14 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

The Essence of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tear-shaped island in the Indian Ocean a short hop from southern India but with its own distinct culture. It is best known for its tea plantations, sandy coastline, flora and fauna, delicious food, slow pace of life and relaxed atmosphere. 

Begin your journey in Colombo before continuing to Kandy, the last capital of the country’s ancient kings’ era, which was named a World Heritage Site in 1988. Highlights are the 18thcentury lake, the Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Tooth), which houses Sri Lanka’s holiest Buddhist relic, and a beautiful botanical garden.

 

Upon heading south to Ella in the verdant tea country, you can enjoy some tea tasting, among other memorable cultural experiences. Continue onwards to Tangalle, a town east of Galle that is surrounded by deserted beaches and charming fishing villages. 

The final stop is Galle, an important harbour in the south that has retained its charming colonial vibe. Explore the town and World Heritage Site fort by bicycle and learn to cook scrumptious local dishes – the perfect end to your trip before your flight home from Colombo. 

 

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KEY FACTS

PEAK TIME

December-March

PRICE

From £4,985 $6,522 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

14 Days

FLIGHT TIME

11 hours 25 mins from London
18 hours 4 mins From NYC

CURRENCY

Sri Lankan Rupee

LANGUAGE

Sinhala and Tamil

Where you'll go

Colombo

Kandy

Ampara

Ella

Tangalle

Galle

When to go

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Best time to visit
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Incredible Wildlife

Sri Lanka is home to around 91 mammal species, with 16 rarely found elsewhere and 14 categorised as endangered.

 

Itinerary Highlights

Visit a Buddhist nunnery

Spend time in a meditation centre that hosts women who have devoted their lives to Buddhism. Your guide will enlighten you on the founding principles of this ancient religion as you explore the meditation halls and peaceful gardens; you will also be able to meet with one of the nuns (or bhikkhunīs). 

 

Enjoy a boat safari on Sri Lanka's largest lake

Spot interesting wildlife on the tranquil waters of the country’s largest lake. Exploring by boat is a wonderful way to feel truly at one with nature. You may even be lucky enough to observe elephants swimming between the islands or cooling off and bathing in the shallows.  

 

Set out on a walk of discovery with the Veddha chief

During your stay at Gal Oya Lodge, in Ampara, walk through the jungle with the village chief of one of the last remaining communities of the Veddha, the forestdwelling, indigenous huntergatherers of Sri Lanka. He will open your eyes to his tribe’s use of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings. 

 

Experience life in a hidden hamlet in Sri Lanka’s tea country

Explore a rural village near Ella and experience the slow life of a lesser-known community. Begin your morning with a ceremony at a Hindu temple; then enjoy breakfast in a pretty paddy field, explore a rubber plantation and trek through the forest to a waterfall, the ideal spot for a refreshing dip.  

 

Explore Galle by classic car

Witness the spectacular Galle Fort from the seat of a classic car, driven by your private guide. Learn about this history-steeped cityonce the largest living seaport in Asia and a major stop on the Silk Roadand pass heritage treasures, shops, markets, the international cricket stadium and bustling fish market. 

 

Kayak across the Rekawa Lagoon

Set out from Kayaam House, on the south coast in Tangalle, and glide across the Rekawa Lagoon in a kayak. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of the mirror-like water and surrounding mangroves at dusk or dawn and keep an eye out for the large number of bird species that can be spotted here. 

 

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Let us plan your perfect trip to Sri Lanka

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Our tailor-made journeys include:

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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