An immersive Sri Lankan journey through sacred landmarks, scenic highlands and tropical coastal landscapes.
Tour overview
Discover Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage, Buddhist landmarks, tea-covered highlands, scenic railway journeys and southern coastal landscapes. This 14-day itinerary balances guided sightseeing with comfortable stays and a thoughtful pace.
Route at a glance
Colombo → Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Kosgoda → Galle → Colombo
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Colombo Airport, Sri Lanka
Route: Colombo Airport – Colombo
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 35 Km
Travel Duration: 45 Minutes
Depart on your international flight to Colombo, beginning your Sri Lankan journey.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and English-speaking guide. After immigration, baggage collection and customs formalities, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Colombo.
Complete the hotel check-in and enjoy time to relax after the journey. Dinner will be arranged subject to the confirmed arrival time and hotel meal service.
About the places you’ll visit
Colombo – Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, where colonial-era architecture, religious landmarks and lively modern neighbourhoods reflect the island’s maritime trading history.
Day 2: Colombo – Pinnawala – Dambulla
Route: Colombo – Pinnawala – Dambulla
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 180 Km
Travel Duration: 4 hours 20 minutes
After breakfast, check out and travel towards Dambulla. En route, visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and learn about the facility’s history and care of elephants requiring human assistance.
Continue to Dambulla Cave Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist religious sites. Explore the historic cave shrines, religious paintings and extensive collection of Buddha images before continuing to your hotel in the Dambulla area.
Important: The approach to Dambulla Cave Temple involves a substantial uphill walk and many steps. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
About the places you’ll visit
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Established in 1975 near the Maha Oya River, Pinnawala was created to care for orphaned and other elephants requiring assistance. Visitor experiences and daily routines depend on operational arrangements at the facility.
Dambulla Cave Temple – Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla , this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a religious history extending for more than two millennia. The cave complex contains more than 150 statues and images together with extensive Buddhist wall and ceiling paintings.
Day 3: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Route: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 140 Km
Travel Duration: 3 hours
After breakfast, set out to explore two of Sri Lanka’s major UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where landscaped gardens and archaeological remains surround the dramatic rock formation.
Guests undertaking the full ascent will climb a series of pathways and stairways past features such as the frescoes, Mirror Wall and Lion’s Paws before reaching the summit area.
Later, continue to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa to explore royal, religious and civic remains from one of Sri Lanka’s great medieval capitals. A major highlight is Gal Vihara, renowned for its rock-cut Buddha images.
Important: The full Sigiriya climb is physically demanding and involves many steps, steep sections and exposure to heat and humidity. Guests who prefer not to complete the ascent may explore the lower areas according to local arrangements.
About the places you’ll visit
Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Rising roughly 200 metres above the surrounding landscape, Sigiriya is closely associated with King Kashyapa I in the 5th century CE. Its gardens, hydraulic features, frescoes and monumental lion gateway demonstrate sophisticated ancient planning and engineering.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City – Polonnaruwa flourished as a major royal capital from the 11th to 13th centuries. Its archaeological landscape preserves palaces, Buddhist monuments, monasteries, temples and sophisticated irrigation work, including the celebrated Gal Vihara sculptures.
Day 4: Dambulla – Kandy
Route: Dambulla – Kandy
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 75 Km
Travel Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
After breakfast, check out and depart Dambulla for Kandy. En route, visit a traditional spice garden and learn about plants associated with Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional practices, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and vanilla.
Continue to Kandy and visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Later, enjoy a Kandy Cultural Show featuring traditional dance, drumming, colourful costumes and other performance elements.
Important: Temple visitors should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered and remove footwear where required.
About the places you’ll visit
Spice Garden – Sri Lanka’s spices have played an important role in the island’s culinary traditions and international trade. A guided garden visit introduces the cultivation and preparation of selected tropical spices and herbs.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – Known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, this sacred Buddhist temple is traditionally believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple forms part of the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Kandy and remains an active place of worship.
Kandy Cultural Show – Traditional dance and drumming are important expressions of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Programmes vary by venue but commonly include Kandyan dance, percussion, ceremonial costumes and energetic performance traditions.
