2 Weeks in Sri Lanka: Our Recommendations
Slightly smaller than Ireland, Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean that packs a remarkable variety of destinations ranging from beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries to lush rainforests. Kick back on sun-soaked beaches during 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and stay in magnificent colonial bungalows in the country’s tea-growing highlands. See spectacular herds of wild elephants and spot leopards in Yala National Park. Soak up the majesty of Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site, and wander through the bazaars of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Below are our four recommended tours in Sri Lanka that last from 13 to 15 days.
- Donald MacDonald
- From Scotland
1. In-depth Sri Lanka tour: 13 days in Sri Lanka
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Day 1 |
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to your hotel |
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Day 2 |
Head for Anuradhapura, enjoy a private tour of the city |
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Day 3 |
See the rock fortress of Sigiriya as well as Polonnaruwa |
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Day 4 |
Continue to Sri Lanka’s lush tea country, stay in a colonial-era bungalow |
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Day 5 |
Visit a tea factory and see how different types of teas are prepared |
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Day 6 |
Transfer to Yala National Park |
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Day 7 |
Enjoy two safari trips in Yala |
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Day 8 |
Transfer to Sri Lanka’s south coast |
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Day 9 |
Enjoy a free day on the beach |
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Day 10 |
Continue your stay in Sri Lanka’s south coast |
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Day 11 |
Head for Galle and discover its Dutch fort |
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Day 12 |
Try preparing Sri Lankan food during a cooking class |
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Day 13 |
Transfer back to Colombo airport |
This delightful two-week tour will take you to Anuradhapura, an ancient city dotted with Buddhist temples and monasteries, followed by the rock fortress of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Head for the rolling hills of central Sri Lanka next and discover lush tea plantations. Then travel to the grasslands and lagoons of Yala National Park, known for its elephant herds and sightings of elusive leopards. Spend a couple of days relaxing on the beaches of Sri Lanka’s southern coast before heading for Galle, home to a Dutch fort that is now a Unesco World Heritage site. See tours.
2. Finest Sri Lanka Sightings: 14 days in Sri Lanka
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Day 1 |
Transfer to Negombo |
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Day 2 |
Travel to Dambulla with Sigiriya detour |
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Day 3 |
Dig into Polonnaruwa ’s rich history |
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Day 4 |
Transfer to Kandy and visit Dambulla Rock Temple en route |
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Day 5 |
Visit Peradeniya’s botanical gardens |
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Day 6 |
Discover Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s hill country |
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Day 7 |
Explore Horton Plains National Park |
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Day 8 |
Spot wildlife in Yala National Park during a safari |
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Day 9 |
Continue to Unawatuna via Galle |
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Day 10 |
Relax on the beach in Unawatuna |
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Day 11 |
Explore Unawatuna on your own |
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Day 12 |
Continue your stay in Unawatuna |
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Day 13 |
Enjoy your last free day in Unawatuna |
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Day 14 |
Transfer to Colombo for your flight home |
Delve into Sri Lanka’s glorious past in Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa during this 14-day tour before heading for Nuwara Eliya. Stroll around Nuwara Eliya’s mellow hills and verdant countryside and explore Horton Plains National Park. Next on the itinerary is Yala National Park, a must-see destination in the country that is known for its sightings of leopards. Having soaked up the views of Yala, you will then continue to Unawatuna, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach enclaves. Spend the last couple of days of your trip relaxing on Unawatuna’s sandy stretch and taking in the views before it is time to head home. See tours.
3. Wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka: 15 days in Sri Lanka
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Day 1 |
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to villa in Talangama Wetlands |
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Day 2 |
Go birdwatching in Talangama |
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Day 3 |
See the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya |
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Day 4 |
Enjoy private excursion to the ruins of Polonnaruwa |
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Day 5 |
Meet members of forest-dwelling Vedda tribe in Gal Oya National Park |
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Day 6 |
Explore Gal Oya by boat and during jeep safari |
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Day 7 |
Continue to Kandy, visit Temple of the Scared Tooth Relic |
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Day 8 |
Transfer to Ambewela, located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands |
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Day 9 |
Spot a variety of wildlife in Horton Plains |
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Day 10 |
Head for Yala National Park, check into your luxury tented camp on arrival |
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Day 11 |
Enjoy two jeep safaris in Yala |
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Day 12 |
Enjoy a private transfer to the historic city of Galle |
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Day 13 |
Experience Galle like the locals do with bike-and-boat tour |
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Day 14 |
Explore Galle on your own |
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Day 15 |
Transfer back to the airport in Colombo |
Sri Lanka’s national parks and wildlife reserves are an animal lover’s dream come true. From spotting primates in Polonnaruwa to seeing herds of wild elephants up close in Gal Oya and sighting migratory birds in the soothing wetlands of Talangama, the country has a lot to offer. Besides feasting your eyes on the astonishing biodiversity of the island nation, this two-week sojourn also includes a trip to the hills, and a boat-and-bike tour in the villages around Galle. See tours.
4. Relaxing Sri Lankan Holiday: 15 Days in Sri Lanka
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Day 1 |
Land in Colombo and transfer to Negombo |
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Day 2 |
Enjoy a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park |
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Day 3 |
Climb stairs leading to the summit of Missaka mountain |
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Day 4 |
Explore Dambulla’s ancient cave temples |
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Day 5 |
Visit Polonnaruwa and continue to Sigiriya |
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Day 6 |
See Sigiriya’s rock fortress and drive to Kandy |
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Day 7 |
Learn more about Buddhism in Kandy’s Temple of Scared Tooth Relic |
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Day 8 |
Drive through Sri Lanka’s hill country to reach Nuwara Eliya |
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Day 9 |
Enjoy a free day in Nuwara Eliya with option to visit Horton Plains |
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Day 10 |
Take your first steps in Ella |
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Day 11 |
See Ravana Ella Falls and explore Udawalawe National Park |
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Day 12 |
Continue to the coastal town of Galle |
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Day 13 |
Enjoy a free day in Unawatuna |
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Day 14 |
Drive to Colombo, explore Sri Lanka’s capital city |
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Day 15 |
Bid farewell to Sri Lanka |
Discover the spiritual side of Sri Lanka during this two-week trip as you dive into the history of this island nation. Visit Mihintale, which played a crucial role in the introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and explore the ancient caves of Dambulla, home to numerous statues and paintings related to the Buddha. Also included in your itinerary are Polonnaruwa, which was a thriving centre of commerce in the 12th century, and the ruins of Sigiriya.
Besides a potpourri of history and culture, this fortnight-long trip also serves you with an amazing feast of nature. Go on a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park and explore Udawalawe National Park. Spend a day at a beach in Unawatuna before it is time to head home. Describe your ideal 15 day itinerary with our customized trips to Sri Lanka.
