This 14-day tour is ideal for first-time visitors. It includes all the top highlights of Sri Lanka. You would experience an incredible journey of history, culture, wildlife, hiking, nature, and beaches in this magical country.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tell us your preferences and our travel experts will customize a trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
*The price is based on a private tour for 2 people. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$160/person/day
Tour Map (Suggested Route)
![map](images/grey.gif)
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Top Notch Services
![]() Kaya at Asia Highlights helped make our honeymoon in Thailand the perfect trip. It was truly the best balance between structured and unstructured time abroad. They cater their services to exactly what you're looking for. Also, their responsiveness is uncanny. Kaya at Asia Highlights in particular deserves special mention. She out our trip together for us, put up with us, and was always available for any hiccups during the trip. We plan to use their excellent services again for our next trip to Asia. Highly recommended, and ask for Kaya! More
, Apr 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
![]() Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
![]() Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Tour Highlights
Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:
Unveil the ancient secrets of Sigiriya Lion Rock fort, which has remained an important settlement for millennia.
![Sigiriya](images/grey.gif)
Explore Sri Lanka's glorious history in Anuradhapura.
![Anuradhapura](images/grey.gif)
Experience the country-life in a typical rural village.
![rural village](images/grey.gif)
Learn to cook a classic bowl of curry with a local chef.
![cook](images/grey.gif)
Take a scenic train ride into the lush tea fields of the Hill Country.
![mountain train](images/grey.gif)
Watch wildlife close up with a Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park.
![Udawalawe National Park](images/grey.gif)
Go whale watching in the emerald-green waters of Mirissa.
![whale watching](images/grey.gif)
View the interesting traditional stilt fishing on the Galle coast.
![stilt fishing](images/grey.gif)
Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Normally a full-day guided tour starts from 9 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m. However, your preferences would design the real journey. The days, stops, and travel pace can be adjusted. We're ready to create a unique Sri Lanka trip for you.
Our chauffeur-guide will meet you at the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel in Negombo.
After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at the hotel relaxing and decompressing from your long flight.
- Before driving to Sigiriya, you will visit a busy local fish market in Negombo. It is a great place to learn about Sri Lankan fishing types and the life and culture of local fishermen.
- Go on an incredible journey to what locals call the Eighth Wonder of the World — Lion's Rock Fortress. Ascend the dramatic rocky outcrop that towers above the plains, crowned by a majestic ruined palace. As you trek the steep path, your guide will regale you with tales of the ancient Buddhists and medieval civilizations that once inhabited this site.
![Sigiriya Rock Fortress](images/grey.gif)
- Explore Anuradhapura's rich heritage with visits to Vessagiriya, Isurumuniya, Ranmasu Uyana, Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanweliseya, and Mihintale. These ancient sites offer insight into Sri Lanka's historical and spiritual roots.
![Isurumuniya Temple](images/grey.gif)
- Polonnaruwa used to be the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Inside this ancient town, you can trace back the history with visits to the Statue of King Parakramabahu, Council Chamber of King Parakramabahu, Statue at Gal Vihara, Rankoth Vehera, Lankatilaka temple, and their rural surroundings.
- In the afternoon, we would have an up-close-and-personal visit to a typical rural village in Sri Lanka. You would have the option of either walking or taking a bullock cart ride to a beautiful lake with a view in the village.
![rural village](images/grey.gif)
- The Dambulla cave monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. The caves provide a glimpse into the rich Buddhist history and culture of Sri Lanka.
- Visit a spice garden on the way from Sigiriya to Kandy. It provides an opportunity to learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and uses of various spices.
- Dive into Kandy's local markets, then join a cooking program to master Sri Lankan cuisine.
![spice garden](images/grey.gif)
- Discover the Temple of the Tooth, the most important Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The Temple houses a relic believed to be the tooth of the Buddha.
- The royal palace, next to the Temple of the Tooth, was the royal residence of the Sinhalese monarchy of the Kingdom of Kandy (1469–1815). The large palace complex consists of the King's Palace, Royal Audience Hall, Queen's Palace, King's Harem Quarters, and other areas.
- Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum which is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and heritage of Ceylon tea.
- Drive to Nuwara Eliya, a central hill-country city.
![Temple of the Tooth](images/grey.gif)
- Get up early, as it is advisable to arrive in Horton Plains before 7:00 a.m., and get to Word's End before 10:00 a.m. (Generally it's foggy after 10:00 a.m.) Discover an array of natural wonders at Horton Plains National Park, where cascading waterfalls, sprawling grasslands, lush forests, and captivating wildlife await.
- Go to Pedro Tea Factory in the afternoon. Visitors to the estate can partake in a guided tour exploring the tea-making process from plucking to packaging, enjoy tea tasting sessions, and experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding plantations.
![Pedro Tea Factory](images/grey.gif)
- Take the train from Nanu Oya Railway Station of Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The journey takes you through mountainous tea plantations and you will be accompanied by friendly locals. The ride will take about 3 hours.
- Spot the Nine Arch Bridge, which is also called "the bridge in the sky". Standing underneath and looking up, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the "nine skies" through the magnificent nine arches.
- Take a 2–3-hour hike up little Adam peak to enjoy the breathtaking views and its fantastic landscape.
![little Adam peak](images/grey.gif)
- Explore Udawalawe National Park, witness elephants at the Transit Camp, and embark on an exhilarating jeep safari.
- During the safari you would be carried by a jeep along the paths through the park, allowing you to visit all its natural habitats in their undisturbed state.
![Udawalawe National Park](images/grey.gif)
Get onboard and start sailing off to the ocean. If you are lucky, you will spot blue whales, Bryde whales, sperm whales, killer whales, dolphins, and turtles During this 3-hour sail.
![Whale Watching](images/grey.gif)
Spend your days enjoying fresh coconuts in your hammock, eating delicious food from beachside restaurants, and maybe exploring by motorbike, etc.
![Mirissa](images/grey.gif)
- Learn about sea turtles and their conservation in Mahamodara Sea Turtle Farm.
- Discover the historic town of Galle, with its Dutch Fort and winding streets. This historic town and its fortifications showcase the rich heritage and colonial influence that has shaped the region over the centuries.
- Witness stilt fishing in Ahangama. Stilt fishing is one of the most ancient fishing methods used in Sri Lanka. The fishermen sit on a cross bar called a petta tied to a vertical pole and driven into the sand a few meters offshore
![Galle Fort](images/grey.gif)
- Start with the National Museum, see all manners of art and carvings dating back to ancient times.
- Then, visit Gangaramaya Temple. Sitting under a Bodhi tree where monks chant, you could enjoy its unique tranquility.
- After lunch, you will be driven to Independence Square, which holds the ceremonial assembly hall for the senate and representatives.
- Explore Ape Gama ('Our Village'). This traditional Sri Lankan village displays traditional industries, village life, and how self-sufficient Sri Lankan society functioned in days gone by.
![Gangaramaya Temple](images/grey.gif)
Our chauffeur guide will escort you to the airport for your flight back home.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
![]() Sigiriya Rock View in Sigiriya
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![]() Central located hotel in Nuwara Eliya
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![]() Boutique Resort hotel in Ella
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![]() Hotel with Private Beach in Mirissa
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![]() Central located hotel in Colombo
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Tour Price:
- The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
- The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
- We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
- The price for a child younger than 8 is approximately 80% of the adult's price.
- We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).
Price Includes:
- Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
- English-speaking local chauffeur-guide for the sightseeing
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxes
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Tour code: ah-lk-2
Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
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