Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
Experience Overview
Discover a country that radiates warmth – from its glorious sunshine and scorching cuisine to the incredibly kind people, this is Sri Lanka. This 14-day Premium adventure through ‘the Teardrop of India’ will take you straight to the heart of the country. Explore the ancient ruins of past civilisations, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, search for rare and beautiful animals like elephants and leopards, relax on palm-fringed beaches and soak up the hospitable welcome from the locals. From the spicy food scene to the Exclusive cooking class and high tea, this adventure sees all the best bits or Sri Lanka in style.
Highlights
- Learn about Sri Lanka’s past first-hand during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – first established in 1891, this historic hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
- Discover the breadth of Sri Lanka’s food scene during Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class in Galle, a tea plantation tour, a high tea in Nuwara Eliya and a barbecue dinner in Dambulla.
- Search for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and the ever-elusive leopards under the cover of darkness on an evening safari through the wild grasslands of Yala National Park.
- Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
- Enjoy Exclusive Experiences in Kandy – dine at the Hela Bojun restaurant, which is focused on empowering and employing local women, and enjoy a private cultural dance performance.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2185
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HPPS
Starts: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finishes: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (3), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotels (11 nights),Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,405 ($386 /day)
Itinerary
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. Here, you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, maybe take some time to relax on the beach under the blue sky. After your welcome meeting, your leader will take you to a local restaurant for a seafood dinner. Sri Lankan food is famous for its rich scents, spices and flavours, and this evening you’ll find out why as you sample some local favourites like pol sambol (a tasty coconut dish) and roast paan (crispy roasted bread).
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Negombo - Welcome Dinner
Accommodation:
- Pledge Scape Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early this morning for a visit to the Negombo fish market. Morning is the best time to visit the market – your leader will help you navigate the organised frenzy of vendors displaying things like crabs, lobsters and squid. Then, say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Dambulla, where you'll spend the next three nights. Settle into your hotel and in the late afternoon, head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka – the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of the palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains, is topped by a ruined palace. It's a good workout to get to the top, but the sight makes it well worth it. Your leader will share stories of the ancient civilisation who once lived atop the rock as you climb. In the evening, return to Dambulla for a Sri Lankan style barbecue. Tuck into a delicious array of fresh grilled fish, meat and vegetables, and watch a demonstration on how to make chilli and coconut sambol, so you can recreate the taste of Sri Lanka at home.
Included Activities:
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
- Negombo - Fish market
- Dambulla - Local BBQ dinner
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Lake Dambulla Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you‘ll head to Anuradhapura, the northern point of Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle’, which also contains Polonnaruwa to the east and Kandy to the south-west. This area is bursting with stunning temples and sites of cultural and religious importance. The city of Anuradhapura is one of the country’s most historically significant places and its first ancient capital. Take a step back in time as your leader guides you through the giant stupas of Ruwanweliseya and Jetawanaramaya, and ponder the rise and fall of ancient civilisations as you explore crumbling temples and ruins. Pay a visit to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple – home to a sacred bodhi tree planted in 236, believed to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Stop by the ancient temple of Isurumuniya and see its beautiful carvings that tell stories that are thousands of years old. Return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Included Activities:
- Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
- Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
- Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple
- Anuradhapura - Ruwanweliseya Stupa
- Anuradhapura - Jetawanaramaya Stupa
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Lake Dambulla Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Polonnaruwa to continue your explorations of the cultural triangle. Following Anuradhapura as the Sinhalese and Chola capital in the 10th century, the area is strewn with ancient riches. Discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex – it’s not hard to imagine what this place looked like in all its former glory. Visit the remains of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, covered in intricate carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha. Stop by the incredible statue of Parakrama I, at 10 m tall this is a truly impressive sight. Later in the afternoon, head back for a final evening in Dambulla, where you may like to enjoy a drink by the lake.
