Sri Lanka: Elephants, Temples & Ocean Trails - 12 Days
Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female50%
- Male50%
Average age
Start / End
- Colombo
- Colombo
Physical rating
Group size
4 - 16Meals included
15Highlights
- Upon your arrival in Sri Lanka, enjoy a seamless transfer to Negombo, where a relaxing evening awaits at the Beacon Beach Hotel, complete with a delightful dinner.
- Journey to Dambulla to explore the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, followed by a local culinary experience. Conclude your day with breathtaking 360-degree sunset views of Sigiriya from Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery.
- Ascend the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a site of profound history, then savor an authentic Sri Lankan lunch hosted by a local family. The afternoon offers leisure time by the pool, with an optional elephant safari available.
- Embark on an enchanting journey into the Knuckle Mountain Range, discover the secrets of Sri Lankan spices at a local garden, and experience the vibrant city of Kandy with a charming tuk-tuk tour.
- Visit the revered Temple of the Tooth before venturing into Sri Lanka's picturesque tea country for a tour and tasting at a working tea estate. Conclude with one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
- Enjoy a leisurely day to explore the charming mountainous town of Ella at your own pace, perhaps with a relaxing massage or time by the pool, with various optional activities readily available.
- Hike to Little Adam’s Peak and marvel at the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, followed by an unforgettable journey to Udawalawe National Park for a captivating elephant encounter. Experience the unique thrill of riverside camping under a starlit sky.
- Indulge in the serene beauty of Mirissa's golden beaches with a free afternoon dedicated to relaxation by the ocean, or perhaps try your hand at surfing.
- Savour a tranquil morning on the beach, with options for a surf lesson or, seasonally, blue whale watching. Later, unwind by the oceanfront pool in the stunning coastal town of Hikkaduwa.
- Embark on a delightful cycle through lush southern paddy fields, explore the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, and treat yourself to local delicacies. An optional visit to a reputable dog care clinic is also available.
- Enjoy a final morning by the ocean, reflect at the poignant 2004 Tsunami Memorial, and witness the heartwarming efforts at a Turtle Sanctuary before arriving in Colombo for your farewell evening.
- Cherish the wonderful memories created as you prepare for your onward journey from Colombo, reflecting on an unforgettable Sri Lankan adventure.
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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.
Summary
Discover Sri Lanka On A 12-Day Adventure!
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!
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.
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.
Our accommodation tonight is Kashapa Lion Rock.
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.
Tonight we'll stay at the Queens Hotel.
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!!
Tonight we'll stay at the Ella Flower Garden.
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!
Tonight we'll stay at the Ella Flower Garden.
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.
Tonight our accommodation is Athgira River Camping.
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!
Tonight we'll stay at the Randiya Beach Hotel.
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!
Tonight our accommodation is Coral Rock by Bansei.
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.Tonight our accommodation is Coral Rock by Bansei.
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.
Tonight our accommodation is Pegasus Reef.
Day 12
Time to say Goodbye
Today is where we say goodbye! "our tour guide will help arrange your onward travel (at your own expense!),
What's Included
Accommodation
Handpicked boutique hotels (such as Kashapa Lion Rock) and riverside camping.
Meals
Breakfasts: 11, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis 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 OnlyAn 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
Oct 2026
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- Save 14%Saturday 24 Oct 2026to Wednesday 4 Nov 20266+ spaces of 16 left£1,132£974Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£200 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
This is a new adventure for 2025 but here are some reviews about The Adventure People! Absolutely brilliant company, by far the best travel agency have dealt with. The staff are just fantastic, so kind to deal with and go well out of their way to make sure you're getting the trip you want and are always on hand to help with any queries or suggestions you have. Had the best time in Korea with The Adventure People
Laura Nov, 2024 VerifiedThis is a new adventure for 2025 but here are some reviews about The Adventure People: Absoluty amazing company that made our honeymoon so special. Rosanagh was so knowledgable in helping me tailor our experience and then Wendy stepped out when I panicked about US airlines not liking my passport. She spend hours making sure I was okay to travel. Our trip to Costa Rica was everything I could wish for thanks to these two wonderful ladies. Both of them are a true treasure to the company I would highly recommend reaching out to them for advise. I’m sure going to use them again as we did go for trip of the life time and every moment was excellent just as they promised and planned.
Marta Nov, 2024 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.
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