Central & Southern Sri Lanka: Wildlife, Culture & Beaches - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo

Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the Colombo Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in the laid-back beach town of Negombo. Known as "Little Rome" for its strong Catholic influence, Negombo transitioned over the centuries through Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule. Today its sandy beaches, welcoming locals, meandering canals, and colorful streets make it the perfect spot to enjoy your first evening in Sri Lanka.

Day 2: Transfer to Dambulla, Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex

Your driver will pick you up at the hotel today and take you northeast to Dambulla, located in Sri Lanka's Central Province. Get settled in, then spend the rest of the day exploring the magnificent UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple Complex.

This vast series of carved caves dates back to the 1st century BCE and is home to some of the country's most important religious artifacts. Wander deep into the cliffside to marvel at gilded interiors, dramatic murals, and an incredible collection of holy statues—including a 47-foot (14-m) reclining golden Buddha. Then climb to the temple's rocky clifftops for sweeping views across the surrounding forests and countryside.

Day 3: Rural Village Trail in Habarana, Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Set out into the countryside today on a guided cycling tour through rice paddies and back roads. You'll have the chance to interact with local farmers and learn about Sri Lankan rural life before pedaling to a quiet lake, where you can enjoy a scenic boat trip out onto the water. Afterward, cycle around the lake, keeping your eyes open for exotic birds. Break for a cup of tea or a fresh coconut along the journey, then sit down for a lunch of curry and rice with a local family inside a mud hut.  

Afterward, head to the iconic monolith of Sigiriya. Rising high out of the lush jungle, this UNESCO-listed site is home to the remains of an ancient fortress built in the late 5th century CE. The name translates to "Lion Rock," a reference to the way visitors traditionally began their final ascent to the top of the monument, passing through the open jaws and throat of a lion. Today only the gigantic paws sculpted into the rock remain. Climb a series of dramatic stairways to find beautiful water fountains, boulder gardens, frescos, mirror walls, and relics of the castle.

Day 4: Transfer to Kandy, Temple of the Sacred Tooth & Cultural Show

Your adventure continues today with the journey south to Kandy. Strategically situated between three mountain ranges, the city serves as a welcoming gateway to the country's picturesque Hill Country. Get settled into your accommodations, then head out to explore more of Sri Lanka's cultural capital.

 

Visit Kandy’s historic Royal Palace on the edge of Lake Kandy, stroll through the palace's shrines, temples, and gardens, and don't miss its crown jewel: Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). The intricate temple complex dates to the 16th century and is home to Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic: a tooth from the Buddha. As evening falls, you can attend a fascinating cultural show to see some great examples of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

Day 5: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, Tour a Sri Lankan Tea Plantation

Enjoy the scenery as your driver transfers you deep into the Hill Country, passing waterfalls, tea plantations & mountains on your way to the town of Nuwara Eliya. Stop en route to learn more about Sri Lanka's most famous export with a visit to a working tea plantation at Giragama. Take a walk through the lush fields to see how tea leaves are picked, and stop in the factory to watch the drying, rolling, and tasting processes. Cap off the tour with an unforgettable cup of freshly-brewed Ceylon tea.

Continue to the magical highland town of Nuwara Eliya, situated high above sea level. Boasting a climate unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka, its misty altitudes and cooler temperatures make it a haven for growing colorful flowers and exquisitely flavored teas. Colonized by the British and often referred to as "Little England," it retains a distinctly old-world atmosphere. Spend an afternoon discovering the town's gardens, temples, museums, and tea plantations before settling in for a peaceful evening in the Hill Country.

Day 6: Discover Horton Plains National Park

Today you'll explore the Unesco World Heritage Site of Horton Plains National Park, a reserve characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, forests, and grassland. Home to various mammal species, including elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine, and leopard, the park also has unique vegetation which attracts many rare and endemic highland birds.

 

A highlight of the park is its towering escarpment that falls dramatically to the lowlands. Aptly known as the "World’s End," the precipice offers a fabulous view of the tea estates below. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the distant southern coastline. 

Day 7: Transfer to Yala, Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Head southeast to discover more of Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife. Covering almost 621 square miles (1,000 km), the spectacular Yala National Park is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, the reserve is best known for its variety of wild animals and has an important role in the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and aquatic birds. 

 

Spend today exploring this natural wonder on a guided Jeep excursion. The park's landscape of dry thorn scrub, interspersed with small dusty glades, is reminiscent of Africa, and a perfect environment for safaris. Take your time as you search for rare flora and fauna and keep an eye out for the Yala's most famous inhabitants—a sizeable herd of Sri Lankan elephants.           

Day 8: Visit the Ancient Pilgrimage Site of Kataragama

Situated on the western edge of Yala National Park, you'll find the remote town of Kataragama—an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims alike. Every summer the sleepy town comes alive when pilgrims flock to its famous Kataragama Festival. Pay a visit to the central shrine, believed to be built by the ancient King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE and dedicated to the guardian deity of Kataragama Deviyo, then continue to the nearby Kirivehara and Maha Devale shrines to explore two other sites rich with Buddhist culture.

Day 9: Transfer to Unawatuna, Tour the Galle Dutch Fort 

It's time to head to the beach! This morning your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you west to the popular coastal town of Unawatuna. Stop en route at the UNESCO-listed city of Galle, where you can explore 300-year-old Dutch fortifications surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. After a tour of the city's historic past, you'll have time to browse its Dutch-colonial buildings, historic mosques, grand mansions, and museums. Wander the streets and discover stylish cafés, shops, and boutique hotels owned by local and ex-pat artists and designers. 

Days 10-11: Relax on the Beaches of Unawatuna

The next two days are free for you to relax and unwind on the white sand beaches of Unawatuna. Sheltered by an offshore coral reef, the turquoise waters here are warm and tranquil, making them perfect for swimming and watersports. For a more active afternoon, hike the nearby Japanese Peace Pagoda for views over the coast, visit a local sea turtle farm and hatchery, or join a whale and dolphin watching boat trip. As evening falls, head to one of the many restaurants serving mouthwatering Sri Lankan cuisine and watch a colorful sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Day 12: Transfer to Colombo & Depart

Enjoy a leisurely final morning at the beach. When the time comes, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Colombo Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other 12-day Sri Lanka itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.