Ultimate Sri Lanka — 13 Days
Tour Overview
A 1,200 km grand loop of the whole island in one unhurried journey — wilderness safaris in Wilpattu, the sacred cities and Sigiriya of the Cultural Triangle, an elephant safari, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, the tea-country highlands of Nuwara Eliya, the famous Nuwara Eliya-to-Ella train ride, and a southern coast finish of whales, surf, Galle Fort, and the Madu River.
Trip Highlights
- Wilpattu wilderness safari
- Anuradhapura, Sigiriya & Minneriya elephant safari
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth & botanical gardens
- Nuwara Eliya tea country & Gregory Lake
- Scenic Nuwara Eliya-to-Ella train ride
- Mirissa whales, Galle Fort & Madu River safari
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1
Arrival (BIA) → Wilpattu
Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport and drive north via Negombo, with a stop at the fishing market for fresh and dried fish, continuing to the edge of Wilpattu National Park.
Day 2
Wilpattu — Safari
Morning jeep safari (half or full day) in Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest and wildest park, among the villus (natural lakes) with chances of leopard, sloth bear, and elephant.
Day 3
Wilpattu → Habarana (Anuradhapura)
Morning cultural dance, then explore the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura — Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, and ancient monasteries — before settling in Habarana.
Day 4
Habarana — Sigiriya, Village & Elephant Safari
Sunrise climb of the Sigiriya Lion Rock, a village tour with a traditional lunch, and an afternoon elephant safari (Minneriya / Kaudulla in season).
Day 5
Habarana → Kandy (Dambulla & Spices)
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and the island's largest vegetable distribution centre, then a spice and herbal garden in Matale en route to Kandy.
Day 6
Kandy — Temple, Gardens & Gems
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and a visit to a Kandy gem market.
Day 7
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Climb into the cool highlands. Tour a working tea factory, stop at Ramboda Falls, the charming Nuwara Eliya post office (the coldest in Sri Lanka), and Gregory Park and Lake.
Day 8
Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Scenic Train)
Morning train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella — Sri Lanka's most beautiful rail journey. On arrival, visit the Nine Arches Bridge, hike Little Adam's Peak, and see Ravana Falls.
Day 9
Ella → Hiriketiya & Mirissa
Descend to the south coast around Matara and Hiriketiya. Beach time and a surf lesson, plus optional whale watching in Mirissa, turtle snorkelling, scuba diving, or fishing.
Day 10
Weligama & Mirissa
Mirissa's Coconut Tree Hill, a coconut and cooking class in Weligama, relaxed time on Weligama beach, and a sea-turtle encounter.
Day 11
Galle — Fort & Museums
Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort — ramparts, lighthouse, museums, and boutique shopping within the old Dutch walls.
Day 12
Galle — Turtles, Hikkaduwa & Madu River
Ahungalla sea-turtle hatchery, beach time and shopping in Hikkaduwa, and a Madu River mangrove boat safari at sunset.
Day 13
Departure (BIA)
Coastal drive back toward Colombo and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
- 12 nights accommodation (mid-range default; upgrades on request)
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private AC vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Wilpattu jeep safari and Minneriya/Kaudulla elephant safari
- Scenic Nuwara Eliya-to-Ella train tickets
- Village tour with lunch, cooking class, and Madu River boat safari
- Airport meet & greet and all transfers
- Fuel, parking, and driver overnight allowances
- WhatsApp support from our Sri Lanka office during your trip
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches & dinners unless stated
- Entrance fees to monuments, temples & national parks
- Whale watching, diving, snorkelling, and fishing fees
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from
$1100
per person · 13 Days / 12 Nights
