Sri Lanka15 days
Sri Lanka: Coast, Hill Country & Wildlife — 15 Days
Negombo to Galle via Sigiriya, Trincomalee, Kandy, Ella and Udawalawe — private transfers throughout
This 15-day circuit covers Sri Lanka's principal geographic and cultural zones in a single continuous route, moving from the northwest coast inland to the ancient city complexes of the Cultural Triangle, east to the beaches and marine sanctuary of Trincomalee, then south through the hill country to Ella, across to the elephant habitat of Udawalawe National Park, and finally west to the Dutch-colonial port city of Galle. Accommodation alternates between eco lodges, tented safari camps, small independently owned hotels and a beachside resort — a deliberate mix that reflects the character of each region rather than standardizing the experience across the route. Private transfers with an English-speaking chauffeur connect each leg. Local guides with field-specific knowledge operate at each destination. Proposed activities are drawn from the source itinerary and are described as a default sequence; individual days and excursions can be adjusted to suit different group compositions, interests or schedules. The route is generally recommended between May and October.
Highlights
- Jeep traverse of rural villages in the Habarana basin, with stops at local community sites in the Cultural Triangle
- Guided jungle and village orientation activity in Habarana, designed to engage with local communities across terrain
- Sigiriya rock fortress and the ruins of Polonnaruwa — two UNESCO-listed sites within a single multi-day base
- Snorkeling at Pigeon Island Marine National Sanctuary off Trincomalee, one of Sri Lanka's two designated marine protected areas
- Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, housing the country's most significant Buddhist relic, with a traditional Kandyan dance performance
- Scenic rail journey through the hill country, crossing historic stone viaducts, with a walk to Little Adam's Peak above Ella
- Tented safari camp inside Udawalawe National Park, with game drives focused on the park's resident elephant population
- Release a baby sea turtle to the ocean in Galle, and take time to unwind.
Day by day
1Arrival in Negombo — Beachside Settle-InNegombo coast · Bandaranaike International Airport
International arrivals are met and transferred to a hotel on the Negombo coast, approximately 8 kilometers north of Bandaranaike International Airport. The first day is kept clear of organized activities, allowing time to adjust after the flight.
2Habarana: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa & Village ExplorationSigiriya · Polonnaruwa · rural villages · jungle and village · eco lodge
The inland base of Habarana opens onto Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Days visit Sigiriya's 5th-century rock fortress and Polonnaruwa's medieval ruins. Open-top jeep excursions traverse rural villages with local interaction, including a jungle and village treasure hunt. Stay at an eco lodge in tree-house accommodations.
5Trincomalee: Pigeon Island Marine Sanctuary & East Coast BeachesTrincomalee · Pigeon Island Marine National Sanctuary · beachside resort
The route heads east to Trincomalee on Sri Lanka's northeast coast. Three days here center on the beaches and the adjacent Pigeon Island Marine National Sanctuary, where snorkeling provides access to coral formations and reef fish within one of the country's protected marine zones. Accommodation is at a beachside resort.
8Kandy: Temple of the Tooth Relic & Kandyan DanceKandy · Temple of the Tooth Relic · a small, family-owned hotel
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, observing centuries-old Buddhist rituals at Sri Lanka's most sacred site. Evening Kandyan dance performance. Stay at a small, family-owned hotel.
9Ella Scenic Train & Little Adam's PeakElla · Little Adam's Peak · hill country
The hill country train winds through tea estates and centuries-old bridges to Ella. Walk to Little Adam's Peak for views across the Ella Gap. Stay in a small hotel overlooking the valley.
11Udawalawe National Park: Mobile Tented Camp & Elephant SafariUdawalawe National Park
Base yourself inside Udawalawe National Park in a mobile tented safari camp at the heart of elephant country. Safari drives traverse grasslands and scrub terrain where Sri Lanka's largest resident elephant populations roam. Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
13Galle: Dutch Fort & Sea Turtle ReleaseDutch Fort · local conservation station · stylish countryside boutique hotel
Visit the historical Dutch Fort and release a baby sea turtle to the ocean. Release a baby sea turtle to the ocean at a local conservation station. Stay at a stylish countryside boutique hotel.
15Galle to Colombo Airport — DepartureGalle to Bandaranaike International Airport
A private transfer runs from Galle to Bandaranaike International Airport via the coastal expressway, completing a 15-day circuit that has moved through five distinct regions of the island.
Where you go
- 1Bandaranaike International Airport
- 2Sigiriya
- 3Polonnaruwa
- 4Trincomalee
- 5Kandy
- 6Temple of the Tooth Relic
- 7Ella
- 8Little Adam's Peak
- 9Udawalawe National Park
Included
- Price & Inclusions
- Starting price would be
- US$ 1722 per person for accommodation and transfers based on two adults and two children. The trip could be 100% customised to suite your budget. You may pick and choose excursions/experiences to your preference.
- Accommodation
- In Small authentic Hotels, Home Stays, Eco Lodges, Tented Camps and Boutique Hotels with family suites and interconnecting rooms.
- Transfers
- Private transfers throughout the trip with an English-speaking chauffeur.
- Guides
- Expert local guides from the villages in their respective fields.
- Suitability
- All proposed excursions and experiences are suitable for children above 6 years of age. Good to travel between May to October.