This 12-day itinerary includes the essence of nature and culture in Sri Lanka. During the trip, you would not only be able to see over a hundred species of birds and mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, but also experience the most famous natural wonders and landmarks of Sri Lanka. You would have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local religious customs and truly experience Sri Lankan cultural charm.
The sample itinerary below is only one version of the possibilities. Get involved and share your thoughts with us to make your journey unique. We will create your dream itinerary.
*The price is based on a private tour for 2 people. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$240/person/day
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
|
Sirin is the BEST!
My recent trip to Chiang Mai was nothing short of magical, and our tour guide played a huge part in making it so memorable. From the moment we met, Sirin welcomed us with warm hospitality and an infectious passion for sharing the beauty, history, and culture of northern Thailand. More
Jenny Tse, Oct 2024
|
Excellent Trip Planning by Alisa Liu at Asia Highlights
Alisa did a wonderful job! She was very detail oriented, extremely responsive and answered my questions very promptly. She incorporated all of the places we wanted to visit and was able to book hotels, airline tickets and special event tickets (to the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival which was sold out when I tried booking on my own.) Alisa was great to work with and I recommend that others use her for their trip planning. More
Effie, Sep 2024
|
Excellent experience in Bangkok
Ying was our guide in Bangkok. She was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She knew exactly how to move us through crowds quickly so that we could see all we wanted to say and made good recommendations for other things we were interested in. I would not hesitate to recommend Ying or anyone that helped us at Asia highlights More
Dr. Meshagae Hunte-Brown, Aug 2024
|
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:
Spot leopards and elephants during Jeep safaris in three different National Parks.
Climb the world-famous landmark of Sri Lanka — Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Navigate through the adrenaline-pumping white-water rapids of the Kelani River.
Search for Sri Lanka's endemic bird species in Kitulgala.
Trek through Horton Plains to witness diverse landscapes and rich wildlife.
Experience the ultimate Safari adventure with all-inclusive Yala Safari Camping.
Engage in morning whale watching in Mirrisa to witness incredible Ocean creatures.
Take a peaceful and relaxing lagoon Safari at sunset.
Tour Map (Suggested Route)
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 Anuradhapura. The driving time is about 3½ hours.
After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at the hotel relaxing and decompressing from your long flight.
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.
- The morning safari time is 6–10am. Wilpattu National Park is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. You will have the chance to see leopards, deer, various birds, and other animals.
- Visit a typical rural village on the way to Sigiriya. Embarking on a scenic boat ride on a serene lake and enjoying a cup of herbal tea, you will be immersed in the local life.
- Take another morning safari in Minneriya National Park. Minneriya National Park Safari is the best for watching the world's largest wild Asian elephant gathering!
- In the afternoon, gaze upon Sigiriya Lion rock, a World Heritage site inscribed by UNESCO in 1982. Your guide will tell you the interesting stories and legends relating to this magnificent rock.
- Drive to Kitulgala for more adventure. Kitulgala is small town situated on the Kelani River only a few hours east of Colombo. It is the best spot in Sri Lanka for adventure sports.
- You will experience white-water rafting in the afternoon. The rafting trip includes a range of different rapids interspersed with leisurely drifting and even some swimming opportunities.
- Bird watching in Kithulgala is one of the main interests of nature lovers in Sri Lanka. You would see many of the country's endemic bird species, such as the Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler and chestnut-backed owlet, as well as reptiles such as the green pit viper and earless lizard and a variety of butterflies.
- Stay overnight at Nuwara Eliya.
- 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 a 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.
- You will be transferred to Yala in the morning, about a 3½-hour drive.
- After lunch, you will be picked up at 2:00pm and enter Yala National Park to do evening safari. Animals awake after their noon naps around then, and you will then have the best hopes of seeing leopards, elephants, birds, and other wildlife.
- Patanagalla Beach or Manik River will be our rest stop before we hit the road again. About 6:30pm, you will return to camp inside the national park. You will have a BBQ dinner at the luxury camping site.
- Start the safari at 6:00am, the best time to see leopards and elephants walking around to get their breakfast. As our Jeep roams across the land, you will see lots of wildlife in their pristine natural conditions.
- Try pottery making in Tissamaharama after lunch. This experience will give you an insight to the artisanal industry of pottery, which traditionally is passed down from father to son.
- Witness the exploration-era Galle Dutch Fort in the morning. The captivating historical site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past and showcases a fusion of European and Asian cultures.
- Following this, you will watch the stilt fishermen of Koggala. Observe fishermen at sea, precariously perched on a wooden stilt sunk deep into the seabed.
- Later in the afternoon, go to a Sea Turtle Conservation Centre to witness baby turtles being released into the ocean after 6.00pm, once the sky gets dark and the water is safer for them.
- Transfer to the pier before 7:00am and sail off onto the ocean. If you are lucky, you will spot blue whales, Bryde's whales, sperm whales, killer whales, dolphins, and turtles on the 3-hour sailing safari.
- Go on a lagoon safari in the afternoon. Embark on a magical catamaran ride, drifting across the serene lagoon, as you journey towards a captivating island. The whole trip is a tranquil experience in which you will be amazed by the sunset view and wildlife.
Say goodbye to enchanting Sri Lanka. Your guide will accompany you to Colombo to board your flight back home or onward.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
|
Garden-style Hotel in Anuradhapura
|
Sigiriya Rock View Hotel in Sigiriya
|
Central located hotel in Nuwara Eliya
|
Mountain Retreat Hotel in Kitulgala
|
Hotel with Private Beach in Galle
|
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-5
Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
