What type of accommodation is provided during the Sri Lanka tour?

You’ll stay in handpicked boutique hotels, such as Kashapa Lion Rock near Sigiriya, with your first night at the Beacon Beach Hotel in Negombo. Several hotels have pools. One night is spent at a riverside camp in Udawalawe.

What meals are included with the tour?

15 meals are included: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. These include a welcome dinner on arrival, a local culinary experience in Dambulla and a home-cooked lunch with a local family near Sigiriya. Vegetarian options are available at every included meal. Other meals are at your own cost, which leaves you free to try local restaurants and street food.

What kind of activities can I expect on this 12-day adventure?

The trip mixes culture, nature and beach time. You’ll climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, hike to a sunset viewpoint at Pidurangala, explore Dambulla’s cave temples, tour Kandy by tuk-tuk, visit a spice garden and a working tea estate, ride the famous train to Ella, hike Little Adam’s Peak, see elephants in Udawalawe and cycle through paddy fields to Galle Fort. There is also time on the beach in Mirissa and Hikkaduwa, with optional surfing and seasonal whale watching.

How physically demanding is this tour?

The trip is rated 2 out of 5, so a reasonable level of fitness is enough. The most active days include climbing Sigiriya Rock, which involves a lot of steps, the hike up Pidurangala, the walk up Little Adam’s Peak and a bike ride through flat paddy fields near Galle. None of these are technical, and you can take them at your own pace.

What wildlife encounters are included or available?

On Day 7 you’ll head into Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, before spending the night at a riverside camp. Near Sigiriya there is an optional elephant safari. In Mirissa you can join a blue whale watching trip when it’s in season. On the last day you’ll visit a turtle sanctuary on the south coast.

What are some of the cultural highlights of the trip?

Highlights include the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites. You’ll also share a lunch at a local family’s home, learn about Sri Lankan spices, see how tea is grown and made, and explore Galle’s historic Dutch Fort. On the final day you’ll stop at the 2004 Tsunami Memorial.

How will I travel between destinations within Sri Lanka?

Most journeys are by road with your group and local guide. Along the way you’ll also take the scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, a tuk-tuk tour of Kandy and a bike ride through the countryside to Galle. An arrival airport transfer is included. A departure transfer can be quoted on request.

What can I expect from the famous train journey to Ella?

The train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is often called one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. It winds slowly through hill country, past tea plantations, waterfalls, forest and small villages. Have your camera ready, because the views change around every bend.

Is there free time for relaxation or optional activities?

Yes, plenty. You’ll have a free afternoon by the pool near Sigiriya, with an optional elephant safari. Day 6 is a full free day in Ella, where you could relax, book a massage or try one of the optional activities on offer. On the coast you’ll have a free afternoon in Mirissa and relaxed mornings in Mirissa and Hikkaduwa, with options such as surf lessons and seasonal whale watching.

What is the visit to the Dog Care Clinic about?

On Day 10 there is an optional visit to a reputable dog care clinic. It’s a chance to see the work being done to care for Sri Lanka’s street dogs and to support a local dog rescue initiative. The visit is entirely optional.

What is the age range for travellers on this tour?

Travellers must be at least 18 years old. There is no real upper limit, and the average age on this trip is 32. The group is usually a sociable mix of people travelling solo, as couples and with friends.

Sri Lanka: Elephants, Temples & Ocean Trails – 12 Days (Own Room)

From £1,312You save £146(10%)

1/20

2/20

3/20

Save 10%

Trip Snapshot

Age range

18 - 99

Start / End

Colombo
Colombo

Physical rating

1/5

Group size

4 - 16

Meals included

Highlights

Climb the Lion Rock. Scale the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then watch the sun set over it from the summit of nearby Pidurangala.
Take “that” train. Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella on one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys, rolling past emerald tea terraces and misty peaks.
Wild elephants and a night under the stars. Head into Udawalawe National Park to see elephants in the wild, then fall asleep to the sound of the river at a riverside camp.
Sacred Sri Lanka. Step into the painted cave temples of Dambulla, visit Kandy’s revered Temple of the Tooth, and see the city by tuk-tuk.
Tea, spice and a family welcome. Taste fresh brews at a working tea estate, learn the secrets of a spice garden, and share a home-cooked lunch with a local family.
Southern beach life. Laze on Mirissa’s golden sands, catch your first wave or spot blue whales in season, then cycle through paddy fields to the colonial streets of Galle Fort.

