Tour Overview
The crown jewel of our collection — an eighteen-day masterpiece that leaves no corner of Sri Lanka unexplored. This signature tour spans ancient cities, sacred temples, misty mountains, wild jungles, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities. From Colombo's urban energy to Jaffna's unique northern heritage, from Adam's Peak's spiritual summit to Trincomalee's turquoise bays, every day unveils a new facet of this magnificent island. For the traveler who wants it all.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Airport to Negombo
- Warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport
- Transfer to beachside Negombo hotel
- Visit the Negombo fish market and Dutch Canal
- Settle in with an oceanfront dinner
Day 2
Negombo to Wilpattu
- Drive to Wilpattu National Park
- Full-day jeep safari in the largest national park
- Spot leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, and birdlife
- Overnight at eco-lodge near Wilpattu
Day 3
Wilpattu to Anuradhapura
- Drive to the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura
- Visit Sri Maha Bodhi tree and Ruwanwelisaya stupa
- Explore Jetavanaramaya and Thuparamaya
- Cycle through the vast archaeological site
- Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 4
Anuradhapura to Jaffna
- Morning drive north to Jaffna
- Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil — a grand Hindu temple
- Explore Jaffna Fort and the public library
- Taste authentic Jaffna cuisine — crab curry and string hoppers
- Discover the unique Tamil cultural heritage
Day 5
Jaffna to Trincomalee
- Visit Casuarina Beach and Nagadeepa island temple
- Drive east along the coast to Trincomalee
- Visit the ancient Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock
- Relax at Nilaveli Beach
- Overnight in Trincomalee
Day 6
Trincomalee to Sigiriya
- Optional snorkeling at Pigeon Island (seasonal)
- Drive to the Cultural Triangle
- Afternoon visit to Polonnaruwa ancient city
- See the Gal Vihara rock-carved Buddhas
- Overnight in Sigiriya area
Day 7
Sigiriya & Dambulla
- Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Admire the frescoes, mirror wall, and summit views
- Climb Pidurangala Rock for the best Sigiriya panorama
- Afternoon visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
- Optional village experience with local cooking class
Day 8
Sigiriya to Kandy
- Visit a spice garden in Matale en route
- Arrive in Kandy — the last royal capital
- Tour the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
- Evening Kandyan dance performance
Day 9
Kandy Exploration
- Morning visit to a gem museum
- Explore Kandy city — market, lake, and viewpoints
- Optional Ambuluwawa Tower visit for 360° views
- Tea and batik shopping
- Afternoon at leisure
Day 10
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Drive through the stunning highland scenery
- Stop at Ramboda Falls and a tea estate
- Guided tour of a working tea factory
- Arrive in Nuwara Eliya — explore the colonial town
- Visit Gregory Lake and Victoria Park
Day 11
Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Pre-dawn trip to Horton Plains — hike to World's End
- Scenic drive or optional train ride to Ella
- Afternoon at the Nine Arches Bridge
- Explore Ella village and local eateries
- Overnight in Ella
Day 12
Ella to Udawalawe
- Sunrise hike — Little Adam's Peak or Ella Rock
- Visit Ravana Falls
- Drive to Udawalawe through scenic lowlands
- Afternoon elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park
- Overnight near Udawalawe
Day 13
Udawalawe to Yala
- Visit the Elephant Transit Home at dawn
- Transfer to Yala region
- Afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park
- Track leopards, crocodiles, and exotic birdlife
- Overnight near Yala
Day 14
Yala to Mirissa
- Optional second morning safari in Yala
- Drive along the southern coast to Mirissa
- Arrive at beachfront hotel by early afternoon
- Free time — swim, sunbathe, or explore
- Sunset at Coconut Tree Hill
Day 15
Mirissa to Galle
- Optional early morning whale watching (seasonal)
- Drive to Galle — guided walking tour of the Fort
- Visit the lighthouse, churches, and Dutch architecture
- Shopping for local handicrafts and gems
- Overnight in Galle or Unawatuna
Day 16
Galle to Bentota
- Explore southern beaches — Unawatuna and Jungle Beach
- Visit the Koggala Sea Turtle Hatchery
- Drive to Bentota
- Afternoon water sports — jet skiing, banana boat
- Evening at the beach resort
Day 17
Bentota & Colombo
- Morning Madu River boat safari
- Visit a cinnamon island on the river
- Afternoon drive to Colombo
- City tour — Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Pettah bazaar
- Farewell dinner at a fine-dining restaurant
Day 18
Colombo to Airport
- Last-minute shopping at Odel or Barefoot Gallery
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Farewell from your Ceylon Wanderlust team
- Departure with unforgettable memories
What's Included
- Premium accommodation island-wide (17 nights)
- Daily breakfast at all properties
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- Luxury air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
- Dedicated English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout
- All taxes, service charges, and tolls
What's Excluded
- National park entrance fees and site tickets
- Lunch and dinner meals
- Optional activities and personal expenses