Explore the best of Sri Lanka on this 2 week tour. Spot rare leopards, sloth bears and elephants in spectacular wildlife reserves. Visit grand World Heritage monuments and savour the luxurious green hills of the tea country. Meet warm friendly locals and stay in properties with character.
This is a holiday designed to leave happy memories.
Day 1 (31st August 2025)
Morning arrival in Colombo, where you’ll be met by your Instep Adventures representative, and depart north to Wilpattu.
Hotel- Thamaravia or Similar (BB basis)
Day 2
Unspoilt and beautiful Wilpattu (‘natural lakes’ in Sinhala) is the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Less visited than Yala, it is ideal for those who prefer a tranquil wildlife quest. Wilpattu’s most famous residents are leopards and sloth bears. Chances of sightings are good. It is also possible to see Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Asiatic Buffa-lo and Crocodiles. There are several species of butterflies, endemic birds, reptiles, snakes and amphibians to complement the big game.
Today’s full day safari is the best way to explore Wilpattu for wildlife watching.
Hotel- Thamaravia or Similar (BB basis)
Day 3
Enjoy a morning safari at Wilpattu national park.
Later, leave for Sigiriya (2hr).
Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Hotel- Jetwing Vil Uyana or Similar (BB basis)
Day 4
Visit and climb up the World Heritage site of the Sigiriya rock fortress which dominates the landscape and was both a military refuge as well as an aesthetic refuge for king who was a patron of the arts. Sigiriya became world famous for the frescos found on the western surface of the rock about 100m above the ground level. Ancient gardens from the 5th century survive at the foot of the rock.
Later in the evening, visit the Loris Conservation Project at Jetwing Vil Uyana – one of Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed wildlife research and conservation programs. It is one of the best places to see the endangered and shy creature on a late evening walk with the wardens.
Hotel- Jetwing Vil Uyana or Similar (BB basis)
Day 5
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage site, on a cycling tour, from the tenth century AD the capital of the most powerful kingdom in the island shifted to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura. The greatest king of Polonnaruwa was Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). In his ‘golden reign’ the whole area flourished and several new building projects were started. The buildings were grand and impressive such as the Royal Palace and the Lankathilaka image house. The Gal Vihara with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.
Hotel- Jetwing Vil Uyana or Similar (BB basis)
Day 6
Visit Dambulla Cave Temples, a World Heritage site famous for rock paintings and sculptures. Dambulla is considered as the oldest art gallery of the country. The paintings found on the rock ceiling shows the influence of Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka.
Drive to Kandy (2.5hrs)
Hotel- Villa Rosa or Similar (BB basis)
Day 7
Visit the Temple of the Tooth where the Sacred Tooth Relic is an object of veneration to Buddhists. The temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. From ancient times kings have kept the Sacred Tooth Relic in their kingdoms as a symbol of power. It is a traditional belief that whoever takes possession of the Tooth Relic has the power to rule the people.
Visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island.
Hotel- Villa Rosa or Similar (BB basis)
Day 8
Experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Kandy railway station and pick you again from Nanu Oya railway station. Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
Visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports. Taste fine Ceylon teas with a tea master.
Hotel- Jetwing St Andrews or similar (BB basis)
Day 9
Visit Horton Plains National Park, the only National Park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk freely inside. It is situated 2200 m above sea in the central highlands of SriLanka, approximately 20 km south of Nuwara Eliya and covers 3162 hectares in extent. The climate here is a wet montane climate with a mean annual temperature of 15 centigrade. The vegetation in Horton Plains is defined as Montane Rainforests or Cloud Forests which shows gnarled and stunted growth not exceeding 15 meters in height. Horton Plains is famous for the World’s End, a stunning viewpoint, which is a sheer drop of 870 meters hidden in clouds, and Baker Falls.
Later, enjoy an artisanal tea experience – A live growing and tea tasting
Hotel- Jetwing St Andrews or similar (BB basis)
Day 10
Drive to Yala (5.5hrs)
On the way, stop to explore the breathtaking beauty of Ella, where lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Ella Rock and Nine Arches Bridge await. This picturesque hill town offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and stunning views.
If time permits, enjoy a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes 1.5 hours. The eye-catching views are not to be missed.
Hotel- Tribe Yala or similar (BB basis)
Day 11
Explore Yala, the most visited National Park in Sri Lanka, offering dense jungles, lakes, lagoons, grasslands, riverine and coastal areas. Famous for its leopards, Yala’s wide spectrum of habitats makes it hospitable to a range of flora and fauna.
A full day safari is the best way to explore Yala’s rich wildlife and birds. A packed lunch is taken on the safari, and all vehicles congregate at the lunch point by the beach to enjoy lunch within the jungle, avoiding lost time driving out and back in.
Hotel- Tribe Yala or similar (BB basis)
Day 12
Drive to Galle (3 hrs)
Stop enroute to enjoy the day at Tangalle Beach.
Hotel- Fort Printers or similar (BB basis)
Day 13
Enjoy a guided tour of the World Heritage city of Galle, with its colonial fort, churches and lighthouse. The city has a quaint laid back charm, inviting leisurely exploration.
Visit a low altitude tea plantation famed for ‘Virgin white teas’ – so pure they are never touched by the human hand. The only tea estate close to the ocean, the Handungoda Tea Estate takes you through tea fields and enlightens one on the noble heritage of white tea, the art of plucking and a tour of the antiquated factory. Halfway through the tour enjoy a refreshing cup of tea with cake.
Hotel- Fort Printers or similar (BB basis)
Day 14
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll be driven to the airport (3hr) to end your Sri Lankan holiday
Hotels Used (Nights)
| City | Hotel Name | No of Nights |
| Wilpattu | Thamaravila | 2 |
| Sigiriya | Jetwing Vil Uyana | 3 |
| Kandy | Villa Rosa | 2 |
| Nuwaraeliya | Jetwing St Andrews | 2 |
| Yala | Tribe Yala | 2 |
| Galle | Fort Printers | 2 |
Includes:
• Hotel Accommodation
• All transfers with A/C Car
• English speaking chauffeur
• Breakfast
• Train tickets- A/c first class/observation
• Private safari jeeps
• All entrance fees for site visits
• 1 Airport transfer each way
• Government tax
Travel on a tailor-made itinerary, or join one of our group or expert-led tours.
This is our part of the world. We know it like the back of our hand.
We are lean & keen. We make your holiday deliver excellent value.
100% financial protection. We're here for you, before, during and after your holiday.
Instep Adventures isn’t simply our brand name. It is our motto. Our vision for tourism, done right.
Our responsible travel charter helps us create adventures that are a force for good, enlightening you while benefitting the lives and places we touch.
Through careful choices and considered partnerships, our holidays help protect what matters: communities; wildlife and habitats; the planet.
Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)
Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)
Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)
Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)
Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)
