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Peacock Lanka

Reference number: PLT-D-003

Sri Lanka Ancient Kingdoms, Highlands & Southern Beach Escape- 19-Days

19 Days 18 Nights
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Tour Overview

Discover the timeless beauty and incredible diversity of Sri Lanka on this 19-day island journey through ancient kingdoms, sacred Buddhist heritage, misty mountains, wildlife-rich national parks, scenic train routes, and tropical southern beaches.

Begin in Negombo before exploring the sacred kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, then climb into the cool hill country of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella for tea estates, waterfalls, and one of the world’s most scenic train rides.

Track elephants and leopards on two separate safaris, then unwind on the golden beaches of Bentota with turtle conservation, mangrove river safaris, and colonial Galle nearby. The complete Sri Lankan experience culture, wildlife, scenery, and coastal leisure in one carefully paced trip.

Tour Highlights

  • Ancient City of Anuradhapura & Sri Maha Bodhiya
  • Mihintale Sacred Mountain
  • Wilpattu National Park safari
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock sunset climb (UNESCO)
  • Authentic Sri Lankan village experience
  • Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city & bicycle ride
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan dance show
  • Bluefield Tea Factory tour & tasting
  • Scenic train journey, Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Little Adam’s Peak hike & Nine Arches Bridge
  • Sri Lankan cooking class
  • Udawalawe safari & Elephant Transit Home
  • Galle Fort, Madu River safari & Bentota beaches

Itinerary Details

Day 1 — Arrival → Negombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to nearby Negombo for a relaxing overnight stay by the coast.

Activities & Destinations

  • Airport welcome & assistance
  • Transfer to Negombo
  • Leisure evening by the sea
  • Stay: Negombo
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Travel: 30 mins drive
Day 2 — Negombo → Anuradhapura (via Arankele)

Travel towards Sri Lanka's first ancient kingdom, stopping at a peaceful forest monastery on the way.

Activities & Destinations

  • Arankele Buddhist Forest Monastery
  • Ancient meditation pathways & ruins
  • Scenic countryside drive to Anuradhapura
  • Stay: Anuradhapura
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Negombo–Kumbukwewa ~2.5 hrs drive · Kumbukwewa–Anuradhapura ~2 hrs drive
Day 3 — Sacred Anuradhapura & Mihintale

Explore Sri Lanka's most sacred ancient kingdom and the birthplace of Buddhism on the island.

Activities & Destinations

  • Ancient City of Anuradhapura & stupas
  • Sri Maha Bodhiya sacred temple
  • Mihintale sacred mountain & stairway climb
  • Panoramic viewpoints
  • Stay: Anuradhapura
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Local seight seeing
Day 4 — Wilpattu Wildlife Safari

A morning safari in Sri Lanka's largest national park, known for its leopards and scenic lakes (villus).

Activities & Destinations

  • Morning Wilpattu National Park safari
  • Leopard, elephant & sloth bear spotting
  • Birdwatching & wildlife photography
  • Stay: Anuradhapura
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: 1 hr drive
Day 5 — Village Experience & Sigiriya Sunset Climb

Experience authentic village life before a late-afternoon climb of the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock.

Activities & Destinations

  • Sri Lankan village tour & traditional boat ride
  • Village home visits & local cuisine
  • Late-afternoon Sigiriya Lion Rock climb
  • Ancient frescoes, mirror wall & sunset summit views
  • Stay: Dambulla
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: 1.5 hrs drive
Day 6 — Dambulla & Polonnaruwa

Discover Sri Lanka's golden cave temple and the ruins of a great royal kingdom — by bicycle.

Activities & Destinations

  • Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Bicycle ride through the ruins
  • Sri Lankan rice & curry experience at Priyamali House

Important note: You can have a traditional rice & curry experience

  • Stay: Dambulla
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: 1.5 hrs
Day 7 — Kandy Cultural Experience

Travel into the misty hills to Sri Lanka's cultural capital for the sacred Temple of the Tooth and an evening of traditional dance.

Activities & Destinations

  • Kandy viewpoint
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
  • Stay: Kandy
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: 3 hrs drive
Day 8 — Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (Tea Country)

Climb through tea-covered mountains to the colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya, with waterfall and tea-factory stops.

Activities & Destinations

  • Ramboda Falls viewpoint
  • Bluefield Tea Factory visit & tea tasting
  • Scenic tea plantation landscapes
  • Stay: Nuwara Eliya
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~3 hrs drive
Day 9 — Nuwara Eliya City Exploration

A relaxed day exploring the colonial charm and scenery of "Little England."

Activities & Destinations

  • Guided Nuwara Eliya city tour
  • Seetha Amman Temple
  • Victoria Park & Old Red Post Office
  • Gregory Lake leisure (optional boating / horse riding)
  • Stay: Nuwara Eliya
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Local sightseeing
Day 10 — Scenic Train to Ella

One of the world's most beautiful train rides through tea estates, waterfalls, and cloud forests.