Day 5: Kandy – Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Route: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 15 Km
Travel Duration: 2 Hours
After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, and enjoy a leisurely guided walk among extensive lawns, tropical trees, palms, flowering plants and the celebrated orchid collection.
Later, return to Kandy for a guided city tour. Enjoy views around Kandy Lake and explore selected central areas, markets, commercial streets and traditional handicraft outlets.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure before dinner.
About the places you’ll visit
Royal Botanic Gardens , Peradeniya – Located near Kandy beside the Mahaweli River, the gardens developed as a formal botanical institution during the 19th century and today contain more than 4,000 plant species, including palms, tropical trees, medicinal plants and orchids.
Kandy – Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka’s independent Sinhalese kingdom and remains an important cultural and religious centre, particularly for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Day 6: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Route: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 80 Km
Travel Duration: 3 Hours
After breakfast, check out and depart Kandy for Nuwara Eliya, travelling into Sri Lanka’s central highlands through mountain scenery, waterfalls and tea-covered slopes.
Stop at Ramboda Falls before continuing through the tea country for a visit to a working tea factory and plantation. Learn how tea leaves are cultivated and processed into the finished product associated worldwide with Ceylon tea.
Continue to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a walking tour through selected central areas, observing the town’s colonial-influenced architecture, shops and everyday highland life before checking into your hotel.
About the places you’ll visit
Sri Lanka’s Tea Country – Commercial tea cultivation expanded during the 19th century and became a defining feature of the central highlands. Elevation, rainfall and cooler temperatures contribute to the character of tea grown around Nuwara Eliya .
Ramboda Falls – Set among the lush highlands of the Central Province, Ramboda Falls provides a scenic stop amid steep slopes, streams, tea country and tropical vegetation.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya
Route: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: Local Sightseeing
Travel Duration: Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day exploring selected attractions around Nuwara Eliya.
Begin with a visit to Seetha Amman Temple in the Sita Eliya area. This colourful Hindu temple is associated with the Ramayana tradition and is dedicated to Goddess Sita. Guests should dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered, and follow local temple customs during the visit. On the return journey, make a short photo stop at Gregory Lake, one of Nuwara Eliya’s best-known landscapes.
Later, enjoy a tuk-tuk ride to the Shantipura viewpoints, providing a local transport experience and access to elevated areas above Nuwara Eliya. Weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views across the town and surrounding mountains, valleys, farms and tea-growing countryside before returning to the hotel.
About the places you’ll visit
Seetha Amman Temple – Visit this colourful Hindu temple in the Sita Eliya area near Nuwara Eliya . The temple is associated with the Ramayana tradition and is dedicated to Goddess Sita. Surrounded by the cool highland scenery, it is an important religious and cultural site for Hindu visitors. Guests should dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered, and follow local temple customs during the visit.
Gregory Lake – Photo Stop – On the return journey to the hotel from Seetha Amman Temple, make a short photo stop at Gregory Lake . Created during the British colonial period and associated with Governor Sir William Gregory in the 1870s, the lake is one of Nuwara Eliya ’s best-known landscapes. This will be a brief stop for photographs rather than an extended recreational visit.
Shantipura Viewpoints – The hills around Shantipura provide elevated perspectives over Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding highland landscape. Visibility varies with the region’s frequent mist and cloud.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya – Ella
Route: Nuwara Eliya – Ella
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 60 Km
Travel Duration: 2 Hours
After breakfast, check out and depart Nuwara Eliya for Ella through Sri Lanka’s scenic central highlands.
Upon arrival in the Ella area, enjoy a tuk-tuk transfer for the visit to Nine Arch Bridge. Continue on foot along the appropriate access path to a suitable viewpoint overlooking this famous railway bridge, surrounded by tea country and lush highland scenery.
Reaching the viewing areas may involve walking along uneven and sloping paths. Train crossings depend on Sri Lanka Railways operations and cannot be guaranteed.
Later, visit Ravana Falls and enjoy views from the designated viewing area before continuing to your hotel in Ella.
Important: For safety, guests should avoid walking on active railway tracks and should not climb wet rocks or enter restricted areas around waterfalls.
