Sri Lanka14 days
Sri Lanka by Rail, Safari & Shore — 14 Days
Sigiriya, Kandy, Yala National Park and the southern coast with daily guided transfers and wellness experiences
Sri Lanka over 14 days moves through three distinct geographies—the cultural triangle of central highlands, the wildlife zone of the southeast, and the coastal belt—connected by private transport and one notable train journey. The itinerary anchors in Sigiriya's rock fortress and Kandy's temple district, descends into the hill country by rail to Haputale, then sweeps south through Yala National Park and the turtle beaches of Tangalle before concluding on the western shore. Accommodation throughout consists of mid-range to upper-mid-range hotels and a tented camp. An English-speaking driver-guide remains with the group for the full duration, handling all transfers, entrance fees, and daily logistics. The rhythm is deliberate—some days include structured site visits, others are built around wellness facilities or unscheduled time at the hotel. Breakfasts are included daily; lunches and dinners are not.
Highlights
- Sigiriya's Lion's Rock: ascent with panoramic views
- Dambulla Cave Temple: 13th-century Buddhist rock carvings and gilded statuary across five chambers
- Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy: the principal Buddhist shrine of Sri Lanka, set on the edge of an artificial lake
- Train journey from Kandy to Nanuoya: a railway through the hill region
- Yala National Park wildlife safari: leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, and endemic bird species across open and dense scrubland
- Haputale hill station: a former British-era settlement in the central highlands with cooler temperatures and tea estates
- Tangalle beach: nesting grounds for loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles, accessible November to March
- Galle Fort: a coastal fortress with ramparts and settlement
Day by day
1Arrival in ColomboColombo · Bandaranaike International Airport · accommodation in or near Colombo
A Horizon Voyages representative meets visitors at Bandaranaike International Airport and escorts them by private vehicle to their accommodation in or near Colombo. The drive takes you to Sigiriya. Check-in is available from noon; early arrival guests may request assistance. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing recovery from travel.
2Colombo to Sigiriya's Lion's RockSigiriya's Lion's Rock
A four-hour drive north through farmland brings you to Sigiriya. The volcanic outcrop of Lion's Rock is crowned with a royal palace. You'll visit the well-known site with a guided ascent, taking in its history and sweeping views before settling into your hotel.
3Leisure Day in SigiriyaSigiriya rock · surrounding area · hotel
The day is left unstructured, allowing guests to choose between returning to Sigiriya rock for a second visit, joining an optional jeep safari in the surrounding area to view wild elephants and other wildlife, or remaining at the hotel to use its facilities and amenities.
4Sigiriya to Kandy via Dambulla Cave TempleKandy · Dambulla Cave Temple
Travel westbound to Kandy, stopping at the 13th-century Dambulla Cave Temple with its five rock-carved chambers and Buddhist statuary. Settle into your lakeside resort, surrounded by Kandy's serene natural beauty.
5Kandy: Wellness and Cultural HighlightsKandy · the resort · Temple of the Tooth Relic · Royal Botanical Garden
Morning wellness includes Ayurveda therapy at the resort. Afternoon visits the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Garden, and a traditional Kandyan dance performance. Entrance fees included; return to the resort by evening.
6Wellness Day in Kandy
A full day of unscheduled time allows guests to continue wellness treatments and spa services at the resort or to visit Kandy independently. The driver-guide is available for assistance or to arrange transport to specific sites if desired.
7Train Journey to HaputaleHaputale · Kandy to Nanuoya · boutique hotel in Haputale
Travel by narrow-gauge railway from Kandy to Nanuoya through tea plantations and montane forest, then drive to Haputale, a former British hill station. Check in to your boutique hotel in the late afternoon.
8Haputale: Hill Station Rest Dayhotel's spa and wellness services · immediate surroundings
The day is unstructured. Guests may use the hotel's spa and wellness services, walk the immediate surroundings to observe tea estates and hill-country vistas, or arrange informal excursions with the driver-guide. The pace here is deliberately slow, suited to the cooler temperature and terrain.
9Haputale to Yala: Descent and SafariLittle Adams Peak · Nine Arched Bridge · Ravan Falls · luxury tented camp · Yala National Park
Descend from the hills into tropical terrain, stopping at Little Adams Peak, the Nine Arched Bridge, and Ravan Falls. Settle into your luxury tented camp, then begin a half-day jeep safari through Yala National Park as daylight permits.
10Yala National Park Wildlife SafariYala National Park
Dedicate the day to jeep safaris in Yala National Park, exploring its rich biodiversity and wildlife. Watch for Asian leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and endemic birds. Two outings—early morning and late afternoon—maximize sightings before returning to camp.
11Yala Safari and Tangalle Sea Turtle NestingTangalle · Yala National Park
An early-morning jeep safari through Yala National Park precedes a three-hour drive to Tangalle on the southern coast. The evening offers a chance to witness loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles nesting on shore, depending on season and tide conditions.
12Tangalle to Galle: Coastal Route and Dutch Fortsouthern coastline · Indian Ocean · Galle Fort · Hikkaduwa
Drive west along the scenic southern coastline toward Galle, with stops for swimming in the Indian Ocean or seasonal sea turtle snorkeling. Visit Galle Fort's ramparts and streets before continuing to your hotel in Hikkaduwa.
13Leisure in Hikkaduwathe hotel · nearby sites
The final full day is unscheduled. Guests may relax at the hotel, use its facilities, swim, or arrange informal visits to nearby sites with the driver-guide. This day is typically reserved for last-minute shopping or rest before travel.
14Return to Bandaranaike International AirportBandaranaike International Airport
The group departs the hotel and drives to Bandaranaike International Airport. The drive is inland through lowland terrain. Check-out is completed before departure, and guests are dropped at the airport for their onward flight.
Where you go
- 1Colombo
- 2Bandaranaike International Airport
- 3Sigiriya's Lion's Rock
- 4Kandy
- 5Dambulla Cave Temple
- 6Kandy
- 7Temple of the Tooth Relic
- 8Royal Botanical Garden
- 9Haputale
- 10Yala National Park
- 11Tangalle
- 12Yala National Park
- 13Galle Fort
- 14Bandaranaike International Airport
Included
- Services Included in the given price
- Welcome and assistance at the airport
- Welcome bags on arrival and Gift at the departure
- Accommodation in a double room sharing basis
- Daily breakfast
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide (Included their accommodation and meals)
- Check-in is from noon and checkout is before noon
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle including all transfers and excursions suggested in your travel plan
- Vehicle insurance covering passengers
- Entrance fees/tickets to monuments, sites & visits suggested in your given travel plan
- All the services proposed in your travel plan
- All the government taxes applicable to date
- Best possible option/decision in the event of unexpected breakdowns or an emergency
- 24/07 emergency contact
Not included
- Services Excluded in the given price
- Domestic and international flights
- Single room supplement (price per single person travelling individually)
- Airport taxes
- Visa fees
- Travel/medical insurances
- Lunches and dinners that are not in your travel plan
- Beverages
- Tips & porter charges
- Personal expenses
- Services not proposed in your travel plan
- Other mode of transport not mentioned in the travel plan