Included Activities:
- Polonnaruwa ancient ruins
- Polonnaruwa - Statue of Parakramabahu I
- Polonnaruwa - Rankot Vihara
- Polonnaruwa - Quadrangle
- Polonnaruwa - Lankatilaka
- Polonnaruwa - Gal Vihara
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Lake Dambulla Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here, you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. Explore the magical cave complex as your leader explains why this World Heritage-listed site has been a place of worship for thousands of years. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Continue to Kandy where you’ll have a free evening to explore. Though it’s the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Maybe take a peaceful stroll around the city’s centrepiece lake or ask your leader where you can get your hands on a tasty Sri Lankan curry.
Included Activities:
- Matale - Spice Garden
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
Accommodation:
- Amaya Hills or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, meet with a local botanist for their expert insight as you take a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Your guide will help you spot Yellow Fronted Barbets, Layards Parakeets and Sri Lankan Hanging Parrots, and introduce you to an unbelievable array of orchids. You’ll also visit the gem museum and lapidary, where you can learn about the history of gem mining in Sri Lanka and see how gems are turned into beautiful pieces of jewellery. Today’s lunch is particularly special as you dine at Hela Bojun – a social enterprise founded by the Sri Lankan government to empower, train and employ women from rural communities. In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local dancer where you’ll have the unique opportunity to watch an exclusive cultural performance in an intimate environment. This evening, visit the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Located in the heart of town, this is the most important shrine in the country, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre. Arrive in time and you may have the chance to witness the pooja – a small ceremony of reverence involving drummers and dancers.
Included Activities:
- Kandy - Botanical Gardens
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Kandy - Hela Bojun social enterprise lunch
- Kandy - Gem museum & lapidary workshop visit
- Kandy - Private Cultural Dance Performance
Accommodation:
- Amaya Hills or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Kandy and board a morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Situated deeper into tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 m, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. Once favoured by the Scottish and the English, remnants of the past can be seen in sculpted gardens and manor homes decorating the city. When you arrive, explore the charming town at your own pace before heading to your accommodation. Tucked away among tea plantations and scenic hills is the Grand Hotel – a gorgeous National Heritage Property first established in 1891 and your Feature Stay for the next two nights. A nod to the region's history, rooms are classically decorated with all modern amenities. At its core is the hotel’s sustainable practices – they’ve eliminated single-use plastic and are striving for a zero-waste future. This afternoon, enjoy a high tea experience at your hotel. Converted from the former home of a British governor, the hotel now offers an impressive selection of tea paired with finger food and confectionery. This evening, maybe explore the hotel’s palatial gardens or settle in for a first-class dining experience at the on-site restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Nuwara Eliya - High Tea
- Kandy - Scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation:
- Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head to the sky-scraping Single Tree temple and embark on a short 40-minute hike to Single Tree Hill viewpoint to witness spectacular views of the surrounding hills and tea fields. After your hike, head to a nearby tea factory. This fascinating factory still features some original pieces of machinery. You’ll have a new appreciation for your humble morning brew after learning about the production process and discovering how the finest tea leaves are transformed into Ceylon black tea. If touring the factory inspires a thirst, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the final product yourself. Head back to the city to sit down for a well-deserved lunch at the prestigious Nuwara Eliya Golf Club – one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia.
Included Activities:
- Nuwara Eliya - Visit to Tea State & Tea Factory
- Nuwara Eliya - Single Tree Hill hiking
- Nuwara Eliya - Lunch at Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Accommodation:
- Grand Hotel (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, make your way to the sacred town of Kataragama. On the way there, make a stop at a beautiful small town in the highlands – Ella – and visit Ella Gap which offers beautiful vistas out across the plains. In the evening, head to Yala National Park – Sri Lanka's premier wildlife reserve. Here, you’ll board a 4WD for a safari through open grasslands, lush forest and lagoons. Your guide will carefully listen out for the rustling of concealed animals that would go unnoticed by those not in the know. There's a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffalo and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these elusive big cats. After a day of wildlife spotting, retire to your resort for dinner. Located near the less-visited back gate of Yala National Park, your accommodation offers quick access to wildlife without the large coaches frequently found at the front gates.
