover & last dinner

Return the tuk‑tuk to the rental depot in Negombo/Colombo (confirm opening hours) or complete pre‑booked vehicle drop‑off; enjoy a final dinner and prepare for airport transfer tomorrow.
LKR4000, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight in Negombo

Overnight lodging (shared double assumption) close to the airport for an easy morning transfer.
LKR6000, 9h
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