Sri Lanka14 days
Sri Lanka: Ancient Capitals, Mountain Trains & Coastal Backwaters — 14 Days
Wilpattu leopard safari, Sigiriya rock fortress, Kandy temple, and scenic rail journey through the central highlands
This 14-day itinerary traces Sri Lanka's major archaeological and natural sites across four distinct regions. The route begins in Colombo, moves north to Wilpattu National Park for a two-night wildlife camp focused on leopard sightings, then swings eastward through the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya before turning south toward the central highlands. A scenic narrow-gauge train carries travellers from Kandy to Nanu Oya, passing terraced slopes and colonial-era stations. The final leg moves west to the Bentota coast, where the itinerary concludes with a kayak tour through backwater wildlife and beach time. Accommodation ranges from a dedicated wildlife camp to heritage properties and coastal resort stays, with all transfers guided and park entrance fees included.
Highlights
- Leopard safari at Wilpattu National Park during early morning and evening game drives
- Archaeological exploration of Anuradhapura, an UNESCO world heritage site and ancient capital of Sri Lanka
- Climb to the summit of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, site of King Kassapa's palace and pleasure gardens
- Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO site with Buddhist cave paintings
- Orchid collections at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden near the Mahaweli River
- Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy, housed in the city's central sacred shrine
- Scenic narrow-gauge train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya through terraced highlands
- Four-hour nature trail through Horton Plains National Park ending at World's End viewpoint and Baker's Waterfall
- Sea turtle hatchery visit at Bentota
- Traditional outrigger kayak tour through Bentota backwaters and mangrove systems
Day by day
1Arrival in ColomboColombo International Airport · Lake Colombo hotel
Arrival at Colombo International Airport with meet-and-greet service. Transfer to the capital city takes approximately one hour. Check-in at Lake Colombo hotel for overnight stay.
2Transfer to Wilpattu National Park & First Game DriveWilpattu National Park · safari camp
Five-hour road transfer north to Wilpattu National Park. Crew meet at the park entrance at midday; transfer to the wildlife camp within the park. Lunch at camp, followed by an evening game drive. Overnight stay at the safari camp with all meals included.
3Wilpattu Full-Day SafariWilpattu · camp
Early morning game drive, returning to camp for breakfast. Afternoon and evening at leisure within the campsite. Second evening game drive followed by dinner and overnight stay at camp.
4Wilpattu Checkout & Travel to Anuradhapurawildlife camp · Ulagalla Resort · wildlife camp to Anuradhapura
Final morning game drive before breakfast and checkout from the wildlife camp. Two-hour transfer south to Anuradhapura. Overnight stay at Ulagalla Resort.
5Ancient AnuradhapuraAnuradhapura · Ulagalla Resort
Full day exploring Anuradhapura, a UNESCO world heritage site and the most significant ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The site preserves extensive ruins of Buddhist and royal architecture from the ancient kingdoms, including stupas, temples, and palace grounds spanning centuries of settlement. Overnight stay at Ulagalla Resort.
6Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave TempleSigiriya Rock Fortress · Dambulla Cave Temple · Ellerton in Kandy
Four-hour overland transfer toward Kandy with stops at two major sites. First, ascent of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO site and the palace-fortress of King Kassapa featuring reconstructed gardens and ruined royal chambers at the summit. En route, visit to Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site dating from the third and second centuries BC. Overnight stay at Ellerton in Kandy.
7Kandy: Botanical Garden & Sacred TemplePeradeniya Royal Botanical Garden · Temple of Tooth Relic · Ellerton
Morning visit to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, set near the Mahaweli River and noted for its orchid collection and specimen trees. Afternoon visit to the Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy's city centre, a principal Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka. Overnight stay at Ellerton in Kandy.
8Scenic Train Journey to Nuwara EliyaKandy · terraced highlands, colonial-era stations, and mountain terrain · Nanu Oya station · Heritance Tea Factory
Departure from Kandy at 8:55 AM aboard a passenger train bound for Nanu Oya. The route traverses terraced highlands, colonial-era stations, and mountain terrain over several hours. Driver pickup at Nanu Oya station and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. Overnight stay at Heritance Tea Factory.
9Horton Plains National Park Nature TrailHorton Plains National Park · Heritance Tea Factory
Nature trail in Horton Plains National Park to World's End viewpoint and Baker's Waterfall. Trail passes through alpine terrain to reach World's End, a cliff edge viewpoint, and Baker's Waterfall. Overnight stay at Heritance Tea Factory.
10Transfer to Bentota CoastThe Villa Bentota · highlands to Bentota
Six-hour road transfer west from the highlands to the coast, arriving at Bentota. Overnight stay at The Villa Bentota.
11Bentota Sea Turtle HatcheryThe Villa Bentota · Bentota sea turtle hatchery facility
Visit to a sea turtle hatchery facility at Bentota where conservation and breeding programs operate. Overnight stay at The Villa Bentota.
12Bentota Backwater Kayak TourBentota · The Villa Bentota
Two-hour traditional outrigger kayak tour departing at 4:30 PM. The paddle visits shallow lagoons, mangrove stands, and narrow waterways around Bentota, with opportunities to observe water birds and local wildlife. The route is accessible to paddlers of all skill levels. Overnight stay at The Villa Bentota.
13Rest Day at BentotaBentota · The Villa Bentota
Full day at leisure on the beach. Overnight stay at The Villa Bentota.
14Departurehotel · hotel to Colombo International Airport
Breakfast at hotel, followed by approximately two-hour road transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Anuradhapura
- 2Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- 3Dambulla Cave Temple
- 4Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden
- 5Kandy
- 6Horton Plains National Park
- 7Bentota
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 1 night at lake Colombo on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 nights Wilpattu camping on all inclusive basis
- 2 nights at Ulagalla Resort in Anuradhapura on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 nights at Ellerton in Kandy on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 nights at Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya on bed and breakfast basis
- 4 night at The Villa Bentota on bed and breakfast basis