Included Activities:
- Ella - Ella Gap view point
- Yala/Bundala National Park - Wildlife safari
Accommodation:
- Chaarya Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll enjoy another safari in Yala National Park. As Sri Lanka’s second largest national park, there’s so much to uncover here. Maybe take the chance to do some birdwatching – Yala is home to some 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, painted stork and Crimson-fronted Barbet. Keep an eye out for prideful peacocks strutting their way through the park. If Yala is closed today, the group will visit the fantastic Bundala National Park instead. Enjoy an included dinner at your resort this evening.
Included Activities:
- Yala/Bundala National Park - Wildlife safari
Accommodation:
- Chaarya Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Take an optional visit Kataragama Temple this morning to see the shrine dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo (the resident god). Later, you’ll transfer to Galle – a beautiful seaside town near Sri Lanka's southernmost tip. Settle into your hotel, then head just outside Galle toa small village for a Beeralu lace weaving activity in a local's home – this is a traditional weaving method in Sri Lanka. An Exclusive Experience, you’ll also have the chance to participate in the weaving and if you like, you can choose to support the village by buying some products to take home. After, follow your leader on a walking tour through the best-preserved Dutch town in Sri Lanka. At its core lies a fort surrounded on three sides by the ocean with a treasure trove of ancient mosques and churches, museums, boutiques and more on its streets. Uncover Galle’s glory as your leader shares tales from its past through to the present day.
Included Activities:
- Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour
- Galle - Beeralu lace weaving activity
Accommodation:
- Le Grand Galle or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is yours to spend at your leisure. Maybe visit a cinnamon plantation just outside of Galle to learn about the process of making the spice. Bird watchers may wish to explore the Hiyare Rainforest Reservoir on the outskirts of the city. As always, you can speak to your knowledgeable leader for information on how to book or access these activities. In the evening, you’ll join your leader who will take you to the local markets to learn about all the fresh ingredients that make up Sri Lanka’s flavoursome and fragrant recipes. After perusing the colourful market stalls, head to your local host’s home and take part in a Sri Lankan cooking class followed by a delicious dinner. Get a behind the scenes look at Sri Lankan cuisine as you conjure up some Ambulthiyal fish curry, lentil dhal, eggplant curry and something sweet for dessert.
Included Activities:
- Galle - Farmer's market and home cooking class
Accommodation:
- Le Grand Galle or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to Galle and make your way to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city. When you arrive, head to a courtyard restaurant in the former home of a family from Jaffna and sit down for a northern Sri Lankan lunch. In the afternoon, head out on a leader-led orientation walk. Make a stop at the Pettah fruit and vegetable market where you’ll be fully immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Colombo as you watch vendors and shoppers go about their business. Visit the striking candy cane coloured Red Mosque and its soaring minarets that can be seen from across the city. Further explorations will reveal Dutch and British influenced architecture, a hangover from the city’s past. This evening you may like to join your leader and fellow travellers for a final group dinner to see out your Sri Lankan adventure.
