Sri Lankan Highlights
Experience Overview
With so much diversity, Sri Lanka has enough to keep even the most jaded traveller engrossed for several weeks. However, for those with less time, this trip visits the essential highlights. The island is packed with Buddhist cities, fragrant spice gardens, ancient fortresses and a multitude of temples all set among the verdant flora that only a tropical climate can produce. With a cycle ride and visits to historic cities and temples included, this is a busy itinerary but with enough time to unwind and enjoy some tropical sun.
Profile
— Accommodation: 6 Superior nights (hotels), 2 Classic nights (hotels) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Travel by private bus/minibus and train — Sri Lanka beach extension available — Maldives extension available
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 6 Superior nights (hotels), 2 Classic nights (hotels) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Travel by private bus/minibus and train — Sri Lanka beach extension available — Maldives extension available
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This is not a demanding trip although there are some long drives on bumpy and twisty mountain roads plus some busy days; this is an itinerary where we attempt to show you as much as possible in your short time in Sri Lanka. Temperatures can vary between the tropical heat of the coast to the cooler hill country. All the hotels have swimming pools. There are a few long drives, but the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned and the trip is generally relaxed and undemanding.
Please note, when visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) the final ascent to the top is on metal open stairs fixed against the side of the rock. There are handrails on either side but those with a strong fear of heights may prefer to stay on the lower level (where the lion “pawsare) and not continue to the rock plateau.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April departures)
A unique celebration to the people of Sri Lanka, the new year national festival known as Avurudu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil is not celebrated by any other nation. The festivities are observed by both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus across Sri Lanka for two days on 12-13 April 2024 and 13-14 April 2025 (may vary slightly year on year). If you are travelling in Sri Lanka over these dates, expect to see religious ceremonies, family activities, traditional foods, colourful decorations and a general feeling of goodwill toward neighbours and friends. Parties can go into the night and it can be quite loud during this period. Your leader will happily show you some of the activities where your itinerary allows. Please note, during the New Year public holiday, most shops, monuments and attractions are closed; however, your leader will modify the itinerary as required to ensure minimal disruption.
Group Description
Our Sri Lankan team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and one lunch are included.
We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner.
You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Your leader can also help recommend some good places to eat.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this – you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food.
Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.
Transportation
We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the group however, please note vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we will try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. Jeeps in Minneriya National Park for the elephant safari.
Train journeys are in 2nd Class carriages for a more authentic local experience.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Pegasus Reef Hotel, Palliyawatha, Wattala, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 049 600
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons or monsoons. The southwest monsoon brings rain to that area of the island between May and August. The northeast monsoon takes place from October to January and only really affects the north and east coastal regions. Generally, expect rain at some time but with plenty of sunshine. On the plains, day- and night-time temperatures are warm to hot with Colombo having an average daytime temperature of 30C (86F). The temperatures drop as we go higher into the hills.
Spending Money
For small purchases, particularly at local shops and markets, cash is generally preferred and easier for transactions than credit cards.
Allow at least 2,200 Sri Lankan rupees (US$6) for personal expenditures such as small souvenirs and soft drinks. Some sites may charge a small fee for camera use. Shopping opportunities in Sri Lanka are endless and we suggest you take money for souvenirs; even if you are generally not a keen shopper, we have found most people succumb to the wide variety of handicrafts on offer.
All entrance fees and activities described in the itinerary are included except for the optional activities mentioned on some days.
Optional excursions
There are plenty of opportunities for local excursions and cultural experiences throughout this trip, which are detailed in the daily itinerary. Additional optional activities are as follows:
— White water rafting in Kitulgala: 9,800 rupees (US$30) per person
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in Sri Lanka. However, it can often be an awkward affair, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar country. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local guides, bus drivers, and other support staff on the trip (optional excursions are not included in the group kitty).
Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually about 12,000 rupees (approximately US$36) per person. At any time during the trip, your leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.
Tips for the leader are not included in the kitty and are at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, around 1,300-1,800 rupees (US$4-US$5) per person per day would be appreciated.
Where possible, please try to tip in the local currency.
