16 Days/15 Nights in Sri Lanka

The Ultimate Sri Lanka Discovery Tour: Safari, Sacred Cities & Scenic Coastlines

The most comprehensive 16-day Sri Lankan adventure covering ancient Anuradhapura and Jaffna's northern heritage, iconic Sigiriya fortress, historic Polonnaruwa ruins, pristine Trincomalee beaches, cultural Kandy, misty Nuwara Eliya tea country, scenic Ella train journey, thrilling Yala safari, and beautiful southern beaches of Mirissa - the ultimate island discovery.

16 Days
15 Nights
13 Destinations
Browse Guides
16 Days/15 Nights in Sri Lanka

Tour Overview

This extraordinary 16-day journey represents the most comprehensive Sri Lankan experience possible, taking you from the island's northernmost city to its southern shores. Begin with beach relaxation in Negombo before exploring the ancient Buddhist capital of Anuradhapura, visiting the sacred Mihintale, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and the legendary Sri Maha Bodhi Tree. Venture to the culturally rich northern city of Jaffna, experiencing authentic Tamil culture, visiting the golden Nallur Temple, historic Jaffna Fort, and the scenic Point Pedro coastline with its unique Casuarina Beach.

Journey south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, climbing the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress and experiencing traditional village life with catamaran rides and local cuisine. Explore the archaeological wonders of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital, with its impressive royal palaces and ancient monuments, plus optional wildlife safaris in Minneriya National Park.

Escape to the pristine east coast beaches of Trincomalee, where you'll relax at stunning Nilaveli Beach, visit the sacred Koneswaram Temple perched dramatically on Swami Rock, explore Fort Frederick, and enjoy optional snorkeling adventures at Pigeon Island National Park. Journey inland through scenic hills to reach Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital, visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic, exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens, and witnessing traditional cultural performances.

Ascend through lush tea plantations to the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya, exploring tea factories, the spectacular Ramboda Waterfalls, and enjoying peaceful moments at Gregory Lake. Experience the world-famous scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, then trek to Little Adam's Peak and visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge surrounded by emerald tea estates.

Continue to Yala National Park for an unforgettable early morning safari, spotting leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Drive along the picturesque southern coastline to Mirissa for optional whale watching and beach relaxation before exploring the historic Dutch Fort in Galle with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Visit turtle hatcheries and conclude your comprehensive adventure in vibrant Colombo with optional city tours before departure.

Best Travel Time: November to April is ideal for beach and wildlife activities. Central hills are cool year-round.

Perfect For

First-time travelers to Sri Lanka who want to explore culture, wildlife, and beaches in one journey.

Package Details

What's Included

  • Bottled Water
  • Hotel accommodations with breakfast
  • Jeep Safaris
  • Private driver/guide with air-conditioned vehicle
  • Train Ride

Not Included

  • Entrance tickets
  • Lunches/dinners
  • Optional Activities

Detailed Itinerary

1

Day 1: Arrival in Negombo

  • Warm welcome at airport. Transfer to beach hotel.
  • Optional lagoon boat safari or fish market visit.
Overnight Stay: Negombo
2

Day 2: Negombo → Anuradhapura

  • Drive to Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital.
  • Visit Mihintale, Ruwanwelisaya, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.
Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura
3

Day 3: Anuradhapura → Jaffna

  • Scenic drive to northern city Jaffna.
  • Relax and explore Nallur Temple, Jaffna Fort.
Overnight Stay: Jaffna
4

Day 4: Explore Jaffna & Surroundings

  • Visit Point Pedro, Dambakola Patuna, Casuarina Beach.
  • Try authentic Jaffna cuisine.
Overnight Stay: Jaffna
5

Day 5: Jaffna → Sigiriya

  • Travel to the cultural triangle via Vavuniya.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
6

Day 6: Sigiriya Rock & Village Life

  • Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
  • Afternoon: Traditional village tour with catamaran ride.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
7

Day 7: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa

  • Day trip to explore ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.
  • Optional safari in Minneriya National Park.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
8

Day 8: Sigiriya → Trincomalee

  • Scenic drive to East Coast. Relax on Nilaveli Beach.
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
9

Day 9: Trincomalee Highlights

  • Visit Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick.
  • Snorkeling at Pigeon Island (seasonal).
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
10

Day 10: Trincomalee → Kandy

  • Drive via Habarana and Matale. Visit Spice Garden.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
11

Day 11: Explore Kandy

  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Botanical Gardens.
  • Gem Museum, Cultural Dance show in the evening.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
12

Day 12: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

  • Ramboda Waterfalls, Tea Factory tour.
  • Visit Gregory Lake and colonial town sites.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
13

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
14

Day 14: Ella → Yala

  • Ravana Falls, drive to Yala. Evening relaxation.
Overnight Stay: Yala
15

Day 15: Yala Safari → Mirissa

  • Early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park.
  • Coastal drive to Mirissa. Leisure by the beach.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa
16

Day 16: Mirissa → Galle → Colombo & Departure

  • Whale Watching (seasonal), Galle Dutch Fort, turtle hatchery.
  • Transfer to Colombo via expressway. Departure
Tour Completion & Departure

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