Splendours of Sri Lanka — 14-Days

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Starting from£2,929ppfor 14 days, including flights

Price includes:

International and domestic flights
All accommodation
Arrival transfers
Activities and excursion as detailed
24/7 support while travelling

13 nights | 14 days · Colombo · Dambulla · Kandy · Ella · Udawalawe · Mirissa

From the buzz of its seaside capital to the misty hills of tea country and the golden beaches of the south, this 14-day private journey is the perfect first embrace of Sri Lanka. Travelling with your own chauffeur-guide and private air-conditioned vehicle, you'll trace a classic loop through the island's greatest hits: cosmopolitan Colombo, the ancient wonders of the Cultural Triangle at Sigiriya and Dambulla, the sacred hill city of Kandy, and one of the world's most beautiful train rides down into Ella. From there the road leads to a wildlife safari at Udawalawe, home to Sri Lanka's wild elephants, before winding up on the palm-fringed sands of Mirissa. Comfortable, characterful accommodation throughout — including a five-star stay in Colombo — and daily breakfast and dinner leave you free to simply soak it all in. It's culture, scenery, wildlife and coast, woven together at an unhurried, tailor-made pace.

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Itinerary

Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Where you'll stay

4
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

Flights

Your journey begins with a comfortable flight

Depart20:40London

Direct

Arrive12:35+1Bandaranaike International Colombo

Depart12:55London Heathrow

Direct

Arrive19:10London

We partner with leading airlines

Outbound and return flights are arranged as part of your trip. We'll select the most suitable routes and airlines based on availability and your preferences.

Customise your itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customised to your preferences.
Our specialists will work with you to create your perfect experience.

Customise itinerary

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Frequently asked questions

Your tour is on a half-board basis, giving you 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 12 dinners across the 14 days. Breakfast is included every day except your arrival day, when you'll enjoy a welcome dinner instead; lunches are included in Pinnawala (Day 5) and Galle (Day 14); and dinner is included each evening apart from Day 4 and your departure day. Other lunches, drinks and any meals not listed are at your own expense.
International flights are included in the price. We can amend the flights to meet your requirements.
A moderate level of fitness and good mobility is ideal. The most active moments are the climb up Sigiriya Rock (around 1,500 steps), the Dambulla Cave Temple (around 350 steps) and a guided trek up Little Adam's Peak — all taken at your own pace with plenty of time to rest, and comfortable in good walking shoes.
This is a fully private tour. You'll travel with your own English-speaking chauffeur-guide and private air-conditioned vehicle throughout — never shared with other travellers — so the journey moves at your pace.
Most visitors need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before arriving in Sri Lanka, which is quick to arrange online. This itinerary is priced for UK passport holders; if you hold another passport, please check the entry requirements that apply to you.
Expect warm, tropical conditions throughout. The Cultural Triangle and hill country are generally at their brighter, drier best, while the southern coast around Mirissa and Galle sees more of its wet season at this time, so you may catch some rain and livelier seas towards the end of the trip.
Yes — valid travel insurance is required before you travel.
Absolutely. Sri Lankan cuisine is wonderfully varied and caters well for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements — just let us know your needs in advance and we'll make sure they're passed on to your hotels and guide.

Your holiday package is protected through the ATOL scheme.

Buy Now, Pay Later

Spread the cost of your holiday with flexible payment options.

Holiday highlights:

Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress — ascend the fifth-century "Lion Rock," a UNESCO World Heritage Site crowned with ancient frescoes and panoramic views across the Cultural Triangle.
Ride one of the world's most scenic train journeys — wind through emerald tea plantations and misty peaks on the unforgettable hill-country rail line down to Ella.
Safari for wild elephants at Udawalawe — head out on a private jeep safari in one of Sri Lanka's finest national parks, then meet orphaned calves at the Elephant Transit Home.
Discover sacred Kandy — visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, rounded off with a traditional Kandyan dance and drumming show.
Unwind on the golden sands of Mirissa — end your journey on the palm-fringed south coast, with time to relax by the Indian Ocean before a final stop at the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort.

