Sri Lanka Last Minute Holiday

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Negombo - Sigiriya - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Arugam Bay - Yala - Colombo
Duration:
14 days / 13 nights (fixed)
Price:
£1,975.- per person (excluding flights). For travel in August 2025
£1,850.- per person (excluding flights). For travel in September 2025
Includes private driver
Highlights:
✓ Fixed itinerary for travel in August & September
✓ Tick off Sri Lanka's highlights in 2 weeks

If you're looking for a Sri Lanka getaway in August or September 2025, this last minute trip is for you! It includes all the highlights of Sri Lanka: culture, beautiful scenery, wildlife experiences and beach time. The itinerary is fixed, with no additions or amendments possible. Book now to guarantee availability.

Day 1 – Arrival in Negombo

Located just 30 minutes drive from the airport in Colombo, Negombo is the perfect place to kick-start your Sri Lanka holiday. You’ll hop into a private car with your driver who will whisk you straight to Negombo. You’ll be staying in a cosy boutique hotel with a swimming pool.

The activities for the rest of the day are for you to decide. Put your feet up with a book or take a dip in the pool. Your hotel is within walking distance of the beach and local restaurants, so you could take a gentle stroll along the sand or potter around the shops that are on the doorstep.

Day 2 – Sightseeing

After breakfast today you’ll get acquainted with the city of Negombo and its intriguing colonial past on a boat trip of the lagoon. You’ll get the chance to visit the famous Dutch canals, as well as the local fish market, where your senses will come alive as you wander through the vibrant market stalls.

Day 3 – Travel to Sigiriya

Today, you’ll check out of your hotel and head towards Sigiriya. On the way, you’ll stop off at the cave temples of Dambulla, located up in the hills with sweeping countryside views. Here, you’ll find caves crammed full of statues and paintings of the kings of Anuradhapura. You’ll wander through each cave and discover fascinating statues of the grand Buddha. You will be spending the next two nights in a simple hotel with a swimming pool near Sigiriya. Spend the rest of the afternoon resting by the pool or taking a dip to cool off.

Day 4 – Climbing Sigiriya Rock

Make sure you fuel up at breakfast this morning, as today you’ll be climbing Sigiriya Rock. This is where the palace of King Kasyapa once stood. In earlier times this rock fortress, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’, was covered with hundreds of frescoes and a grand palace stood atop. It’s a steep climb to the top of the rock but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the wild green jungle.

Days 5 & 6 – In the hills of Kandy

Next, you’ll travel to the city of Kandy where you’ll spend two nights. Your time is free to explore the cultural treasures Kandy has to offer. There are many historical buildings and you will find a lively local market and beautiful botanical gardens. On the lake lies the famous Temple of the Tooth, one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka. Here lies the tooth of Buddha that is worshipped by Buddhists. A visit to the temple where ceremonies are held all day long is a must when you are staying in the city. If you go in the evening you also have the chance to experience a show with the dance ritual in the temple.

Day 7 – Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is famous for its Ceylon tea, and as you journey to Nuwara Eliya – the next stop on your trip – you’ll pass endless hills clad in tea bushes. With the unmistakable air of a quintessential English village, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately known as ‘Little England’ and it won’t take you long to see why. Colonial style buildings, rose scented flower gardens and even red telephone boxes, all surrounded by a blanket of vibrant tea plantations; this is a totally different side of Sri Lanka. You’ll be staying two nights in the heart of the tea country.

Day 8 – Horton Plains, World’s End

It’s an early rise today, and after a refreshing cuppa, you’ll be given a breakfast pack before jumping into your jeep for a trip to Horton Plains National Park. After an hour’s scenic drive, you’ll reach the plateau and soon be on your way along the beautiful 3-4 hour circular walk, taking in the many highlights of this World Heritage national park, from wild grasslands to thick forests.

Eventually, you will discover the highlight of this trip: World’s End. As the dusty trail reaches an opening, you’ll be met by views of a spectacular gorge and sheer cliff that will leave you feeling that the world has come to an end. It’s the perfect place to tuck into your picnic breakfast and soak up the views before the white mist rolls in.

When you’re ready, you’ll leave the hills behind and head back to Nuwara Eliya to stay another night.

Day 9 – Arrive in Arugam Bay

Time to hit the beach! With its sun kissed beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and world renowned surf, the small village of Arugam Bay is the perfect spot to kick back and unwind. You’ll stay in a beachfront property just a short tuk tuk ride from the centre and with easy access to rustic cafes and local restaurants.

Day 10 & 11 – Sea, sand, surf & sundowners

The next few days are all about embracing all that Arugam Bay has to offer. If you’re a budding surfer you’ll want to hang ten at one of the renowned surf spots such as Main Point, Whiskey Point, and Peanut Farm. For those looking for a little guidance, we recommend booking a lesson at one of the many surf schools. In 90 minutes you will learn the basics and of course try to conquer the waves (with the help of your experienced instructor).

For those who prefer to keep their feet a little drier, there is plenty to keep you busy with several national parks and wildlife experiences nearby and easily arranged locally. We would definitely recommend exploring the scenic Panama Tank, home to dozens of wild crocodiles! Back in town, you may fancy a spot of yoga or simply pop your towel down and laze in the sun all day… the choice is yours.

Day 12 – Safari in Yala National Park

Today you’ll head to one of the most famous (and most popular) national parks of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park. This afternoon, it is time to go on a jeep safari, where you can spot a variety of colourful birds, monkeys, crocodiles and buffaloes. If you are really lucky, then you might spot a leopard sneaking past, so always have your camera ready. After an exciting afternoon, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Tissamaharama. Now you can drift to sleep to the sounds of nature…

Day 13 – Final stop in Colombo

Then it is time for the last stop on your journey through Sri Lanka – Colombo. With its strategic location on the east-west trade route, Colombo has grown into a vibrant capital city with a mix of modern life and colonial buildings from the English, Portuguese and Dutch periods. You’ll stay in a centrally located city hotel that has all the facilities needed for a comfortable stay. There’s even a swimming pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring the city. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dinner, as Colombo has some fantastic places to eat.