Itinerary #1: Tea Hills & Tropical Beaches of Sri Lanka
In just under two weeks, this nature-packed itinerary brings you from the top of Ambuluwawa, through terraced tea plantations, to the palm-fringed beaches of the south coast. Perfect for travelers who enjoy taking things a bit slower, you can unpack your bags and spend multiple nights in Kandy, Ella, and Tangalle, before finishing your trip with an evening in the bustling capital city of Colombo.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo | Negombo |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Kandy, Climb the Tower of Ambuluwawa | Kandy |
| Day 3 | Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Step to the Beat of Traditional Music | Kandy |
| Day 4 | Scenic Train Journey from Kandy to Ella | Ella |
| Day 5 | Explore a Working Organic Farm in the Uva Highlands for Tea Tasting | Ella |
| Day 6 | Visit Demodara Nine Arch Bridge & Hike to World-Famous Lipton's Seat | Ella |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Tangalle | Tangalle |
| Day 8 | Visit a Sea Turtle Hatchery | Tangalle |
| Day 9 | Climb the Rock Temples of Mulkirigala | Tangalle |
| Day 10 | Discover the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary | Tangalle |
| Day 11 | Explore Hikkaduwa's Beaches | Tangalle |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Colombo, Explore Colombo's Historic Architecture | Colombo |
| Day 13 | Depart Colombo |
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Get your bearings in the country with an evening in the laid-back beach town of Negombo. Then, early the following day, climb the 3,567-foot (1,087 m) high mountaintop tower of Ambuluwawa before transferring to Kandy, your home, for two nights. Take in the enchanting grounds of the Royal Botanical Garden and attend a Kandyan cultural performance until a scenic train ride through lush tea plantations brings you to Ella. With three days in this jungle town, you'll have time to discover the nearby wonders of Ravana-Ella Falls, the famous Nine Arch Bridge, and Lipton's Seat.
The second half of your trip begins with a transfer to Tangalle. Unpack your bag and enjoy five days soaking up the sun at Tangalle Beach, learning about the region's diverse sea turtle species at the Rekawa Turtle Watch, and exploring the temples of Mulkirigala. Before departing, you'll also have the opportunity to bird-watch at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and beach hop in Hikkaduwa. A three-hour transfer brings you to the capital city of Colombo, where you'll have a day to explore the magnificent architecture of Independence Square and the famous Red Mosque until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Sri Lanka's Ancient Cities & Wildlife Encounters
Take your chance at spotting the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, wild elephants, and playful monkey's on this wildlife-focused trip. With multiple nights in Wilpattu National Park and Yala National Park, stops at the famous sites of Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, and a stay in the beach town of Hikkaduwa, you'll get a well-rounded introduction to the culture, nature, and wildlife of Sri Lanka.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Wilpattu | Wilpattu |
| Day 2 | Wilpattu Wildlife Safari | Wilpattu |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Sigiriya via Ancient Anuradhapura | Sigiriya |
| Day 4 | Tour Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Visit Polonnaruwa | Sigiriya |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Kandy via Dambulla, Kandy City Tour & Spice Garden | Kandy |
| Day 6 | Train Journey to Nuwara Eliya | Nuwara Eliya |
| Day 7 | Horton Plains Hike, Visit a Tea Plantation | Nuwara Eliya |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Yala National Park, Afternoon Safari | Yala National Park |
| Day 9 | Morning Safari at Yala National Park | Yala National Park |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Hikkaduwa, Guided Tour of Galle | Hikkaduwa |
| Day 11 | Visit a Turtle Hatchery | Hikkaduwa |
| Day 12 | Free Day in Hikkaduwa | Hikkaduwa |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Colombo & Depart |
Start your wildlife-packed Sri Lanka trip in utmost style, as your private driver brings you from Colombo to your jungle lodge in Wilpattu National Park, known for its high leopard population. Wake early for a two-hour safari, spotting sloth bears, Sri Lankan elephants, and more, then the following day, transfer to the UNESCO-listed ancient city Anuradhapura. With two nights in the nearby town of Sigiriya, you'll have time to visit Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree on earth, and climb 1,200 steps to Sigiriya Rock Fortress before continuing to Kandy for a day of wandering pristine gardens.
Refreshed, you'll board a train for a scenic journey through lush tea terraces to the town of Nuwara Eliya. See for yourself the World's End in Horton Plains National Park and strike up an appetite working alongside locals at a historic tea plantation; then, it's time to transfer to Yala National Park. Over two days, sink into the pace of nature as you watch elephants, leopards, and aquatic birds on safaris and listen to their chatter from your lodge. Next, spend your last three nights in Sri Lanka in Hikkaduwa, famous for its golden sand beaches, before catching your flight home from Colombo. Learn more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #3: Nature & Serenity in Sri Lanka
Split your time between the beach and Sri Lanka's fascinating interior on this 13-day itinerary, perfect for those looking to soak up the country's nature and laid-back culture. Complete with wildlife safaris, visits to ancient fortresses, and a hike to World's End, each day promises striking scenery and impressive relics dating to 495 CE.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo | Negombo |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, Visit a Tea Plantation | Nuwara Eliya |
| Day 3 | Horton Plains National Park Hike | Nuwara Eliya |
| Day 4 | Scenic Train to Kandy, City Tour | Kandy |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Pasikudah, Optional Activities | Pasikudah |
| Day 6-7 | Free Day in Pasikudah | Pasikudah |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Sigiriya, Tour Polonnaruwa | Sigiriya |
| Day 9 | Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress | Sigiriya |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Anuradhapura, Tour the Ancient City | Anuradhapura |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Wilpattu, Afternoon Safari | Wilpattu |
| Day 12 | Wilpattu Wildlife Safari | Wilpattu |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Your Sri Lanka trip begins with a short drive to the laid-back beach town of Negombo, where you'll have an evening to unwind before another transfer brings you to the highland town of Nuwara Eliya the following morning. Take a deep dive into the process of tea making, then switch gears and spend a day in Horton Plains National Park hiking to the World's End. Next, tick off one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world on a train ride to Kandy to see the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sri Dalada Maligwa ("Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic"). After, continue to Pasikudah and enjoy three uninterrupted beach days.
Ready for more adventure, you'll begin the second half of your trip with a transfer to the famous fortress of Sigiriya. After a day of wandering through 1,600-year-old relics, you'll continue your journey back in time with a trip to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to the oldest tree on earth and intricate ancient Buddhist shrines. With two nights left in Sri Lanka, head west to Wilpattu National Park and embark on safaris in search of sloth bears, spotted deer, elephants, and other exotic animals. Before you know it, it'll be time to catch your flight home from Colombo. Learn more
More Great 13-Day Sri Lanka Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other 13-day Sri Lanka itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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