Sri Lanka Explorer Tour
Ancient Cities, Hill Country Wonders & Southern Beaches
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
Explore the best of Sri Lanka in 14 days. This tour features ancient cities, cultural landmarks, tea estates, epic train rides, and sun-kissed southern beaches. A perfect journey for those seeking heritage, adventure, and relaxation.
What's included
Destination
Bentota , Colombo , Ella , Kandy , Mirissa , Negombo , Nuwara Eliya , Sigiriya , Trincomalee , Unawatuna , Yala Discover Destinations
Price includes
- Bottled Water
- Hotel accommodations with breakfast
- Jeep Safaris
- Private driver/guide with air-conditioned vehicle
- Train Ride
Price does not include
- Entrance tickets
- Lunches/dinners
- optional-activities
This 14-day journey through Sri Lanka takes you across the island’s most iconic destinations. Begin in coastal Negombo, then head to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the cultural richness of Trincomalee. Witness sacred rituals in Kandy, stroll through tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, and take the world-famous scenic train to Ella. Discover wildlife in Yala National Park, relax in Mirissa, and explore the coastal colonial charm of Unawatuna, Galle, and Bentota. End your journey with a glimpse of Colombo’s vibrant streets.
Best Travel Season: November to April for coastal experiences. Year-round for cultural and hill country destinations.
Ideal For: Couples, small groups, and families who want a cultural and nature-filled escape in Sri Lanka.
Route: Negombo → Sigiriya → Trincomalee → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Mirissa → Unawatuna → Bentota → Colombo
- Tour Timeline
Tour Timeline
Day 1
Arrival in Negombo
- Meet & greet at the airport. Transfer to Negombo hotel.
- Optional: Lagoon boat ride or visit the Dutch Canal.
Overnight Stay: Negombo
Day 2
Negombo → Sigiriya
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple en route.
- Explore Sigiriya Village with traditional lunch and a bullock cart ride.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 3
Sigiriya Rock & Safari
- Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 4
Sigiriya → Trincomalee
- Drive to the east coast. Relax at Nilaveli Beach.
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
Day 5
Explore Trincomalee
- Visit Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick.
- Optional: Snorkeling at Pigeon Island.
Overnight Stay: Trincomalee
Day 6
Trincomalee → Kandy
- Travel via scenic Matale.
- Visit Spice Garden & Hindu Temple.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Day 7
Explore Kandy
- Visit Temple of the Tooth and Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Evening cultural dance performance.
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Day 8
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
- Stop at Ramboda Falls and a tea plantation.
- Explore Gregory Lake.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Day 9
Train to Ella
- Take the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella.
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge and chill at local cafes.
Overnight Stay: Ella
Day 10
Ella → Yala
- Hike Little Adam’s Peak, see Ravana Falls.
- Transfer to Yala. Evening leisure.
Overnight Stay: Yala
Day 11
Yala Safari & Coastline Drive
- Early jeep safari at Yala National Park.
- Drive along southern coast to Mirissa.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa
Day 12
Mirissa → Unawatuna
- Whale watching trip (seasonal).
- Visit Coconut Tree Hill. Transfer to Unawatuna.
Overnight Stay: Unawatuna
Day 13
Unawatuna → Bentota
- Visit Galle Dutch Fort and turtle hatchery.
- Boat safari in Madu River en route to Bentota.
Overnight Stay: Bentota
Day 14
Bentota → Colombo & Departure
- Morning beach time or optional watersports.
- Transfer to Colombo, short city tour if time permits.
Drop-off at airport.
More about Bentota Discover Bentota
Bentota is a resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Its long Bentota Beach stretches north, where it becomes a sandy strip known as Paradise Island, parallel to Bentota Lagoon. Coral-rich dive sites include Canoe Rock. On Bentota River, centuries-old Galapota Temple has a large Buddha statue. Southeast is Lunuganga, the estate and gardens of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Northeast is his brother Bevis's Brief Garden
More about Colombo Discover Colombo
Colombo is the executive and judicial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. The Colombo metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 within the municipal limits. It is the financial centre of the island and a tourist destination.
More about Ella Discover Ella
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 200 kilometres east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres above sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna.
More about Kandy
Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession.
More about Mirissa Discover Mirissa
Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in the Matara District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 150 kilometres south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 4 metres above sea level. Mirissa's beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination.
More about Negombo Discover Negombo
Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital, Colombo. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.
More about Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens displays roses and tree ferns, and shelters monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu shrine, is decorated with religious figures. Densely forested Galway's Land National Park is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory bird species, including bulbuls and flycatchers.
More about Sigiriya
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately 180 m high.
More about Trincomalee Discover Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Set on a peninsula, Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Within its grounds, the grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching. The holy complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva. Nearby Gokanna Temple has panoramic views over the city and the coastline.
More about Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a town in southern Sri Lanka. It’s known for its coral reef and its palm-lined beaches, like Unawatuna Beach. Nestled in nearby jungle, the Japanese Peace Pagoda has a stupa with ocean views. The Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery south of town protects endangered species. North across the bay is the city of Galle’s fortified old town, founded by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.
More about Yala Discover Yala
Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.
