From CAD 3,375
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Encounter a country that radiates warmth – from its glorious sunshine to its spice-laden cuisine and kind local people. This nine-day Premium adventure through Sri Lanka will introduce you to the country’s wealth of cultural riches as you explore the ancient ruins of past civilisations, spot rare and beautiful creatures in their natural habitats and relax among swathes of green tea fields at a hilltop retreat. Receive a warm welcome from the locals as you meet local guides, tuck into homecooked food, stay in an 1891 Feature Stay and uncover the secrets of Sigiriya – Sri Lanka’s famed UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover a shining gem in the Indian ocean – the teardrop isle.
Highlights
- Learn about the country’s past during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – established in 1891, this traditional-style hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
- Discover the beauty and mastery of Sri Lanka’s craft traditions and try them for yourself – from brass making and pottery to woodwork and ancient palm leaf writing.
- Get an exclusive and immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna, where you’ll walk through tea plantations and paddy fields and learn about sustainable farming with a local guide.
- Spot elephants, monkeys and tropical birds on a safari through the wild grasslands of Minneriya National Park.
- Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2181
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,scenic train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: HPPC
Starts: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finishes: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (5), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotels (7 nights),Feature Stay (1 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3375 (CAD 375 /day)
Itinerary
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. You'll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and group members. If you arrive early, maybe relax on the beach or take a walk to get to know your surroundings. After your meeting, get to know your group a little better over a round of complementary cocktails and a welcome dinner of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine – prepare for rich scents, bold spices and deliciously unique flavours.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Negombo - Welcome Dinner
This morning you’ll travel inland, driving northeast towards Habarana. On the way, stop at the Ridi Vihara shrine – a Buddhist cave temple dating back to the second century BC. It is said that there were almost 500 monks living in these hillside caves at its peak. Watch locals demonstrate ancient traditions and craft techniques, such as palm leaf writing and wood and stone carving, and explore the caves filled with Buddha statues and floral offerings. Share lunch at a local restaurant before travelling to Habarana – your home for the next three nights. When you’re settled into your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free.
Included Activities:
- Ridigama - Ridi Viharaya shrine visit and cultural experience
Accommodation:
- Amaya Lake or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (Lion Rock). One of Sri Lanka's premier sights, this dramatic rocky outcrop rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. Your leader will share stories of the ancient civilisation that once lived here as you climb – it's a steep hike but the far-reaching views from the top are worth it. Return to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast and a relaxing morning. After lunch at a local house, make your way to the village of Muriya Kadawala, where you’ll learn about traditional Sri Lankan pottery techniques and try your hand at the craft yourself. You’ll also sample a local herbal drink accompanied by a piece of halapa (a sweet treat wrapped in kenda leaves). This afternoon is free for you to rest and recharge.
Included Activities:
- Muriya Kadawala Village - Pottery Making Experience
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
Accommodation:
- Amaya Lake or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, make your way to Polonnaruwa to continue your explorations of the cultural triangle. Hop on a bicycle to discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s ancient Quadrangle complex – it’s not hard to imagine what this place looked like in all its former glory. Visit the remains of a seven-story royal palace, the rock temple of Gal Vihara and the statue of 12th century king Parakrama I. For lunch, you’ll visit a local grandmother’s house, who will show you how to make dhal curry and pol sambol from scratch – you'll even shred coconut yourself using a traditional scraper tool! This afternoon, head to Minneriya National Park to see Sri Lankan elephants in the wild. You're likely to spot plenty of these gentle giants around the watering hole, plus macaques, spot-billed pelicans and more.
Included Activities:
- Minneriya National Park - Entrance Fee
- Polonnaruwa - Bicycle Tour
- Polonnaruwa - Cooking demo and lunch
Accommodation:
- Amaya Lake or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you’ll visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. In Kandy, take a guided tour of the city, stopping to admire the Buddhist Sri Dalada Maligawa, otherwise known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (the important shrine houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth, taken from his funeral pyre). Despite being Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy is remarkably laid back. Spend your free evening searching for a taste bud-tingling curry, wandering around the glittering lake or enjoying an optional cultural dance performance.
Included Activities:
- Matale – Spice Garden Visit.
- Kandy - City Tour with the Temple of the Tooth
Optional Activities:
- Kandy - Cultural Dance Show (7 USD)
Accommodation:
- Amaya Hills or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
After a leisurely morning, drive to Ambagasthenna village, where hotel and tea plantation owner Mr Thilina will guide you around his neighbourhood. For lunch, feast on a delicious home-cooked meal made by Mr Thilina’s mother. You’ll visit the tea plantation, learn about the cultivation process and try a cup or two served the Sri Lankan way. He’ll share inside knowledge about local crops, sustainable farming, and ancient landscaping traditions. After such a culture-packed day, there’s only one way to end it – by cracking open a beer and watching the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in Sri Lanka.
Included Activities:
- Ambagasthenna - Tea Plantation and Sustainable Farm Tour
- Ambagasthenna - Village and Temple Tour
- Ambagasthenna - Sunset Viewing with Drinks
- Pilimatalawa - Specks Workshop
Accommodation:
- Amaya Hills or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Kandy and board a morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Nestled deep in tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 m, giving it some of the coolest temperatures in Sri Lanka. Remnants of the region’s colonial past can be seen in the sculpted gardens and manor homes dotting the landscape today. When you arrive, take an orientation walk of Nuwara Eliya, wandering the peaceful shores of Gregory Lake. Check into the Grand Hotel – a gorgeous National Heritage Property and your Feature Stay for the night. Your rooms feature classic decor and modern amenities, but the hotel’s real charm is its sustainable approach – the owners have eliminated single-use plastic and are striving for a zero-waste future. Enjoy a high tea featuring pots of Ceylon black, green or spiced tea, plus finger sandwiches and sweet treats when you arrive.
