Most of Sri Lanka
A 16-day Sri Lanka grand tour — ancient cities, east coast reefs, tea country, safari and southern surf.
Overview
This 16-day Sri Lanka grand tour takes the long way round the island. It opens in Colombo, climbs the rock fortress at Sigiriya, snorkels the reefs off Trincomalee, then turns inland for tea country, the highland train and a sunrise at Lipton’s Seat — before dropping to Yala for leopards and finishing on the surf beaches of the south.
Experience Highlights
At a Glance
Take a look at this example travel flow to understand the pace and experiences included in this trip.
You land at Bandaranaike and drive south into the city. Colombo is louder and more layered than most people expect, and Galle Face Green at dusk is where the whole place turns up.
North into the Cultural Triangle, with a stop at Dambulla on the way. The evening safari at Minneriya is timed for when the elephants come down to the tank.
Up early, because the rock holds heat and the queue builds fast. Pidurangala in the afternoon gives you the view back at Sigiriya, which is arguably the better photograph.
Northeast to the deep-water harbour. Koneswaram sits on a cliff above the sea, and Swami Rock drops away directly beneath it.
A short boat ride out to Pigeon Island, one of the healthiest reef systems left on the island. Blacktip sharks patrol the shallows and are entirely uninterested in you.
South down the coast to a bay so shallow you can wade out a couple of hundred metres and still be standing.
Nothing scheduled. Kayak, try a watersport, or don’t move from the pool.
Inland and upward into the Central Highlands. The temperature drops, the tea starts, and Ella arrives with its two famous walks.
A slower day. Ravana Falls is a short hop from town, and Ella’s café strip is where everyone ends up afterwards.
The highland train to Haputale is the ride people come to Sri Lanka for — hours of tea terraces with the doors open and your feet over the edge.
Tuk-tuk up to Lipton’s Seat before dawn, then a long drive south for an evening in the park. A big day, but both halves earn their place.
A near-perfect horseshoe bay on the south coast, small enough to walk end to end and the easiest place on the island to learn to surf.
West along the coast, past the stilt fishermen who still work the poles at dusk.
A day inside the best-preserved colonial fortification in Asia. Cobbled streets, small shops, and ramparts made for walking at sunset.
Last full day. Surf if the swell is up; otherwise the beach, and a final seafood dinner with your feet in the sand.
Straight up the Southern Expressway to the airport — about two and a half hours from the coast.
*All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates
What’s Included / Not Included
Book Your Trip Now
Let us know what kind of trip you want
Explore More Destinations
We’re proud to have helped thousands of travelers create unforgettable journeys.
Explore more destinations tailored to your interests.