13-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary
Heritage, Hills & Wild Safaris (13 Days) -13-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary – Experience the perfect blend of Sri Lanka’s ancient history and tropical beauty. From climbing the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock and sipping tea in Nuwara Eliya to spotting leopards in Yala and relaxing on the golden beaches of Mirissa—this tour covers it all.
Contact us for more
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival, we proceed to the cultural heart of the island. Your journey begins with an authentic immersion into rural Sri Lankan life.
- Habarana Village Tour: Experience the rhythm of the village with a traditional bullock cart ride and a scenic catamaran boat ride across the lake.
- Cultural Demonstrations: Witness the crafting of traditional hats and necklaces from nature and visit a local paddy field, treehouse, and vegetable garden.
- Cooking Session: Enjoy a hands-on demonstration of traditional roofing (using coconut leaves) and rice processing (using the Kulla and Mirisgala).
- Lunch: Savor a legitimate village-style lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients.
- Tuk-Tuk Ride: A fun ride back to the main road to conclude the village tour.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: Visit the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Dive deep into history with two of Sri Lanka’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Sigiriya Lion Rock: Climb the ancient rock fortress, famous for its frescoes and the Lion’s Paws entrance.
- Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom: Explore the ruins of the second capital of Sri Lanka, featuring royal palaces and the Gal Vihara statues.
- Sightseeing: Enjoy scenic views of Minneriya National Park and the serene Kandalama Lake.
Optional Activities:
- Minneriya/Habarana Safari: Witness the famous “Gathering” of wild elephants in their natural habitat.
Today we travel to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, stopping at key cultural attractions along the way.
- Spice Garden (Mawanella): Learn about Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices and their medicinal uses.
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Observe the gentle giants bathing in the river and being fed.
- Gem Museum: Discover the history of Sri Lanka’s gem industry.
- Kandy City Tour: Explore the bustling streets, lake round, and market area.
- Cultural Dance Show: Witness a vibrant performance of traditional Kandyan drumming and dancing.
We ascend to the cool climes of the central highlands, surrounded by rolling tea estates and waterfalls.
- Tea Plantation & Factory: Visit a working tea factory (Labookellie) to see how Ceylon Tea is made and enjoy a fresh cup.
- Ramboda Waterfall: View one of the island’s most beautiful cascades.
- Ambuluwawa Tower: A multi-religious centre with a spiral tower offering 360-degree panoramic views.
- Ambewela Farm: Visit “Little New Zealand” to see the dairy farms and grazing cattle.
- Strawberry Farm: Taste fresh strawberries and cream.
- Nature Sites: Visit Bomuru Ella waterfall and relax by Gregory Lake.
Optional Activities:
- Haggala Botanical Gardens
- Horton Plains Trekking (World’s End)
- Seetha Amman Temple & Hanuman Temple
Head to the backpacker’s paradise of Ella, famous for its breathtaking views and laid-back atmosphere.
- Sightseeing in Ella: Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
- Little Adam’s Peak: A relatively easy hike offering spectacular views of the Ella Gap.
- Nine Arch Bridge: Visit the architectural marvel and wait for the iconic train to pass over the bridge.
- Relaxation: Unwind in Ella town or at your hotel.
Optional Activities:
- Ravana Pool Club
- Flying Ravana Zipline Adventure
- Iconic Train Ride (Nanu Oya to Ella)
- Ravana Cave exploration or Ella Rock hiking
Ravana Waterfall: A quick stop at this popular roadside waterfall.
Wellawaya Sightseeing: View beautiful paddy fields and rural landscapes.
Yala National Park Safari: Embark on a jeep safari to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Tissa Lake: Relax by the scenic reservoir in Tissamaharama.
Travel along the southern coast to enjoy Sri Lanka’s golden beaches and colonial heritage.
- Beach Hopping: Visit the pristine beaches of Mirissa, Weligama, Hikkaduwa, and Bentota.
- Stilt Fishing: witness the traditional fishing method unique to the southern coast.
- Galle Dutch Fort: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, walking along the ramparts and cobblestone streets.
- Turtle Hatchery (Kosgoda): See conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles.
Optional Activities:
- Whale Watching (Mirissa)
- Scuba Diving or Snorkeling (Hikkaduwa/Mirissa)
- Water Sports (Bentota – Jet ski, banana boat, etc.)
We make our way to the bustling capital city, mixing nature with urban exploration.
- Madu River Safari: A boat ride through the mangroves in Balapitiya/Bentota.
- Galle Face Green: A seaside urban park in the heart of Colombo.
- Colombo Port City: Visit the newly developed artificial island.
- Shopping: Visit top shopping precincts in Colombo.
- Colombo City Tour: A guided tour through the city’s landmarks.
Optional Activities:
- Lotus Tower Observation Deck
- Colombo National Museum
- Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque)
- St. Anthony’s Shrine (Kochchikade)
Relaxation: Enjoy your final morning in Colombo.
Departure: Transfer to the airport for your flight back home, carrying memories to last a lifetime.