Touch down in Sri Lanka, where you're met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Colombo (check-in from 2:00pm). Unwind after your flight before an evening welcome dinner at a revolving restaurant high up in the landmark Lotus Tower, with sparkling views over the city.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo (★★★★★) Meals: Dinner Included: Welcome dinner at the Lotus Tower Optional: —
A full day discovering Sri Lanka's vibrant capital. Highlights include the serene Gangaramaya Temple, the soaring Lotus Tower, the emerging Port City, the colonial Fort district, Independence Square, the bustling Pettah Market and Red Mosque, the breezy Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, and the historic Colombo Clock Tower.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo (★★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: Gangaramaya Temple; Lotus Tower; guided city tour Optional: Colombo National Museum (payable locally)
A relaxed day to explore Colombo at your own pace, with plenty of time to shop in the heart of the city — from the One Galle Face and Colombo City Centre malls to the colourful Barefoot Gallery and the Laksala arcade.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo (★★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: — Optional: —
A free day to relax and enjoy the hotel and the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo (★★★★★) Meals: Breakfast Included: — Optional: —
Leave the coast behind and head into the island's interior. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to a large herd of rescued elephants, pausing for a local lunch nearby, before continuing to Dambulla in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.

Accommodation: Amaya Lake, Dambulla (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; local lunch Optional: —
Accommodation: Amaya Lake Dambulla or similar
A morning climb up the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock (around 1,500 steps), a UNESCO-listed fifth-century citadel with ancient frescoes and sweeping summit views. After time to relax, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple (around 350 steps), a remarkable complex of cave shrines and Buddhist murals.

Accommodation: Amaya Lake, Dambulla (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: Sigiriya Lion Rock; Dambulla Cave Temple Optional: —
Accommodation: Amaya Lake Dambulla or similar
Journey to the hill capital of Kandy, stopping at a spice garden in Matale to discover the herbs and spices at the heart of Sri Lankan cooking and Ayurveda. Arrive in Kandy with time to relax and take in the city.

Accommodation: Amaya Hills, Kandy (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: Matale spice garden visit Optional: —
Accommodation: Amaya Hills Kandy or similar
Visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, then enjoy a Kandy city tour including the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. In the evening, be swept up in a traditional Kandyan cultural show of dance, drumming and fire.

Accommodation: Amaya Hills, Kandy (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: Peradeniya Botanical Gardens; Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic; cultural show Optional: —
Accommodation: Amaya Hills Kandy or similar
An early start for one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, winding from Nanu Oya through emerald tea plantations and misty peaks down to Ella (approximately 3–4 hours). On arrival, hop in a tuk-tuk to the celebrated Nine Arch Bridge.

Accommodation: Ella Flower Garden Resort (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast (packed), Dinner Included: Scenic train tickets (Nanu Oya–Ella); Nine Arch Bridge tuk-tuk ride Optional: —
A morning trek up Little Adam's Peak with an experienced guide, rewarded with far-reaching views, followed by an exhilarating zip-line at Flying Ravana. Round off the day with an Ella tour taking in the Ravana Cave and Ravana Falls viewpoints.

Accommodation: Ella Flower Garden Resort (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: Little Adam's Peak trek; Ella zip-line; Ravana Cave & Ravana Falls viewpoints Optional: —
Travel to Haputale to visit the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory and the famous Lipton's Seat viewpoint, where the tea baron once surveyed his estates across a sea of green. Continue to Udawalawe for an afternoon jeep safari in the national park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants.

Accommodation: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: Dambatenne Tea Estate; Lipton's Seat; Udawalawe National Park jeep safari Optional: —
Begin with a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are cared for before being returned to the wild. Then journey south to the palm-fringed beaches of Mirissa, with the afternoon free to relax by the sea.

Accommodation: Mandara Resort & Spa, Mirissa (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home Optional: —
A full day at leisure to unwind on the beach and enjoy the resort's pool, spa and seaside setting.

Accommodation: Mandara Resort & Spa, Mirissa (★★★★) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Included: — Optional: Whale- and dolphin-watching and water activities (seasonal — best November to April; arranged locally)
Accommodation: Mandara Resort Mirissa or similar
After breakfast, follow the coast to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort for a tour of its ramparts, lighthouse and atmospheric Dutch-colonial streets, with a local lunch. Continue to Colombo for any last-minute shopping before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation: — Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included: Galle Fort city tour; local lunch Optional: —

Amaya Lake Dambulla

This is an indicative flight based on popular routes. Full flight details will be provided on your holiday quote.

