Tour Itineraries

14 Day Tours

Explore Sri Lanka with our personalised tour itineraries for individuals, couples, groups and families. Our classic 14-day itinerary takes in all the main historic and cultural sights the island has to offer, including a variety of beautiful landscapes, beaches, and tea plantations. Sri Lanka Smile Tours also offers alternative itineraries, tailored to your interests and activity preferences. Get in touch today for more information about our Sri Lanka tours.

When you request a tour, we provide a price for the full 14 day tour from £2,100 per person, including:

Medium-Grade Hotel Accommodation, including Breakfast
Tour Guide
Airport Transfer
Travel by Air-Conditioned Car or Minibus
Entrance Tickets to Most Attractions (some extra optional trips may be available)

Please note that this price does not include flights or travel to and from Sri Lanka.

Sample Itineraries

8 Day Tours

This is a shorter tour which still offers a varied and interesting experience of Sri Lanka, and starts from £949 per person. It includes airport transfers, hotel accommodation (3*/4*) with breakfast, tour guide, air conditioned minibus and tickets to attractions, although there may be optional extra trips.

Medium-Grade Hotel Accommodation, including Breakfast
Tour Guide
Airport Transfer
Travel by Air-Conditioned Car or Minibus
Entrance Tickets to Most Attractions (some extra optional trips may be available)

Please note that this price does not include flights or travel to and from Sri Lanka.

Sample Itineraries

Sri Lanka Activity Holiday

There are so many amazing things to do in Sri Lanka, and another popular itinerary is our activity-driven tour, ideal for families, groups, and couples. Whether you want to surf, dive, snorkel, and see dolphins and whales, there’s plenty for people who never want to sit still. Options include:

Jeep Safaris: Staying in comfortable tented camps in a range of National Parks, you can wake up to the sounds of wildlife and birds around you and enjoy optional early morning walks with an experienced guide.

Elephants and Wildlife

White Water Rafting at Kitulgala: (Available November to April) Experienced guides will explore the river with you through an exciting mix of rapids but also plenty of calmer sections. You can relive the experience as you share lunch with your fellow rafters at a beautiful riverside location.

Guided Cycling Tour: Explore the quiet lanes and backroads of Sigiriya, with a local guide leading you up to this spectacular ancient fortress.

Kayaking

Zipline

Hiking: Destinations include Pekoe Trail, Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains, and Knuckles Country Park.

Beach Activities, including:

Surfing
Snorkelling
Diving
Paddleboarding
Dolphin Watching
Whale Watching

Alternative Tours

Our guides look forward to discussing your requirements and tailoring your tour to your interests, needs, tastes, and budget. We are happy to build an alternative itinerary, making your trip shorter or longer and including other activities or destinations, such as:

Food of Sri Lanka Cookery Tour
Surf School – for Beginners or More Experienced Surfers
Hiking the Pekoe Trail
Cycling Tours
Whitewater Rafting
Whale Watching (November to April)
Yoga Retreats

Honeymoon and Anniversary Adventure

Day 1 – 6

You will be greeted at the airport and taken to Paradise Beach Hotel in Mirissa on the south coast where a warm welcome and a genuine sense of Sri Lankan hospitality awaits you.

Experience delicious rice and curry and other specialities at the hotel restaurant, pamper yourself in the spa, or relax by the pool or on the beach.

Make the most of the beautiful setting with sunset beach strolls, swimming, snorkelling or diving in the sea. Why not book a surf lesson or two, or a whale and dolphin watching boat trip?

(Whale watching is at its peak between November and April)

Day 7

It’s an early start today to travel to Udawalawe National Park with your Tour Guide. Here you will see families of elephants, crocodiles, and amazing tropical birds. Our journey continues to the hill country village of Ella, an interesting and colourful place, and you will stay at Ella Gap Hotel tonight.

Day 8

After breakfast you will visit a working tea factory and get a chance to pick some tea leaves, and then enjoy a scenic train ride through the plantations. After this you will check into the Thilanka Hotel in Kandy, a bustling lakeside town surrounded by hills.

