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Peacock Lanka

Reference number: PLT-D-011

18-Day Sri Lanka Grand Wildlife, Culture & Beach Escape

18 Days 17 Nights
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Tour Overview

Experience the perfect balance of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient heritage, wildlife adventures, scenic train journeys, and tropical beaches on this 18-day island journey. Begin in historic Galle, then travel through the scenic mountains of Ella and Nuwara Eliya — tea plantations, waterfalls, and colonial charm — before reaching Kandy and the Cultural Triangle, home to ancient kingdoms and remarkable wildlife. Climb Sigiriya, explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa, and enjoy elephant safaris in Minneriya and a full-day leopard safari in Wilpattu. The journey concludes with several relaxing days on the untouched east coast at Nilaveli, with Pigeon Island snorkelling, dolphin watching, and crystal-clear waters. A rich blend of culture, nature, adventure, and beach relaxation.

Tour Highlights

  • Galle Dutch Fort
  • Buduruwagala ancient rock temple
  • Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
  • Scenic hill-country train journey
  • Bluefield Tea Factory tour & tasting
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan dance
  • Dambulu Oya village safari & catamaran ride
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Full-day Wilpattu National Park safari
  • Nilaveli Beach & Pigeon Island snorkelling
  • Dolphin watching excursion

Itinerary Details

Day 1 — Arrival → Galle

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer down the coast to historic Galle.

Activities & Destinations

  • Airport welcome & assistance
  • Scenic southern coastal transfer
  • Relaxation after arrival
  • Stay: Galle
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Travel: ~2.5 hrs drive
Day 2 — Galle Fort Exploration

A full day exploring the colonial beauty of Galle Fort.

Activities & Destinations

  • Galle Dutch Fort, colonial streets & ramparts
  • Lighthouse & historic buildings
  • Sunset walk inside the fort

Important note: Optional: cooking demonstration at Angara Home & market lunch

  • Stay: Galle
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~20 mins drive
Day 3 — Galle to Ella (Hill Country)

Travel through tea-covered mountains to Ella.

Activities & Destinations

  • Scenic hill-country drive
  • Buduruwagala ancient rock temple
  • Ravana Falls photo stop
  • Tea plantation landscapes
  • Stay: Ella
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~4.5 hrs drive
Day 4 — Ella Scenic Adventure

Discover Ella's mountain landscapes and iconic attractions.

Activities & Destinations

  • Little Adam’s Peak hike
  • Nine Arches Bridge tuk tuk visit
  • Scenic photography

Important note: Optional: Ravana Pool Club · Ella Swing · Flying Ravana Zipline

  • Stay: Ella
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~30 mins drive
Day 5 — Scenic Train to Nuwara Eliya

One of the world's most scenic train rides through the misty hill country.

Activities & Destinations

  • Scenic train ride, Ella to Nanu Oya
  • Tea plantations, waterfalls & cloud forests
  • Colonial atmosphere of Nuwara Eliya

Important note: Optional: Grand Hotel high tea

  • Stay: Nuwara Eliya
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Ella–Nanu Oya ~4 hrs train · Nanu Oya–Nuwara Eliya ~20 mins drive
Day 6 — Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

Travel to Kandy via tea country and waterfall viewpoints.

Activities & Destinations

  • Nuwara Eliya city exploration & Old Red Post Office
  • Bluefield Tea Factory & tasting
  • Ramboda Falls viewpoint
  • Scenic hill-country drive
  • Stay: Kandy
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~3 hrs drive
Day 7 — Kandy Cultural Experience

Explore the cultural capital and its sacred landmarks.

Activities & Destinations

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Thevava ritual
  • Kandy Lake walk
  • Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
  • Stay: Kandy
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Local
Day 8 — Kandy to Dambulla Village Experience

Travel to the Cultural Triangle via ancient heritage and village life.

Activities & Destinations

  • Nalanda Gedige Temple
  • Dambulu Oya village safari & catamaran ride
  • Traditional cooking demonstration & rice & curry lunch
  • Paddy-field walk

Important note: Optional: village exploration by mountain bicycle

  • Stay: Dambulla
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~3 hrs drive
Day 9 — Ancient Polonnaruwa

Explore one of Sri Lanka's most impressive archaeological sites.

Activities & Destinations

  • Ancient City of Polonnaruwa & Royal Palace ruins
  • Gal Viharaya stone Buddha statues
  • Ancient temples & reservoirs
  • Rice & curry experience at Priyamali House

Important note: Optional: bicycle tour around the ruins

  • Stay: Dambulla
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~1.5 hrs drive
Day 10 — Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Elephant Safari

Two of Sri Lanka's most iconic experiences in one day.

Activities & Destinations

  • Sigiriya Lion Rock climb
  • Ancient water gardens & summit views
  • Minneriya National Park elephant safari
  • Wild elephant sightings

Important note: Safari may run in Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park depending on elephant migration.

