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Peacock Lanka

Reference number: PLT-D-010

9-Day Sri Lanka Scenic Heritage, Wildlife & Coastal Escape

9 Days 5 Nights
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Tour Overview

Experience the very best of Sri Lanka on this 9-day journey through cultural heartlands, misty hill country, wildlife-rich national parks, and the tropical southern coast. Begin with a relaxing night in Negombo, then meet rescued elephants on an ethical sanctuary walk before climbing the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and spotting wild elephants on safari in Minneriya. Continue to sacred Kandy and through tea country to Ella, with its famous railway bridges and panoramic viewpoints, then track leopards in Yala National Park. Finish on the southern coast in Unawatuna and Galle, where golden beaches and colonial streets create the perfect island finale. A balanced blend of culture, wildlife, scenery, and beach relaxation.

Tour Highlights

  • Ethical Elephant Freedom Project (sanctuary walk)
  • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan dance
  • Bluefield Tea Factory tour & tasting
  • Nine Arches Bridge by tuk tuk
  • Little Adam’s Peak hike
  • Yala National Park leopard safari
  • Galle Dutch Fort
  • Koggala stilt-fishing photo stop
  • Unawatuna Beach relaxation

Itinerary Details

Day 1 — Arrival → Negombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo for a relaxing first evening.

Activities & Destinations

  • Airport welcome & assistance
  • Transfer to Negombo
  • Leisure by the beachside town
  • Stay: Negombo
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Travel: ~30 mins drive
Day 2 — Ethical Elephant Experience → Sigiriya

Travel to the Cultural Triangle via a meaningful ethical wildlife experience.

Activities & Destinations

  • Elephant Freedom Project, Karandupana (rescued elephants)
  • Walk alongside elephants & river interaction
  • Traditional Sri Lankan lunch & tea
  • Scenic countryside drive
  • Stay: Sigiriya
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Negombo–Karandupana ~2.5 hrs · Karandupana–Sigiriya ~2.5 hrs
Day 3 — Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Elephant Safari

Climb Sigiriya at dawn, then a jeep safari for wild elephants.

Activities & Destinations

  • Early-morning Sigiriya Lion Rock climb
  • Ancient water gardens & summit views
  • Minneriya National Park jeep safari
  • Wild elephant sightings & photography

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

  • Stay: Sigiriya
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~40 mins drive
Day 4 — Dambulla to Kandy

Travel to the cultural capital via sacred heritage and traditional dance.

Activities & Destinations

  • Dambulla Royal Cave Temple (murals & Buddhas)
  • Scenic hill-country drive
  • Kandy Lake walk
  • Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
  • Stay: Kandy
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~3 hrs
Day 5 — Kandy to Ella via Tea Country

Journey through breathtaking hill country to Ella.

Activities & Destinations

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Thevava ritual
  • Ramboda Falls viewpoint
  • Bluefield Tea Factory & tasting
  • Nuwara Eliya city drive & Old Red Post Office
  • Scenic tea plantation landscapes
  • Stay: Ella
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Kandy–Nuwara Eliya ~3 hrs · Nuwara Eliya–Ella ~2.5 hrs
Day 6 — Ella Scenic Adventure

Discover Ella's viewpoints, railway landmarks, and mountain scenery.

Activities & Destinations

  • Demodara Loop viewpoint tuk tuk ride
  • Black tea & pol roti experience
  • Nine Arches Bridge tuk tuk ride
  • Evening Little Adam’s Peak hike
  • Optional: Ravana Pool Club · Ella Swing · Flying Ravana Zipline
  • Stay: Ella
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: 30 mins drive
Day 7 — Ella to Yala

Travel to the southeastern wilderness for a Yala safari.

Activities & Destinations

  • Scenic drive to Tissamaharama
  • Ravana Falls photo stop
  • Afternoon Yala National Park safari
  • Leopard, elephant & sloth bear spotting
  • Stay: Yala
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: ~3 hrs drive
Day 8 — Southern Coast & Galle Fort

Travel the coast to the famous colonial fort city.

Activities & Destinations

  • Scenic coastal drive
  • Koggala stilt-fishing photo stop
  • Galle Dutch Fort, colonial streets & ramparts
  • Sunset walk inside the fort
  • Relaxation in Unawatuna
  • Stay: Unawatuna
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Travel: Yala–Koggala ~4 hrs · Koggala–Unawatuna ~40 mins
Day 9 — Beach Relaxation & Departure

A final morning by the sea before departure.

Activities & Destinations

  • Relaxation at Unawatuna Beach
  • Late check-out at the resort
  • Airport transfer & departure assistance
  • Stay: No Accommodation due to departure
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Travel: ~2.5 hrs

Price & inclusions

From 849 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
  • Accommodation on double-room basis
  • Late check-out at the Unawatuna property
  • 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
  • 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, a late check-out at Unawatuna, daily water, and government taxes. International flights, visa, insurance, optional excursions, and meals not listed are extra.

Is the elephant experience ethical?

Yes — it’s a rescue-sanctuary experience (the Elephant Freedom Project), where you walk alongside rescued elephants and join a river interaction. There is no elephant riding.

Where does the elephant safari take place?

Depending on elephant migration, the Day 3 jeep safari runs in Minneriya, Hurulu Eco Park, or Kaudulla. Your guide selects the best park on the day.

How likely are we to see leopards in Yala?

Yala has one of the world’s highest leopard densities, so chances are good — but sightings can’t be guaranteed. An additional Yala safari can be added to increase your opportunities.

What adventure options are there in Ella?

Optional extras include the Ella Swing, the Flying Ravana mega zipline, and the Ravana Pool Club — easily arranged locally with their own charges.

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

It works year-round across several climate zones, with the southern coast (Unawatuna, Galle) at its best from roughly November to April.