Activities & Destinations

  • Scenic train ride, Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Tea plantations & mountain landscapes
  • Leisure evening in Ella

Important note: First-class train seats are limited and in high demand — early booking is recommended; availability cannot be guaranteed.

  • Stay: Ella
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: 3 hrs train journey
Day 11 — Ella Adventure & Cooking Experience

Hike to a sunrise viewpoint, visit the famous bridge, and learn to cook Sri Lankan dishes.

Activities & Destinations

  • Little Adam’s Peak sunrise hike
  • Nine Arches Bridge
  • Local Sri Lankan cooking class
  • Stay: Ella
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Travel: Local sightseeing
Day 12 — Leisure Day in Ella

A relaxing day amid Ella's scenic mountain landscapes.

Activities & Destinations

  • Relaxation at the property
  • Leisure exploration of Ella town
  • Optional café & viewpoint visits
  • Stay: Ella
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: At leisure
Day 13 — Udawalawe Wildlife & Elephant Experience

Descend to the southern wilderness for an elephant-focused safari.

Activities & Destinations

  • Ravana Falls photo stop
  • Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (baby elephant feeding)
  • Afternoon Udawalawe National Park safari
  • Wild elephant sightings & birdwatching
  • Stay: Udawalawe
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: 2 hrs drive
Day 14 — Southern Coast & Galle Fort

Travel to the coast, stopping for the iconic stilt fishermen and the colonial Galle Fort en route to Bentota.

Activities & Destinations

  • Koggala stilt-fishing experience
  • Galle Dutch Fort & oceanfront ramparts
  • Relaxation at Bentota Beach
  • Stay: Bentota
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Udawalawe–Galle ~2.25 hrs drive · Galle–Bentota ~1.5 hrs drive
Day 15 — Bentota Beach & River Safari

Tropical coast and wildlife conservation along the Madu River.

Activities & Destinations

  • Bentota Beach relaxation
  • Ahungalla Sea Turtle Hatchery
  • Madu River boat safari (mangroves & islands)
  • Optional watersports in Bentota
  • Stay: Bentota
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Local
Day 16 — Bentota Beach Leisure

A relaxing tropical beach day on the southern coast.

Activities & Destinations

  • Beach relaxation & swimming
  • Leisure at the beachfront property
  • Sunset beach walks
  • Stay: Bentota
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: At leisure
Day 17 — Coastal Café & Beachside Leisure

A peaceful day at your own pace by the coast.

Activities & Destinations

  • Optional coastal café exploration
  • Nearby beach-town visits
  • Relaxation & leisure time
  • Stay: Bentota
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: At leisure
Day 18 — Final Beach Relaxation

Your final full day enjoying Sri Lanka's tropical coastline.

Activities & Destinations

  • Gentle shoreline walks
  • Relaxation by the beach
  • Tropical sunset experience
  • Stay: Bentota
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: At leisure
Day 19 — Departure

Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka.

Activities & Destinations

  • Airport transfer
  • Departure assistance
  • Stay: no accomadation
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Travel: 2 hrs drive

Price & inclusions

From 1899 USD / per person

Inclusions

  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout, with all vehicle-related expenses
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • One-time safari jeep experiences as mentioned
  • Entrance tickets for all mentioned attractions
  • All mentioned activity costs
  • Accommodation on double-room basis with mentioned meal plans
  • Daily drinking water
  • All government taxes

Exclusions

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional excursions and watersports
  • Spa treatments
  • Early check-in / late check-out 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 with daily breakfast, the one-time safari jeeps, entrance tickets to all listed attractions, all mentioned activity costs, daily water, and government taxes. Only meals not listed, personal expenses, spa treatments, and optional excursions are extra.

Who is this tour best suited for?

It’s ideal for travellers who want to see all of Sri Lanka at a relaxed pace, with time to absorb each region. The first half is rich in culture and wildlife; the final four nights in Bentota are pure beach leisure — perfect for unwinding before flying home.

How many safaris are included, and what might we see?

Two: Wilpattu (Sri Lanka’s largest park, good for leopards, elephants, and sloth bears) and Udawalawe (famous for large elephant herds). As with all wildlife, sightings can’t be guaranteed, but two different parks greatly increase your variety.

How challenging are the climbs?

Sigiriya is about 1,200 steps (1.5–2 hours round trip) and Little Adam’s Peak is a gentle 45–60 minute hike. Both are moderate and manageable for most reasonably fit travellers. We schedule them in the cooler parts of the day.

Is the scenic train ride guaranteed?

The train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella is included, but first-class and reserved seats are limited and sell out fast. We book as early as possible, though availability can’t be guaranteed.

Can the length, pace, or hotels be adjusted?

Yes — this is a flagship itinerary that’s easy to tailor. We can shorten the beach stay, add nights elsewhere, swap experiences, or upgrade to boutique and luxury hotels. Just tell us your preferences for a custom quote.

What's the best time of year for this tour?

It works year-round as it crosses several climate zones, but the south and west coasts (Bentota, Galle) are at their best from roughly November to April.