Sri Lanka Full Loop, 13 Days
13 Days / 12 Nights
Tour overview
A 1,200 km loop of the whole island at a steady pace: 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.
Highlights
- Wilpattu wilderness safari
- Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Minneriya elephant safari
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth and botanical gardens
- Nuwara Eliya tea country and Gregory Lake
- Scenic Nuwara Eliya to Ella train ride
- Mirissa whales, Galle Fort and Madu River safari
Places on this tour
Destinations included on this route.
Experiences on this tour
Things to do that often feature on this trip.
Day by day plan
Day 1
Arrival (BIA) to 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 to Habarana (Anuradhapura)
Morning cultural dance, then explore the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura: Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, and ancient monasteries. Then settle in Habarana.
Day 4
Habarana Sigiriya, Village and 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 to Kandy (Dambulla and 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 and 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 to 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 to Ella (Scenic Train)
Morning train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, Sri Lanka's most beautiful rail ride. On arrival, visit the Nine Arches Bridge, hike Little Adam's Peak, and see Ravana Falls.
Day 9
Ella to Hiriketiya and 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 and 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 and Museums
Explore the UNESCO listed Galle Fort: ramparts, lighthouse, museums, and boutique shopping within the old Dutch walls.
Day 12
Galle Turtles, Hikkaduwa and 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 and 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 and dinners unless stated
- Entrance fees to monuments, temples and national parks
- Whale watching, diving, snorkelling, and fishing fees
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from
$1100
per person. 13 Days / 12 Nights
