14-day Sri Lanka itinerary from the UK
Day by day
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Colombo (CMB) → Negombo | Arrive, meet your driver, and ease in by the coast. |
| Day 2 | Negombo → Anuradhapura | The ancient capital's dagobas and sacred Bodhi tree. |
| Day 3 | Anuradhapura → Sigiriya | Dambulla cave temples, then settle near the rock fortress. |
| Day 4 | Sigiriya & Minneriya | Sunrise climb of Sigiriya; afternoon elephant safari. |
| Day 5 | Sigiriya → Kandy | Spice garden, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the lake. |
| Day 6 | Kandy → Nuwara Eliya | The tea-country drive; estate tour and hill-town air. |
| Day 7 | Nuwara Eliya → Ella | Waterfalls, the Nine Arch Bridge and a gentle hike. |
| Day 8 | Ella → Udawalawe (or Yala) | A morning game drive for elephants and, at Yala, leopards. |
| Day 9 | Safari → Mirissa | South coast beaches and whale-watching in season. |
| Day 10 | Mirissa → Galle | The Dutch fort, a slow beach day and coastal dining. |
| Day 11 | Galle → Colombo → east coast | Cross to Trincomalee for a change of coast and calmer seas. |
| Day 12 | Trincomalee & Nilaveli | White-sand bays, Pigeon Island snorkelling, a rest day. |
| Day 13 | Trincomalee → Colombo | Drive back to the capital with a final city afternoon. |
| Day 14 | Colombo (CMB) → UK | Airport drop-off for your flight home. |
Two coasts, one trip
Because Sri Lanka's two monsoons hit opposite coasts, a fortnight gives your driver-guide the flexibility to chase the dry weather — the south and west from December to April, the east from May to September. See our best time to visit guide to decide which coast to weight.
What it costs
The private driver-guide and car come to roughly £640–£820 for the two weeks, all-inclusive. Add your hotels, meals and entry tickets. The full cost guide in £ shows the daily rate by vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Is two weeks too long for Sri Lanka?
Not at all — 14 days lets you slow the pace, add rest days on the coast, and reach a second coastline (the east) that most short trips skip. It suits UK travellers who'd rather settle in than change hotel every night.
How much does a 14-day private driver trip cost in pounds?
Budget roughly £640–£820 for the private driver-guide and air-conditioned car across the two weeks, all-inclusive of the car, fuel and the driver's own costs. Your hotels, meals and entry tickets are separate.
Can I swap the east coast for the deep south?
Yes. If you're travelling December to April, the south and west are at their best, so a driver can extend the south-coast leg instead of crossing to Trincomalee. From May to September the east coast is the better bet.