Sri Lanka · Safari

17-Day Sri Lanka Tour with Safaris, Hill Country Train and Beaches

17 Days Round trip from Negombo Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock, and Galle Fort
  • 02 Immerse in Sri Lankan culture with a Habarana village tour, a Temple of the Tooth visit, and a traditional Kandyan dance performance
  • 03 Experience thrilling wildlife safaris at Minneriya and Yala National Parks
  • 04 Travel through the hill country on one of the world's most scenic train journeys to Ella
  • 05 Enjoy scenic landscapes from Nuwara Eliya's tea plantations, Horton Plains and World's End, Ella's Nine Arches Bridge, and the southern beaches

Discover the true essence of Sri Lanka on this immersive 17-day private journey blending culture, nature, wildlife, and coastal beauty. Travel from the laid-back shores of Negombo to ancient rock fortresses, sacred temples, misty tea hills, and lush national parks. Experience scenic train journeys, thrilling safaris, village life, and golden beaches, while enjoying personalized guidance and flexible pacing. This thoughtfully curated tour reveals Sri Lanka's most iconic destinations through authentic experiences and unforgettable landscapes.

Discover the true essence of Sri Lanka on this immersive 17-day private journey blending culture, nature, wildlife, and coastal beauty.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Mirissa, Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Habarana, Katunayake, Horton Plains National Park, Tissamaharama, Unawatuna, Weligama
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Negombo

  • Welcome at the airport.
  • Check in and unwind at the hotel in Negombo.
  • Relax on the golden sands of Browns Beach.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Negombo.
2
Day 02

Negombo to Sigiriya via Dambulla and Minneriya

  • Travel to Sigiriya.
  • Step into centuries of spiritual history at the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.
  • Enjoy a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park to spot wild elephants.
  • Check in and overnight stay at the hotel in Sigiriya.
3
Day 03

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala Sunset

  • Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
  • Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cooking class experience.
  • Return to the hotel for relaxation.
  • Capture stunning sunset views from Pidurangala Rock.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Sigiriya.
4
Day 04

Habarana Village Experience and Transfer to Kandy

  • Experience authentic rural life on a Habarana village tour.
  • Explore a local spice village en route to Kandy.
  • Relax at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya.
  • Check in and overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.
5
Day 05

Cultural Highlights of Kandy

  • Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
  • Browse a local batik factory.
  • Explore traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts.
  • Learn about world-famous Ceylon gems.
  • Enjoy a Kandyan cultural dance performance.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.
6
Day 06

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through Tea Country

  • Travel to Nuwara Eliya.
  • Visit a Ceylon tea plantation and factory.
  • Feel the cool mist and natural beauty of Bomburu Ella Waterfall.
  • Check in and overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
7
Day 07

Horton Plains and Gregory Park

  • Explore the unique biodiversity of Horton Plains National Park.
  • Discover one of Sri Lanka's most iconic natural sights - World's End.
  • Spend a calm evening at scenic Gregory Park.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
8
Day 08

Scenic Train Journey to Ella

  • Board the scenic hill-country train to Ella.
  • Stop by the famous Ravana Falls on your journey.
  • Arrive in Ella and check in at the hotel.
  • Walk to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge.
  • Take a walk through Ella City.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Ella.
9
Day 09

Ella Sunrise Hike and Hill Views

  • Experience a sunrise hike at Ella Rock.
  • Relax at the hotel.
  • Optional: visit Ravana Pool Club.
  • Hike Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Ella.
10
Day 10

Ella to Belihuloya and Waterfall Trekking

  • Travel to Belihuloya and check in at the hotel.
  • Trek to the scenic Pahanthudawa Waterfall.
  • Explore Thini Oya Ella, a hidden natural beauty.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Belihuloya.
11
Day 11

Belihuloya Nature Safari

  • Enjoy a guided nature safari in Belihuloya.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Belihuloya.
12
Day 12

Yala Safari and Tissamaharama Temple

  • Travel to Tissamaharama.
  • Experience a thrilling Yala National Park safari.
  • Visit the sacred Tissamaharama Temple.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Tissamaharama.
13
Day 13

Tissamaharama to Mirissa Coast

  • Travel to Mirissa.
  • Stop at Coconut Tree Hill for coastal views.
  • Check in and relax at the hotel.
  • Optional: visit a Turtle Hatchery and learn about sea turtle conservation.
  • Enjoy sunset and nightlife at Mirissa Beach.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Mirissa.
14
Day 14

Leisure Day in Mirissa

  • Optional: whale and dolphin watching boat tour.
  • Optional: turtle snorkeling experience.
  • Relax on Mirissa Beach.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Mirissa.
15
Day 15

Weligama Surf Experience

  • Enjoy a guided beginner-friendly surfing session in Weligama.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Mirissa.
16
Day 16

Galle and Unawatuna Exploration

  • Travel to Galle.
  • Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
  • Relax at Jungle Beach, Unawatuna.
  • Explore the historic Galle Fort.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Galle.
17
Day 17

Departure

  • Relax at the hotel before departure.
  • Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
  • End of the Sri Lanka tour with unforgettable memories.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock, Nine Arches Bridge

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock, Nine Arches Bridge

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Negombo 17 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and airport drop-off
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with unlimited mileage for all transfers within the designated route
  • An English-speaking driver will accompany you throughout the tour
  • Meals included: 17 breakfasts
  • All costs related to the vehicle and driver/guide
  • Parking fees, highway charges, and all government taxes
  • Train tickets
  • Safari jeep cost

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fees
  • Activity fees
  • Flight tickets and visas
  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Early check-in and late check-out fees
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Driver/guide tips

What to bring

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for Sri Lanka's tropical climate
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for Sigiriya Rock and Ella
  • Modest clothing for temple and cultural site visits (covered shoulders and knees)
  • Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Swimwear and beach essentials for Mirissa, Weligama, and Unawatuna beaches
  • Light jacket or sweater for cool hill-country weather (Nuwara Eliya and Ella)
  • Extra socks for long walks and hikes
  • Rain jacket or poncho (weather dependent)
  • Personal medications and a basic travel first-aid kit
  • Insect repellent for wildlife safaris and lagoon tours
  • Camera or smartphone for photography and binoculars
  • Power bank and travel charger
  • Small backpack for daily excursions
  • Cash in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for entrance fees, tips, and personal expenses

Know before you go

  • This is a private 17-day guided tour of Sri Lanka, covering culture, heritage, wildlife, nature, hill country, and beach destinations.
  • Tour includes private air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking driver.
  • Entrance fees, activity fees, personal expenses, and optional experiences are not included.
  • Moderate fitness level is required for hiking, safaris, and walking tours.
  • Some activities start early in the morning, including safaris, hiking, and whale watching.
  • Temple visits require modest dress and removal of footwear.
  • Wildlife sightings, including leopards, whales, and dolphins, cannot be guaranteed.
  • Sri Lanka has a warm climate year-round; stay hydrated and use sun protection.
  • Scenic train journey is subject to seat availability.
  • Travel times may vary due to traffic and weather conditions.
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers.
  • Local currency is Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR); ATMs are widely available in cities.
  • Please respect local customs, wildlife rules, and guide instructions.
  • This tour is conducted in English with an English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Other language-speaking guides or drivers (French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, etc.) can be arranged on request.
  • Alternative standard or premium hotel options can be arranged upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 17 days finish where they began, in Negombo.

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Starting from

USD 2,670 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,670.00 — $3,006.00
Double Sharing $2,670.00 — $3,006.00

When

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