Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides - 12 Days

From £609£51 per day Save 27%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female65%
  • Male35%

Average age

28
18 Min39 Max

Start / End

  • Negombo
  • Hikkaduwa

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 18

Meals included

4

Highlights

  • 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, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress or view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park.

  • Day 3

    Sigiriya

    Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.

  • Day 4

    Sigiriya/Digana

    Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk to gain insight into Sri Lankan rural daily life. Discover unique local experiences, from visiting a working cattle and goat farm to enjoying refreshing herbal drinks at a local woman's cottage. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan curries infused with authentic local spices 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 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 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.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Nov 25

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  • Dec 25

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  • Sep 26

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  • Oct 26

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  • Jan 27

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  • Feb 27

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Customer reviews & ratings

(4.67 out of 5)
Based on 553 reviews
  • 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 Verified
  • Very 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.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the age range for this tour?

    This tour is designed for young travellers aged 18 to 39, fitting the '18-to-Thirtysomethings' travel style.
  • What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

    You will be staying in hotels and guest houses for 11 nights. Some nights may involve multi-share rooms with 4-6 group members, and most accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities. A 'My Own Room' option is available for solo travellers for all nights except Night 4.
  • How many meals are included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner, offering flexibility to explore local cuisine for other meals.
  • What kind of activities can I expect on this tour?

    The tour features a variety of experiences including a Sri Lankan lunch at a local village, a spice garden visit, a tea plantation tour, trekking Little Adam's Peak, and a Galle Fort tour. Optional activities include visiting ancient sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, exploring Kandy's Temple of the Sacred Tooth, cultural shows, trekking in Horton Plains or Ella Rock, and whale/dolphin watching in Hikkaduwa.
  • Who will be leading the tour?

    All group trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who handles logistics, provides local insights, and suggests activities. Local guides are also utilized for specific sites to enhance your experience.
  • What is the typical group size for this tour?

    The tour is designed for small groups, ranging from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 18 travellers.
  • Is a certain level of physical fitness required for this tour?

    Yes, the tour has a Physical Rating of 2, meaning an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travellers should be able to walk unassisted, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and manage their own luggage.
  • What are the cultural sensitivity and dress code requirements?

    Sri Lanka is conservative. It is recommended to wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders, especially when visiting religious sites or rural communities. Displaying body art or wearing clothing with images of the Buddha is illegal and must be kept covered. Beach attire is appropriate only on the beach.
  • What is the recommended emergency fund and tipping etiquette?

    It is advisable to have an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) for emergencies. Tipping service providers like waiters (around 10%), local guides, and drivers (USD $1-2 per person per day) is customary. Tipping your CEO is also appreciated, with a guideline of USD $20-30 per person per week.
  • How will we be traveling between destinations?

    Transportation between destinations and to/from included activities will primarily be by private vehicle, with some walking. Please note that road travel in Sri Lanka can involve single-lane roads and varied driving styles, which may result in longer travel times.
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