Mirissa is famous for whale watching, but the season runs roughly from November to April. As this itinerary travels outside those months, whale sightings can't be relied upon at this time of year.

At religious sites, both shoulders and knees should be covered, so pack a few modest layers. You'll also be asked to remove shoes and hats before entering temple buildings, so slip-on footwear is handy.

Of course. The climbs, treks and zip-line are all things to enjoy at your own comfort level — you're free to take them at a gentle pace, admire the views from below, or simply relax while others take part.

Yes — this is a tailor-made journey, so we're happy to adjust it to you, whether that's extra nights, hotel upgrades, or reshaping the trip around the best time of year for the coast. Just let us know what you have in mind.

Yes. The same chauffeur-guide and vehicle stay with you from arrival to departure, so you'll have a friendly, familiar guide throughout your journey.

You can secure your place with a deposit, with the balance payable before you travel, and interest-free monthly payment options are available to spread the cost. Get in touch or book online and we'll confirm the details.

To keep everyone comfortable in the vehicle, we recommend one suitcase plus one piece of hand luggage per person. If you expect to bring more, just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Your trip includes a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned calves and rehabilitates them for release back into the wild, as well as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. You'll also have the chance to see wild elephants in their natural habitat on your Udawalawe safari.

Sri Lanka is very affordable for eating and drinking, so meals not included in your tour needn't cost much. A casual local lunch or a soft drink is inexpensive, leaving you free to sample the island's food at your own pace.

The scenic train is one of the trip's real highlights, and we reserve seats as early as possible. Tickets are limited and non-refundable, so they're booked well ahead — while allocations are subject to availability, we'll always aim to secure your seats.

Sri Lanka is a compact island, but roads can be winding, so some days involve a few hours on the road as you move between regions. These travel days are broken up with sightseeing stops along the way, and you'll be relaxing in a comfortable, private air-conditioned vehicle throughout.

We'd recommend speaking with your GP or a travel health clinic in good time before you travel for the latest health and vaccination advice. As a general rule, it's best to drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water.

Yes, alcohol is widely available at hotels and restaurants. Please note that on full-moon (poya) days and certain religious holidays it isn't served in public areas, in line with local custom.

This tour is priced on two people sharing, but we can happily quote for solo travellers, triple rooms or family configurations. Just tell us your group and we'll tailor the arrangements to suit.

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Splendours of Sri Lanka — 14-Days

ABTA Member

Price includes:

Speak to our experts

Itinerary

Where you'll stay

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

Flights

We partner with leading airlines

Customise your itinerary

Similar holidays

Vietnam North to South - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

Which meals are included?

Are flights included, and which airport does the tour use?

How fit do I need to be?

Is this a private tour or a shared group tour?

Do I need a visa?

What's the weather like at this time of year?

Do I need travel insurance?

Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan or specific dietary needs?

ATOL Protected

Buy Now, Pay Later

Holiday highlights:

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo Arrival Day

Day 2: Colombo City Tour

Day 3: Colombo at Leisure & Shopping

Day 4: Colombo at Leisure

Day 5: Colombo to Dambulla, via Pinnawala

Day 6: Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple

Day 7: Dambulla to Kandy, via Matale

Day 8: Kandy: Gardens, Temple & Cultural Show

Day 9: Scenic Hill-Country Train to Ella

Day 10: Ella Adventures

Day 11: Ella to Udawalawe, via Haputale & Lipton's Seat

Day 12: Udawalawe to Mirissa

Day 13: Mirissa Beach

Day 14: Mirissa to Galle & Departure

Amaya Lake Dambulla

Amaya Hills Kandy

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Vietnam Essentials

Can we see whales at Mirissa?

What should I wear for visiting temples?

Can I skip the bigger climbs or the zip-line if I'd prefer not to?

Can the itinerary be customised?

Will the same chauffeur-guide be with us for the whole trip?

How do I book, and what deposit is required?

How much luggage can I bring?

Are the elephant experiences ethical?

What will lunches and drinks cost, since most aren't included?

Is the scenic hill-country train guaranteed?

How much driving is involved between stops?

What health precautions do I need, and is the water safe?

Can I drink alcohol during the trip?

What room options are available for solo travellers or families?