Sri Lanka
Group / Max 16
13 days
Group Tour
Colombo to Colombo – 13 days
This carefully curated 13-day Sri Lanka itinerary blends culture, nature and relaxation in perfect harmony. Begin in the coastal town of Negombo before diving into the historic heart of Colombo. Travel through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where ancient rock fortresses, sacred temples and rural village life offer deep insight into the island’s rich heritage. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and a scenic train ride through the misty tea highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Hatton. Sri Lanka’s diverse habitats, from lowland rainforests to misty hill country, are key wildlife hotspots and home to many endemic species. Despite being a small island, Sri Lanka is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife.
Continue south to the colonial-era Galle Fort and unwind along Sri Lanka’s golden coastline in Tangalle. Discover wildlife through optional safaris, rainforest walks, wildlife tours and immersive wildlife-watching experiences, as well as a moving visit to a turtle conservation centre. With plenty of time to relax on the beach or explore at your own pace, this journey is ideal for travellers seeking both discovery and serenity in one unforgettable cultural and wildlife holiday across Sri Lanka.
SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS & VILLAGE LIFE: Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO sites, and enjoy sweeping views from its summit. Then experience traditional village life in Hiriwadunna, where tractor rides, catamaran trips, and a home-cooked lunch offer an authentic taste of rural Sri Lanka.
CULTURAL TREASURES OF KANDY & DAMBULLA: Explore Dambulla’s stunning cave temples, filled with ancient murals and Buddha statues. In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and watch a vibrant cultural dance performance. These spiritual landmarks reveal Sri Lanka’s deep religious roots and lively traditions.
SCENIC TRAIN RIDE & TEA COUNTRY: Ride one of the world’s most beautiful train routes from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing rolling tea fields and forested hills. Visit a working tea estate to learn about Ceylon tea, then relax in the peaceful highland town of Hatton.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS & COASTAL CHARM: Explore the colonial lanes of Galle Fort before heading to the peaceful beaches of Tangalle. Optional whale watching in Mirissa and a moving turtle conservation visit offer unforgettable wildlife moments. Enjoy thrilling safaris in Sri Lanka’s national parks, where open grasslands and plains provide ideal settings to view wild animals such as elephants, deer and a remarkable diversity of bird species. There is the chance for elephant sightings and opportunities to spot leopards and other big cats in their natural habitat. Leisure time ensures a relaxed end to your Sri Lankan journey, with the Indian Ocean as your scenic backdrop.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
This 13-day Sri Lanka cultural and wildlife expedition blends ancient heritage, scenic train journeys, lush tea country and golden beaches. Highlights include Sigiriya Rock, the Temple of the Tooth, Galle Fort and a turtle conservation experience, with time for authentic local encounters and relaxed coastal stays. Guided visits in Sri Lanka’s renowned national parks offer excellent wildlife watching, with opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat.
When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, a friendly local representative will greet you and help you with the short drive to Negombo. This coastal town is known for its long beaches and active fishing life. You can relax by the sea or take a quiet walk to settle in after your flight. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace before spending the night in comfort at your hotel in Colombo.
Ramada Colombo
After breakfast, head out for a guided tour of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s lively capital. Visit colourful local markets and colonial buildings built during Portuguese, Dutch, and British times. See famous places such as the striking Red Mosque, Buddhist temples, and Hindu shrines. Your guide will also recommend a tasty spot for a traditional Sri Lankan lunch. In the evening, return to your hotel for some quiet time.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ramada Colombo
After breakfast, travel to Sigiriya, one of the highlights of your cultural tour. On the way, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colourful murals and many statues of Buddha. Walk through the cool caves and learn about Sri Lanka’s Buddhist past. Continue your drive to Sigiriya and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel Sigiriya
Today you’ll explore local village life at Hiriwadunna. Ride a tractor through scenic countryside, where you may spot birds, butterflies and crocodiles. Watch villagers working on farms and fishing, then take a catamaran ride with a farmer. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch prepared by locals. In the afternoon, relax at your hotel or join an optional jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, where elephants gather in large numbers. The park’s open plains are ideal for wildlife viewing, offering excellent opportunities for elephant sightings and the chance to spot wild animals such as deer, including spotted deer and sambar deer, as well as a variety of bird species.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel Sigiriya
Start early and climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO site known for its ancient palace ruins, paintings, and panoramic views. After your visit, drive to Kandy, a scenic city surrounded by hills. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the country. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance with music and traditional costumes.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England” for its cool weather and colonial charm, nestled in Sri Lanka’s misty hill country. Pass beautiful views of tea gardens and misty mountains. Stop at a tea factory to see how Ceylon tea is made and enjoy a fresh cup. Continue by road to Hatton and check into your hotel in the peaceful hill country.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start early with a guided walk through Horton Plains National Park, a high-altitude area of grasslands, forests and rare plants. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including many endemic species and endemic birds such as the Sri Lanka whistling thrush and Sri Lanka bush warbler, making it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Visit World’s End, a dramatic cliff with breathtaking views, and stop at Baker’s Falls. Return to your hotel for a rest. In the afternoon, visit Christ Church Warleigh, a small 19th-century church overlooking a lake. The day ends with a quiet evening in the highlands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, journey to Galle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. On arrival, check in and then explore the famous Galle Fort, a UNESCO site built by the Dutch. Walk through narrow lanes lined with historic buildings, art shops, cafés and colonial charm. Visit the Galle Lighthouse, the oldest in Sri Lanka, and enjoy Indian Ocean sea views. Relax in the evening or watch the sunset from the fort walls.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day at your own pace. Relax by the beach, or take a short trip to the Hiyare Rainforest, one of Sri Lanka’s lowland rainforests, ideal for wildlife watching and home to a rich variety of animals, birds and lush greenery. You can also visit Unawatuna’s Jungle Beach, a quiet spot ideal for swimming and relaxing. Finish your day with sunset views over Galle Fort before returning to your hotel.
