Sri Lanka · Wildlife

15-Day Sri Lanka Heritage and Wildlife Tour with Jaffna and Ella

15 Days Round trip from Katunayake Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Jaffna's temples, culture, and islands
  • 02 Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the "8th Wonder of the World"
  • 03 Enjoy a safari at Minneriya National Park to see elephants in the wild
  • 04 Experience the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
  • 05 Ride one of the world's most beautiful train routes to Ella

Embark on a 15-day private tour across Sri Lanka, exploring the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle, the northern beauty of Jaffna, and the scenic hills of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella. Enjoy heritage sites, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, waterfalls, and a world-famous train journey, while also experiencing local cuisine and authentic village life. From Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Tooth Relic to Minneriya and Yala National Parks, this journey blends culture, adventure, and relaxation across Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes and traditions.

Embark on a 15-day private tour across Sri Lanka, exploring the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle, the northern beauty of Jaffna, and the scenic hills of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Anuradhapura, Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Bentota, Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Katunayake
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to Negombo

  • Pick up from Bandaranaike International Airport.
  • Relax at Negombo Beach or enjoy a lagoon boat ride.

Overnight stay in Negombo.

2
Day 02

Negombo to Ancient Anuradhapura

  • Drive to Anuradhapura (approx. 4 hours).
  • Explore ancient ruins, stupas, and the sacred Bodhi Tree.

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

3
Day 03

Journey to Jaffna via Elephant Pass

  • Travel to Jaffna via Elephant Pass (approx. 4 hours).
  • Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil.
  • Explore Jaffna city and fort.

Overnight stay in Jaffna.

4
Day 04

Jaffna Islands and Cultural Exploration

  • Visit Nagadeepa Island and Dambakola Patuna.
  • Explore Jaffna Library, local markets, and coastal areas.
  • Optional visit to Casuarina Beach or Delft Island.

Overnight stay in Jaffna.

5
Day 05

Jaffna to Sigiriya

  • Long drive via Anuradhapura (6-7 hours).
  • Evening rest at your Sigiriya hotel.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

6
Day 06

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Village Experience

  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning.
  • Enjoy an afternoon Sigiriya Village Tour with a bullock cart ride, canoe ride, and local lunch.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

7
Day 07

Wildlife Safari in Minneriya National Park

  • Morning safari at Minneriya National Park to spot elephants in the wild.
  • Optional visit to Dambulla Cave Temple in the afternoon.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

8
Day 08

Sigiriya to Kandy via Matale

  • Visit Matale Spice Garden en route.
  • Explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
  • Attend an evening cultural dance show.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

9
Day 09

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by Train or Car

  • Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
  • Enjoy a scenic train journey or drive to Nuwara Eliya.
  • Explore tea plantations and Gregory Lake.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

10
Day 10

Scenic Train Ride to Ella

  • Take a scenic train ride to Ella, one of the world's most beautiful routes.
  • Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak.

Overnight stay in Ella.

11
Day 11

Leisure Day in Ella

  • Relax and explore Ella.
  • Optional hike to Ravana Falls and Ella Rock.

Overnight stay in Ella.

12
Day 12

Ella to Yala for a Wildlife Safari

  • Drive to Yala National Park.
  • Enjoy an evening wildlife safari to spot elephants and other animals.

Overnight stay in Yala.

13
Day 13

Yala to Historic Galle

  • Proceed to Galle.
  • Explore Galle Fort, the lighthouse, and the old town.

Overnight stay in Galle.

14
Day 14

Coastal Drive from Galle to Colombo

  • Enjoy a coastal drive via Bentota.
  • Visit a turtle hatchery and take an optional boat safari on the Madu River.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

15
Day 15

Colombo City Tour and Departure

  • Enjoy a Colombo city tour including Independence Square, Pettah Market, and the Old Parliament.
  • Drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Katunayake 15 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • Chauffeur's food and accommodation
  • All government taxes and service charges
  • Insurance
  • Highway and parking tickets

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Accommodation and meals
  • All entry tickets to sites and activities

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light cotton clothing, plus a light jacket for the hill country
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera and power bank
  • Modest attire for temples
  • Reusable water bottle

Know before you go

  • Sri Lanka's weather varies: warm in the north and central regions, and cool in the hills.
  • Dress respectfully at religious sites by covering your shoulders and knees.
  • Carry some local cash (LKR) for purchases.
  • Book safari and train tickets in advance.
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels.
  • English is widely spoken.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 15 days finish where they began, in Katunayake.

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USD 1,355 /person
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