About the places you’ll visit
Nine Arch Bridge – Also known as the Bridge in the Sky, this early 20th-century railway viaduct between Ella and Demodara is distinguished by its nine arches and scenic setting among greenery and tea-covered slopes. It is a popular viewpoint for photographs, although train crossings are not guaranteed. Guests should use designated paths and avoid walking on active railway tracks.
Ravana Falls – One of the best-known waterfalls near Ella , Ravana Falls descends through a lush rocky landscape surrounded by tropical vegetation and dramatic highland scenery. The waterfall is associated in local tradition with King Ravana and stories from the Ramayana, adding cultural interest to its natural appeal. Guests can enjoy views from the designated roadside viewing area and take photographs, subject to weather and local conditions. Water levels, access and visibility may vary, and guests should avoid climbing wet rocks, entering the water or approaching restricted areas.
Day 9: Ella – Leisure Day & Evening Experience
Route: Ella – Leisure Day & Evening Experience
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: Local Sightseeing
Travel Duration: Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day at leisure in Ella. The morning and afternoon are free to rest at the hotel or independently explore the town’s cafés, shops and surrounding atmosphere.
This slower day provides a welcome break after the cultural and highland sightseeing of the preceding days.
In the evening, head into Ella to experience the town after dark and enjoy dinner in the local area before returning to your hotel.
About the places you’ll visit
Ella – Ella is a highland town set among green valleys, tea country and dramatic viewpoints, and is known for the scenic railway landscape around Nine Arch Bridge.
Day 10: Ella – Badulla – Kosgoda
Route: Ella – Badulla – Kosgoda
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
This day combines the Ella–Badulla train journey with a long onward road transfer to Kosgoda. Allow most of the day for travel. Final timings will be confirmed with the railway schedule and touring arrangements.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Ella Railway Station for a scenic train journey to Badulla. Enjoy views of the Uva highlands as the railway passes through mountain slopes, valleys, forests and small communities.
Upon arrival at Badulla Railway Station, meet your waiting coach and continue by road towards Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Travel onward to Kosgoda in the Bentota region, check into your hotel and enjoy time to relax after the day’s journey.
Important: Train schedules, seat allocation, carriage type and operating conditions are controlled by Sri Lanka Railways and remain subject to availability and operational changes. Alternative arrangements may be made if necessary. Luggage Arrangements: Main luggage will normally travel separately with the touring vehicle while guests enjoy the scenic train journey from Ella to Badulla. Guests are recommended to carry only essential personal belongings and a small day bag on the train. Final luggage arrangements will be confirmed by the tour escort according to railway and operational requirements.
About the places you’ll visit
Ella to Badulla Train Journey – Sri Lanka’s hill-country railway developed during the British colonial period and became closely linked with the transport needs of the plantation economy. The Ella-Badulla section provides a scenic perspective on mountain landscapes.
Kosgoda & Bentota Region – Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast is known for tropical vegetation, sandy shoreline and a more relaxed seaside atmosphere, providing a contrast to the ancient cities and highlands experienced earlier in the journey.
Day 11: Kosgoda – Stilt Fishing – Galle
Route: Kosgoda – Stilt Fishing – Galle
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 120 Km round trip
Travel Duration: 5 Hours
After breakfast, explore Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Begin with a visit to see traditional stilt fishing, a distinctive practice associated with selected coastal communities.
Continue to Galle for a guided exploration of Galle Fort and the historic city. Walk through atmospheric streets lined with historic buildings and explore sections of the fortifications and ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Important: Exploring Galle Fort involves walking through historic streets, ramparts and areas with uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and guests should take appropriate care in hot or wet weather.
About the places you’ll visit
Traditional Stilt Fishing – Fishermen traditionally balance on simple wooden supports fixed into shallow coastal waters while using fishing lines or rods. Today the practice is less widespread as an everyday livelihood, and some demonstrations encountered by visitors may be partly tourism-oriented.
