A Perfect Tour of Sri Lanka

Days 1–3

Temples

Pick up a car and driver and head northeast to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Spend a day cycling around the ruined city of Polonnaruwa and a second day visiting the magical cave temples of Dambulla and the rock-top citadel of Sigiriya. Climb Pidurangala Rock to visit the Rock Buddha Temple and take in views of Sigiriya. End your tour with an elephant safari at Kaudulla National Park.

Days 4–6

Culture in Kandy

Head south to Kandy, and explore the temples and palaces, as well as the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and one of the Elephant Sanctuaries in the area. Attend an early morning puja ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth, and take in a nightly performance of the traditional, acrobatic Kandyan dancing.

Day 7

Time for tea

Travel south through the hills to Nuwara Eliya, stopping for a visit to the tea factory and plantation at Damro Labookelie en route. Spend the afternoon exploring Nuwara Eliya, strolling through Victoria Park and then taking afternoon tea on the terrace at the Grand Hotel. Round off the day with dinner at the town’s wonderfully time-warped Hill Club.

Day 8

Views aplenty

Continue south to Horton Plains National Park with its beautiful stands of cloudforest, and sensational views over the lowlands from the escarpment at World’s End. Continue on to idyllic Ella, one of the island’s prettiest villages.

Day 9

Around Ella

Spend the day exploring the beautiful countryside around Ella making either the short but rewarding walk up Little Adam’s Peak, or the longer hike to the summit of Ella Rock. Alternatively, take a short trek to 9 Arch Bridge - one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

Day 10

Buddhas and big cats

Spend the morning driving south from Ella via the spectacular Rawana Ella Falls and the majestic Buddha statues at Buduruwagala. Then while away the afternoon looking for leopards in Yala National Park.

Days 11–13

Beach time

Crash out on one of the idyllic beaches fringing the west and south coasts, such as at Bentota – also the island’s water sports capital – backpacker-friendly Unawatuna, or Mirissa, enjoying a stay at one of the superb hotels or villas listed here.

Day 14

Colombo

Loop back around the coastal road and finish with a visit to Colombo. See the vibrant bazaars in Pettah and the fine National Museum. Shop in one of the city’s lovely boutiques and enjoy a final authentic Sri Lankan or Indian meal before flying home.