Recommended before you book

Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.

What's inside the PDF

Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.

Free, instant PDF - no obligation

Summary

Our famous 12 Day Tour but with your own room included!

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival, you'll be whisked to Negombo for a relaxing evening at the Beacon Beach Hotel. Enjoy the pool and a delicious dinner as you prepare for an incredible journey.

Explore the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, hike to stunning viewpoints, and marvel at the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Immerse yourself in local culture with a family-hosted lunch and optional elephant safaris. Discover the beauty of the Knuckles Mountain Range, visit spice gardens, and tour Kandy in a traditional tuk-tuk.

Travel through tea country, tour tea estates, and take a scenic train ride to Ella, one of the world’s most breathtaking journeys. Spend time hiking Little Adam’s Peak, visiting the Nine Arch Bridge, and experiencing an unforgettable riverside camping trip in Udawalawe National Park, home to majestic elephants.

Relax on Mirissa’s golden beaches, try surfing, or indulge in whale watching (seasonal). Journey to Hikkaduwa for oceanfront serenity and cycle through lush paddy fields, stopping at local landmarks like Galle Fort. Visit the Turtle Sanctuary, reflect at the Tsunami Memorial, and support a local dog rescue initiative.

Conclude your trip in Colombo, cherishing memories of Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Let this be the adventure of a lifetime!

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Sri Lanka !
Welcome to Sri Lanka. We know how long the flight feels so we're going to meet you at the airport and get you on your way to Negombo for your night's stay at the Beacon Beach Hotel, about a 45 minute drive away.

Enjoy the hotel pool before your included dinner tonight and look forward to the coming days!

Accommodation: Beacon Beach Hotel - 3*

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Dambulla Cave Temple, Hike & Sigiriya Rock
Today the journey really begins!

We drive to Dambulla and stop by the famous Dambulla Cave Temple to marvel at ancient carvings and statues before heading to a local restaurant to sample the best food Sri Lanka has to offer with lunch.

We'll then check in at Kashapa Lion Rock, our hotel for this evening. Have a quick dip in the pool before heading off to Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery for unparalleled 360 degree views of the local area and Sigiriya at sunset, the most spectacular view in Sri Lanka.

Accommodation: Kashapa Lion Rock

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3
Sigiriya & Local Family Lunch
Start the morning by climbing Sigiriya, considered by locals to be the eighth wonder of the world. Over 1500 years of history in one place! The hike is around one hour each way.

We’ll then stop for a fantastic Sri Lankan lunch with a local family. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool, book a massage or opt for an elephant safari.

Accommodation: Kashapa Lion Rock

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Knuckle Mountain Range & Spice Gardens
Today we embark on a journey into the Knuckle Mountain Range. We head to a spice garden where you will learn the secrets to Sri Lankan cooking before heading into the country’s second biggest city, Kandy. And what better way to see the city than in the back of some local transport, Tuk Tuks.

Accommodation: Queens Hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
‘That’ Train Journey
Start the day by visiting the world famous Temple of the Tooth, then we’re off to the tea country! Tour a working tea estate, pick tea and sample the finest Ceylon Tea. After lunch, jump on the train from Nuwara Eiya to Ella - voted one of the world’s most scenic train rides!!

Accommodation: Ella Flower Garden - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Free Day in Ella
Today you have a day to yourself in the wonderful mountainous town of Ella! Try out many optional activities including hiking Ella Cock or Diyaluma Falls. Treat yourself to a massage or just using the downtime to chill out by the pool!

Accommodation: Ella Flower Garden - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge & Elephant Safari
Hike Little Adam's Peak and visit the world famous Nine Arch bridge in the morning. Afterwards, we journey out of the mountains and grab lunch on the way to Udawalawe National Park to get up close and personal with the elephants!

Please bring an overnight bag with you for this night, we're riverside camping - an experience of a lifetime.

Accommodation: Athgira River Camping - 2 Star (but lovely!)

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Beach Time
Leave the campsite and head down to the beach in Mirissa! You have a free afternoon to rent a surf board, or sit back and catch some rays!

