Highlights of Sri Lanka - 15 Days

On arrival in Colombo, we're met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city. After time to settle in, we gather for a tour briefing.

We set out to explore Colombo’s key sights, from the old Fort district to colourful Tamil kovils and the lakeside Gangaramaya Temple. A guided walk through the bustling Pettah street market rounds off the morning, with the afternoon free to relax or explore further.

Leaving Colombo, we head north, stopping in Negombo to visit its lively fish market. Along the way, we may spot toddy tappers harvesting palm sap for local brew. We arrive in Anuradhapura and have the evening at leisure.

This morning, we visit Mihintale, the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism, and climb to its hilltop temples for panoramic views. In the afternoon, we tour the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura, including the monumental Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, where we’ll witness evening prayers.

We travel to a rural village near Habarana for a simple lunch and insight into local life. Then it’s on to the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, where we explore the Royal Palace complex and remarkable Buddha statues. We continue to Sigiriya for dinner and a two-night stay.

We visit the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya, with time to admire the ancient frescoes and, for those who wish, climb to the summit. After a relaxed morning, we take an afternoon trip to Ritigala, a forest monastery steeped in mystery, followed by dinner.

We begin the day at the Dambulla cave temples, renowned for their vivid murals and statues. A stop at a spice garden offers a sensory experience before we continue on to Kandy, where we stay for two nights.

An early start takes us to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, followed by breakfast and a guided city tour. Later, we stroll through the beautifully kept Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. This evening, we enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and dinner.

We board a scenic train to the highland town of Nuwara Eliya, once a colonial hill station. On arrival, we visit a working tea estate and take a short tour of the town.

Descending into the southern lowlands, we stop in Ella for a gentle walk to Little Adam’s Peak and a view of Ravana Falls. In the afternoon, we arrive in Tissa, our base for exploring Yala National Park.

We set off on early morning and late afternoon safaris in Yala, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, home to elephants, sloth bears and the elusive leopard. The rest of the day is free to unwind.

We travel towards the coast, pausing at Mulkirigala to explore its rock temples and murals. Arriving in Mirissa, we enjoy lunch and a free afternoon to relax by the sea.

We take a morning cruise in search of Blue whales (September–April), or join an alternative local activity if travelling outside whale season. After lunch, we explore the historic streets of Galle Fort before continuing to Hikkaduwa.

Enjoy a free morning before visiting a local turtle hatchery focused on conservation. This evening, we return to Galle Fort for a farewell dinner together.

After breakfast, we transfer to Colombo for our onward flights.