Day 9

You’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy today, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, and also the Royal Botanic Gardens. There is time for shopping, or relaxing in the hotel, before concluding with a traditional cultural performance featuring drumming, dancing and fire walking. You stay in Thilanka Hotel again tonight.

Day 10

After breakfast we start the journey to Colombo for your flight home.

From £3899 per couple

Multi-Activity Adventure Holiday (Customisable)

7, 10, 14 days – from £749 (flights not included)

Included: Airport transfers, Air-conditioned transport, Accommodation in 3/4 * hotels, or Homestay, Breakfasts and driver/guide where appropriate

This multi-activity adventure offers a combination of coastal and inland experiences. Along the southern coastline, you can engage in a variety of water-based activities such as surfing (lessons are available for beginners), paddle boarding, snorkelling, or diving, or whale and dolphin watching. Generally November to April are the best months for whale watching but some blue whales have been seen off the coast of Mirissa in September.

In contrast, yoga, cookery classes and pottery workshops are also available by the coast, as are visits to the turtle hatcheries, snake farms, local markets and the historic town of Galle.

So you can see there are plenty of things to do along the coast by Weligama and Mirissa, and neither are far from Galle, a fascinating old town.

Of course there are many more things if you want to journey inland, from jeep safaris to see elephants and other wildlife in Udawalawe National Park to tea plantations where you can pick the leaves and taste a freshly brewed variety of teas. There’s an amazing scenic train journey through the hills and hiking possibilities on Horton Plains or Adam’s Peak at sunrise.

Cultural and historic highlights include a visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites, and an early morning climb of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We haven’t provided an itinerary for this trip but would love to talk with you about the activities you would like to do and put forward an itinerary that reflects this. Sri Lanka really is such a relaxed and friendly place to be so it’s easy to put together a programme that allows you to be as active as you like but with plenty of opportunities to enjoy downtime also.

Give us a call to find out more; we love discussing all things Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka Smile Tours team are available on +44 7801 652961

Roots of Ceylon – a 14 Day Exploration

The sample itinerary below is an outline of our most comprehensive tour, spanning 14 days with accommodation ranging from our comfortable homestay to high-end and boutique hotels.

Homestay

Accommodation

Day 1

Your first taste of Sri Lankan hospitality comes with a warm welcome at the airport as we embark on to Negombo, the closest coastal town. We can spend some time relaxing on the beach or in the pool before our introductory meeting at the hotel in the evening.

Day 2

We start the day walking around the fresh fish market on Negombo beach, an amazing hive of activity. You will see every part of the process, from the unique fishing boats landing their catch to the preparing and drying of the fish. Then, we start the drive north to Wilpattu National Park to go on a jeep safari. We follow tracks past lakes and through dense forest areas and may be lucky enough to see elephants, alligators, samba deer, fruit bats, and even a leopard.

Day 3

After breakfast, we head for the mountain peak of Mihintale. It is believed that this is where the monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and Buddhism was introduced to the country. In the afternoon, we explore the 5th-century capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, a large mysterious and ruined city. We’ll also see the first temple to be built on the island and the largest stupa in Sri Lanka.

Day 4

Today, we visit the Standing Buddha of Aukana, situated in a peaceful, beautiful setting, before going on to visit the Dambulla sacred Buddhist caves. It’s an interesting experience stepping into the range of caves and seeing so many temples and statues dating back to the 1st century BC. Lunch today involves observing a cookery demonstration by a local chef, learning about the many spices available in Sri Lankan cookery, and then eating it! Later, there is another chance to go on an optional jeep safari (at extra cost) to Eco Park where there will be plenty of wildlife photo opportunities.

Day 5

The country’s medieval capital Polonnaruwa is our destination this morning. There are extensive and well-preserved remains of this ancient city including the old parliament building, with intricate stone carvings. We will have a guided tour of the site and then enjoy a delicious rice and curry lunch in a restaurant overlooking the countryside. On our way back to the hotel, we will also visit a wood carving workshop.

