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Simply Sri Lanka

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Simply Sri Lanka

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Description

Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip.

Trip Name
Simply Sri Lanka
Last Updated
2024-07-25
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Check out the awe-inspiring Sigiriya (Lion Rock), a 200-metre-high ancient rock fortress that lies smack-bang in the middle of evergreen jungle.
  • Wander through the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, which houses one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relics – a tooth of the Buddha.
  • Get to know the gorgeous beach of Unawatuna, where you can either get active in the surrounding jungle or chill with a cocktail while lying under a palm tree.
  • This tour has the option of a 4WD safari through a park known for its wild elephant population. Seeing these big beauties in the flesh is unforgettable.
  • With these experiences you get local knowledge, decades of on-the-ground operational experience and the freedom and independence to explore at your own pace.

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. 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
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Day 2 - Dambulla
After breakfast, leave Negombo and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Dambulla, arriving just after midday. In the afternoon you may like to relax at the hotel after check-in, or take an optional visit to a nearby wildlife reserve – a jeep safari excursion that takes you into elephant country. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Another option is the nearby Dambulla Caves with their magnificently decorated interiors.
Day 3 - Sigiriya - Kandy
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship.
Day 4 - Kandy
The morning is yours to explore Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush countryside. It’s home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. It was once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, and the area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Perhaps walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy – explore the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys in 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Regroup for today’s lunch, which is sure to be one to remember! Visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment to women from local communities while training and empowering them. Here you’ll enjoy some truly delicious Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the important work they do. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.
Day 5 - Unawatuna
Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage. 
Day 6 - Unawatuna
Sleep in, relax on the beach, work on your tan or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. Feel like something a bit more active? Today is a good opportunity to pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach for some more chillaxing.
Day 7 - Colombo
Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. If you're lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together.
Day 8 - Colombo
Have string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast, then pull your saddest face as our trip comes to an end.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-08-202411-08-2024AUD $ 1,035-
24-08-202431-08-2024AUD $ 808-
07-09-202414-09-2024AUD $ 760-
14-09-202421-09-2024AUD $ 1,025-
21-09-202428-09-2024AUD $ 985-
05-10-202412-10-2024AUD $ 950-
09-11-202416-11-2024AUD $ 1,035-
16-11-202423-11-2024AUD $ 995-
23-11-202430-11-2024AUD $ 995-
07-12-202414-12-2024AUD $ 1,030-
22-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 1,040-
28-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 1,030-
04-01-202511-01-2025AUD $ 1,085-
25-01-202501-02-2025AUD $ 1,085-
08-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 1,085-
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 1,085-
22-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 1,085-
08-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 1,045-
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 1,045-
22-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 1,045-
29-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 1,045-
05-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 1,045-
12-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 1,045-
19-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 1,045-
26-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 1,045-
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 1,005-
12-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 1,005-
19-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 1,005-
02-08-202509-08-2025AUD $ 1,005-
23-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 1,005-
13-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 1,005-
11-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 1,005-
08-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 1,005-
22-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 1,045-
29-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 1,045-
06-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 1,085-
13-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 1,085-
20-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 1,085-
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 1,085-
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $ 1,050-
24-01-202631-01-2026AUD $ 1,050-
07-02-202614-02-2026AUD $ 1,050-
21-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 1,050-
07-03-202614-03-2026AUD $ 1,050-
21-03-202628-03-2026AUD $ 1,050-
04-04-202611-04-2026AUD $ 1,050-
11-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 1,050-
18-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 1,050-
25-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 1,050-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 1,050-
18-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 1,050-
01-08-202608-08-2026AUD $ 1,050-
22-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 1,050-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 1,050-
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 1,050-
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 1,050-
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 1,050-
05-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 1,050-
12-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 1,050-
19-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 1,050-
26-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 1,050-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Train

Map

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