Accommodation: Randiya Beach Hotel - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9
On to Hikkaduwa
Today is a free morning , you can relax at the beach or partake in an optional paid extra activity; like a surf lesson. If you are boarding the tour between October to April then you have the optional extra of participating in Blue Whale Watching, this is a seasonal activity and isn’t an available extra outside those months. Afterwards we will head to our second spectacular beach destination! Hikkaduwa & spend the afternoon relaxing by the oceanfront pool!

Accommodation: Coral Rock by Bansei - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10
Bike tour and Galle Fort
Start the day with a 12km cycle through the lush southern Paddy Fields, stopping at a local school en-route. In the afternoon, walk around the old Dutch Fort in Galle, buy some souvenirs and taste some of the best ice cream in Sri Lanka! You will also have the opportunity to visit the Dog Care Clinic at Unawatuna. This dog clinic is one of the
only self-funding rescue centres for dogs in Sri Lanka. This is an optional extra as to enter you need to make a small donation.

TAccommodation: Coral Rock by Bansei - 3 Star
Day 11
Turtle Sanctuary
Spend the morning on the beach before heading to the memorial for the 2004 Tsunami. Afterwards, head over to the Turtle Sanctuary to see some super cute and freshly hatched turtles! We then drive to Colombo for our final night.

Accommodation: Pegasus Reef - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12
Time to say Goodbye
Today is where we say goodbye! After breakfast the day is yours. Checkout is 10:00am.

We hope you've enjoyed the this wonderful adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation
Beacon Beach 3* Kashapa Lion Rock 3* Queens Hotel 3* Ella Flower Garden 3* Randiya Beach Hotel 3* Coral Rock by Bansei 3* Pegasus Reef 3* Tent Athgira River Camping 2*
Meals
Breakfasts: 11, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options available
Local Guide
Guided
This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival Only
An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

Dec 2026
from £1,312
Jan 2027
from £1,312
Feb 2027
from £1,312
Mar 2027
from £1,312
Apr 2027
from £1,312
May 2027
from £1,312
Jun 2027
from £1,312
Jul 2027
from £1,312
Aug 2027
from £1,312
Sep 2027
from £1,312
Oct 2027
from £1,312
Nov 2027
from £1,312
Dec 2027
from £1,312

January 2027

2 departures

Click the bell to get notified when the price drops

Save 10%
Saturday 16 Jan 2027to Wednesday 27 Jan 2027
4 spaces of 16 left
£1,458£1,312
Book for£200 today, pay the rest later
Free single supplement!
Enquire Now Book Tour Hold Space
Save 10%
Saturday 23 Jan 2027to Wednesday 3 Feb 2027
4 spaces of 16 left
£1,458£1,312
Book for£200 today, pay the rest later
Free single supplement!
Enquire Now Book Tour Hold Space

private departures available

Make this tour private

Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.

What changes when you go private

Travel with just your own group
No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bring
Travel on your schedule
Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.
Exclusively for your party
Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.

No obligation — we'll come back to you with a quote

Customer reviews & ratings

(5 out of 5)Based on 186 reviews

Very good It was very good - whenever I had a question about the trip I could speak to my booking advisor and get an instant answer.uld use again.
SueB Aug, 2026 Verified
Good travel company to book your travels Quick and efficient service and they look after their loyal travellers
Mora Jul, 2026 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

