Sri Lanka Surprising Diversity
Overview
The longest route on offer, and the most complete: ancient cities, hill-country tea estates, three national park safaris, a rainforest reserve, and beach time on the south coast at Mirissa, Galle and Hikkaduwa.
Gallery
Highlights
- Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Mihintale
- Sigiriya, Dambulla and Galle Fort
- Minneriya, Udawalawe and Yala safaris
- Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge and Diyaluma Falls
- Tea plucking in Nuwara Eliya and snorkelling in Hikkaduwa
Included & excluded
- Accommodation, 3–4 star hotels or similar, half-board basis
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- Assistance of a chauffeur guide
- Government taxes
- 1 litre bottled water per person per day
- Minneriya, Udawalawe & Yala safaris, plus a Sinharaja walk
- Entrance fees to sights in Sri Lanka
- Airfare and visa fees
- Early check-in / late checkout charges
- Tips and porterage
- Lunch and any other meals not mentioned
Day by day
Arrival — Anuradhapura
Begin in Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals — Mihintale, the Ritigala Forest Monastery, the Twin Baths and the Ruwanweliseya stupa.
Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa
Explore the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa.
Sigiriya → Minneriya
Climb Sigiriya rock fortress, then an afternoon safari at Minneriya.
Sigiriya → Kandy
Continue to Kandy, set around its highland lake.
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Drive up through tea plantations, with a stop at a working tea factory.
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Continue to Ella, with hikes to Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge.
Ella → Udawalawe National Park
A jeep safari at Udawalawe, known for its elephant population.
Udawalawe → Yala
Continue to Yala for a safari in search of leopards and more.
Yala → Mirissa
Head to the south-coast beach town of Mirissa.
Mirissa → Sinharaja Rain Forest
A walk through the Sinharaja rainforest reserve.
Sinharaja → Galle
Continue to Galle's fortified old town.
Galle → Hikkaduwa
A short hop to Hikkaduwa, known for its coral reefs and sea turtles.
Hikkaduwa → Colombo
Travel to Colombo for your final nights.
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Map
Frequently asked questions
Is this your most complete itinerary?
It's our longest standard route and covers ancient cities, hill country, three national parks, a rainforest reserve and three coastal towns — about as complete a first circuit of the island as a single trip offers.
Can we shorten this if 15 days is too long?
Yes, it's built to be trimmed — dropping one coastal stop or one safari is a common adjustment that brings it down to 10–12 days.
Is the pace exhausting over two weeks?
It's steady rather than rushed — most stops get 1–2 nights, so it's a lot of ground covered but not back-to-back travel days throughout.