Galle Fort – The Portuguese established early fortifications at Galle in the 16th century. After taking the settlement in 1640, the Dutch substantially expanded and strengthened the fort with defensive walls, bastions, gateways and other colonial-era structures. The historic fortified town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive cultural landmarks. Today, visitors can explore its atmospheric streets, historic buildings, churches, museums, cafés and small shops while enjoying views across the Indian Ocean.
Galle – Galle is a historic port whose fortified old town reflects centuries of Indian Ocean trade and successive Portuguese and Dutch colonial influences.
Day 12: Kosgoda – Madu River & Turtle Hatchery
Route: Kosgoda – Madu River & Turtle Hatchery
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 20 km round trip
Travel Duration: 30–45 minutes total by road, excluding sightseeing and boat safari
After breakfast, begin with a scenic boat safari through the Madu River wetland landscape of waterways, mangrove vegetation and small islands.
Keep watch for birdlife and other wildlife while learning about the communities and traditional activities associated with the wider river environment. Wildlife sightings remain naturally unpredictable.
Later, visit a turtle hatchery and conservation centre to learn about sea turtle species found in Sri Lankan waters, their life cycle and the conservation challenges they face. Return to the hotel after the day’s activities.
Important: Specific wildlife sightings, turtle nesting, hatching and releases cannot be guaranteed and depend on natural cycles, conservation priorities and local operating conditions.
About the places you’ll visit
Madu River Boat Safari – The Madu River area is characterized by mangrove-lined channels, islands and wetland habitats that support a variety of birdlife and aquatic species. The river and its surrounding waterways offer a peaceful setting for observing the region’s natural environment and traditional coastal lifestyle. Some communities in the wider area are associated with cinnamon cultivation, religious sites and small-scale traditional activities, providing insight into local livelihoods and the importance of the wetlands.
Turtle Hatchery & Conservation Centre – Sri Lanka’s southern coastline provides important nesting habitat for several sea turtle species. Conservation centres may protect eggs and hatchlings, care for injured or vulnerable turtles and support public education about marine conservation. A visit can provide an introduction to the challenges faced by sea turtles, including habitat disturbance, fishing activity and plastic pollution. Operations and animal-care practices vary between centres, and guests are encouraged to follow local guidance and observe the turtles respectfully.
Day 13: Kosgoda – Leisure Day
Route: Kosgoda – Leisure Day
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: At leisure
Travel Duration: At leisure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed final day on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast. The day is at leisure, giving you time to unwind at the hotel, enjoy the beach, take a gentle walk along the coast, or simply relax by the pool. This is an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Kosgoda at your own pace before the journey comes to an end.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend your final night in Sri Lanka relaxing and reflecting on the memorable experiences of your journey.
About the places you’ll visit
Kosgoda – Kosgoda is a coastal area associated with sandy beaches, marine turtle conservation initiatives and access to the waterways and wetlands of southern Sri Lanka.
Day 14: Kosgoda – Colombo Airport – Departure
Route: Kosgoda – Colombo Airport Departure
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Transfer timing: Subject to traffic and the confirmed flight schedule
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments on Sri Lanka’s southern coast before checking out of the hotel.
At the appropriate time, depart Kosgoda by private air-conditioned vehicle and travel towards Colombo.
Subject to the confirmed international flight schedule, enjoy a farewell dinner in Colombo, providing an opportunity for the group to share one final meal together before departure.
After dinner, continue to Bandaranaike International Airport for your international flight home. Airport transfer timing will be arranged according to the confirmed flight schedule, traffic conditions and airline check-in requirements.
If the confirmed flight schedule does not permit the planned farewell dinner, suitable alternative arrangements will be advised.
Your 14-day Sri Lankan journey concludes after a memorable combination of ancient cities, sacred sites, tea country, scenic railway landscapes and the southern coastline.
Inclusions
- Return international economy flights between Australia and Colombo, including applicable taxes and current fuel surcharges, unless a land-only option is selected. Airline, routing, baggage allowance, flight timings and ticket conditions will be advised with the confirmed booking documentation and remain subject to airline schedules and conditions.
- 13 nights’ 5-star hotel accommodation based on twin/double sharing.
- Daily breakfast and dinner throughout the tour, subject to flight schedules and operational arrangements.