What type of accommodation is provided during the Sri Lanka tour?
You’ll stay in handpicked boutique hotels, such as Kashapa Lion Rock near Sigiriya, with your first night at the Beacon Beach Hotel in Negombo. Several hotels have pools. One night is spent at a riverside camp in Udawalawe.
What meals are included with the tour?
15 meals are included: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. These include a welcome dinner on arrival, a local culinary experience in Dambulla and a home-cooked lunch with a local family near Sigiriya. Vegetarian options are available at every included meal. Other meals are at your own cost, which leaves you free to try local restaurants and street food.
What kind of activities can I expect on this 12-day adventure?
The trip mixes culture, nature and beach time. You’ll climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, hike to a sunset viewpoint at Pidurangala, explore Dambulla’s cave temples, tour Kandy by tuk-tuk, visit a spice garden and a working tea estate, ride the famous train to Ella, hike Little Adam’s Peak, see elephants in Udawalawe and cycle through paddy fields to Galle Fort. There is also time on the beach in Mirissa and Hikkaduwa, with optional surfing and seasonal whale watching.
How physically demanding is this tour?
The trip is rated 2 out of 5, so a reasonable level of fitness is enough. The most active days include climbing Sigiriya Rock, which involves a lot of steps, the hike up Pidurangala, the walk up Little Adam’s Peak and a bike ride through flat paddy fields near Galle. None of these are technical, and you can take them at your own pace.
What wildlife encounters are included or available?
On Day 7 you’ll head into Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, before spending the night at a riverside camp. Near Sigiriya there is an optional elephant safari. In Mirissa you can join a blue whale watching trip when it’s in season. On the last day you’ll visit a turtle sanctuary on the south coast.
What are some of the cultural highlights of the trip?
Highlights include the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites. You’ll also share a lunch at a local family’s home, learn about Sri Lankan spices, see how tea is grown and made, and explore Galle’s historic Dutch Fort. On the final day you’ll stop at the 2004 Tsunami Memorial.
How will I travel between destinations within Sri Lanka?
Most journeys are by road with your group and local guide. Along the way you’ll also take the scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, a tuk-tuk tour of Kandy and a bike ride through the countryside to Galle. An arrival airport transfer is included. A departure transfer can be quoted on request.
What can I expect from the famous train journey to Ella?
The train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is often called one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. It winds slowly through hill country, past tea plantations, waterfalls, forest and small villages. Have your camera ready, because the views change around every bend.
Is there free time for relaxation or optional activities?
Yes, plenty. You’ll have a free afternoon by the pool near Sigiriya, with an optional elephant safari. Day 6 is a full free day in Ella, where you could relax, book a massage or try one of the optional activities on offer. On the coast you’ll have a free afternoon in Mirissa and relaxed mornings in Mirissa and Hikkaduwa, with options such as surf lessons and seasonal whale watching.
What is the visit to the Dog Care Clinic about?
On Day 10 there is an optional visit to a reputable dog care clinic. It’s a chance to see the work being done to care for Sri Lanka’s street dogs and to support a local dog rescue initiative. The visit is entirely optional.
What is the age range for travellers on this tour?
Travellers must be at least 18 years old. There is no real upper limit, and the average age on this trip is 32. The group is usually a sociable mix of people travelling solo, as couples and with friends.

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get In Touch

Why book with us

Help Change The World
We collaborate with local businesses and communities.
Best Price Guaranteed
We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!
You're In Good Hands
We work with trusted tour operators around the world.
You're spoilt for choice
We have the best choice of adventures on the market.

Similar adventures

Save22%
Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia 2026 - 13 Days
from £1,713View Tour
Save1%
Cycle Vietnam 2027 - 14 Days
53 Reviews
from £1,876View Tour
Save1%
Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia 2027 - 13 Days
from £2,173View Tour
Save3%
Vietnam Family Holiday Comfort - 12 Days
233 Reviews
from £1,329View Tour

Sri Lanka: Elephants, Temples & Ocean Trails – 12 Days (Own Room)

Trip Snapshot

Age range

Start / End

Physical rating

Group size

Meals included

Highlights

Download the full trip brochure

What's inside the PDF

Day-by-day itinerary

Packing & kit list

What's included

Summary

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

What's Included

Accommodation

Meals

Local Guide

Airport Transfers

Wifi

Dates & Prices

Dec 2026

Jan 2027

Feb 2027

Mar 2027

Apr 2027

May 2027

Jun 2027

Jul 2027

Aug 2027

Sep 2027

Oct 2027

Nov 2027

Dec 2027

January 2027

Make this tour private

What changes when you go private

Travel with just your own group

Travel on your schedule

Exclusively for your party

Customer reviews & ratings

Essential trip information

Frequently asked questions

What type of accommodation is provided during the Sri Lanka tour?

What meals are included with the tour?

What kind of activities can I expect on this 12-day adventure?

How physically demanding is this tour?

What wildlife encounters are included or available?

What are some of the cultural highlights of the trip?

How will I travel between destinations within Sri Lanka?

What can I expect from the famous train journey to Ella?

Is there free time for relaxation or optional activities?

What is the visit to the Dog Care Clinic about?

What is the age range for travellers on this tour?

Still have questions?

Why book with us

Help Change The World

Best Price Guaranteed

You're In Good Hands

You're spoilt for choice

Similar adventures

Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia 2026 - 13 Days

Cycle Vietnam 2027 - 14 Days

Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia 2027 - 13 Days

Vietnam Family Holiday Comfort - 12 Days

Sign up for our deals

Stay up to date with our new latest deals & special offers!