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Essential Sri Lanka

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Essential Sri Lanka

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Description

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, you’ll travel through natural paradise, small, friendly villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Search for elephants in Udawalawe National Park and walk to the top of Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Feast on spicy curry prepared by a local in Ella and hike through lush mountains. Relax on the beach in Hiriketiya – perfect for lounging and sipping cocktails – and do it all with a new group of friends!

Trip Name
Essential Sri Lanka
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
11
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Cruise around in a 4WD on a wildlife safari, searching for elephants, lone leopards and aquatic birdlife in Udawalawe 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’s home.
  • Kick back on the warm sands of paradisical palm-lined Hiriketiya, with plenty of free time to relax and soak up the sun at the beach.
  • 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!
  • Walk to the top of the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Explore the ruined fortress on the top of the rock, learn about the region’s history and see the Lion’s Gate – a staircase with two huge stone lion paws on either side.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Negombo. If you arrive early, maybe stroll the seaside or 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.
Day 2 - Dambulla
Make your way to Dambulla – the second-largest centre in the Matale District. When you arrive, maybe explore the Dambulla Cave Temples. With five sanctuaries, it’s the largest cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka! Perhaps spend the day walking through the UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa or climb Pidurangala Rock for views of the Lion Rock Fortress, which you’ll visit tomorrow! Tonight, maybe head out to a local restaurant to taste some delicious local cuisine.
Day 3 - Kandy
This morning, walk to the Lion Rock Fortress – a 200 m tall rock structure in Sigiriya. Explore the ruined fortress on the top of the rock, learn about the region’s history and see why the fortress is called ‘lion rock’, then head to Kandy. Your afternoon is free for you to explore – maybe learn how to make a traditional batik cloth during a workshop, then, create your own under the watchful guidance of a local expert. You could also take up a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local cuisine you’ve now grown to love!
Day 4 - Kandy
Once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, Kandy managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. 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 beautiful lake, some great old shops and a bustling market, so there’s lots to see and do with your free day today. 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.
Day 5 - Ella
This morning, say goodbye to Kandy and hop on a train to Ella. This train trip is kind of famous, due to the gorgeous views of mountains and greenery (so grab a window seat if you can!). Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or listen to music while you stare out the window. When you arrive, maybe visit a 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 your new friends and head to a local restaurant nearby for some live music and delicious eats.
Day 6 - Ella
Today, you’ll hike one of the shortest and most popular stages of The Pekoe Trail. This trekking route runs through Sri Lanka’s tea region and is maintained by a non-profit organisation promoting sustainable tourism practices to benefit the local communities. Head through the Ella Forest Reserve, passing the famous Nine Arches Bridge and tea plantations. Then, cut across small local villages and see the bridge from a different vantage point. 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 free for you to explore on your own.
Day 7 - Udawalawe National Park
Travel south today for an exciting 4WD safari through Udawalawe 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 the day, maybe join your travel buddies in search of some appa (hoppers), kottu roti and parippu (lentil curry).
Day 8 - Hiriketiya
Journey west to Hiriketiya – this stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Hiriketiya and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe join a guided tour to see the Hummanaya Blow Hole, visit the Dondra Lighthouse or simply relax on the beach.
Day 9 - Hiriketiya
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 'bikesplore' the lesser-known areas of the city on two wheels. Make use of the many beach restaurants that line the shore tonight after an epic sunset.
Day 10 - Colombo
Leave Hiriketiya behind and make the journey to Galle. Stop for a walking tour with your leader along the way before continuing onto 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, maybe join your group for a final dinner.
Day 11 - Colombo
Indulge in 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 ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-03-202625-03-2026AUD $ 1,620-
22-03-202601-04-2026AUD $ 1,620-
29-03-202608-04-2026AUD $ 1,590-
02-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 1,128-
05-04-202615-04-2026AUD $ 1,415-
12-04-202622-04-2026AUD $ 1,242-
19-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 1,465-
10-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 1,350-
24-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 1,340-
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 1,325-
21-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 1,325-
28-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 1,310-
19-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 1,310-
26-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 1,310-
09-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 1,350-
16-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 1,350-
30-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 1,350-
06-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 1,350-
20-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 1,350-
27-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 1,350-
11-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 1,350-
18-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 1,350-
01-11-202611-11-2026AUD $ 1,385-
08-11-202618-11-2026AUD $ 1,385-
15-11-202625-11-2026AUD $ 1,415-
22-11-202602-12-2026AUD $ 1,415-
29-11-202609-12-2026AUD $ 1,415-
06-12-202616-12-2026AUD $ 1,415-
13-12-202623-12-2026AUD $ 1,415-
20-12-202630-12-2026AUD $ 1,415-
27-12-202606-01-2027AUD $ 1,415-
31-12-202610-01-2027AUD $ 1,415-
03-01-202713-01-2027AUD $ 1,400-
07-01-202717-01-2027AUD $ 1,295-
10-01-202720-01-2027AUD $ 1,400-
17-01-202727-01-2027AUD $ 1,360-
24-01-202703-02-2027AUD $ 1,360-
31-01-202710-02-2027AUD $ 1,360-
07-02-202717-02-2027AUD $ 1,440-
14-02-202724-02-2027AUD $ 1,440-
18-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 1,295-
21-02-202703-03-2027AUD $ 1,440-
28-02-202710-03-2027AUD $ 1,295-
07-03-202717-03-2027AUD $ 1,470-
14-03-202724-03-2027AUD $ 1,470-
21-03-202731-03-2027AUD $ 1,470-
25-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 1,295-
28-03-202707-04-2027AUD $ 1,470-
04-04-202714-04-2027AUD $ 1,470-
08-04-202718-04-2027AUD $ 1,295-
11-04-202721-04-2027AUD $ 1,440-
18-04-202728-04-2027AUD $ 1,440-
25-04-202705-05-2027AUD $ 1,440-
09-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 1,360-
23-05-202702-06-2027AUD $ 1,360-
06-06-202716-06-2027AUD $ 1,360-
20-06-202730-06-2027AUD $ 1,360-
27-06-202707-07-2027AUD $ 1,360-
04-07-202714-07-2027AUD $ 1,295-
11-07-202721-07-2027AUD $ 1,360-
18-07-202728-07-2027AUD $ 1,360-
25-07-202704-08-2027AUD $ 1,360-
08-08-202718-08-2027AUD $ 1,400-
15-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 1,400-
29-08-202708-09-2027AUD $ 1,400-
05-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 1,400-
12-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 1,295-
19-09-202729-09-2027AUD $ 1,400-
26-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 1,400-
10-10-202720-10-2027AUD $ 1,400-
17-10-202727-10-2027AUD $ 1,400-
31-10-202710-11-2027AUD $ 1,440-
07-11-202717-11-2027AUD $ 1,440-
14-11-202724-11-2027AUD $ 1,440-
21-11-202701-12-2027AUD $ 1,440-
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 1,295-
28-11-202708-12-2027AUD $ 1,470-
05-12-202715-12-2027AUD $ 1,470-
12-12-202722-12-2027AUD $ 1,470-
19-12-202729-12-2027AUD $ 1,470-
26-12-202705-01-2028AUD $ 1,470-
30-12-202709-01-2028AUD $ 1,470-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Permanent Tent (with basic ensuite) (1 night)

Transport

Train, Private vehicle

Map

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