- Airport meet-and-assist services, arrivals, departures, sightseeing transfers and transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle, as included in the itinerary.
- All sightseeing, monuments and entrance fees specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Madu River boat safari.
- Scenic train journey from Ella to Badulla, subject to seat availability and railway operations.
- Tuk-tuk ride in Nuwara Eliya to the Shantipura viewpoints.
- Tuk-tuk transfer in Ella for the visit to Nine Arch Bridge.
- Farewell dinner in Colombo on the departure day, subject to the confirmed flight schedule and operational arrangements.
- Two bottles of drinking water per person per day, provided in the touring vehicle.
- English-speaking national guide or escort and local specialist guides where required.
- Specialist assistance from experienced Kora Trails travel consultants before and during the tour.
Exclusions
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fees and entry permissions.
- Passport-related expenses.
- Camera or video fees charged separately at attractions.
- Lunches, beverages and meals not specifically included.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff and other service providers.
- Personal expenses, including shopping, telephone calls, laundry, minibar, room service and incidental purchases.
- Single-room supplements, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out unless specifically confirmed.
- Excess baggage, preferred airline seating and other airline ancillary charges beyond the confirmed ticket allowance.
- Optional tours, additional sightseeing and activities not specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Additional transportation or services not specifically listed under Services Included.
- Any service or item not specifically mentioned in the confirmed itinerary or final quotation.
- Additional expenses arising from delays, cancellations, weather events or other disruptions, subject to the booking terms and applicable law.
Important travel information
- Driving distances and transfer times are approximate and may vary with traffic, road conditions, weather, stops and local circumstances.
- Hotel check-in and check-out times follow the individual hotel’s policies. Early check-in and late check-out are available only when specifically confirmed.
- Flight and rail schedules, seats, attraction opening days and access may change. The confirmed travel documents and itinerary will set out final arrangements.
- Historic sites and natural attractions may involve walking, uneven ground, steps, slopes and periods of standing. Comfortable, supportive footwear is recommended.
- At temples and other places of worship, dress modestly, remove footwear when asked and respect local customs and photography restrictions.
- Outdoor activities may be affected by rain, heat, mist or other conditions. Guides may adjust the order of sightseeing where necessary.
- Optional activities, purchases and services are included only if specified in your confirmed itinerary or quotation.
- Where itinerary changes become necessary for operational reasons, Kora Trails will arrange practical alternatives while seeking to preserve the character of the journey.
- In Sri Lanka, the climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress includes numerous steep and uneven steps; reaching the summit is optional and visitors may enjoy the lower gardens instead.
- The Ella–Badulla train journey is subject to railway operations, confirmed schedules and seat availability. Wildlife encounters and turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Sigiriya: what to expect
The full ascent of Sigiriya Rock Fortress involves approximately 1,200 steps and is one of the more physically demanding activities on this itinerary. The route includes uneven stone steps, steep staircases, narrow sections and exposed metal stairs, with heat and humidity adding to the effort. The complete climb may take approximately 1½ to 2 hours, depending on individual pace and visitor numbers.
Guests with heart or respiratory conditions, significant knee, hip or back problems, mobility or balance difficulties, vertigo, or other medical concerns should seek medical advice before attempting the climb. Guests are encouraged to proceed only at a pace that is comfortable for them and may stop at any stage.
Reaching the summit is completely optional. Guests who prefer not to make the full climb can explore the lower archaeological complex and gardens and enjoy views of Sigiriya Rock from ground level. Please advise your Kora Trails guide if you have any concerns before beginning the visit.
Walking and mobility
Before you travel
Before booking your Sri Lanka journey, please tell Kora Trails about any mobility, health, dietary or accessibility requirements so that we can discuss the suitability of planned visits, vehicle transfers, walking and steps. Please follow your healthcare professional’s advice about travel or physically demanding activities.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring their passports, required entry permissions, travel insurance and other travel documentation meet the relevant requirements before departure. Kora Trails can provide general guidance, but entry decisions and documentation remain the traveller’s responsibility.
Your final quotation and confirmed itinerary will specify the hotels, flights or trains where applicable, meals, admission fees, transfers and other included services. Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.