Included Activities:
- Colombo - City walking tour
Accommodation:
- The Kingsbury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Colombo, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Jennifer - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent tour highly recommend it. You get to see all the wonders of Sri Lanka and eat your way through their amazing cuisine. Great way to see all of this amazing country. Hotels were of a very high standard.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Chris - Traveled, March 2024
What an amazing tour of Sri Lanka. Saw all the top locations and ate some delicious food. Got to see all the highlights and stayed at some amazing hotels. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Su - Traveled, March 2024
This was a fabulous tour which flew by so quickly. The itinerary was well put together. We got to experience a good variety of activities, learning about local food, culture, architecture, as well as religious and political aspects of the different regions. Our tour leader, Ajith, was excellent. Nothing was too hard or impossible. He arranged everything with efficiency and even organised side trips and dining-outs which weren’t part of the formal itinerary. With a ready sense of humour, he made the tour enjoyable indeed. The safaris were good and we got to see quite a few of Sri Lanka’s animals, but alas no leopard during our outings. Ajith arranged an optional elephant safari on one of the days while staying in Dambula. This is a Must! It was brilliant and we got to see the magnificent creatures up close. Overall this is a highly recommended tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Alannah - Traveled, March 2024
10/10 would recommend this trip. Leaving with a wealth of knowledge about this beautiful country with so many wonderful experiences that will be lasting memories. If you want to deep dive into the culture and history of Sri Lanka, with one of a kind experiences I would absolutely book this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Ryan - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour with Intrepid was excellent! Our tour leader, Yasi, spoke excellent English and he worked hard to ensure that we had a very memorable time! His knowledge of Sri Lankan culture and its people, helped us to appreciate this beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Robyn - Traveled, March 2024
Brilliant trip with so many varied activities and experiences. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Linda - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid Travel trip around Sri Lanka was fantastic. Our guide was awesome, giving us a fabulous understanding of the Culture, history and day to day life of his people. The trip catered for the older traveller, with plenty of down time and in the heat and humidity opportunities to pace oneself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Mellisa - Traveled, March 2024
We did a Premium Sri Lanka 14 day trip and Prabarth our tour leader made our trip perfect for us. We did the option elephant tour which is a must, all the hotels were amazing and beautiful, the food was spectacular. We highly recommend this tour you would be silly not to go premium. Sri Lanka is beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Christine - Traveled, March 2024
Beautiful country and lovely people. Well worth visiting with a knowledgeable local guide such as Intrepid provide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Annie - Traveled, March 2024
I had a wonderful trip with a fantastic group of fellow travellers. Our leader Prageeth was excellent with great knowledge of his country as well as sense of humour. Saw so much and made fantastic memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Owen - Traveled, February 2024
Our trip to Sri Lanka was a wonderful holiday, with Ajith our tour leader providing an in depth and educational commentary on the amazing places we saw. Every day provided a new place of beauty and wonder. We saw so many magnificent birds and animals it was like a David Attenborough documentary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Robert - Traveled, February 2024
A wonderful experience and good value for money. Well organised and comprehensive tour with a high level of comfort. Not surprised that many in the group had travelled with Intrepid before.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Fiona - Traveled, February 2024
We really enjoyed our trip to Sri Lanka. We did a lot in 14 days, but the pace was right, the food and accommodation good and our guide Ajith who promised us that he would do his best to ensure we had a good time did just that. We will use Intrepid again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, February 2024
Sri Lanka is a must see place. Beautiful in every aspect and stunning scenery. This tour is a must do if you love adventure. Had the best time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Elaine - Traveled, February 2024
I would highly recommend this trip as it covered all the places I wanted to see. Just the right amount of people in the group with a helpful and knowledgeable guide. It was great fun too!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Richard - Traveled, February 2024
As always intrepid excelled with cost/knowledge/locations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Megan - Traveled, February 2024
This is a brilliant itinerary which provides a great overview of Sri Lanka. Hotels are outstanding. This really was an excellent trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Noel - Traveled, February 2024
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Our leader was excellent. The safaris weren’t great. Some of the hotels were poor. One in particular had filthy showers and poor food. Transport was brilliant with an excellent driver and equally excellent helper.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Colleen - Traveled, February 2024
Our visit to Sri Lanka was a fantastic trip in so many ways. First and foremost, our leader, Asanga, was a joy to spend 14 days with. Our driver, Shamil and assistant, Rohana were so capable. We saw and experienced so many amazing things! I’ll never forget Sri Lanka, Asanga, and our group. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Steve - Traveled, January 2024
We were so lucky or blessed that great leader, great companions and great holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/02/2024
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