A 14 day Sri Lanka itinerary — also searched as a 2 week Sri Lanka tour — is the most comprehensive way to experience the island without feeling rushed. Two weeks gives you enough time to linger in each destination, add an extra safari, enjoy proper beach days and still cover all the iconic highlights from Sigiriya in the north to Mirissa in the south.
This itinerary is the most popular choice among UK and European travellers, Australian families and anyone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time who wants a truly complete experience. It builds directly on our 10 day route, adding the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the Udawalawe elephant safari, more beach time in Mirissa and a night in Colombo before departure.
As with all Sri Lanka Travellers itineraries, this tour is fully private. Your own driver, your own vehicle and a day-by-day plan that you can adjust at any point during the tour.
Airport pickup and transfer to Negombo. Settle in, explore the beach strip, Dutch canal and fish market. Overnight Negombo.
Drive to Anuradhapura (3 hours) — Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, sacred to Buddhists worldwide. Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi (the world's oldest documented tree, grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment), Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba and Jetavanaramaya stupa. Overnight Anuradhapura.
Continue the ancient city trail to Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO) then settle into Sigiriya. Optional afternoon: Pidurangala Rock hike for sunset views over the Sigiriya plain. Overnight Sigiriya.
Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise — the most dramatic time to visit. Explore the Lion's Paw gateway, the famous frescoes and the summit water gardens. Afternoon free — optional village cycling or Minneriya National Park elephant-gathering safari. Overnight Sigiriya.
Morning at the ancient ruined city of Polonnaruwa — the medieval capital with magnificent Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, the Lotus Pond and the Audience Hall. Afternoon drive to Kandy. Overnight Kandy.
Full day in Kandy. Morning at the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Afternoon at leisure — Kandy viewpoints, spice garden or craft shopping. Evening Kandyan cultural performance with traditional dance and fire-walking. Overnight Kandy.
Drive up into the tea highlands (2.5 hours). Tea factory tour and tasting with plantation views. Explore Nuwara Eliya — the colonial hill station with horse racing grounds, English-style post office and a temperate climate perfect for walking. Overnight Nuwara Eliya.
Scenic drive or iconic highland train ride to Ella (best booked in advance). Stop at Horton Plains National Park for the World's End cliff walk — a sheer 880-metre drop into jungle. Arrive Ella. Overnight Ella.
Full day in Ella. Hike Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak in the morning. Afternoon at Nine Arches Bridge. Visit Ravana Falls and waterfall swimming hole. Explore Ella village cafes and local restaurants. Overnight Ella.
Drive to Udawalawe (2 hours). Afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park — the best park in Sri Lanka for guaranteed elephant sightings, with over 600 resident elephants. Also watch for water buffalo, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. Overnight near Udawalawe.
Morning dawn safari at Udawalawe (optional second safari). Drive to the south coast beach at Mirissa or Tangalle (2.5 hours). Check in to your beach hotel. Afternoon swimming, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach. Overnight Mirissa or Tangalle.
Full leisure day on the south coast. Optional morning whale watching boat (November to April) from Mirissa harbour — blue whales and sperm whales are regularly sighted. Afternoon at the beach. Overnight Mirissa.
Morning visit to Galle Dutch Fort — rampart walk, lighthouse, colonial-era church and boutique lanes inside the fort walls. Drive to Colombo (2 hours). Explore the Galle Face promenade, Pettah market or check into your Colombo hotel. Final dinner. Overnight Colombo.
Check out and depart for Colombo Airport with your driver. End of your Sri Lanka 14 day private tour.
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Related: 10 day itinerary · 16 day itinerary · Safari tours
