UNESCO & Scenic Sri Lanka 14-Day
Embark on a 14-day adventure through Sri Lanka’s UNESCO wonders!Start in Colombo and journey to coastal treasures like Hikkaduwa and Galle.Explore the lush Sinharaja Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marvel at wildlife in Udawalawe, and hike the scenic Horton Plains.Immerse yourself in Ella’s mountain charm and Nuwara Eliya’s tea estates.Discover the ancient UNESCO World Heritage cities of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the iconic Dambulla Cave Temples, and vibrant Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth.Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage before ending your trip with a serene escape at Negombo Beach.This thoughtfully designed itinerary blends cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and tranquil moments, offering an unforgettable experience.
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Day 1 : Arrival in Colombo
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Transfer to your comfortable hotel in Colombo.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel or a nearby local restaurant.
- Visit Galle Face Green for a peaceful stroll or explore Gangaramaya Temple.
- Dinner at the hotel or a relaxed seafood restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Colombo.
Day 2 : Colombo to Hikkaduwa & Galle (UNESCO Site)
- Breakfast at the hotel in Colombo.
- Drive to Hikkaduwa at a relaxed pace, enjoying the coastal scenery.
- Visit the Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery to learn about baby turtles and conservation efforts.
- Lunch at a beachside restaurant in Hikkaduwa, enjoying the ocean views.
- Drive to Galle, making scenic stops along the way.
- Explore Galle Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, stroll through the quiet streets of the fort, visit the Dutch Reformed Church and Galle Lighthouse.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a peaceful walk through Galle’s Old Town, browse the shops and cafes.
- Dinner at a coastal restaurant in Galle, with stunning views of the ocean.
- Overnight stay in Galle.
Day 3 : Galle to Sinharaja Forest Reserve (UNESCO Site)
- Breakfast at the hotel in Galle.
- Drive to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at a relaxed pace.
- Take a slow-paced nature walk through the Sinharaja Rainforest.
- Lunch at an eco-lodge amidst nature.
- Continue exploring the serene reserve with a knowledgeable guide.
- Dinner at your accommodation in a peaceful setting.
- Overnight stay near Sinharaja.
Day 4 : Sinharaja to Udawalawe National Park
- Breakfast at the lodge in Sinharaja.
- Drive to Udawalawe National Park at a relaxed pace.
- Enjoy a leisurely safari, famous for its elephants and wildlife.
- Lunch at a nearby restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere.
- Optional: A second calm safari in the afternoon or relax at the hotel.
- Dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
- Overnight stay near Udawalawe.
Day 5 : Udawalawe to Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO Site)
- Breakfast at the hotel near Udawalawe.
- Drive to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Trek to World’s End and Baker’s Falls, enjoying the breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere.
- Lunch at a nearby restaurant or a scenic picnic spot, surrounded by nature.
- Optional Activity: Visit a nearby tea plantation or explore the tranquil surroundings of the park.
- Overnight stay at a hotel near Horton Plains.
Day 6 : Horton Plains to Ella
- Breakfast at the hotel near Horton Plains.
- Drive to Ella, taking scenic stops along the way for photos and a relaxing coffee break.
- Lunch with a view of the mountains in Ella.
- Explore Ella Rock or visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge, both offering stunning views.
- Visit Ravana Falls for a peaceful and scenic experience.
- Dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Ella, enjoying the serene mountain environment.
Day 7 : Ella to Nuwara Eliya (Train Ride)
- Breakfast at the hotel in Ella.
- Take a scenic and leisurely train ride from Ella to Nanu Oya.
- Upon arrival, drive to Nuwara Eliya at a relaxed pace.
- Explore the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya town, taking in its colonial charm.
- Visit the tranquil Hakgala Botanical Gardens or enjoy a gentle walk around Gregory Lake.
- Lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
- Spend the afternoon at a tea plantation, learning about tea production and tasting fresh Ceylon tea.
- Enjoy a high tea experience in a colonial-style hotel.
- Dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 8 : Nuwara Eliya to Knuckles Mountains (UNESCO Site)
- Breakfast at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
- Drive to the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Go on a gentle trek through the Knuckles, enjoying scenic views and waterfalls.
- Enjoy a picnic-style lunch surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing and soaking in the tranquil beauty of the area.
- Dinner at a local guesthouse.
- Overnight stay in Knuckles.
Day 9 : Knuckles Mountains to Polonnaruwa (UNESCO Site)
- Breakfast at the guesthouse in Knuckles.
- Drive to Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, including Gal Vihara, the Royal Palace, and Parakrama Samudra.
- Lunch at a local restaurant near the ruins.
- Spend the afternoon exploring other historical sites or relaxing in the peaceful surroundings.
- Dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa.
Day 10 : Polonnaruwa to Habarana
- Breakfast at the hotel in Polonnaruwa.
- Drive to Habarana, with scenic stops along the way.
- Optional Activity: Visit Minneriya National Park for a relaxed afternoon safari, famous for its herds of elephants.
- Lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- Post-lunch Relaxation or Activity:
Option 1: Enjoy some leisure time at the hotel, relaxing by the pool or in the garden.
Option 2: Visit Habarana Lake for a peaceful walk or boat ride, soaking in the tranquility of the area. - Enjoy a quiet evening and dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Habarana.
Day 11 : Habarana to Sigiriya (UNESCO Site)
- Breakfast at the hotel in Habarana.
- Visit Sigiriya and explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at a leisurely pace.
- Lunch with forest views at a local restaurant.
- Optional: A gentle exploration of Pidurangala Rock for panoramic views.
- Relaxing dinner at the hotel with jungle views.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 12 : Sigiriya to Dambulla (UNESCO Site)
- Breakfast at the hotel in Sigiriya.
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the ancient artwork.
- Village visit: Experience the charm of a traditional Sri Lankan village, interact with locals, and enjoy a short walk or a bullock cart ride.
- Lunch at a relaxing restaurant in the village or nearby.
- Drive to Dambulla, enjoying the scenery along the way.
- Relax and unwind at the hotel or enjoy a peaceful stroll in the surroundings.
- Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Day 13 : Dambulla to Kandy (UNESCO Site) via Matale
- Breakfast at the hotel in Dambulla.
- Drive to Kandy, stopping at Matale Spice Garden to explore Sri Lanka’s aromatic spices.
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Matale.
- Continue the drive to Kandy, enjoying scenic views.
- Visit a gem shop in Kandy to discover Sri Lanka’s famous gemstones.
- Take a relaxed walk around Kandy Lake.
- Experience a Kandyan cultural dance show in the evening.
- Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant with a view of the lake.
- Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 14 : Kandy to Katunayake via Pinnawala and Negombo
- Breakfast at the hotel in Kandy.
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred site for Buddhists.
- Drive to Pinnawala for a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and observing the elephants.
- Lunch at a local restaurant near Pinnawala.
- Continue the drive to Negombo, with a relaxing stop for last-minute shopping at local markets or malls.
- Enjoy some leisure time at Negombo Beach, if time allows.
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.
Tour Inclusions
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- Guided transport
- A/C vehicle
- Star-class stays
- UNESCO entrance tickets
- High tea experience
- Train tickets
- Refreshments
- And more!
What is not included:
- Travel insurance is not included
- Flight tickets are not included
Our guide will be happy to:
- Meet and greet you at the airport
- Take you from one location to the next
- Please exchange money if you need help
- Take you to restaurants and help you experience Sri Lankan cuisine
- Translate between you and the locals should the need arise
- Answer all your questions
- Help you experience bits of real Sri Lankan culture
- Offer any sort of support you might need while traveling
- We are child-friendly!
- We will be happy to provide car seats and cots if you need them
- We can arrange special food (non-spicy) or help with dietary requirements
Notes:
- This is a sample itinerary and can be customized based on your preferences and the current availability of attractions
- Sri Lanka offers a wide range of experiences, from beaches to wildlife to historical sites. This itinerary focuses on a blend of cultural and natural attractions, but there are many other options to explore.