Sun, Safari, and Mountain Rails 18 Days / 17 Nights
A beautifully paced itinerary designed for lovers of the ocean, offering extensive time along the southern coast before venturing into the untamed wilderness and cool highlands.
Price From
$1,250
Duration
18 Days
Max Group
9 People
Transport
Private
Tour Type
Grand Loop
Tour Gallery
Overview & Private Transport Pricing
The "Coastal Serenity & Highlands Expedition" is the ultimate 18-day retreat for travelers looking to deeply experience Sri Lanka's world-renowned beaches without sacrificing the adventure of the interior. You will spend your first week hopping along the palm-fringed southern coast—from the water sports of Bentota to the colonial charm of Galle Fort, the whale-rich waters of Mirissa, and the secluded coves of Tangalle. Refreshed by the sea, the journey turns inland for thrilling safaris in Yala, hikes to the epic natural rock pools of Koslanda, and the famous mountain train ride ascending from Ella to Nuwara Eliya, culminating in the cultural heart of Kandy.
Private Transport Pricing Options:
- 1 – 2 Persons: $1,250 (Private Air-Conditioned Sedan Car)
- 3 – 5 Persons: $1,550 (Private Air-Conditioned Petrol Nissan Van)
*Prices represent the full 18-day private transport package inclusive of your professional chauffeur guide expenses.
Inquire & Customize Your Loop
- Email: info@voyagerlanka.lk
- WhatsApp: +94 77 222 0652
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all 18 continuous days
- Professional English-speaking chauffeur tourist guide
- Airport pickup on arrival and final departure drop-off
- All fuel costs, highway express tolls, and parking fees
- Driver daily meals, accommodation, and logistical expenses
- Flexible daily itinerary departures and sightseeing breaks
Excluded
- Passenger hotel accommodation and daily meals
- Entrance tickets to historic sites, monuments, and national parks
- Optional activity costs (Water sports, Whale watching, Safari jeeps, Train tickets)
- International flight tickets and Sri Lanka ETA tourist visa
- Personal expenses, laundry, drinks, and tips
- Comprehensive travel insurance
18-Day Detailed Itinerary
Focus: Rest & Acclimatization
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your dedicated chauffeur will warmly welcome you.
- Take a swift 20-minute drive to the coastal town of Negombo to dodge long transit fatigue.
- Spend your first evening unwinding by the pool or enjoying the fresh sea breeze along the shore.
- Overnight stay in Negombo.
Focus: Coastline Transition & Beach Leisure
- Enjoy breakfast before setting off down the coast to the renowned beach resort town of Bentota.
- Check into your tropical hotel and spend the afternoon swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.
- Stroll the wide golden sands as the sun sets over the western horizon.
- Overnight stay in Bentota.
Focus: River Safaris & Aquatic Adventure
- Head to the calm waters of the Bentota Lagoon for an action-packed morning of jet skiing, windsurfing, or banana boat rides.
- In the afternoon, embark on a peaceful boat safari down the Madu River, gliding through intricate mangrove tunnels.
- Experience a natural fish spa and visit local islands where cinnamon is traditionally harvested.
- Overnight stay in Bentota.
Focus: Scenic Drives & Vibrant Coastlines
- Continue south along the beautiful coastal road to the lively, crescent-shaped bay of Unawatuna.
- Check into your hotel and explore the town's vibrant atmosphere, filled with cafes, boutiques, and calm swimming waters.
- Relax on the beach and enjoy fresh tropical cocktails under the palms.
- Overnight stay in Unawatuna.
Focus: Maritime History & Cultural Exploration
- Take a short drive to the majestic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 17th century.
- Walk the historic cobblestone ramparts, photograph the iconic lighthouse, and explore chic colonial-era boutiques.
- Return to Unawatuna in the afternoon for more beach relaxation or an optional visit to the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
- Overnight stay in Unawatuna.
Focus: Sea Turtles & Local Traditions
- Depart Unawatuna and travel toward Mirissa, stopping at a dedicated Sea Turtle Hatchery to see baby turtles being safely released.
- Pause along the coast near Koggala to photograph Sri Lanka's famous stilt fishermen balancing above the waves.
- Arrive in Mirissa, check in, and climb the picturesque Parrot Rock for sunset views over the bay.
- Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Focus: Whale Watching & Deep Sea Wildlife
- Set out early in the morning on a specialized boat expedition to witness majestic Blue Whales in their natural deep-sea habitat.
- Return to shore for a celebratory breakfast and spend the remainder of the day swimming and soaking up the sun.
- Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner right on the sand under a canopy of stars.
- Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Focus: Coastal Isolation & Serenity
- Leave the bustling bay of Mirissa and drive further east to the tranquil, expansive shores of Tangalle.
- Discover wilder, untouched beaches where the crashing waves create a dramatic and peaceful atmosphere.
- Check into your beachfront retreat and let the sound of the ocean wash away any remaining stress.
- Overnight stay in Tangalle.
Focus: Unwinding & Pure Leisure
- A fully dedicated day to enjoy the pristine environment of Tangalle.
- Read a book under a palm tree, take long walks along the secluded bays, or enjoy your hotel's spa facilities.
- Optionally visit the nearby Hummanaya Blowhole, the second largest of its kind in the world.
- Overnight stay in Tangalle.
Focus: Dry Zone Ecosystems
- Say goodbye to the coastal waters and travel inland to the arid, scrub-jungle plains of the deep south.
- Arrive near Yala National Park, check into a nature lodge, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wild.
