From CAD 944 Was CAD 1,180
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(15 reviews)
Experience Overview
Take Sri Lanka, boil it like the tea leaves the country’s famous for and strain out all the best stuff. On this 11-day trip through natural paradise, small villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’ll wander past barracuda at the Negombo Fish Market, search for elephants in Yala National Park, feast on spicy curry prepared by a local in Ella, hike through lush mountains and get horizontal on the beach in Unawatuna – Sri Lanka’s idyllic beach spot, perfect for lounging and sipping cocktails. With a local leader who knows where to find all the best teahouses and a group of likeminded travellers, this one’s gotta be an adventure of a lifetime!
Highlights
- Cruise around in a 4WD on a wildlife safari, searching for elephants, lone leopards and aquatic birdlife in Yala National Park.
- Learn the benefits of washing down a spicy curry with piping-hot Ceylon tea during lunch in a lush mountain village near Ella in a local home.
- Kick back on the warm sands of paradisical palm-lined Unawatuna, with plenty of free time to soak up the sun at the beach and the opportunity for an optional whale-watching tour.
- Leave the imprint of your face on the train window as you stare out wide-eyed on a journey from Kandy to Ella – this scenic rail ride is basically a 6-hour nature documentary, there’s so much amazing scenery!
- Enjoy super fun included activities mixed with plenty of free time to choose your own adventure – maybe use some of it to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya. These palace ruins sit atop a massive rock structure surrounded by gardens and are a must-see for any Sri Lanka visit.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2195
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Train,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: HPYL
Starts: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finishes: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 944 (CAD 86 /day)
Itinerary
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Negombo. If you arrive early, you might like to stroll the seaside and witness some of the local fishing craft. Maybe explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on a bicycle, which you can rent from your hotel reception. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner and get to know each other over a couple of drinks. You’ll spend the night by the beach, near plenty of beach bars and pubs.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head to the fish market in Negombo this morning – this can be quite hectic, but the variety of fish presented by the locals is a great insight into local culture. From here, you’ll make your way to Dambulla – the second-largest centre in the Matale District. A popular activity today is a visit to Sigiriya – an ancient rock fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the palace ruins that sit on top of a massive 200-m-high rock (leftover lava plug from an extinct volcano) that’s surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs. If you decide to take this activity, you’ll want to bring your camera, the photo ops are endless! If you like, your leader can take you for dinner tonight to a local restaurant to taste some delicious local cuisine.
Included Activities:
- Negombo - Fish market
Optional Activities:
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress (entrance) (35 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you have the option to visit Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) – a UNESCO World Heritage site of various temples built into five different caves under an overhanging rock. Explore the paintings, statues and wall murals of this fascinating place and then head to Kandy, making a stop at a local spice garden in Matale along the way. When you arrive in Kandy, enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe take up a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local cuisine you’ve now grown to love!
Included Activities:
- Matale - Spice garden visit
Optional Activities:
- Dambulla - Cave temples (entrance) (7 USD)
- Kandy - Cooking Demonstration and Dinner in a Local Home (12 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
If you’re looking to relax this morning, you might want to book an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate those weary muscles. Kandy is home to a picturesque lake, some great old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants, so there’s lots to see and do with your free day today. Once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, this area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Maybe walk through the town to take in the sites of Kandy, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens, visit the Temple of the Tooth or book a cultural dance performance.
Optional Activities:
- Kandy - Botanical Gardens (10 USD)
- Kandy - Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home (12 USD)
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth (7 USD)
- Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance (7 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to Kandy and you hop on a train to Ella. This train trip is kind of famous, due to the gorgeous views along the way of lush, green scenery and surrounding mountains (so grab a window seat if you can!). It’s a long journey, but you can buy all sorts of yummy treats from the onboard sellers. When you arrive, maybe visit to local tea factory or go for a drink in one of the many bars. Tonight, your leader can help you with the best spots for nightlife – maybe grab a couple of pals and head to a local restaurant nearby that boasts live music and delicious eats.
Included Activities:
- Kandy - Scenic train ride to Ella
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll venture out on a half-day trek to Ella Gap. Get active and traverse the green mountainsides for some fresh air. Along the way, stop in at a small village for a spicy curry lunch at a local family home. Get to know your gracious hosts as you eat together and refresh with a steaming pot of Ceylon tea to wash it all down. This is the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, learn about their lifestyle and swap stories. After the hike, the rest of the day is then free for you to explore on your own.
Included Activities:
- Ella - Trek to Ella Gap
- Ella - Nine Arch Bridge
- Ella - Lunch at a Local Family Home
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head out of Ella this morning in a private vehicle to Tissamaharama. When you arrive, you'll head out on an exciting 4WD safari through Yala National Park, where you'll come across the area's native wildlife – look out for elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. Make sure you grab your camera and stay hydrated! Tonight, while you reflect on a super-fun day, why not go out with your travel buddies in search of some appa (hoppers), kottu roti and parippu (lentil curry).