Day 6

We make an early start today to arrive at Sigiriya Rock before sunrise, beating the crowds and seeing the rock as it emerges in the gentle morning light. It is also a cooler time to begin the climb up the famous ‘Lion Rock’. Taking as much time as we need ascending the 200m steep staircase, we finally reach the fortress at the top.

The incredibly spectacular views all around reward our climb. We visit a spice-growing area after lunch and hear all about their uses in cooking and for health. Arriving at our hotel in Kandy, we have a chance to look around as well as take the opportunity to attend a drumming, dancing, and fire walking cultural show.

Day 7

We have a chance to see more of Kandy this morning as we walk through the town and appreciate its lakeside setting. We visit the Temple of the Tooth and learn why it’s important for Buddhists all over the world. Before visiting the stunningly beautiful Botanic Gardens in the afternoon we visit a batik workshop and take in the views of Kandy and the surrounding hills from the other side of the lake. There is an opportunity to visit a gem lapidary to learn about sapphire extraction in Sri Lanka and see the workshops, and also the chance to buy jewellery or loose gems there. From a nearby silk shop there is the opportunity to buy silk clothing.

Day 8

After breakfast we visit Arthur’s Seat, giving us a high viewpoint of the city and lake and then visit a batik workshop before beginning our journey through the hill country. At one of these, we get to see how they pick and process the tea as well as having a chance to try the different teas. There will be the opportunity to buy teas from the plantation.
We drive on to Nuwara Eliya, the British colonial capital of this region. It is known as ‘Little England’ because of its quaint Victorian architecture, boating lake, golf course and old colonial hotels. Everywhere is very green, like Britain, because of the cooler local climate and rainfall.
From December to May we will go to Delhousie instead of Nuwara Eliya to have the opportunity to walk up Adams Peak to see the sunrise from there. We will leave our hotel there late morning to visit Nuwara Eliya and then check in to Blackpool Hotel.

Day 9

From May to December you will have the opportunity to drive higher up into the misty hills today to hike on the Horton Plain and arrive and arrive at the very dramatic ‘Worlds End’. Here we have spectacular views of the mountains and countryside all around. For those who don’t want to hike there is the option to spend time in Nuwara Eliya or relax in the hotel.

In the afternoon you will have free time to walk around the farming area and local village, or relax in the hotel.

Day 10

After breakfast we go to Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England’ because it grew up as the main town during the development of the tea plantations and has many old style colonial buildings such as the post office, also a boating lake and golf course. On the way to take our train journey through the tea plantations we stop at a chai tea café and admire the views of the rolling hills all around. We will check in to our hotel in Ella once we have arrived, having passed over the spectacular Nine Arch Bridge.

Day 11

After breakfast we stop to view waterfalls and visit Buduruwagala Temple before checking into our hotel and having lunch there. You will have some time to relax and enjoy the pool before leaving for the Elephant Transit Home where we learn about orphaned elephants and their reorientation into the wild.

Day 12

Leaving the forested camp behind us, we start our journey to the coast and Galle, a charming trading port colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British over the centuries. After lunch there, we stop to see the stilt fishermen on the way to our hotel at Koggala, there is also the option to visit the turtle hatchery before going on to swim and relax before dinner.

Day 13

There are options this morning to go on an early whale watching trip (December to April) in Mirissa, relax on the beach or return to Galle to visit museums and go shopping. After lunch there is the option to take a short boat trip across a lake to visit a monastery and a small scale farmer on Cinnamon Island and watch him carefully produce cinnamon sticks by carving the tree bark, and then rolling it and drying it on small racks in front of his home. At 7.00 this evening we go for our farewell dinner at a beach restaurant nearby.

Day 14

On the way to Colombo this morning, we will stop to see the Tsunami Memorial, an 18m-high standing Buddha on a platform in the centre of a lake. Once in Colombo, we have a guided city tour of all the major historic buildings, the port and other buildings of interest. We go out for our last meal together before our morning departure from the airport.

