15 days · from $1490
Sri Lanka 15-Day Private Tour (14 Nights)
See Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, hill country, wildlife parks and south coast on a relaxed 15-day private journey. The route includes Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala, Mirissa, Galle, Bentota and Colombo.
About this tour
This private 15-day tour is designed for travelers who want to see many parts of Sri Lanka without changing hotels every night. You will explore ancient cities, Buddhist and Hindu sites, tea country, waterfalls, national parks, beaches and the historic streets of Galle Fort.
The journey begins with five nights based in Sigiriya, giving you time to visit Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa. It then continues through Kandy and the central highlands to Ella, Yala, Mirissa, Bentota and Colombo.
Main highlights
Ancient Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple
Temple of the Tooth and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Tea country, Ramboda Falls and the train journey to Ella
Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak
Planned jeep safaris in Minneriya and Yala national parks
Mirissa Beach and seasonal whale watching
Galle Fort, the Madu River and Bentota Beach
Colombo city sightseeing
Travel style
You will travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide. The pace can be adjusted for traffic, weather and your interests. English-speaking service is available, while other guide languages must be requested and confirmed in advance.
The tour encourages respectful visits to communities, temples and wildlife areas. Animals are observed from a safe distance and sightings are never guaranteed. Please avoid feeding or touching wildlife and choose responsible animal experiences.
Before you book
The starting price is based on two guests sharing a twin or double room. The final price depends on travel dates, hotel category and the activities included in your written quotation. Entrance tickets, safari charges, boat trips and train tickets should be checked carefully before payment.
The Sigiriya and Mihintale visits involve many steps. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is required at religious sites, and shoes must be removed in temple areas. Train seats cannot be guaranteed until confirmed by Sri Lanka Railways. Whale-watching trips operate only in suitable seasons, weather and sea conditions.
Gallery
Inclusions
- 14 nights of accommodation based on two guests sharing
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers
- Private air-conditioned transport for the stated route
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Help arranging the scenic train journey, safaris and boat activities
- Twenty-four-hour support during the tour
- Flexible sightseeing schedule where local conditions allow
Exclusions
- International flights, visa costs and travel insurance
- Entrance tickets to temples, ancient cities and other attractions unless confirmed in the quotation
- National park tickets and safari jeep charges unless confirmed in the quotation
- Whale-watching, Madu River and other boat charges unless confirmed in the quotation
- Train tickets unless confirmed in the quotation
- Meals and drinks not listed in the final booking confirmation
- Optional activities such as the Ella zip-line or Ella Rock hike
- Personal expenses and tips
Day-by-day route
Day 1
Airport Arrival and Transfer to Sigiriya
Meet your driver-guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel to Sigiriya. The drive normally takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Check in and rest after your flight. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 2
Anuradhapura Ancient City
Take a day trip to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Anuradhapura. Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya and selected palace and monastery ruins. Your guide will explain the city’s place in Sri Lankan Buddhist history. Return to Sigiriya for the night.
Day 3
Mihintale and Free Time in Sigiriya
Travel to Mihintale, where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE. Climb the long stairway to see stupas, monastic remains and wide views across the surrounding countryside. The afternoon is free for rest or an optional village walk. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 4
Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple
Start early and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress before the hottest part of the day. See the gardens, fresco area, Mirror Wall, Lion’s Paw entrance and palace ruins at the summit. Later, visit the painted caves and Buddha statues at Dambulla Cave Temple. Both visits involve steps and temple clothing rules. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 5
Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Safari
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Polonnaruwa, including the royal palace area, audience hall and Gal Vihara rock carvings. In the afternoon, take a planned jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. Elephant numbers change with rainfall and seasonal movement, and no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 6
Spice Garden, Matale and Kandy
Leave Sigiriya and visit a spice garden to learn how common Sri Lankan spices and medicinal plants are grown. Purchases are optional. Stop at the colorful Sri Muthumariamman Hindu Temple in Matale before continuing to Kandy. Spend the evening by the lake or at leisure. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 7
Kandy City Tour and Cultural Show
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, Bahirawakanda Buddha statue, a city viewpoint and Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Time permitting, browse Kandy Market or visit a gem and craft display without any obligation to buy. End the day with a traditional cultural dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 8
Tea Country and Scenic Train to Ella
Travel into the central highlands with stops at Ramboda Falls and a tea factory near Labookellie. Continue through Nuwara Eliya, with time for Gregory Lake and the historic post office if the schedule allows. Board the train at Nanu Oya for the scenic journey to Ella. Seats and carriage class are subject to railway availability. Overnight in Ella.