  • Stay: Dambulla
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Dambulla–Sigiriya ~30 mins · Dambulla–Minneriya ~45 mins
Day 11 — Dambulla to Wilpattu

Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple before travelling to Sri Lanka's largest national park.

Activities & Destinations

  • Dambulla Royal Cave Temple (murals & Buddhas)
  • Scenic drive to Wilpattu
  • Stay: Wilpattu
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~2.5 hrs drive
Day 12 — Full-Day Wilpattu Safari

A full day in Sri Lanka's largest park, famous for leopards and lakes.

Activities & Destinations

  • Full-day Wilpattu jeep safari
  • Leopard, sloth bear & elephant spotting
  • Picnic lunch inside the park
  • Wildlife photography
  • Stay: Wilpattu
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: within Wilpattu
Day 13 — Wilpattu to Nilaveli (East Coast)

Travel to the beautiful east coast for a peaceful beachside evening.

Activities & Destinations

  • Scenic drive to Nilaveli
  • Relaxation at Nilaveli Beach
  • East coast sunset
  • Stay: Nilaveli
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~3 hrs drive
Day 14 — Pigeon Island Snorkelling

Crystal-clear waters and marine life on the east coast.

Activities & Destinations

  • Nilaveli Beach relaxation
  • Pigeon Island Marine National Park
  • Coral reef snorkelling & tropical marine life
  • Stay: Nilaveli
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~30 mins drive
Day 15 — Dolphin Watching

An exciting ocean excursion along the east coast.

Activities & Destinations

  • Dolphin watching excursion
  • Ocean wildlife & east coast boat tour
  • Stay: Nilaveli
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~15 mins drive
Day 16 — Nilaveli Beach Relaxation

A full leisure day by the ocean.

Activities & Destinations

  • Nilaveli Beach relaxation
  • Swimming & sunbathing
  • Free leisure day
  • Stay: Nilaveli
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: At leisure
Day 17 — Nilaveli to Negombo

Travel back across the country for your final evening near the airport.

Activities & Destinations

  • Scenic cross-country drive
  • Relaxation in Negombo

Important note: This is a long travel day (~6 hours).

  • Stay: Negombo
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~6 hrs drive
Day 18 — Departure

Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.

Activities & Destinations

  • Airport transfer
  • Departure assistance
  • Stay: No accommodation due to depature
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Travel: ~30 mins drive

Price & inclusions

From 1989 USD / per person

Inclusions

  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout, with all vehicle-related expenses
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • Entrance tickets for all mentioned attractions
  • All mentioned activity costs
  • Safari jeep charges (Minneriya + full-day Wilpattu)
  • Accommodation on double-room basis
  • Meal plans as mentioned
  • Specialised local guides at UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Daily drinking water
  • All government taxes

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Watersports and optional excursions
  • Optional snorkelling and boat charges
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any services not mentioned under inclusions

Exclusively From Peacock Lanka Travels

  • Complimentary Madu River Boat Safari (subject to final package confirmation)
  • Visit to the Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Center
  • Private, flexible journey with an English-speaking chauffeur
  • Carefully planned route combining culture, tea country, train travel, wildlife and the coast

Want a Tailor-Made Sri Lanka Tour?

If you would like to customize this premium tour or upgrade your experience further, our team is ready to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in the price?

This is an all-inclusive private tour — airport transfers, a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide, accommodation, entrance tickets to all attractions, all mentioned activity costs, the safari jeeps (Minneriya + full-day Wilpattu), the scenic train, daily water, and government taxes. Flights, visa, insurance, optional snorkelling/boat charges, and meals not listed are extra.

When is the best time for this tour?

This is important: the tour finishes on the east coast (Nilaveli/Trincomalee), which is best from roughly May to September — the dry season there. The south/west have their dry season Nov–April, so for the east-coast beach days and Pigeon Island snorkelling, the May–September window is strongly recommended.

Are the safaris and jeeps included?

Yes — the safari jeep charges are included for both the Minneriya elephant safari and the full-day Wilpattu safari, along with park entrance. This is unusual for longer tours and a real value point.

How much driving is involved?

It’s a comprehensive island loop, so there are some long drives — notably Day 17 (Nilaveli to Negombo, about 6 hours). Most other transfers are shorter, with plenty of multi-night stays to break up the journey.

How likely are we to see leopards?

Wilpattu (Sri Lanka’s largest park) gets a full day, maximising your chances of leopards and sloth bears, plus elephants in Minneriya. As with all wildlife, sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Is Pigeon Island snorkelling guaranteed?

Pigeon Island is one of Sri Lanka’s best snorkelling spots, but boat trips depend on sea conditions (best May–September). The snorkelling boat charge is paid separately.

Can the east-coast section be swapped for the south coast?

Yes — if you’re travelling Nov–April, we can re-route the beach finish to the south