Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides - 12 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female65%
- Male35%
Average age
Start / End
- Negombo
- Hikkaduwa
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 24Meals included
4Highlights
- Trek through luscious green hills
- Journey amongst Sri Lanka's most breath-taking scenery
- Sample local cuisine at a village meal
- Inhale local flavours at a spice garden
- Explore southern Sri Lankan beaches
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Summary
Now's the time to explore Sri Lanka on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Want to load up on culture on a backpacker's budget? This whirlwind 12-day tour of central and southern Sri Lanka is just the ticket. Discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and then chill out on Hikkaduwa Beach. Explore Sri Lanka with a group of like-minded travellers and you'll head home with some new friends and new perspectives.
Itinerary
Day 1
Negombo
Arrive at any time and welcome to Negombo, know for its lazy beach, wandering canals, and fresh seafood markets.
Get to know your fellow travellers over optional dinner and drinks at a favourite local restaurant. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you're introduced to Sri Lankan delicacies, and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Day 2
Negombo/Sigiriya
Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Day 3
Sigiriya
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya national park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.
Day 4
Sigiriya/Digana
Visit a medicinal spice garden en route to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk for insight into rural daily life. Maybe stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery or the cottage of a local woman making incense. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.
Day 5
Digana/Kandy
Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.
Day 6
Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at the tour operator-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.
Day 7
Nuwara Eliya/Ella
If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.
Day 8
Ella
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.
Day 9
Ella/Hikkaduwa
Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.
Day 10
Hikkaduwa
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.
Day 11
Hikkaduwa
Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creatures, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.
Day 12
Hikkaduwa
Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels/guest houses (11 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 2, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 1
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.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £719Sep 25
from £580Oct 25
from £580Nov 25
from £829Dec 25
from £899Jan 26
from £899Feb 26
from £899Mar 26
from £829Apr 26
from £749May 26
from £749Jun 26
from £749Jul 26
from £749Aug 26
from £749Sep 26
from £829Oct 26
from £829Nov 26
from £829Dec 26
from £899Jan 27
from £749
- Save 30%Mon 6 Oct 2025 > Fri 17 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 24 left£829Best offer£580
- Mon 27 Oct 2025 > Fri 7 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 24 left£829
Customer reviews & ratings
It was a lovely trip overall and I really enjoyed visiting the elephants at Minnereya national park. I enjoy having an entire trip organised for me to and travel with like minded people
Megan Oct, 2024 VerifiedVery happy with this tour NGO projects, environmental policy and local guides
Thora Oct, 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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