Two weeks, the whole island
Two weeks to see Sri Lanka properly: both great ancient capitals, Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country, a Yala safari, quiet southern beaches and Galle Fort.
With fourteen days you can explore Sri Lanka in depth without long days on the road. This itinerary adds Anuradhapura — the island’s first great capital and a living pilgrimage site — to the classic Cultural Triangle, then spends two nights in Ella for hiking and a proper beach break on the quiet deep-south coast before ending in historic Galle.
It suits travellers who like variety and want time to absorb each place. Every day is flexible: hotels, pace and optional activities are chosen around you.
Negombo – Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala – Tangalle – Galle
Airport welcome and transfer to Negombo. Rest, or take a late-afternoon lagoon boat ride through the mangroves.
Drive north to Anuradhapura. In the late afternoon, visit Ruwanwelisaya and the Sri Maha Bodhi as white-clad pilgrims gather for evening offerings.
Explore the great stupas and monastery ruins by bicycle or car in the morning, optionally climbing Mihintale, where Buddhism is traditionally said to have been introduced. Continue to Sigiriya.
Climb Sigiriya early, then spend the afternoon at the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa and the rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, then travel to Kandy for the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth.
The Royal Botanical Gardens in the morning; the afternoon free for the market, a cultural show or a cooking class.
Climb into the hills with a tea factory visit and tasting on the way to Nuwara Eliya.
Optionally rise before dawn for Horton Plains and World’s End, then take the afternoon train to Ella — or take the morning train and arrive in time for lunch.
A full day for walks: Little Adam’s Peak at sunrise, the Nine Arch Bridge, and Ella Rock for keen hikers with a local guide. Afternoon at leisure.
Descend to the lowlands for an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park, looking for leopards, elephants and sloth bears.
An optional second, early-morning safari — animals are often most active at dawn — then drive to Tangalle for quiet beaches.
A free day by the sea. In the evening, an optional visit to the Rekawa turtle-nesting beach with a community conservation project (in season).
Drive west along the coast, perhaps via Mirissa, to Galle. Explore the fort’s streets and walk the ramparts at sunset.
Transfer to the airport by the Southern Expressway, timed to your flight.
We suggest hotels at the level you choose — good-value, comfortable, boutique or premium — and explain why each one suits the route. You can swap any hotel before anything is booked.
You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle sized for your group and luggage, with the same driver or chauffeur guide throughout. Licensed site guides can be added at major heritage sites.
Designed for December to April. From May to September, we route to the east coast for the beach section.
Availability depends on season and your dates — we confirm before adding anything. Tick the ones you like in the form below.
Ella is the heart of tea country and the classic hill-country railway.
Kandy – Nanu Oya – Ella · 3 – 7 hours depending on section
Ella · 2 – 3 hours
Hill country · 1 – 2 hours
The Cultural Triangle pairs ancient sites with village life and elephant country.
Sigiriya area · 3 – 4 hours
Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park · About 3 hours
Sigiriya · 2 hours
For most first-time visitors, 12–16 days is ideal: enough to see the Cultural Triangle, hill country, a national park and the coast without rushing.
Yes. We can replace it with an extra night in Sigiriya or on the beach.
On private tours you normally keep the same driver or chauffeur guide for the whole trip.
Adjust anything below, or just tell us your dates. A consultant replies personally — this is not a booking and nothing is charged.
Updated . Travel conditions change — we confirm details when we plan your trip.
10 days · Culture, hills, safari & beach
Ten days that add breathing space and a beach finish to the classic route: two nights each in Sigiriya and Kandy, the tea country train, a Yala safari and the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
15 days · Relaxed pace, long beach stay
A relaxed fifteen-day journey with three nights in the Cultural Triangle, two in Kandy and Ella, an elephant safari and three unhurried nights on the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
10 days · Golden hours and great light
A route planned around light: Pidurangala at sunrise, tea pickers in morning mist, the Nine Arch Bridge, Yala at dawn and Galle at dusk.
Private tour · price on request
Day tours that fit around this itinerary.
Half day · from Negombo
A relaxed half day near the airport: a lagoon boat ride through mangroves, the fish market, the Dutch canal and St Mary’s Church.
Half day · from Negombo
An early-morning look at Negombo’s fishing life: boats coming in, the auction, and a traditional outrigger on the lagoon.
Full day · from Colombo
A full-day trip from Colombo on the Southern Expressway to walk Galle Fort’s ramparts and enjoy a south-coast beach.
Half day · from Kandy
Kandy’s highlights in a half day: the Temple of the Tooth, the lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and a cultural show.