Included Activities:
- Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Journey west in a private vehicle this morning to Unawatuna – this stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. Along the way, stop in Galle and head out on a walking tour with your local leader, maybe grabbing some lunch to refuel. After, arrive at your destination where you’ll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surroundings at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Galle - Walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is all about the beach! Grab a good book, order a cocktail and don’t forget the bottle of sunscreen – today is for rest, relaxation and reclining on the warm sands of Sri Lanka. If you like, you can even book an optional whale-watching tour or go 'bikesplore' the lesser-known areas of the city on two wheels. Make use of the many beach restaurants and bars that line the shore tonight after an epic sunset.
Optional Activities:
- Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar) (70 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a local train to Colombo. When you arrive in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. After, maybe explore the collection of temples and churches that all live alongside each other – apart from the gorgeous architecture, this is also a great example of how different types of belief systems and places of worship can come together side by side, creating a sense of community and peace. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together. After, why not head out in search of the perfect spot to toast to a trip well-travelled?
Included Activities:
- Colombo – Guided market visit
- Galle - Local train ride to Colombo
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy your last string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stick around to explore more, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Liam - Traveled, March 2024
Sri Lanka was an incredible country to explore, made even better with the great people from Intrepid and especially the helpfulness of our guide Chathu!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Alana - Traveled, March 2024
This was the perfect trip to experience the highlights of Sri Lanka! Good food, good people and beautiful sights. I’ll be back to Sri Lanka for sure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Elanor - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip would recommend! Great variety of activities, transport and accommodation with lots of local experiences. Loved this tour and Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Jodi - Traveled, March 2024
Essential Sri Lanka was unreal, 2 weeks of a fast paced over view of such an incredible country. I can’t wait to come back. Our intrepid leader was awesome and so passionate about his country. I can’t recommend coming to Sri Lanka enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
George - Traveled, February 2024
What a great 11 days in Sri Lanka! Our leader Uthpala gave us such a great insight into her country. Loved the safari and all the food we tried!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2024
Amelie - Traveled, January 2024
I had the best time on this trip! Lochana, our tour guide, went above and beyond to make sure we were having the best experience possible and was always ready to help out with anything. Sri Lanka is a beautiful, green country and I would not have been able to see this much of it in 12 days without a tour. We were also a fun group and became friends very quickly :) Only negative was that Intrepid at times could have organized some things better. Overall I would highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Emily - Traveled, December 2021
The tour and our guide Nandana were amazing! Would really recommend - it's a great trip to see lots of different areas of Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2022
Emma - Traveled, December 2021
One of the best trips that I've ever been on! Sri Lanka is such a beautiful and friendly country to travel around. Our tour guide, Nandana, really made the trip the best it could have been. He was so attentive to the group and knowledgeable about the country. Thank you Nandana!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2022
Ben - Traveled, December 2021
This was an amazing tour! such an incredible country. I must say Nandana was the most excellent tour guide I've ever had. So incredibly knowledge and a wonderful person to be around. He led this tour magnificently. so if you are considering a Sri Lankan tour with intrepid I advise that you specifically ask for Nandana to be the guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2022
Katherine - Traveled, December 2021
A brilliant and safe way to see Sri Lanka; busy with lots to do but also enough time to relax. Would suggest booking a few extra days at the beach at the end to make the most of the sun before you leave this beautiful country!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2022
Sarah - Traveled, January 2024
Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country and Lochana was a great tour leader. This trip had a good balance between being active and resting. The Galle to Colombo train was not good as it is very crowded and unsafe for female travellers. Overall though, I had a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, January 2024
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country that I would recommend visiting. Our guide Lochana was awesome and went above and beyond to make us all comfortable and share her culture. The Galle to Colombo train should be removed from the itinerary as it was crowded and unsafe for female travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Sophie - Traveled, December 2023
This was a trip of a lifetime! My first group tour with intrepid and I could not rate it high enough. My tour leader did the most fantastic job showing me around Sri Lanka. There was no part of this tour which I didn’t like. Am definitely going to be booking more tours with this company!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Scott - Traveled, November 2023
Fantastic tour with an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide and a group of people than made the experience unforgettable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Daniela - Traveled, September 2023
This tour has changed my life. I’ve made friends for a life time and learn things about myself that I needed to learn. Hashan our tour guide is one of those people in life that you will never forget. He is special and no doubt the best your guide I have ever had. He is so talented and intelligent. Every nish thing you asked, he had an answer for it. He was always there for us and made me feel welcome, safe and protected. He always had a good vibrant attitude during the trip and wanted to please every single one of us with the things we needed/or wanted to do. Hashan is a very friendly and kind person that lives to teach others and make people fall in love with Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
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