Tour
14-Day Essentials Tour in Sri lanka
This 14-Day Grand Tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the full essence of Sri Lanka in one beautifully curated journey. From the ancient capitals of the Cultural Triangle to the cool tea mountains, from iconic wildlife safaris to golden southern beaches, this tour covers every major highlight without rushing through the island.
Carefully planned to avoid unnecessary long travel days, it blends history, nature, adventure, and relaxation—allowing guests to explore at a steady, enjoyable pace. Whether it’s witnessing 2,000-year-old temples, riding one of the world’s most scenic trains, tracking leopards in Yala, or watching whales off Mirissa, this tour captures the true heart of Sri Lanka.
Perfect for first-time visitors, couples, families, or anyone wanting a complete and well-balanced overview of the island.
Duration
Accommodation for this Tour
Hostel, Homestay, 3 Star Hotels
Price per Person
Starting From 1550 USD
Days of this Tour
14 Days
Nights of this Tour
13 Nights
Overview
Tour Overview
This two-week journey showcases the diversity of Sri Lanka, moving region by region in a logical, smooth circuit.
You begin in the Cultural Triangle, exploring the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, climbing the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and visiting the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple. After immersing yourself in centuries of history, the scenery shifts as you enter the misty central highlands.
In the Hill Country, you’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, enjoy a world-famous train ride, walk through tea plantations, and explore Ella’s dramatic viewpoints and waterfalls.
The adventure continues with a dedicated wildlife chapter, featuring a Yala National Park safari—known for leopards, elephants, and birdlife—followed by a visit to Udawalawe’s Elephant Transit Home, a conservation center where rescued calves are rehabilitated.
The final stretch of the tour embraces the best of the southern coastline. From Mirissa’s whale watching to the colonial charm of Galle Fort and the coral gardens of Hikkaduwa, this region blends relaxation with discovery.
Your journey concludes in Colombo, where food markets, modern architecture, and shopping districts offer a lively farewell before departure.
By the end of this 14-day experience, travelers will have enjoyed a complete, meaningful, and well-paced exploration of Sri Lanka’s culture, landscapes, wildlife, and coastal beauty.
Itinerary
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1
Arrival → Colombo / Negombo
Airport pickup and transfer to Negombo/Colombo. Short rest, evening leisure. Overnight in Negombo/Colombo.
Highlights:
Warm welcome
Day 2
Begin Cultural Triangle
Travel to Anuradhapura. Explore Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya & ancient monasteries. Sunset at Tissa Wewa. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Highlights:
Ancient capitals begin
Day 3
Anuradhapura → Mihintale → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya
Visit Mihintale in the morning. Transfer to Polonnaruwa. Explore Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, Parakrama Samudra & ancient monuments. Overnight in Polonnaruwa/Habarana.
Highlights:
Ancient ruins
Day 4
Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
Early morning climb to Sigiriya Rock, visit Dambulla Golden Temple, transfer to Kandy, evening cultural dance show.
Highlights:
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Golden Temple, Kandyan Cultural Dance
Day 5
Kandy Highlights → Scenic Train Ride
Visit Temple of the Tooth, explore Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, scenic reserved-seat train journey to Ella.
Highlights:
Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy → Ella train journey
Day 6
Ella Adventures
Sunrise hike to Little Adam’s Peak, visit Nine Arch Bridge, optional Flying Ravana Zipline, explore Ravana Falls, free evening in Ella Town.
Highlights:
Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, optional zipline
Day
Ella → Yala
Leisurely breakfast, transfer to Yala, check-in at wildlife lodge, optional evening mini-safari.
Highlights:
Scenic transfer, wildlife lodge check-in
Day 8
Yala National Park Safari
Early-morning safari, afternoon rest, optional visit to Kirinda Beach.
Highlights:
Early safari, wildlife spotting: leopards, elephants, sloth bears, birds
Day 9
Udawalawe → Mirissa
Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, watch baby elephants feeding, transfer to Mirissa, evening beach relaxation.
Highlights:
Elephant Transit Home, relax on Mirissa Beach
Day 10
Whale Watching → Mirissa
Early morning whale & dolphin watching, return to hotel, visit Coconut Tree Hill, sunset at Secret Beach.
Highlights:
Blue Whale & Dolphin Watching, Coconut Tree Hill, Secret Beach sunset
Day 11
Galle Fort → Hikkaduwa
Transfer to Galle, explore Dutch Fort, continue to Hikkaduwa, afternoon snorkeling with turtles.
Highlights:
Explore Galle Dutch Fort, snorkeling with turtles
Day 12
Hikkaduwa Beach Day
Full day to relax, optional activities include surfing, glass-bottom boat, coral reef snorkeling, Ayurveda massage.
