Complete Sri Lanka: 2-Week Explorer

Anuradhapura, Ella, Galle, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Yala 14 Days Max 12 People
14 DaysDuration
Max 12Group Size
ModerateDifficulty
~1,100 kmTotal Distance

Tour Overview

A comprehensive 14-day journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms, misty tea country, wildlife-rich national parks, and idyllic south coast beaches. With a slower pace than our 1-week tour, this itinerary allows time to properly explore each region – including both ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, extra time in the hill country, and a relaxed finish on the coast.

Ideal for: Travellers with two weeks to spare who want an in-depth exploration of the island's ancient history, nature, and coastline without feeling rushed

Activities & Highlights

  • Explore both ancient capitals: Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
  • Spend two full days in the tea country around Nuwara Eliya, including Horton Plains and World's End
  • Cross the Nine Arch Bridge and explore Ella at a relaxed pace
  • Extended wildlife safari time in Yala National Park
  • Unwind for several days across Mirissa and Galle on the south coast

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Colombo

n/a n/a

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Optional short city tour of Colombo in the afternoon, depending on arrival time.

Day 2

Colombo to Anuradhapura

approx. 4 hrs ~200 km

Drive to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient first capital. Visit the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa.

Day 3

Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa

approx. 2 hrs ~65 km

Continue to Polonnaruwa, the island's medieval capital. Explore the ancient ruins including the Vatadage and Gal Vihara rock carvings.

Day 4

Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

approx. 1.5 hrs ~65 km

Morning at leisure or optional Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park excursion for elephant sightings, then transfer to Sigiriya.

Day 5

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla

approx. 1 hr ~20 km

Morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Afternoon visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple complex.

Day 6

Sigiriya to Kandy

approx. 3 hrs ~140 km

Drive to Kandy via a spice garden. Afternoon visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and evening walk around Kandy Lake.

Day 7

Kandy - Royal Botanical Gardens

approx. 30 min ~6 km

Morning visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Afternoon at leisure or optional traditional Kandyan dance show.

Day 8

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

approx. 3 hrs ~80 km

Scenic drive up into the hill country, stopping at a working tea plantation and factory for a tour and tasting. Evening at leisure around Gregory Lake.

Day 9

World's End & Horton Plains

approx. 1.5 hrs each way ~35 km each way

Early morning excursion to Horton Plains National Park to see World's End viewpoint before the clouds roll in. Afternoon at leisure in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 10

Nuwara Eliya to Ella

approx. 3 hrs ~85 km

Continue through the hill country to Ella. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge and hike to Little Adam's Peak.

Day 11

Ella to Yala Safari

approx. 3 hrs ~110 km

Drive to Yala. Afternoon or early evening game-drive safari in Yala National Park.

Day 12

Yala to Mirissa

approx. 2.5 hrs ~95 km

Drive to the south coast. Afternoon at leisure on Mirissa Beach, with an optional sunset visit to Coconut Tree Hill.

Day 13

Mirissa Whale Watching & Galle Fort

approx. 1 hr to Galle ~40 km

Early morning whale and dolphin watching boat trip (season dependent). Afternoon excursion to explore Galle Fort's ramparts and colonial streets.

Day 14

South Coast to Colombo & Departure

approx. 2.5 hrs ~150 km

Morning at leisure before the drive back to Colombo / the airport for departure.

Price Includes

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide for the full 14 days
  • Fuel, tolls, and parking fees
  • 13 nights hotel accommodation (bed & breakfast)
  • One game-drive safari in Yala National Park
  • All transport for listed activities
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Price Excludes

  • International and domestic airfares
  • Entrance tickets and activity fees (ancient sites, temples, national park fees, etc.)
  • Lunch and dinner (unless specified)
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Travel insurance

What to Expect

What to Bring

Comfortable walking and hiking shoes
Layered clothing - hill country mornings can be cold, especially at World's End
Sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent
Modest clothing for temple and sacred site visits
Swimwear for the south coast portion of the trip
Camera and spare storage - you will want it for two weeks of sightseeing

Fitness & Accessibility

A longer tour with a more relaxed daily pace than our 1-week itinerary, but still includes a rock climb at Sigiriya, a hike at Little Adam's Peak, and an early-morning excursion to World's End (Horton Plains). Please advise us in advance of any special requirements.

Responsible Tourism

This tour visits multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and protected ecosystems - please follow your guide's instructions around wildlife distance and site conservation rules, and dress modestly at religious sites.

Guests Who Loved This Style of Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 14-day pace is noticeably more relaxed than our 1-week tour, with fewer back-to-back travel days and built-in leisure time in the hill country and on the coast.

Yes, the itinerary is fully customisable - let us know which regions you'd like more or less time in when you enquire.

No, this tour is entirely road-based with a private driver-guide. Domestic flights are not included or required.

Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 30 days or more before travel date: 90% refund of payments made (10% retained for processing/administration).
- 15 to 29 days before travel date: 50% refund of payments made.
- 7 to 14 days before travel date: 25% refund of payments made.
- Less than 7 days before travel date or no-show: no refund.
- Date changes requested 30+ days in advance: one free change (subject to availability and supplier terms).
- Any non-refundable third-party costs already committed (hotels, permits, transport, tickets) will be deducted from refund amount.
- All cancellation/change requests must be sent in writing by email from the booking email address.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 30 days or more before travel date: 90% refund of payments made (10% retained for processing/administration).
- 15 to 29 days before travel date: 50% refund of payments made.
- 7 to 14 days before travel date: 25% refund of payments made.
- Less than 7 days before travel date or no-show: no refund.
- Date changes requested 30+ days in advance: one free change (subject to availability and supplier terms).
- Any non-refundable third-party costs already committed (hotels, permits, transport, tickets) will be deducted from refund amount.
- All cancellation/change requests must be sent in writing by email from the booking email address.

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