Sri Lanka14 days
Sri Lanka: Elephant Orphanage, Ancient Temples & Coastal Refuge — 14 Days
Colombo to Yala National Park via Sigiriya, Kandy and tea country, combining wildlife, cultural sites and beach rest
This 14-day itinerary moves across Sri Lanka's central and southern regions, beginning at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage near Colombo before ascending to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the cave temples of Dambulla. The route then descends to Kandy — the island's last royal capital and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic — followed by a three-night stay in the tea estates of Madulkelle and Koslanda at elevation. The second half transitions south through Yala National Park, where morning and evening game drives offer sightings of elephants, sloth bears, leopards and wild buffalo, before concluding with two nights on the quiet beach at Thalpe. The pacing includes dedicated rest days, a candle-lit dinner at Back of Beyond, and stays at properties positioned within their respective landscapes — a treehouse in the central highlands, an eco-lodge amid tea plantations, and a safari camp within the national park.
Highlights
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to approximately 60 orphaned elephants near Colombo
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a palace site rising from the surrounding plains
- Dambulla Cave Temple complex — a UNESCO World Heritage site with five caves containing over 150 Buddhist statues and frescoes dating to the 15th-18th centuries
- Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka
- Tea picking, factory visit and tasting at Madulkelle Tea Estate in the central highlands
- Morning and evening game drives in Yala National Park for elephants, sloth bears, leopards and wild buffalo
- Two-night beach stay at Thalpe on the southern coast
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to KaleliyaCasa Heliconia · Colombo International Airport to Kaleliya
Arrival at Colombo International Airport and transfer to Kaleliya, approximately one hour south by private vehicle. Evening at leisure at Casa Heliconia. Accommodation: Casa Heliconia (Half Board).
2Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and SigiriyaPinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Kaleliya to Sigiriya
Transfer from Kaleliya to Sigiriya, passing through Pinnawala — approximately two hours by road. Stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located roughly 90 kilometres from Colombo en route to Kandy. The facility houses some 60 or more elephant orphans; visitors observe the animals in open grounds, with opportunities to watch feeding and bathing routines conducted by caretakers. Continue to Sigiriya and overnight at Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela. Accommodation: Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela (Half Board).
3Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave TempleSigiriya Rock Fortress · Dambulla Cave Temple complex
Afternoon ascent of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, nominated as the 8th wonder of the world. Following the climb, visit Dambulla Cave Temple complex, also a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. Five caves contain Buddhist artwork spanning the 15th to 18th centuries, including over 150 statues and ceiling frescoes depicting Buddha's life and Sinhalese history. Cave 1 houses a 15-metre reclining Buddha sculpture known as the dying Buddha. Cave 2, the largest, contains statuary illustrating Mahayana Buddhist influences, including Hindu deities such as Vishnu and Ganesh. Overnight at Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela. Accommodation: Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela (Half Board).
4Rest Day at Back of Beyond Dehigaha ElaBack of Beyond Dehigaha Ela
Full day at leisure at the hotel. Evening candle-lit dinner with champagne. Accommodation: Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela (Half Board).
5Transfer to Kandy and Temple of the Tooth RelicKandy · Temple of the Tooth Relic
Transfer to Kandy, approximately 115 kilometres from Colombo and set at 465 metres above sea level. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka. Kandy, the island's last royal capital, is known throughout the island as the cultural and religious centre, home to numerous temples and monasteries in addition to the Tooth Relic. Overnight at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge. Accommodation: Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge (Half Board).
6Rest Day at Madulkelle Tea EstateMadulkulle Tea & Eco Lodge
Full day at leisure at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge, located within the central highlands tea region. Accommodation: Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge (Half Board).
7Tea Picking and Factory Visit at MadulkelleMadulkelle · the factory
Pick tea leaves on the estate, tour the factory to see processing methods, and taste fresh brews. Overnight at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge.
8Transfer to Koslanda in the Tea CountryKoslanda
Transfer to Koslanda, set within privately held tea plantations and forested terrain. Accommodation at Koslanda Living Heritage. Accommodation: Koslanda Living Heritage (Half Board).
9Rest Day at Koslanda Living HeritageKoslanda Living Heritage
Full day at leisure at the hotel. Accommodation: Koslanda Living Heritage (Half Board).
10Rest Day at Koslanda Living HeritageKoslanda Living Heritage
Full day at leisure at the hotel. Accommodation: Koslanda Living Heritage (Half Board).
11Yala National Park: Arrival and Game DrivesYala National Park
Transfer to Yala National Park, approximately two hours south from Koslanda. Yala is Sri Lanka's largest national park and the primary site for sightings of the island's largest terrestrial fauna. The 'big four' — elephants, sloth bears, leopards and wild buffalo — roam the park's grasslands and forest margins. Elephant herds congregate at dry-season water reservoirs including Butuwe and Mahaseelawa; Uraniya reservoir is known for aquatic birds, wild buffalo, mugger crocodiles and saltwater crocodiles. Sloth bears, solitary and nocturnal animals, are more difficult to sight and sightings are seasonal. Lunch and evening game drive included. Overnight at Ruhunu Safari Camping. Accommodation: Ruhunu Safari Camping (All Inclusive).
12Early Game Drive and Transfer to ThalpeThalpe · Yala National Park
Early morning game drive within Yala National Park. Breakfast at the camp, then transfer to Thalpe, approximately three and a half hours south. Thalpe is a quiet coastal settlement known for unspoilt beaches away from the main tourist centres. Overnight at Apa Villa. Accommodation: Apa Villa – Thalpe (Half Board).
13Rest Day at Thalpe Beachthe beach
Full day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at Apa Villa. Accommodation: Apa Villa – Thalpe (Half Board).
14Departure from Thalpe to Colombo AirportColombo International Airport
Transfer to Colombo International Airport, approximately two and a half hours north by road, for departure.
Where you go
- 1Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- 2Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- 3Kandy
- 4Temple of the Tooth Relic
- 5Yala National Park
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 1 night in Pagoda Gold or Temple Angkor at Casa Heliconia on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Tree House at Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Honeymoon Suite at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in a suite at Living Heritage Koslanda on Half Board Basis
- 1 night in a Premium Tent at Ruhunu Safari Camping on all inclusive Basis
- 2 nights in a Cardamom Villa at Apa Villa thalpe on Half Board Basis