8 Day Tour – Sri Lanka in Focus

The itinerary is subject to change largely due to the monsoon seasons. In July, August, September and October the following route will be taken, heading to the east coast. For the other months of the year we will spend two nights in the scenic city of Kandy, where there is plenty to see and do, as well as visiting the tea plantations on the way to a two night stay at Koggala Beach on the south coast. Here there will be the opportunity to visit the interesting old colonial town of Galle, go on a whale watching trip (November to April) or spend time relaxing on the beach. We will return to the airport in Colombo on the morning of Day 8.

In July, August, September and October the following route will be chosen, heading east to avoid the monsoon rains in the south and west.

Day 1

You will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide before making the short journey to your hotel in Negombo where you can enjoy the hotel facilities, swimming pool and golden sands in front of your hotel. There will be a meeting early in the evening to meet the other guests on the trip with you and hear more about the itinerary.

Day 2

After breakfast we will visit the fish market in Negombo. It’s fascinating to see how they bring the fresh catch in and many teams work hard to process, and sometimes dry, the fish. It is an opportunity to see the colourful one-sailed traditional fishing boats. Next we head north to Wilpattu National Park, stopping on the way to visit and watch toddy-tapping, which is used in the local production of Arrack. Transferring to jeeps we’ll go on a safari hoping to see elephants, sambar deer and other wildlife, tropical birds and possibly even a leopard. After the safari we will head to our hotel in Anuradhapura, arriving after about an hour’s drive.

Day 3

After breakfast we head to the mountain peak of Mihintale where it is possible to climb to the top via a flight of shallow stone steps. There are excellent views of the surrounding landscape and scenery from this summit. Mihintale is believed to be the site where Buddhism was introduced to the country. We will then drive on for two hours to Trincomalee on the east coast, visiting the Hindu Koneswaram Temple. Here we can see canals, and the fortress, built by the Portuguese and captured by the Dutch before arriving at the beach and having some time to relax.

Day 4

This is a free day for you to relax on the beaches of Trincomalee and there is the option to snorkel at Pigeon Island or take a boat trip to see dolphins. Walking on the long beach you will see fishing boats and can talk to the fishermen. Dinner can be taken at the hotel or local seafood restaurant at the beach.

Day 5

After breakfast we travel to Dambulla to visit this intriguing World Heritage Site They date from the 1st century BC and still attract many worshippers. There are a large number of Buddha images as well as sculptures of Hindu Gods.

Then we travel to a small inland village Hiriwadunna where we change to bullock carts and travel slowly to the lake where we journey around the lake before returning to the village to enjoy a traditional lunch of rice and curry. After this there is another option to go on a jeep safari to see elephants and other wildlife.

Day 6

We start early this morning to beat the crowds and start climbing Sigiriya rock as the sun is rising. The rock rises dramatically from the central plains and has the remains of a 5th century fort on top, built despite the amazingly high vertical sides to the rock. King Kassapa, who built it, needed a good defensive hiding place since he had assassinated his father and deposed his brother. We pass through an ancient gateway, past enormous lion paws carved out of the rock, before going onto the 200m summit via a series of steel staircases. Once there we can appreciate all the engineering works that went into creating the fortress, as well as the stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. Returning to our hotel for breakfast and to freshen up we then leave to visit Kandy. This picturesque city is a place of cultural and spiritual importance and we will spend two nights here. On the way to Kandy we will visit the Spice Garden and learn all about their uses in cooking and for health. We continue on to Kandy to check in to the Thilanka Hotel where dinner is included tonight. In the evening there will be the opportunity to visit the local Cultural Show where you will see the local drumming, dancing and firewalking.

Day 7

After breakfast we have a chance to see more of Kandy as we walk through the town and appreciate its lakeside setting. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is in a beautiful lakeside setting and Buddhists come from all over the world to visit here. The shrine of the Holy Tooth, said to be Buddha’s left canine, is kept on the upper floor of the original building. After visiting the Temple we will visit the gem lapidary for a demonstration on the production of sapphires in Sri Lanka. There is then the option to visit the stunning Botanical Gardens or do some shopping in the locally produced silk shop and visit the batik workshop.

Day 8

After an early breakfast we leave for Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo for flights home.

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Whether you choose our 14-day Sri Lanka tour or another itinerary, there’s something for everyone.

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