Designed for families and active travellers, this 15-day itinerary brings together Sri Lanka’s greatest natural landscapes, wildlife encounters, cultural landmarks, and coastal relaxation.
Start with thrilling river rafting and a village walk in Kithulgala before ascending past famous waterfalls to the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. Discover the sacred Buddhist heritage and traditions of Kandy, scale the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and spot gathering elephant herds at Minneriya. Unwind with four full days along the golden shores of the East Coast, followed by an exploration of ancient Anuradhapura and the sacred cradle of Mihintale, finishing with a wilderness safari in Wilpattu National Park.
Pick up from the airport and transfer to your hotel in Kithulgala. Spend the rest of the day resting and enjoying the lush tropical setting. Overnight: Seravelle Hotel, Kithulgala.
Experience white-water rafting (Grade 1 or 3) on the beautiful Kelani River, flowing from the wilderness area and passing the historic 1956 filming location of "The Bridge over the River Kwai". Continue with an hour-long guided village walk to observe real Sri Lankan village life, indigenous trees, plants, and birdlife, concluding with a crossing on the local river ferry. Afterwards, drive up to Nuwara Eliya through thousands of acres of tea plantations and view tea pickers at work. Along the route, pass St. Clair’s Falls (the 80m-high “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”) and the 97m-high Devon Falls.
Spend the morning exploring Nuwara Eliya before driving to Kandy, the picturesque last royal capital nestled in the hills around its lake. En route, stop at a traditional tea factory to see how Ceylon tea is processed using original 19th-century machinery, followed by a fresh cup of tea. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Kandy.
Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which enshrines the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha taken from his 5th-century BC funeral pyre. Attend during the morning Puja ceremony to view the ornate 3-foot-high reliquary dagoba casket. Take a leisurely walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya to view native flora, the Orchid House, and Lord Mountbatten's WWII Far East headquarters. In the late afternoon, attend a traditional Kandyan cultural show featuring drummers, dancers, and fire-walking.
Drive into the Cultural Triangle to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Dambulla Cave Temple. Explore the five ancient caves established in the 1st century BC, adorned with over 200 Buddha statues and intricate murals covering the walls and ceilings.
Set off on a game drive in Minneriya National Park (or nearby Hurulu Oya / Kaudulla depending on herd movements) to view large herds of elephants gathering around the reservoir. Climb the 650-foot 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock). Stroll through the ancient water gardens, pass the Boulder Garden and mirror wall, admire the ancient frescoes, and ascend past the giant Lion's Paws to the royal palace ruins at the summit for panoramic views.
Drive from the central plains to the sunny East Coast of Sri Lanka and settle into your coastal resort.
Enjoy three full free days at leisure by the beach. Spend your time unwinding on the sand, swimming in the warm sea, and enjoying the coastal surroundings.
Enjoy three full free days at leisure by the beach. Spend your time unwinding on the sand, swimming in the warm sea, and enjoying the coastal surroundings.
Enjoy three full free days at leisure by the beach. Spend your time unwinding on the sand, swimming in the warm sea, and enjoying the coastal surroundings.
Enjoy three full free days at leisure by the beach. Spend your time unwinding on the sand, swimming in the warm sea, and enjoying the coastal surroundings.
Drive to Anuradhapura, the UNESCO-listed first capital of ancient Sri Lanka dating from the 4th century BC to the 10th century AD. Discover its sacred monuments, including the white Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba flanked by elephant friezes, the ancient Thuparama Dagoba (believed to hold Lord Buddha’s right collarbone), the brick Jetavanarama and Abhayagiri Dagobas, the 1,600-pillared Brazen Palace, and the 2,000-year-old sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
Visit the sacred mountain sanctuary of Mihintale, the historic cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Explore ancient monastery ruins, the monks' refectory curry trough, and the Lion Pool bath, with hilltop vistas over Anuradhapura. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Wilpattu National Park—a tranquil wildlife sanctuary of dense jungle and natural lakes (villus), home to leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Drive south towards the international airport and check in for a relaxing final evening.
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward departure flight.
Yes. The Kelani River offers both Grade 1 and Grade 3 rapids. The activity is conducted by certified local river guides with full safety gear (life jackets and helmets) provided. Families with younger children or timid rafters can opt for the gentle Grade 1 section, while adventure seekers can enjoy the Grade 3 runs.
When visiting sacred Buddhist shrines - including the Temple of the Tooth, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the dagobas of Anuradhapura - shoulders and knees must be fully covered. You will also need to remove shoes and hats before entering the temple precincts. Lightweight cotton trousers or long skirts and breathable shirts are recommended.
You will travel in a private, fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle (car, van, or mini-coach depending on your party size) driven by a dedicated English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout the journey.
