15 days tour

Discover Sri Lanka - In Comfort

Discover Sri Lanka - In Comfort

This tour includes:

Meals

All breakfasts and 1 lunch is included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the islandโ€™s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum โ€“ all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Accommodation

You will spend 14 nights in comfortable hotels. We use a range of 4-star hotels, or local equivalent. These offer more comfort with the rooms and services a higher quality than on standard Exodus trips. Please note, this trip is not part of our premium adventures range where hotels are 4-5 star equivalent. Most properties have pools and all with good communal facilities as well as restaurants serving a range of local specialities and international dishes. Hotels in Sri Lanka are becoming increasingly busy and occasionally we have to find alternatives to the ones that we usually use. We will endeavour to find the nearest alternative that provides the same standard of rooms. Single accommodation available on request.

Guide

Our Sri Lankan team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the group however, please note vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we will try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. We use jeeps in Yala National Park and jeeps or a microbus to drive to Horton Plains. Train journeys are in 2nd Class carriages for a more authentic local experience.

Not included:

Insurance

Others

โ€” Travel Insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover Sri Lanka - In Comfort

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Negombo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Negombo

      The group flight arrives at Colomboโ€™s Bandaranaike Airport and we transfer to our hotel approximately 30 minutes away. Those not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, your Leader will advise the time and location. Accommodation: Arie Lagoon (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Visit Cave Temples At Dambulla; To Sigiriya (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Visit Cave Temples At Dambulla; To Sigiriya (Breakfast)

      We depart after breakfast and for approximately 4 hoursโ€™ drive through lush green countryside (a mix of coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations) through Kurunegala to Dambulla. Here we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, well-preserved paintings and statues of Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st century BC. After lunch, we continue to Sigiriya where we stay for the night. From our hotel we can see Lion Rock rising up from the plains. Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Morning Climb To Sigiriya Rock Fortress; Optional Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Morning Climb To Sigiriya Rock Fortress; Optional Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)

      This morning we drive to the foot of the Lion Rock at Sigiriya. The imposing 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, rises 600 feet from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside and giving far-reaching views. Used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top goes via a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock are extensive remains of the Kingโ€™s Summer Palace. During the afternoon, there is a chance to enjoy an optional game drive in either Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or the Hurulu Eco Park to see elephants in their natural habitat (which location depends on the elephant herd movements). For those who would prefer not to join the game drive, you can relax by the hotel pool. Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: To Giritale; Bike Ride Through Country Villages (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: To Giritale; Bike Ride Through Country Villages (Breakfast,Lunch)

      This morning we have a short drive to Giritale. The islandโ€™s early inhabitants solved the dual problem of heat and lack of water in this dry area by constructing large tanks to act as reservoirs and cool the warm breeze. Nowadays they provide an important habitat for bird life, particularly from August to April. Today we hop on local bikes and enjoy a leisurely cycle through small villages and lakes. As an alternative to cycling, you can hire a tuk tuk locally for approximately 4,000 rupees and follow the group on their trail. Along the way, we should see plenty of bird life including Egrets, Brahmany kites, Kingfishers and Bulbuls. Breaking up the journey, we stop for lunch in a traditional village before returning to our hotel in Giritale by late afternoon. Accommodation: Deer Park Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Visit Ancient Capital Of Polonnaruwa; Drive To Kandy Via Spice Garden (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Visit Ancient Capital Of Polonnaruwa; Drive To Kandy Via Spice Garden (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we take a short drive to the 10th century capital of Sri Lanka; Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of the Sinhalese. Here there are many Buddhist relics and ruins dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. The city flourished in the 12th century after the decision was made to move the capital from Anuradhapura, so it was further away from incursions from Southern India. The ruins are therefore younger and better preserved than those at Anuradhapura. We visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. This afternoon, we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. Stopping on the way at a spice garden near Matale where we can learn about the various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on fresh spices, massage oils and Ayurvedic medicines. This is a long but fascinating day as we arrive at Kandy early evening. Accommodation: Grand Kandyan Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6-7: Time In Kandy To Explore Or Relax (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6-7: Time In Kandy To Explore Or Relax (Breakfast)

      Kandy is located by a small lake and we spend two full days in and around the town. On the first day, we will visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lankaโ€™s most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are literally hundreds of worshipers who visit the temple each day and in August, the most spectacular ceremony takes place. After our visit, we drive to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge Buddha, and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction. Another highlight is the vast Peradeniya Botanical Garden with species of orchid that are endemic to Sri Lanka. Your second full day in Kandy is free to explore this wonderful town or take it slow starting the day relaxing by the hotel pool. The surrounding hills are wonderful, offering fantastic views of the town below and there are many handicraft stores and antique shops in which to browse. On either evening, you will have the option to attend a traditional performance of dancing and fire eating. Accommodation: Grand Kandyan Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 8: To Nuwara Eliya Via Kitulgala (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: To Nuwara Eliya Via Kitulgala (Breakfast)

