14 Days • 13 Nights
Grand Sri Lanka: The Complete Island
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock, explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, visit Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, ride the scenic train through the tea country to Ella, track leopards in Yala, wander the Dutch fort of Galle, and unwind on the south coast. Elephants, waterfalls, spice gardens and rice-and-curry feasts thread it all together.
With comfortable hotels, a private driver-guide and all experiences arranged, it is Sri Lanka in full — an unforgettable island journey.
Trip Highlights
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla caves
- The ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa
- Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth
- The scenic hill-country train to Ella
- A leopard safari in Yala National Park
- The historic Dutch fort of Galle
- The golden beaches of the south coast
- The complete island in one journey
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 14-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Sigiriya, settling in with a welcome dinner.
Climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock and the golden cave temples of Dambulla.
Explore the ancient ruined city of Polonnaruwa by bike or car, then an afternoon jeep safari at Minneriya for wild elephants.
Travel to Kandy via a spice garden, with an evening Kandyan cultural dance show.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Ride the beautiful hill-country train through the tea estates to Ella.
Explore Ella — the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak and the Ravana Falls, with a tea estate.
Descend to Yala National Park, settling into a safari lodge with an afternoon leopard safari.
A full day of game drives in Yala, home to one of the world's highest leopard densities, with elephants, crocodiles and birds.
Travel west along the coast to the historic port of Galle, settling in near its atmospheric Dutch fort.
Wander the ramparts and colonial streets of the Galle Fort, with an afternoon on the nearby beaches.
Travel to your south-coast beach resort, with a whale-watching trip off Mirissa (in season) or a stilt-fishermen visit.
A final relaxed beach day, with a farewell seafood dinner.
Travel to Colombo airport for your onward flight, with a final breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 3N Sigiriya, 2N Kandy, 2N Ella, 2N Yala safari lodge, 2N Galle, 2N south coast
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board at the Yala safari lodge
- Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and a Minneriya elephant safari
- Kandy's Tooth Temple and the scenic train to Ella
- A Yala leopard safari and the historic Galle Fort
- South-coast beach time and a whale-watching option
- All entrance and park fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Is fourteen days too much for Sri Lanka?
Not at all — the island is compact but astonishingly varied, and fourteen days lets you experience its ancient cities, tea hills, a wildlife safari and the southern beaches without rushing the winding roads.
Does this cover everything?
It covers the complete classic island — the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, the tea country, a leopard safari and the south coast — the most comprehensive single Sri Lanka journey we offer.
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