Today, drive to Tangalle, stopping on the way at the ancient Mulkirigala Rock Temple. Climb stone steps to see caves filled with reclining Buddha statues and colourful paintings. At the top, enjoy views of the forest and peaceful surroundings. Then continue to Tangalle, a quiet coastal town where you can relax by the sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your morning relaxing at the beach or enjoying the calm of your resort. In the evening, visit a turtle conservation project where you’ll learn about efforts to protect sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might see baby turtles being released into the ocean—a magical and memorable wildlife experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day at your beach resort. Swim, walk by the sea, or just unwind. If you're up for more adventure, join an optional whale-watching trip to Mirissa, one of the best places in the world to see blue whales and dolphins. Return to Tangalle for a peaceful final evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Colombo International Airport. Leave Sri Lanka with wonderful memories of ancient temples, scenic train rides, peaceful beaches, and local hospitality.
Meals Included: Breakfast
A deep passion for Asia’s rich heritage and diverse ecosystems inspired us to craft this extraordinary journey. As we explored Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes, we recognised the urgent need to protect its traditions, wildlife and natural beauty. The Sri Lanka Cultural & Wildlife Expedition was born from this purpose, designed to foster responsible travel that connects visitors with local communities, conservation efforts and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Responsible wildlife tours sit at the heart of our approach. We support ethical wildlife tourism through visits to reputable elephant care initiatives such as the Elephant Transit Home and the Millennium Elephant Foundation, which rescue and care for elephants. Throughout the itinerary, experienced guides accompany you, especially in wildlife-rich areas such as Sinharaja Biosphere and Yala National Park, where expert guidance is essential for safe and meaningful encounters. Yala is renowned for sightings of large animals, while Sinharaja offers rare birds, insects and smaller species within dense rainforest.
From the mystical ruins of Sigiriya to the majestic elephant gatherings in Minneriya, each element is thoughtfully curated to celebrate Sri Lanka’s wonders while supporting their preservation. Rural village encounters, turtle conservation initiatives and the scenic highlands reflect our vision for sustainable, immersive tourism. At Asian Geographical, we create journeys that inspire and educate, ensuring travellers experience the soul of Sri Lanka while contributing to its protection for generations to come.
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL & WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES: Gain exclusive access to UNESCO-listed heritage sites, traditional village life, and wildlife conservation projects. Our commitment to sustainability ensures meaningful interactions that preserve local culture and protect Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.
EXPERTLY CURATED & GUIDED EXPLORATION: Led by experienced local guides, this tour offers deep insight into Sri Lanka’s history, landscapes, and wildlife. Our wildlife tours include unique experiences such as a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park, where you can explore Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir and spot elephants and rare birdlife from the water. Some excursions take you off the beaten track for exclusive wildlife encounters in remote and pristine settings. With Asian Geographical, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the region’s biodiversity and cultural significance.
PERFECT FOR ADVENTURERS & NATURE ENTHUSIASTS: Designed for intrepid explorers, wildlife lovers, and cultural travellers, this expedition blends adventure, relaxation, and education, offering a seamless journey through Sri Lanka’s most captivating destinations.
LUXURY & RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL COMBINED: Enjoy premium accommodations, scenic train rides, and private excursions, all while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. At Asian Geographical, we ensure comfort without compromising our dedication to conservation, making this the ideal choice for conscious luxury travellers.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