Highlights:
Surfing, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, Ayurveda massage
Destinations
Destinations Covered in This Tour
Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife reserve, is famed for its leopard population, scenic “willus” (natural lakes), and serene wilderness that blends nature with ancient history.
Rising dramatically from the plains, Sigiriya is an ancient marvel etched into a monolithic rock. With panoramic views, legendary frescoes, and sky-high gardens, it offers a spellbinding fusion of history, artistry, and natural wonder.
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, blends monumental ruins, sacred shrines, and vast reservoirs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the island’s golden age of architecture, irrigation, and spirituality.
Negombo, near Sri Lanka’s main international airport, blends sandy beaches, a historic lagoon, and colonial heritage. Known as “Little Rome,” it’s a vibrant hub of culture, seafood, and coastal charm.
Matara blends colonial heritage, golden beaches, and spiritual landmarks, offering a vibrant yet laid-back escape on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, blends sacred temples, colonial charm, and lush hill-country scenery, crowned by the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Dambulla is a cultural heartland where ancient caves, prehistoric burial grounds, rose-quartz hills, and historic stadiums converge—offering insights into Sri Lanka’s past, spirituality, and rural homegrown charm.
A UNESCO World Heritage gem on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Galle combines Dutch-era fortifications, colonial charm, golden beaches, and cultural intrigue—making it a favorite for history lovers and coastal dreamers.
Ella is where misty peaks, emerald tea fields, and hidden waterfalls converge—an intimate hill town that blends adventure, serenity, and postcard-worthy scenery in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its ancient stupas, sacred Bodhi tree, and sprawling ruins that reveal the island’s Buddhist heart.
Yala is where the jungle roars to life. Home to one of the world’s highest leopard densities, this national park offers thrilling safaris, ancient ruins, and raw natural beauty that captures the spirit of Sri Lanka’s wild south.
Experiences
Experiences Included in this Tour
All aboard for one of the most enchanting train journeys on the planet! Glide through emerald tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls as the rhythmic clatter of the tracks sets the perfect soundtrack. Whether you’re leaning out of the window to catch the fresh highland air or snapping postcard-perfect photos at every turn, this scenic rail ride turns the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country into a living, moving masterpiece.
Witness the first light of day spilling across Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes as you hike to sacred mountains and scenic viewpoints. From misty highlands to ancient rock fortresses, sunrise hikes offer a serene, spiritual, and visually stunning way to experience the island’s natural and cultural beauty.
From misty mountains to golden beaches, from wild leopards to street-side rituals, Sri Lanka is a photographer’s paradise. Guided photography tours take travelers into the heart of the island’s diverse landscapes, wildlife-rich national parks, and vibrant cultural spaces—perfect for both hobbyists and professionals looking to capture authentic stories through their lenses.
Venture into the untamed landscapes of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks, where golden savannahs meet dense jungle, and elusive leopards glide silently through tall grass. Alongside elephants, crocodiles, and exotic birds, the thrill of spotting a leopard in its natural habitat is an experience that stays with you forever.
Wake up to the mist rolling over emerald hills, sip freshly brewed Ceylon tea as the morning sun warms the slopes, and wander through manicured estates where every leaf tells a story of colonial ambition, local resilience, and timeless flavor. Staying on a tea plantation is not just a holiday—it’s a journey into Sri Lanka’s most iconic legacy.
Included & Excluded
Included and Excluded in this Tour
Accommodation for 13 nights
Daily breakfast (dinner optional upon request)
Private transport with English-speaking driver-guide
All entrance fees for mentioned UNESCO sites
Yala safari jeep & park permits
Train tickets (reserved seats)
Whale watching boat tickets (seasonal)
Airport pickup & drop-off
International flights
Lunch & dinner unless requested
Tips & personal expenses
Optional activities not listed
Travel insurance
Tips & Notes
Tips and Notes for this Tour
🕊 Best time for this full-island circuit: December – April
👟 Bring comfortable walking shoes for hikes & ancient sites
🧥 Hill Country can be cold (12–18°C), pack a light jacket
🐋 Whale watching best season: November–April
🚆 Train ride is subject to seat availability (we pre-book early)
🍛 Try local dishes: hoppers, kottu, milk rice, fresh seafood
Booking
Secure Your Journey – Book This Tour
Ready to explore Sri Lanka’s wonders? Fill out the form below to request your personalized booking. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, we’ll tailor the experience to match your preferences. No payment required at this stage—just tell us when you’d like to go, and we’ll handle the rest.
- Flexible dates
- Accommodation options available
- Local support throughout your journey