12 Nights 13 Day Tour: Wildlife, Heritage & Coast ( Up to 03 Paxs )

Thirteen days from Bandaranaike International Airport to the north-western wilderness, the sacred and royal ancient cities, the east-coast beaches of Nilaveli, the hill country and the southern coast, with private chauffeur-driven transport throughout.

Day 1 — Airport to Wilpattu

Overnight: Wilpattu area

• Meet your private chauffeur at Bandaranaike International Airport.
• Drive towards Wilpattu National Park.
• Enjoy a jeep safari if your arrival time allows.
• Look for elephants, deer, crocodiles and, with luck, leopards.
• Relax at your lodge in a peaceful natural setting.

If you arrive late, transfer directly to your accommodation and take the safari the following morning if practical.

Day 2 — Wilpattu to Anuradhapura

Overnight: Anuradhapura

• Morning wildlife safari, if not completed on Day 1.
• Explore the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura.
• Visit Sri Maha Bodhi, one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• See Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri Dagoba.
• Visit the Isurumuniya temple if time permits.

Day 3 — Anuradhapura to Nilaveli

Overnight: Nilaveli

• Drive to Nilaveli on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.
• Stop at Trincomalee town and visit Fort Frederick.
• Visit Koneswaram Temple, dramatically situated above the ocean.
• Relax on Nilaveli Beach and enjoy a sunset walk.

Day 4 — Nilaveli beach and marine activities

Overnight: Nilaveli

• Take a boat excursion to Pigeon Island National Park, subject to sea conditions and park access.
• Enjoy snorkelling and observe the coral reef and marine life.
• Spend the afternoon swimming or relaxing at the beach.
• Optional: visit Trincomalee harbour or enjoy a seafood dinner.

Snorkelling and boat trips are weather-dependent. Check local conditions before departure.

Day 5 — Nilaveli to Sigiriya

Overnight: Sigiriya

• Drive inland towards the Cultural Triangle.
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, famous for its ancient palace, frescoes and landscaped gardens.
• Alternatively, climb Pidurangala Rock for panoramic views of Sigiriya, especially around sunset.
• Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at your hotel.

Day 6 — Polonnaruwa ancient city

Overnight: Sigiriya area

• Explore the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa.
• Visit the Royal Palace ruins and Quadrangle.
• Admire the impressive Buddha sculptures at Gal Vihara.
• See Parakrama Samudra, the enormous ancient reservoir.
• Optional: wildlife safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla, depending on elephant movements and seasonal conditions.

Day 7 — Sigiriya to Kandy

Overnight: Kandy

• Depart after breakfast.
• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, with its historic Buddhist murals and statues.
• Optional stop at a spice garden in Matale.
• Arrive in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
• Enjoy an evening walk beside Kandy Lake.

Day 8 — Explore Kandy

Overnight: Kandy

• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.
• Explore the local market and traditional handicraft shops.
• Visit a tea museum or enjoy a cultural dance performance.
• Optional: visit Bahirawakanda Buddha statue for city views.

Day 9 — Kandy to Ella via Nanu Oya

Overnight: Ella

• Drive through the hill country towards Nuwara Eliya.
• Stop at a tea plantation and factory, subject to opening hours.
• Visit a viewpoint or waterfall along the route.
• Board the scenic train from Nanu Oya towards Ella, subject to timetable and ticket availability.
• Your chauffeur can transfer your luggage separately and meet you in Ella.

Allow enough time for the train journey. If train tickets are unavailable, travel by road and enjoy the mountain scenery along the way.

Day 10 — Ella sightseeing

Overnight: Ella

• Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge.
• Walk to Little Adam’s Peak for mountain views.
• Stop at Ravana Falls.
• Explore Ella town and enjoy a relaxed evening.
• Optional: a longer hike or a visit to a local tea estate.

Day 11 — Ella to Yala / Tissamaharama

Overnight: Tissamaharama or Yala area

• Enjoy breakfast before travelling towards the southern wildlife region.
• Stop at Buduruwagala ancient rock-carved Buddha statues if time allows.
• Check into your safari lodge.
• Take an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park, subject to park opening and availability.
• Look for elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, deer and possibly leopards.

Day 12 — Yala to Galle

Overnight: Galle or nearby beach

• Optional early-morning safari if you prefer another wildlife experience.
• Travel along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
• Stop at Dondra Lighthouse or a coastal viewpoint if time allows.
• Explore the historic streets and ramparts of Galle Fort.
• Visit the lighthouse, colonial buildings, small boutiques and seaside cafes.
• Enjoy sunset along the fort walls.

Day 13 — Galle to Colombo Airport

Departure day

• Enjoy breakfast and a short beach visit if your flight time allows.
• Optional stop at a sea turtle conservation centre or a coastal viewpoint, subject to availability.
• Drive to Bandaranaike International Airport.
• Allow sufficient time for traffic and international check-in.

Important planning notes

• Cultural sites: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy and Galle offer a strong mix of Sri Lanka’s heritage and history.
• Train journey: The Nanu Oya–Ella section is a highlight. Book seats in advance and coordinate luggage transfer with your chauffeur.
• Safaris: Wilpattu and Yala are both included, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Beach activities: Boat trips and snorkelling at Nilaveli depend on weather and sea conditions.
• Final transfer: The drive from Galle to the airport can take several hours. On an early flight day, consider staying closer to the airport on the final night.