Sri Lanka Adventure - 12 Days

Colombo - Negombo. Upon your arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by your tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Along the way, you will have the chance to enjoy a ride through the tree-lined streets of Negombo. In the evening, we will join the group for a Sri Lankan welcome dinner.

Please note: This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and hostels and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 59. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Negombo - Dambulla - Sigiriya. We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before boarding a private bus for our journey to Sigiriya. On the way, we stop to explore the Dambulla Caves, where ancient paintings and Buddha statues offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history and spirituality.

Afterward, we continue to our hotel in Sigiriya, located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. In the evening, we climb to the Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery for a stunning sunset view of Sigiriya Rock, setting the stage for our climb the following morning.

We start the morning with the iconic climb of Sigiriya, known locally as the eighth wonder of the world. This ancient rock fortress, with over 1,500 years of history, offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s fascinating past. As we ascend, we’ll explore the ruins, wall paintings, and the famous lion's paws guarding the summit. The panoramic views from the top are truly remarkable, making the climb an unforgettable experience.

Afterward, we’ll stop for a Sri Lankan lunch with a local family, allowing us to savour traditional dishes. The rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind as you wish. You can relax by the pool, treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage, or choose to embark on an optional elephant safari to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Sigiriya - Kandy. Today, we begin our journey southward along the Knuckle Mountain ranges to Kandy, Sri Lanka's second-largest city. Along the way, we will visit a spice garden to discover the origins of our favorite spices and participate in a cooking class where we’ll uncover the secrets to crafting a perfect Sri Lankan curry. A local chef will guide us in preparing dishes such as dhal, chicken curry, fried cashew coconut sambal, and poppadoms.

Afterwards, we’ll continue our drive to Kandy, settle into our new accommodation, and explore this vibrant city with a Tuk Tuk tour to experience its lively atmosphere. before we make our way back to the hotel, we will visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth. This religious shrine is believed to house a tooth relic of Buddha.

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella. After breakfast, we’ll board a bus to travel through the picturesque hill country, famous for its vibrant green tea plantations. We’ll stop at a working tea factory to learn how tea is processed and how seven different types are made from the same plant.

Later, we'll hop on a private bus to Ella, taking in the 180-degree views of tea plantations, waterfalls, lakes, and local villages.

Please note: Unfortunately, due to damage caused by Storm Ditwah, the Ella–Kandy train service has been suspended indefinitely for repairs. While this train ride is temporarily unavailable, we’ve arranged a comfortable, reliable alternative to Ella. A train ride is included later in the tour so you don't miss out!

Today, you’ll have a free day to explore the picturesque mountain town of Ella at your own pace. For those seeking adventure, you can opt for a hike to Ella Rock, a challenging trek that rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations. Alternatively, you can visit Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in its natural pools and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

If relaxation is more your style, consider joining a yoga class to unwind or indulging in a massage to rejuvenate. Whether you choose adventure or tranquillity, Ella offers something for everyone.

Ella - Udawalawe National Park. We begin our day with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a short yet rewarding trek offering sweeping views of lush green valleys, tea plantations, and distant mountain ranges. After enjoying the scenery, we’ll visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive colonial-era structure surrounded by jungle and tea fields. It’s a great spot for photos, especially if we’re lucky enough to see a train crossing the bridge.

Later, we’ll leave the mountains behind and make our way to Udawalawe, stopping for lunch along the route. At Udawalawe National Park, we’ll embark on a safari to see elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat, along with water buffalo, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Please Note: You will need to pack an overnight bag for today.

Udawalawe National Park - Mirissa. Spend the morning relaxing by our campsite pool while soaking in your surroundings. Keep an eye out for the monkeys, elephants, and peacocks that wander the fields nearby.

After breakfast, we'll head to the breathtaking beachside town of Mirissa on the Southwest Coast. This destination boasts world-class waves, turtle-inhabited waters, and refreshing ice-cold beer. You can opt to join a surfing lesson or enjoy a massage in the relaxing atmosphere.

This morning is free for you to explore options. You can choose to take an optional surf lesson, or if it's whale watching season, you might opt for an optional Whale Watching tour. During this time, you have the chance to see the world's largest animal, the Blue Whale!

Please note: Whale watching season is from October to April.

Mirissa - Galle - Mirissa. We begin our day with a 12km bike ride through the lush southern paddy fields, pausing to visit a local school along the way. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, strolling through its charming streets, picking up souvenirs, and sampling some of the finest ice cream Sri Lanka has to offer.

Mirissa - Weligama - Galle - Colombo. After breakfast, we take the scenic Weligama-Galle train, travelling along Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coastline with the Indian Ocean running close beside the tracks. On arrival in Galle, we continue to the 2004 Tsunami Memorial, a poignant reminder of the event that reshaped much of the island’s coastline.

We then head inland to the Madu River, where we enjoy a relaxing boat excursion through tranquil mangrove forests. As we glide along the waterways, we keep an eye out for birdlife and pass small fishing communities that depend on the river for their daily life.

Later, we drive north to Colombo for our final night, giving us time to reflect on the journey as we return to the capital.

Today, after breakfast, we bid farewell to our guide and fellow travellers before you head to the airport for your onward journey.