Included Activities:
- Nuwara Eliya - High Tea
- Nanu Oya - Scenic Train Ride
- Nuwara Eliya - Orientation Tour
Say goodbye to the green hills of Nuwara Eliya and make the journey to Sri Lanka’s coastal capital, Colombo. On the way, visit a tea factory and plantations near the town of Labukelle and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After arriving in Colombo, take an orientation walk with your leader, who’ll show you Sri Lanka’s colonnaded old parliament building, the National Museum and the best spots for fairtrade souvenir shopping. Tonight, share a final farewell dinner with your group at Ceylon Curry Club – a modern restaurant focused on creating dishes that celebrate Sri Lankan spices, such as peanut-crusted tuna with gotu-kola (pennywort) sambol and fragrant vegetable curry.
Included Activities:
- Colombo - Farewell Dinner
- Colombo - Orientation Tour
- Labukelle - Tea Plantation and Factory Visit
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Colombo, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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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
Lily - Traveled, April 2024
Had a great trip with an even greater group. Enjoyed my time in Sri Lanka and felt everything was very well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Clare - Traveled, March 2024
Went to a wedding and add the trip beforehand. The trip was well organised and gave me a very good overview of Sri Lanka. Everyone at the wedding was envious of how many key sites I had been to, including the locals.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Donna - Traveled, March 2024
An excellent way to see the highlights of Sri Lanka in a limited time. I enjoyed all aspects of the trip and we had a fantastic trip leader in Hashan, who was patient, enthusiastic and passionate about the country, cultures, food and history. Sigiriya was a definite highlight and worth going up all those steps before sunrise!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Milton - Traveled, March 2024
Great tour which, for the 9 days, covered a broad range of sights and gave us a good insight into Sri Lanka. Quality of accommodation was outstanding and the tour guide first rate across geography, food, history, culture, wildlife etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Anita - Traveled, March 2024
This tour gave a good introduction to the historic sites in Sri Lanka. The leader (Hashan) was excellent and the tour was well organised. Just a word about the accommodation: some was truly premium, other hotels were better than you would expect on a traveller standard trip, but were not premium, in my view. I think I went in with too high expectations. This did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the trip and I would consider using Intrepid again, especially as they clearly take their environmental responsibilities seriously.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Pauline - Traveled, February 2024
Experienced the Sri Lanka Cultural Tour with Intrepid Travel. Amazing trip. Professional, varied and educational.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
James - Traveled, December 2024
A great way to see a beautiful country that is still not overrun with tourists. The friendliness of all the people we met, the fascinating variety of spices, food, animals and landscape - all amazing. The Intrepid tour was a great combination of informality and efficiency.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Charlotte - Traveled, December 2023
Great accommodation, great food and got to see and do loads in a short space of time. Great guide and driver transport, couldn’t fault them . The tour is busy, very busy. Best for those that enjoy a busy itinerary that enables you to see loads of Sri Lanka. Not suited to those looking to relax.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Michael - Traveled, December 2023
An enjoyable and informative journey through a truly beautiful country made very easy by a superb leader supported by attentive and caring staff
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2023
Sandra - Traveled, December 2023
My husband and I are in our late 70’s and it suited us so well, accommodation was lovely, great variety and quality of food activities and the learning about Sri Lankan life along the way were awesome and such a fabulous generous tour guide highly recommended Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2023
Sarah - Traveled, February 2024
Wonderful trip with great guide, Upal, and Silva and Weera. Lovely hotels. Packed itinerary enhanced by Upal’s knowledge including eating in local people’s homes which also helps the community. No hesitation in recommending
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, February 2024
Excellent trip and wonderful guide. Beautiful country and fabulous food. The tour was very busy so we didn’t have enough time to use the stunning pools but Ananda was extremely willing to let us do our own thing even when that made things harder for him
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Kara - Traveled, February 2024
Really amazing trip. Jam packed with great experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Nicoletta - Traveled, January 2024
Our trip on Sri Lanka was excellent. We experienced a vast array of sites. Highlights included Lion’s Rock which offered spectacular views and fascinating history. The visit to a Sri Lankan home to see hand made pottery was an interesting insight also.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Richard - Traveled, January 2024
I loved this trip to Sri Lanka, its a beautiful, warm, welcoming country and the tour had a great mix of sites and activities and an excellent tour guide and very nice accomodation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Abigail - Traveled, January 2024
I had the best time in Sri Lanka and would 100% recommend the premium tour. Our guide, Ananda, had excellent knowledge about his home country and was able to educate us on everything from history, culture and geography. If you want a tour where you will really get to know the country, its people and traditions then this is the one for you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Jim - Traveled, December 2024
A fantastic trip through a seriously beautiful country. Sam, our guide, showed us the variety and splendour of Sri Lanka, and the mix of cultural wonders like temples, dances and food with the natural wonders of the land and its creatures was unforgettable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Micheál - Traveled, December 2024
We had an outstanding trip to Sri Lanka,great group of us and an even better team to show us around. I would thoroughly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Catherine - Traveled, November 2023
It was amazing learnt and saw so much thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
Divyea - Traveled, November 2023
Awesome trip in Sri Lanka. Great guides, convenient transport, beautiful sights and learned a lot about the country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
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