      Leaving Kandy early, we have a spectacular drive through the countryside on the way to Kitulgala. Here we have the opportunity of going on a walk through the jungle or local villages followed by an optional white water rafting excursion. The rafting is a supplement cost and requires minimum 4 people (see the Optional Excursions section of the trip notes), the activity lasts maximum of 1.5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade 3 rapids) depending on your preference. Those of us who do not wish to go rafting will be able to freshen up and relax by the water until the rafters return in time for lunch. Afterwards we will drive to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Accommodation: St Andrewโ€™s Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 9: Free Morning In Old Colonial Hill Station Of Nuwara Eliya. Visit Tea Factory In Afternoon (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Free Morning In Old Colonial Hill Station Of Nuwara Eliya. Visit Tea Factory In Afternoon (Breakfast)

      This morning we will have free time to explore the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya was a popular hill station during the British era and is situated in the cool highland air at 1890m. Known locally as โ€™Little Englandโ€™ it is dotted with British style houses and parks and features a golf club and a racecourse! Following lunch, we will visit a nearby tea plantation and factory to learn about the process of tea production in this region. Accommodation: St Andrewโ€™s Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 10: Early Morning To Horton Plains; Walk To Worldโ€™S End Viewpoint; To Ella By Train (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Early Morning To Horton Plains; Walk To Worldโ€™S End Viewpoint; To Ella By Train (Breakfast)

      We have an early start this morning and take a 30km drive south to Horton Plains, a large plateau over 2,000m high, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and the best way to explore is on foot. We take a guided walk through the rolling grasslands where we hope to see such animals as the Sambur and Purple Faced monkey. We also visit โ€™Worldโ€™s Endโ€™, which is one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka where the ground drops 1050m to the plains. From Horton Plains, we catch a train from the highest railway station in the country and within an hour and a half we drop from 1889m to 1097m. The train travels through the cloud forest into the tea plantations, with breath-taking views of the lush valley below. We get off at Ella, a town that has recently flourished, where youโ€™ll find some shops and restaurants to wander around. Accommodation: Morning Dew (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 11: Scenic Drive Through Ella Gap To Tissamaharama; Game Drive In Yala N.P. (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Scenic Drive Through Ella Gap To Tissamaharama; Game Drive In Yala N.P. (Breakfast)

      Today we continue on to Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 1,000m below. Almost the entire southern part of the island is in view and on a particularly clear day the shimmering silver of the Indian Ocean is visible. Heading south out of the hills we travel to Tissamaharama on the plains; this is our base for visiting Sri Lankaโ€™s best known national park, Yala. The park is popular for elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile and Wild boar. At 97,800 hectares, this is the second largest of Sri Lankaโ€™s national parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also become better known for leopard. The park, which is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and fresh water lagoons, has one of the highest concentrations of leopard per square kilometre in the world. (Please note that the sanctuary may be closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the welfare of the animals. We therefore go to an alternative area close by, usually Udawalawe National Park). Accommodation: Chaarya Resort (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 12: Morning Walk Through Rural Farmland; Coastal Drive To Your Beach Stay (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Morning Walk Through Rural Farmland; Coastal Drive To Your Beach Stay (Breakfast)

      Today we leave for the coast, with its beautiful palm fringed bays. Stopping on the way, walking to a nearby farm house where youโ€™ll be offered tea in a coconut shell along with a local snack. We will mix with real Sri Lankan life and take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games, returning to our bus in tractors used by the farmers. Continuing on to your beach resort, in the afternoon we arrive at our coastal hotel in Dickwella where you can relax for the rest of the day. Please note, the sea is often quite rough in southern Sri Lanka with rip currents and under tows present. Be careful when entering the water and follow local safety guidelines. Accommodation: Dickwella Resort (or similar)

  • Day 12 Day 13: Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Try Some Optional Activities (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Try Some Optional Activities (Breakfast)

      Today is a free day to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool. There are also optional activities during the day including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation. Usually whale watching season is from November but you may be lucky with some earlier sightings from October. Accommodation: Dickwella Resort (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 14: Visit The Old Dutch Fort In Galle; Transfer To Colombo (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Visit The Old Dutch Fort In Galle; Transfer To Colombo (Breakfast)

      We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set amongst beautiful gardens. This afternoon, we continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our city hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Ramada Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 15: End Colombo (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: End Colombo (Breakfast)

      The adventure ends today and you begin your return journey home. Those on the group flights will take a transfer to the airport this morning. If you are not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer. If youโ€™d like a bit more time to explore Sri Lanka or even hop across to the Maldives, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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