- Prepare your camera gear and relax before your big adventure the following day.
- Overnight stay in Yala or Tissamaharama.
Focus: Top-Tier Predator Tracking
- Embark on a thrilling 4x4 jeep safari into Yala National Park, renowned for its high density of leopards.
- Track wild Asian elephants, sloth bears, wild boar, and massive crocodiles lounging by the waterholes.
- Spend the afternoon sharing stories of your wildlife sightings and enjoying the wilderness ambiance.
- Overnight stay in Yala or Tissamaharama.
Focus: Waterfall Hikes & Upland Valleys (Koslanda)
- Begin the steep, scenic drive into the mountains, arriving at the lush valley of Koslanda.
- Embark on an excursion to the epic Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, trekking up to the top of the cliffside.
- Swim in the spectacular natural rock pools right at the edge of the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
- Overnight stay in Koslanda.
Focus: Highland Charm & Village Life
- Take a short, winding drive to Ella, a beloved mountain town famous for its laid-back backpacker vibe.
- Check into your resort overlooking the dramatic Ella Gap.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the main street.
- Overnight stay in Ella.
Focus: Nature Trails & Engineering Marvels
- Wake up early for a rewarding hike up Little Adam's Peak, offering stunning panoramic views of the tea-covered valleys.
- Walk through the forest down to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a massive stone and brick viaduct built during the colonial era.
- Photograph the trains passing over the bridge before returning to town to relax.
- Overnight stay in Ella.
Focus: Scenic Railways & Colonial Nuwara Eliya
- Board the famous highland train at Ella Station for a spectacular reverse journey climbing higher into the mountains.
- Watch from open windows as the train chugs through cloud forests, deep tunnels, and vibrant green tea estates.
- Your chauffeur will meet you at Nanu Oya station and transfer you to Nuwara Eliya ("Little England").
- Admire the colonial post office, manicured gardens, and Gregory Lake in the crisp mountain air.
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Focus: Tea Plantations & Spiritual Heritage (Kandy)
- Drive down from the high altitudes, stopping at a working tea factory to learn the art of Ceylon tea production.
- Arrive in Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, and check into your hotel.
- In the evening, visit the deeply venerated Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during a traditional offering ceremony.
- Overnight stay in Kandy.
Focus: Flora & Traditional Arts
- Take a peaceful morning stroll through the expansive Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, famous for its towering palm avenues and orchid house.
- Enjoy a scenic drive around the Kandy Lake and visit the local marketplace.
- Attend a captivating evening performance featuring traditional Kandyan fire-dancers and drummers.
- Overnight stay in Kandy.
Focus: Elephants & Homeward Bound
- Depart Kandy and begin your journey toward the airport, stopping en route at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- Watch the majestic elephants bathe in the river and observe the care provided to these gentle giants.
- Continue directly to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable 18-day expedition to a close.
Essential Travel Information
To ensure you have a seamless and memorable holiday in Sri Lanka, please review these important guidelines and travel policies before you travel.
Visa & Currency
- Apply for your tourist visa online well in advance via the official platform: www.eta.gov.lk.
- The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
- Bring USD; new, crisp $100 bills with blue security lines often fetch favorable exchange rates. Converting currency to Rupees upon arrival remains highly convenient.
Weather & Packing
- Coastal averages stay around 26-32°C, but hill country spots like Nuwara Eliya can drop down to 10-15°C.
- Pack warm layers/jackets for the mountains, and high-factor sunscreen, hats, and glasses for sunny zones.
- Standard voltage is 230V (50Hz) using D, M, and G sockets. Bringing a universal convertible adapter is highly recommended.
Temple Etiquette
- Both men and women must wear clothing that covers the knees entirely; shorts or short skirts are strictly discouraged.
- Carry a shawl or scarf to cover bare shoulders if wearing sleeveless tops on sacred grounds.
- Select slip-on footwear like sandals, as shoes must be removed before crossing into sacred zones.
- Public displays of affection (hugging, kissing) are inappropriate in religious places.
Tipping Guide
- Chauffeur: A daily tip of at least $10 is highly appreciated and beneficial for services.
- Hotel Porters: At least 300 rupees (500 rupees makes them extremely happy).
- Waiters: At least 500 rupees, or 250 rupees if a standard 10% service charge is pre-applied.
- Note: It is more polite to refrain from tipping entirely rather than handing out a tiny 100 or 200 rupees.
Company Policies & Safety
- No outside passengers (except our booked clients) will ever be transported inside your private vehicle.
- We do not push commercial commissions or tourist stops at commercial gem or spice facilities.
- Transporting illicit substances, animals, animal parts (dead or alive), or endemic Sri Lankan plants is strictly prohibited.
- We have zero hidden charges; any route changes mid-trip requested by clients will modify pricing dynamically based on itinerary alterations.
- Stay alert against tourist touts and unlicensed operators in busy heritage hubs.
Our Commitment to Ecotourism
At Voyager Lanka Tours, we are deeply committed to protecting the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife of Sri Lanka. We strictly adhere to all ecotourism rules and regulations, ensuring that our footprint is minimal and our impact is positive. From practicing highly responsible wildlife viewing in our national parks to preserving delicate natural habitats, we always do our absolute best to safeguard the environment for future generations. When you explore with us, you travel sustainably!
Book Your 18-Day Coastal Serenity Tour
Send over your tentative arrival details and group sizes. We will gladly tailor the specific stops, relaxation days, or vehicle formats for your journey.
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