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14 Days

14 Days
Moderate
$1500-2500

14 Days in Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Island Tour

The definitive Sri Lanka experience. Two weeks covering ancient ruins, misty mountains, wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture from north to south.

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Colombo

📍 Colombo

Arrive and explore the vibrant capital city.

Activities:
  • Transfer from airport to hotel
  • Galle Face Green sunset walk
  • Dinner at Ministry of Crab or local restaurant

🛏️ Stay: Colombo

💡 Tip: Rest well — the adventure starts tomorrow!

2

Colombo to Anuradhapura

📍 Anuradhapura

Journey north to the ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities:
  • Drive to Anuradhapura (4 hours)
  • Visit Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred tree)
  • Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba at sunset

🛏️ Stay: Anuradhapura

🍽️ Food: Try traditional rice and curry at a local hotel

3

Anuradhapura Ruins & Polonnaruwa

📍 Polonnaruwa

Complete Anuradhapura, then drive to the medieval capital.

Activities:
  • Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri monasteries
  • Drive to Polonnaruwa (2 hours)
  • Afternoon cycling through Polonnaruwa ruins
  • Gal Vihara Buddha statues

🛏️ Stay: Polonnaruwa or Habarana

4

Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla

📍 Sigiriya

Conquer the iconic Lion Rock and visit ancient cave temples.

Activities:
  • Early morning Sigiriya climb (7 AM)
  • See the frescoes and summit views
  • Dambulla Cave Temple afternoon visit
  • Optional: Minneriya elephant safari

🛏️ Stay: Sigiriya or Dambulla

💡 Tip: Start Sigiriya at opening to beat the heat and crowds.

5

To Kandy — Cultural Capital

📍 Kandy

Scenic drive through spice gardens to the hill country capital.

Activities:
  • Matale spice garden visit
  • Kandy Lake afternoon walk
  • Temple of the Tooth evening puja (6:30 PM)
  • Traditional Kandyan dance show

🛏️ Stay: Kandy

6

Kandy & Train to Ella

📍 Ella

Visit the botanical gardens, then take one of the world's most scenic train rides.

Activities:
  • Morning at Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
  • Board the train to Ella (6 hours)
  • Watch tea plantations and waterfalls pass by

🛏️ Stay: Ella

💡 Tip: Book 1st or 2nd class train tickets in advance. Sit on the right side for best views.

7

Ella Adventures

📍 Ella

A full day of hiking and exploring the misty hill town.

Activities:
  • Sunrise hike up Little Adam's Peak
  • Visit Nine Arch Bridge (check train times)
  • Ravana Falls stop
  • Ella town cafes and shopping

🛏️ Stay: Ella

🍽️ Food: Try the incredible food at Cafe Chill or Ella Village Restaurant

8

Ella to Yala via Buduruwagala

📍 Yala

Drive south to Sri Lanka's premier wildlife park.

Activities:
  • Stop at Buduruwagala rock carvings
  • Drive to Yala area (3 hours)
  • Afternoon rest at safari lodge
  • Evening nature walk

🛏️ Stay: Tissamaharama or Yala

💡 Tip: Book your Yala safari jeep for the next morning — early starts are best.

9

Yala National Park Safari

📍 Yala

Full safari experience in Sri Lanka's most famous national park.

Activities:
  • Early morning safari (5:30 AM departure)
  • Spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears
  • Bird watching (over 200 species)
  • Afternoon at Tissa Lake

🛏️ Stay: Tissamaharama

10

South Coast — Mirissa

📍 Mirissa

Head to the beautiful beaches of the south coast.

Activities:
  • Drive to Mirissa (2 hours)
  • Coconut Tree Hill photos
  • Beach relaxation and swimming
  • Sunset at Parrot Rock

🛏️ Stay: Mirissa

🍽️ Food: Seafood BBQ on the beach

11

Whale Watching & Galle

📍 Galle

Early morning whale watching, then explore the colonial Galle Fort.

Activities:
  • 6 AM whale watching tour (blue whales & dolphins)
  • Drive to Galle (30 minutes)
  • Walk the Galle Fort ramparts
  • Explore boutique shops and cafes

🛏️ Stay: Galle or Unawatuna

💡 Tip: Whale season is November to April. Book the evening before.

12

Galle Beach Day

📍 Unawatuna / Weligama

Relax and enjoy the beautiful southern beaches.

Activities:
  • Morning at Unawatuna or Jungle Beach
  • Snorkeling or diving trip
  • Visit Japanese Peace Pagoda
  • Weligama surf lesson (optional)

🛏️ Stay: Galle area

13

Bentota & River Safari

📍 Bentota

Head north along the coast to the resort town of Bentota.

Activities:
  • Drive to Bentota (1.5 hours)
  • Bentota River boat safari
  • Water sports (jet skiing, parasailing)
  • Ayurveda massage

🛏️ Stay: Bentota

🍽️ Food: Beachfront dining at one of the resort restaurants

14

Bentota to Colombo & Departure

📍 Colombo

Final morning on the beach before returning to Colombo.

Activities:
  • Morning beach walk or swim
  • Drive to Colombo (1.5 hours)
  • Last-minute shopping at Dutch Hospital or Odel
  • Transfer to airport for departure

💡 Tip: Allow 3 hours before your flight for airport transfer and check-in.

Trip Summary

Duration

14 Days


Estimated Cost

$1500-2500 per person


Best Time to Go

December to March (west coast) or April to September (east coast)


Route

ColomboColombo


Best For

Deep explorers
Photographers
Culture & nature lovers

Highlights

Complete Cultural Triangle exploration

Scenic train through tea country

Safari at Yala & Udawalawe

Whale watching in Mirissa

Surf at Arugam Bay or Weligama

Explore Jaffna peninsula

Destinations on This Route

Colombo

Sri Lanka's vibrant capital city offering colonial architecture, modern shopping, diverse cuisine, and exciting nightlife. The gateway to exploring the island.

Year-round, but December to March is ideal

Other Sri Lanka Itineraries

7 Days in Sri Lanka: Classic Highlights

The perfect first-time itinerary covering Sri Lanka's must-see destinations. From ancient temples to misty mountains, beaches to wildlife safaris.

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