The island nation of Sri Lanka has a wealth of cultural, archaeological and natural treasures. This comprehensive tour visits both the popular and some of the lesser-known sites in northern, central and southern Sri Lanka.
14 Days & 12 Nights
Day 1: Fly to Colombo
Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines. (N)
Day 2: Colombo
Afternoon arrival and transfer to the Cinammon Lakeside (or similar) for 1 night. Enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic Galle Face Hotel. (N)
Day 3: Dambulla
In the morning transfer to Dambulla. Stay 3 nights at the Heritance Kandalama hotel (or similar). (B)
Day 4: Anuradhapura • Mihintale
Drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. For 1,400 years this city was Sri Lanka’s capital and contains fabulous Buddhist shrines and relics. Afternoon visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (B)
Day 5: Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa
Morning visit to the rock fortress town of Sigiriya. Continue to the 11th-century medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. (B)
Day 6: Dambulla • Kandy
Morning visit to Dambulla, home to Asia’s most impressive cave temples. Continue to the beautiful hill station of Kandy and stay 2 nights at the Earls Regency (or similar). Afternoon city tour. Later, in the evening, take time to watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance and visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja. (B)
Day 7: Kandy
Kandy is set on the shores of a beautiful man-made lake and the area abounds with rich and varied plant life. Morning visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya
Early morning drive to Nuwara Eliya hill station via a tea plantation. Situated at 2,000 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya attracted the British in the 18th century and their legacy is still visible. Stay at the Heritance Tea Factory (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)
Day 9: Horton Plains
Early morning visit to Horton Plains, situated on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau (this excursion involves a 2.5-hour walk*). Horton Plains is inhabited by large populations of monkeys and sambar deer. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 10: Ella • Yala
Transfer to Ella; the view through the Ella Gap – a break in the hills – is one of the finest in Sri Lanka. Visit the Rawana Ella Falls and impressive Buduruwagala statues before continuing to Yala. Stay 2 nights at Jetwing Yala (or similar). (B)
Day 11: Yala
Morning wildlife safari in Yala National Park. Covering 1,300 sq km, Yala National Park encompasses a diversity of jungle habitats, including scrub, brackish lagoons and riverside locations. Creatures that may be seen include elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild pigs, jackals, marsh crocodiles and a great variety of birdlife. (B)
Days 12-13: Galle • Ahungalla
Drive to Ahungalla, stopping for a visit to the Elephant Transit home and tour of Galle fort. Stay 2 nights at Heritance Ahungalla or upgrade to the Vivanta by Taj Bentota (Superior Charm Seaview room) from £80. Following day at leisure. (B)
Day 14: Fly to London
Transfer to Colombo and fly to London with Sri Lankan Airlines. (B)
July 26, 2025