Experience an immersive journey through Sri Lanka on this carefully crafted 17-day tour, combining ancient kingdoms, wildlife-rich national parks, scenic hill country, thrilling outdoor adventures and tropical beaches. From the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the wilderness of Wilpattu to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Adam's Peak, Ella, Yala and the southern coastline, this itinerary showcases the many different experiences Sri Lanka has to offer.
Perfect for travellers seeking a deeper and more immersive Sri Lankan holiday, this journey allows you to explore the island's cultural heritage, natural landscapes, wildlife, adventure activities, mountain scenery and beautiful southern coast at a comfortable pace.
Begin your Sri Lanka journey with a warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport before travelling to Negombo, approximately 20 minutes from the airport. Later, visit a traditional fishing village and enjoy a relaxing Negombo Lagoon boat ride. Depending on your arrival time, you can also spend time by the beach.
Overnight stay: Negombo
After breakfast, begin your journey towards Wilpattu National Park, approximately 3 hours from Negombo. Upon arrival, enjoy a Wilpattu National Park safari by jeep. After the safari, check in to your accommodation and enjoy some leisure time.
Overnight stay: Wilpattu
After breakfast, continue from Wilpattu to Anuradhapura, approximately 45 minutes away. Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and Isurumuniya Temple before exploring the remains of the ancient kingdom.
Overnight stay: Anuradhapura
Spend the day exploring Anuradhapura in greater depth, including Thuparamaya and other archaeological remains. Later in the day, visit Mihintale Rock Temple for sunset, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site with scenic views across the countryside.
Overnight stay: Anuradhapura
After breakfast, leave Anuradhapura and travel towards Sigiriya in approximately 2 hours. After checking in, enjoy leisure time or the optional Pidurangala Rock sunset experience. You can also enjoy an Ayurvedic herbal relaxing massage.
Overnight stay: Sigiriya
Discover Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then continue with an authentic traditional village experience, including a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration using traditional ingredients and preparation methods.
Overnight stay: Sigiriya
After breakfast, travel to Polonnaruwa Ancient City, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Sigiriya. Explore the Palace Complex, Gal Viharaya and archaeological ruins. Enjoy lunch at a local farmer's house, then continue with a wildlife safari at Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu Eco Park before returning to Sigiriya.
Overnight stay: Sigiriya
After breakfast, continue from Sigiriya to Kandy in approximately 3 hours. Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a spice and herbal garden, the Matale Hindu Temple and an optional gem museum and workshop. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before a Kandy cultural dance show.
Overnight stay: Kandy
Leave Kandy and travel towards Nallathanniya, the gateway to Adam's Peak, in approximately 3.5 hours. Begin with Kandy View Point. White water rafting in Kitulgala can be arranged as an optional activity. Continue through mountain landscapes with views of Castlereagh Reservoir.
Overnight stay: Nallathanniya
For travellers visiting during the appropriate season, begin the day with the optional Adam's Peak sunrise hike. After completing the hike or enjoying a relaxed morning, continue towards Nuwara Eliya in approximately 2.5 hours. Visit a tea plantation, Gregory Lake and enjoy a relaxing high tea experience at the Grand Hotel.
Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya
Experience a scenic train journey to Ella, approximately 2.5 hours depending on the train schedule. After arriving in Ella, visit Nine Arches Bridge, then continue to Ella town for leisure time.
Overnight stay: Ella
Spend the day discovering Ella. Begin with a hike to Little Adam's Peak. Adventure enthusiasts can choose the optional Flying Ravana zipline. Later, explore Ella town, visit local cafes or enjoy leisure time in the hill country.
Overnight stay: Ella
After breakfast, leave Ella and travel towards Yala in approximately 2.5 hours. Enjoy a Yala National Park safari by jeep, exploring the park's diverse habitats.
Overnight stay: Yala / Tissamaharama
After breakfast, continue from Yala towards Mirissa in approximately 2.5 hours. After arriving and checking in, enjoy time relaxing on the beach. Later, visit Coconut Tree Hill Viewpoint.
Overnight stay: Mirissa
Enjoy a relaxing day on the southern coast. During the appropriate season, join an optional whale-watching excursion. Alternatively, spend time on Mirissa Beach, explore the town or try optional surf lessons at Weligama Beach.
Overnight stay: Mirissa
Enjoy another relaxed day along the southern coast with plenty of free time to experience Mirissa at your own pace. This additional day allows you to unwind by the beach after the cultural, wildlife and mountain sections of the journey.
Overnight stay: Mirissa
After breakfast, begin your final journey from Mirissa towards Galle, approximately 1 hour away. Depending on your departure time, visit a sea turtle hatchery before exploring Galle Dutch Fort. Finally, continue to Bandaranaike International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours depending on traffic and your flight time.
Adventure activities and outdoor experiences are subject to weather, safety, seasonal and operational conditions. Alternative experiences can be arranged where necessary.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on seasonal conditions, weather, habitat conditions and animal movement patterns.
Every tour can be customized according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, group size, interests, activity levels and budget. A personalized quotation will be provided upon request.
Experience Sri Lanka beyond the ordinary on an unforgettable 17-day journey through ancient kingdoms, wildlife-rich national parks, misty tea country, mountain landscapes, outdoor adventures and tropical beaches.
Contact Sri Lanka Travellers today for a personalized Sri Lanka tour quotation.
Also see: 15 Day Ultimate · 12 Day Adventure · All packages
