The Ultimate Sri Lanka Discovery Tour
Safari, Sacred Cities & Scenic Coastlines
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
A captivating 16-day journey through Sri Lanka, blending ancient ruins, wildlife safaris, hill country vistas, and pristine beaches — perfect for culture and nature lovers.
What's included
Destination
Anuradhapura , Bentota , Colombo , Ella , Kandy , Mirissa , Negombo , Nuwara Eliya , Polonnaruwa , Sigiriya , Trincomalee , Wilpattu , Yala Discover Destinations
Departure Location
Katunayake International Airport, Sri Lanka
Return Location
Katunayake International Airport, Sri Lanka
Price includes
- Bottled Water
- Hotel accommodations with breakfast
- Jeep Safaris
- Private driver/guide with air-conditioned vehicle
- Train Ride
Price does not include
- Entrance tickets
- Lunches/dinners
- optional-activities
Explore the full spectrum of Sri Lanka’s landscapes and heritage in this ultimate 16-day itinerary. Begin in Negombo, and travel through Wilpattu National Park for a thrilling safari experience. Dive into the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura and the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and explore the historic marvels of Polonnaruwa. Then move to the pristine shores of Trincomalee for beach leisure and snorkeling at Pigeon Island.
Continue your journey to the spiritual city of Kandy, the tea-filled hills of Nuwara Eliya, and the charming mountain village of Ella via scenic train. Embark on another thrilling safari in Yala National Park, and relax on the southern beaches of Mirissa and Bentota, with time to explore Galle Fort and Colombo’s colonial sites.
Route: Negombo → Wilpattu → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Trincomalee → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa → Bentota → Colombo
Additional Info:
- Fully flexible itinerary
- Whale watching available Nov–Apr
- Ayurveda & massage add-ons available in beach regions
Best Travel Time: November to April is ideal for beach and wildlife activities. Central hills are cool year-round.
Ideal For: First-time travelers to Sri Lanka who want to explore culture, wildlife, and beaches in one journey.
- Tour Timeline
Tour Timeline
Day 1
Arrival in Negombo
- Warm welcome at airport. Transfer to beach hotel.
- Optional lagoon boat safari or fish market visit.
Overnight Stay: Negombo
Day 2
Negombo → Anuradhapura
- Drive to Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital.
- Visit Mihintale, Ruwanwelisaya, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.
Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura
Day 3
Anuradhapura → Jaffna
- Scenic drive to northern city Jaffna.
- Relax and explore Nallur Temple, Jaffna Fort.
Overnight Stay: Jaffna
Day 4
Explore Jaffna & Surroundings
- Visit Point Pedro, Dambakola Patuna, Casuarina Beach.
- Try authentic Jaffna cuisine.
Overnight Stay: Jaffna
Day 5
Jaffna → Sigiriya
- Travel to the cultural triangle via Vavuniya.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 6
Sigiriya Rock & Village Life
- Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Afternoon: Traditional village tour with catamaran ride.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 7
Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa
- Day trip to explore ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.
- Optional safari in Minneriya National Park.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 8
Sigiriya → Trincomalee
- Scenic drive to East Coast. Relax on Nilaveli Beach.
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
Day 9
Trincomalee Highlights
- Visit Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick.
- Snorkeling at Pigeon Island (seasonal).
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
Day 10
Trincomalee → Kandy
- Drive via Habarana and Matale. Visit Spice Garden.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Day 11
Explore Kandy
- Temple of the Tooth Relic, Botanical Gardens.
- Gem Museum, Cultural Dance show in the evening.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Day 12
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
- Ramboda Waterfalls, Tea Factory tour.
- Visit Gregory Lake and colonial town sites.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Day 13
Scenic Train to Ella
- Enjoy the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka.
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
Overnight Stay: Ella
Day 14
Ella → Yala
- Ravana Falls, drive to Yala. Evening relaxation.
Overnight Stay: Yala
Day 15
Yala Safari → Mirissa
- Early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park.
- Coastal drive to Mirissa. Leisure by the beach.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa
Day 16
Mirissa → Galle → Colombo & Departure
- Whale Watching (seasonal), Galle Dutch Fort, turtle hatchery.
- Transfer to Colombo via expressway. Departure
More about Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. The city lies 205 kilometers north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya.
More about Bentota Discover Bentota
Bentota is a resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Its long Bentota Beach stretches north, where it becomes a sandy strip known as Paradise Island, parallel to Bentota Lagoon. Coral-rich dive sites include Canoe Rock. On Bentota River, centuries-old Galapota Temple has a large Buddha statue. Southeast is Lunuganga, the estate and gardens of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Northeast is his brother Bevis's Brief Garden
More about Colombo Discover Colombo
Colombo is the executive and judicial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. The Colombo metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 within the municipal limits. It is the financial centre of the island and a tourist destination.
More about Ella Discover Ella
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 200 kilometres east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres above sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna.
More about Kandy
Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession.
More about Mirissa Discover Mirissa
Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in the Matara District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 150 kilometres south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 4 metres above sea level. Mirissa's beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination.
More about Negombo Discover Negombo
Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital, Colombo. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.
More about Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens displays roses and tree ferns, and shelters monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu shrine, is decorated with religious figures. Densely forested Galway's Land National Park is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory bird species, including bulbuls and flycatchers.
More about Polonnaruwa Discover Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
More about Sigiriya
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately 180 m high.
More about Trincomalee Discover Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Set on a peninsula, Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Within its grounds, the grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching. The holy complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva. Nearby Gokanna Temple has panoramic views over the city and the coastline.
More about Wilpattu
Wilpattu National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of "Willus" – natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater.
More about Yala Discover Yala
Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.