Day 9
Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak
Walk to Nine Arch Bridge and continue to Little Adam’s Peak for views over Ella’s hills and tea estates. Trails may be wet or slippery after rain. The Flying Ravana zip-line or an Ella Rock hike can be arranged at extra cost for guests who want a more active day. Overnight in Ella.
Day 10
Ravana Falls and Yala Safari
Leave Ella and stop at Ravana Falls before traveling south toward Yala. Join an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park, subject to park operations and weather. The park is home to elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer and many birds, but sightings depend on natural conditions. Overnight near Yala.
Day 11
Yala to Mirissa
Travel from the dry-zone landscape of Yala to Sri Lanka’s south coast. Visit Coconut Tree Hill if access and conditions permit, walk along the Mirissa waterfront and enjoy free time on the beach. Swimming depends on waves and local safety advice. Overnight in Mirissa.
Day 12
Seasonal Whale Watching, Galle and Bentota
Join an early whale-watching trip when the season, sea conditions and local operations allow. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and the trip may be cancelled in rough weather. Continue to Galle for a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed fort, then travel toward Bentota. A responsible turtle conservation centre may be visited if time permits. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 13
Madu River and Bentota Beach
Take a boat trip through the mangroves and waterways of the Madu River, subject to weather and operating conditions. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and avoid attractions that allow animal handling. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the coast or enjoying optional water activities. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 14
Bentota to Colombo City Tour
Travel north to Colombo and explore selected city landmarks. Planned stops include Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green and local commercial districts, with the exact route adjusted for traffic and opening hours. Enjoy your final evening in the capital. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 15
Colombo and Airport Departure
Check out and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight. The pickup time will be planned around airline check-in requirements and Colombo traffic. Additional sightseeing is possible only when the flight schedule allows.
Google Maps route
Sri Lanka 15-Day Private Tour (14 Nights) driving route
Quick answers
How many days is the Sri Lanka 15-Day Private Tour (14 Nights)?
This private package is designed as 15 days, covering key Sri Lanka regions. You can request a shorter or longer version when you enquire.
How much does the Sri Lanka 15-Day Private Tour (14 Nights) cost?
Published from prices: Two guests sharing USD 1490 Starting price per person based on two travelers sharing a twin or double room. Final price depends on dates, hotels and confirmed inclusions.. Starting from USD 1490. Final quote confirmed when you enquire.
What is included in Sri Lanka 15-Day Private Tour (14 Nights)?
Included: 14 nights of accommodation based on two guests sharing; Private airport arrival and departure transfers; Private air-conditioned transport for the stated route; English-speaking driver-guide; Help arranging the scenic train journey, safaris and boat activities; Twenty-four-hour support during the tour. Exact tickets and optional activities are confirmed when you request the tour.
What is not included in Sri Lanka 15-Day Private Tour (14 Nights)?
Not included: International flights, visa costs and travel insurance; Entrance tickets to temples, ancient cities and other attractions unless confirmed in the quotation; National park tickets and safari jeep charges unless confirmed in the quotation; Whale-watching, Madu River and other boat charges unless confirmed in the quotation; Train tickets unless confirmed in the quotation; Meals and drinks not listed in the final booking confirmation.
When is the best time for Sri Lanka 15-Day Private Tour (14 Nights)?
Sri Lanka is year-round if you match coasts to the monsoon. See Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, hill country, wildlife parks and south coast on a relaxed 15-day private journey. The route includes Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala, Mirissa, Galle, Bentota and Colombo.