The Grand South Loop
Sigiriya, hill country, Yala safari, and the best beaches of the south — the complete circuit.
About This Sri Lanka Tuk Tuk Tour
Fourteen to eighteen days gives you room to breathe and stay a while at every stop. This loop climbs Sigiriya Rock Fortress, winds through the cool highlands of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella, dips into Yala National Park for leopard safaris, then finishes along the south coast — surfing and sunsets at Hiriketiya, whale watching at Mirissa, and beach days at Unawatuna — before the return to Negombo.
Best For
First-time visitors wanting the full south circuit with beach and wildlife
Route Map
10 stops · click a pin for details
Route Overview
Negombo
Start Point
Relax on golden beaches, enjoy lagoon rides, seafood dining, and tropical sunsets.
150 KM · 4 Hrs drive to Sigiriya
Sigiriya
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, enjoy safaris, village tours, and cave temples.
90 KM · 3 Hrs drive to Kandy
Kandy
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens, cultural shows, and hill-country charm.
75 KM · 3 Hrs drive to Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya
Discover tea plantations, waterfalls, cool climate scenery, and colonial architecture.
60 KM · 2 Hrs drive to Ella
Ella
Scenic train rides, waterfalls, hiking trails, tea plantations, and Nine Arches Bridge.
60 KM · 3 Hrs drive to Yala National Park
Yala National Park
Enjoy thrilling jeep safaris with chances to spot leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
110 KM · 3 Hrs drive to Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya
Relax in a tropical bay, enjoy surfing, beach cafes, yoga retreats, and laid-back vibes.
35 KM · 1.5 Hrs drive to Mirissa or Weligama
Mirissa or Weligama
Enjoy whale watching, surfing, beach nightlife, and coastal relaxation.
35 KM · 1.5 Hrs drive to Unawatuna
Unawatuna
Explore golden beaches, snorkeling spots, Galle Fort, and vibrant seaside cafés.
150 KM · 6 Hrs drive to Negombo
Negombo
End Point
Relax on golden beaches, enjoy lagoon rides, seafood dining, and tropical sunsets.
Sri Lanka Tour Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb & ancient ruins
- Ella nine-arch bridge, tea estates & Ravana Falls
- Yala National Park — leopard & elephant safari
- Hiriketiya bay — surfing, yoga & laid-back vibes
- Mirissa whale watching (Dec–Apr) & Unawatuna beach
Destination Travel Guides
In-depth guides for the places on this route — what to see, where to stay, and how long to spend.
This plan
The Grand South Loop
14 — 18 Days