Sri Lanka14 days
Sri Lanka: Ancient Cities, Tea Highlands & Wildlife — 14 Days
Colombo to Tangalle via Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, and Yala National Park with tea estate visits and coastal relaxation
This 14-day itinerary moves through Sri Lanka's primary geographic and historical regions: the northwestern archaeological zone centered on Anuradhapura, the central highlands around Nuwara Eliya where tea cultivation dominates the landscape, the high-altitude plateau of Horton Plains, and the southern wildlife reserve and coast. The route includes stays ranging from 1 to 4 nights per location. Accommodation includes colonial-era properties in the hill country and resort facilities near wildlife parks and beaches. The itinerary combines guided visits to ancient Buddhist sites, walking excursions through highland terrain, structured wildlife game drives, and unscheduled rest periods at each base. Transport, meals (as specified), activities, and park entrance fees are included throughout.
Highlights
- Visit Anuradhapura, ancient royal capital from 380 BC to 1000 AD, with dagobas, temple ruins, and the sacred Bo-tree grown from a sapling linked to Buddha's enlightenment
- Tea plantation and factory visits during the 5-hour transfer through Nuwara Eliya's cultivated highlands
- Trek through Horton Plains National Park to World's End and Baker's Fall.
- Two-day game drive program in Yala National Park for wildlife sighting including Asian elephant, sloth bear, leopard, and wild buffalo at seasonal water reserves
- Guided estate walk at Ulagalla around the Wannemaduwa irrigation reservoir, a traditional tank system.
- Beach relaxation and night visit to Rekawa beach to observe sea turtles nesting (seasonal occurrence)
Day by day
1Arrival at Colombo International Airport & Transfer to MinuwangodaColombo International Airport · Minuwangoda · The Walawwa
Meet representatives at Colombo International Airport's arrival lounge. The 15-minute transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle moves south to Minuwangoda, where the first night is spent at The Walawwa. Check-in and rest at the property.
2Transfer to AnuradhapuraAnuradhapura · Ulagalla Resort
Transfer to Anuradhapura by private transfer. Arrive and settle at Ulagalla Resort, the base for the next three nights.
3Anuradhapura Ancient CityAnuradhapura · Thuparama Bo-tree shrine · Ulagalla Resort
Guided visit to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient royal capital established by King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC. The city served as the residence and administrative center for 119 successive Sinhalese kings until 1000 AD, when the capital transferred to Polonnaruwa. The site contains multiple substantial dagobas (Buddhist shrines), remains of royal palaces, temple structures, monasteries, ceremonial bath complexes, and the sacred Thuparama Bo-tree shrine. The Bo-tree itself is cultivated from a sapling taken from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. Return to Ulagalla Resort.
4Ulagalla Estate & Village WalkUlagalla Resort · Wannemaduwa tank · Ulagalla Resort estate and surrounding village area
Morning and afternoon at leisure at Ulagalla Resort. In the late afternoon, take a guided 90-minute walking tour of the resort estate and surrounding village area. The walk follows the banks of the Wannemaduwa tank, a traditional irrigation reservoir constructed to designs over 2,000 years old. Return to the resort for the evening.
5Transfer to Nuwara Eliya with Tea Estate & Factory VisitAnuradhapura · tea plantations and processing facilities · Jetwing Warwick Garden
Depart Anuradhapura for Nuwara Eliya, a 5-hour drive southward through the central highlands. En route, stop at tea plantations and processing facilities to observe cultivation and manufacturing methods. Arrive at Jetwing Warwick Garden, the base for the next three nights.
6Horton Plains National Park Trek to World's End & Baker's FallHorton Plains National Park · World's End · Baker's Fall · Jetwing Warwick Garden
Transfer midday to Horton Plains National Park, located near Nuwara Eliya. Horton Plains (Mahaeliya Tenna in Sinhalese) is an open grassland plateau in Sri Lanka's central highlands, historically discovered by Colonial British officials including Governor Barnes and Sir Samuel Baker. The plateau now supports endemic flora, elk, stag, and numerous butterfly species; elephant populations recorded during the colonial period are no longer present. Trek to World's End, a dramatic cliff edge with views across the western escarpment, and to Baker's Fall, a waterfall descending from the plains. The walk covers varied terrain across open highland grassland. Return to the base camp at sunset with light refreshments. Return to Jetwing Warwick Garden.
7Leisure Day at Nuwara Eliya
Full day at leisure at Jetwing Warwick Garden. No scheduled activities or transfers.
8Transfer to Yala National Park & First Game DriveYala National Park · Nuwara Eliya · Yala Junction · Ruhunu Safari Camping
Depart Nuwara Eliya for Yala National Park, a 4-hour drive southeastward. Meet crew at Yala Junction at midday and transfer into the park to Ruhunu Safari Camping. The reserve spans multiple zones and is managed for wildlife sighting across seasonal water sources including Butuwe, Mahaseelawa, and Uraniya reservoirs. Primary wildlife species include Asian elephant (visible at dry-season water points), sloth bear (solitary, nocturnal, and seasonally sighted), leopard (elusive and rarely encountered), and wild buffalo. Secondary fauna include mugger crocodile and saltwater crocodile. Arrive at camp, take lunch, and depart on the first game drive in the late afternoon. Return for dinner.
9Yala National Park: Full Day with Two Game DrivesYala National Park · camp
Early morning game drive from camp. Return for breakfast. Remain at camp during midday hours. Depart on second game drive in the late afternoon. Return for dinner.
10Yala Game Drive & Transfer to TangalleYala · Yala to Tangalle
Early morning game drive, then breakfast at camp. Two-hour transfer south to Tangalle.
11Tangalle Beach: First DayAmanwella Tangalle
Full day at Amanwella Tangalle. Rest and beach time available.
12Tangalle Beach with Evening Turtle Nesting VisitAmanwella Tangalle · Rekawa Beach · Amanwella Tangalle to Rekawa Beach · Rekawa Beach to Amanwella Tangalle
Full day at Amanwella Tangalle. In the evening at approximately 8 PM, take a 30-minute transfer to Rekawa Beach to observe sea turtle nesting, a seasonal activity when adult turtles return to shore to lay eggs. Return to Amanwella Tangalle.
13Amanwella Tangalle: Sunset Dinner by the BeachAmanwella Tangalle · the beach · the secluded shoreline
Begin with breakfast at the hotel before a full day of relaxation by the beach. As evening arrives, settle into a candlelit dinner under the stars on the secluded shoreline, where a waiter serves your meal at an intimate table. Champagne accompanies the occasion. Overnight at Amanwella Tangalle.
14Transfer to Colombo for Departurethe hotel · the hotel to Colombo International Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Anuradhapura
- 2Horton Plains National Park
- 3Yala National Park
- 4Nuwara Eliya
- 5Yala National Park
- 6Yala
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 in Garden Suite at The Walawwa on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Ulagalla Villa at Ulagalla Anuradhapura on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in White Room at Jetwing Warwick Garden on Half Board Basis
- 2 nights in Premium tent at Ruhunu Safari Camping on all inclusive basis
- 4 nights in Ocean Suite at Amanwella Tangalle on Half Board Basis