Ethical Encounters & Classic Ceylon

Walking alongside rescued elephants at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, no rides, no chains.

A ten day introduction built around an ethical elephant encounter at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, alongside Kandy’s temple, tea country, the Ella hills and a Yala safari. Built to work for almost any travel style, a classic circuit with a conscience.

Type: Culture, Wildlife and Coast
Best For: Travellers who want a classic circuit with a conscience
Comfort Level: Classic Comfort
Best Time to Travel: Year round
Activity Level: Relaxed to Moderate
Pace: Relaxed-Moderate
Route: Colombo – Negombo – Kegalle – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala – Galle – Colombo

Unique to This Tour: A visit to the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Kegalle, an ethical sanctuary for rescued and retired working elephants where visitors walk alongside, feed and help bathe the elephants in the river rather than watching them ride or perform.

Signature Moment: Walking alongside rescued elephants at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, no rides, no chains.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 -

Arrival - Negombo

Transfer from the airport to Negombo. Overnight in Negombo.

Day 02 -

Negombo - Millennium Elephant Foundation - Kandy

Drive toward Kandy, stopping at the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Kegalle, an ethical sanctuary for rescued and retired working elephants where visitors walk alongside, feed and help bathe the elephants in the river. Continue to Kandy, visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the afternoon. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 03 -

Kandy Cultural Day

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Evening Kandyan cultural dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 04 -

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Drive into the highlands, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, via a tea factory tour. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05 -

Nuwara Eliya - Ella

Scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge on arrival. Overnight in Ella.

Day 06 -

Ella - Yala

Drive south, approximately 2.5 hours, via Wellawaya for an afternoon jeep safari through Yala National Park. Overnight near Yala.

Day 07 -

Yala - Galle

Dawn safari, then drive to the south coast, approximately 3 hours. Afternoon walking the ramparts of Galle Fort. Overnight in Galle.

Day 08 -

Galle Leisure Day

A free day to enjoy the fort’s boutique lanes and cafes, or relax at a beach property nearby. Overnight in Galle.

Day 09 -

South Coast Beach Day

A final full day at leisure on the beach. Overnight in Galle.

Day 10 -

Departure

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours.

Inclusion

All private ground transport throughout the tour

Millennium Elephant Foundation ethical elephant experience, walk, feed and bathe

Temple of the Tooth guided visit

Private jeep safari at Yala

Scenic train tickets, Nanu Oya to Ella

Guided Galle Fort walking tour

All airport transfers, arrival and departure

9 nights accommodation as specified above

Daily breakfast at each property

24 hour on ground support throughout

Exclusions

International flights to and from Colombo

Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

Lunches and dinners unless specified

National park entrance fees, Yala approximately USD 25-35pp

Personal spending, souvenirs and tipping

Tour Highlights

Millennium Elephant Foundation ethical elephant walk

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Scenic hill country train

Yala leopard safari

Galle Fort heritage walk

Where You’ll Stay

Negombo: Jetwing Blue or Jetwing Lagoon

Kandy: The Kandy House or Cinnamon Citadel (2 nights)

Nuwara Eliya: Heritance Tea Factory or Tea Trails Bungalows

Ella: Zion View or Ella Gap Tourist Rest

Yala: Chena Huts by Uga or Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Galle: Fort Bazaar or Amangalla (3 nights)