Highlights
— Climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya for breath-taking views — Discover the magnificent cave temple at Dambulla and the ruins at Polonnaruwa — Explore the beautiful lakeside town of Kandy — Visit the lush green region of Nuwara Eliya
Trip Details
Product Code: 4161
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: perience.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AIA
Starts: Watalla, Indian Ocean
Finishes: Watalla, Indian Ocean
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts and one lunch — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Three- and four-star hotelsDuring this cultural exploration of Sri Lanka, we stay in a mixture of three- and four-star hotels (locally rated). These typically offer local hospitality in small to mid-size properties and are near the attractions or towns we're visiting. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the notable places we stay. Sigiriya: Occidental Paradise (nights 2-4) Near the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, Occidental Paradise is in the ideal location for our explorations. The resort has two restaurants, a large freshwater pool and a Balinese spa, while the two bars are a great place to get to know each other better. The Blue Elephant serves cocktails and premium spirits, while the pool bar is perfect for a post-dip drink. Kandy: Hotel Topaz (nights 5-6) Hotel Topaz is perched on the highest point of Sri Lanka's hill capital and provides comfort and tranquility amid the bustling city. The bedrooms offer panoramic hillside views and facilities include a swimming pool, spa and restaurants. In just a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride, you reach the heart of Kandy, where you can explore the market and shops or wander around the lake. Worth knowing Please note, paying the single supplement may not mean you receive a double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from hotel to hotel and, on some nights, a smaller one-person room may be allocated.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,130 ($237 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival, those travelling on the group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. The adventure begins in coastal Wattala, a suburb of the capital Colombo. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel and settle into the trip. Accommodation: Pegasus Reef Hotel (or similar)
Depart after breakfast for the drive (approximately four hours) among coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations to Sigiriya where we check into our hotel for the next few nights. This afternoon we climb the Sigiriya rock fortress, also known as Lion Rock. Built as a safe haven from invaders, this impressive 5th century rock fortress rises 655ft (200m) from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside, giving far-reaching views. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens we ascend up a series of steep steps and gangways, passing overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit are the remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where we are rewarded with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. The descent is much easier and you can cool off in the hotel pool at dusk. Accommodation: Occidental Paradise (or similar)
This morning, we transfer (just over one hour) to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa. On arrival, we swap to two wheels for our cycle tour of the ancient capital of the Sinhalese. There are many Buddhist relics and ruins here, dating from a 1,000 years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. The city flourished in the 12th century after the decision was made to move the capital from Anuradhapura, so it was further from incursions from southern India. The ruins are therefore younger and better preserved than those at Anuradhapura. At a leisurely pace, enjoying the cool breeze we visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. We stop for lunch in a rural village, which breaks up the journey and is a great opportunity to experience traditional Sri Lankan food. In the afternoon, we visit Minneriya National Park where we take to 4x4s to explore and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Although there is generally a good chance to see elephants all year round, Minneriya is famous for the “Gathering” of wild elephants. A seasonal phenomenon between July and September, which draws hundreds of these majestic creatures to the reservoir, creating a remarkable wildlife spectacle. Accommodation: Occidental Paradise (or similar)
Today, we head over to Dambulla, a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Here, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, considered among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. A complex of five caves adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues, showcasing remarkable cultural and spiritual significance, which date to the first century BCE. From Dambulla, another short drives takes us to the Habarana village of Hiriwaduna. Amid lush landscapes, we’ll experience genuine hospitality from the local villagers, joining them in daily activities such as a hand-tractor/land-master ride, learning traditional fishing techniques and strolling through the paddy fields. A wonderful glimpse into rural life’s simplicity and charm. After, we transfer back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation: Occidental Paradise (or similar)
Today we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way, we stop at a spice garden near Matale, where we learn about various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on fresh spices, massage oils and Ayurvedic medicines. Kandy itself is on a small lake and after a couple of adventurous days in Sigiriya, you have time this afternoon to relax and slow the pace down at the hotel or take a wander into the town to explore the market stalls or visit the lake. Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)
This morning we head out to explore Kandy city and the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Renowned for its collection of orchids endemic to Sri Lanka, as well as over 4000 different plant species the botanical garden sits close to the Mahaweli River and covers over 147-acres (60-hectares). In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in July/August, the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Some of our summer departures should coincide with the Kandy Perahera festival, but the exact dates, decided by priests, are not known until approximately five months prior to the event. After our visit, we drive to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge Buddha, and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction. In the evening, we have the option to attend a performance of the athletic Kandyan Dancing and fire walking. Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)
This morning, we travel by train, taking the scenic rail ride into the misty tea hills (approximately a three hour journey). Our destination is Nuwara Eliya or Little England, which was a favoured cool escape for the British. At 6,128ft (1,868m) above sea level, this town is in the area of Sri Lanka most famous for tea production. On arrival, we visit a tea plantation and factory where we enjoy the taste of a pure cup of “Ceylon Tea” and experience the process of turning the raw green leaf into the final product. There is time to explore the town with its Colonial era bungalows and Tudor-style hotels. The area is very picturesque with lush green hillsides and a lake. Accommodation: Araliya Red (or similar)
After breakfast, we depart for Kitulgala, a small town located in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and the Kelani River, which offers various water-based activities. Arriving in Kitulgala, we visit the remains of a bridge, considered a historical landmark that gained international fame after being featured in the 1957 epic war film “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” directed by David Lean. Although set in Thailand, it was actually filmed in Sri Lanka, with the Kitulgala bridge playing a significant role in the film’s story. While in Kitulgala you will also have the option to go white water rafting. The rafting is a supplement cost and requires minimum 4 people (see the Optional Excursions section of the trip notes), the activity lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade III rapids) depending on your preference. Please note, occasionally due to water levels rafting may not always be possible. Late afternoon, we drive to our hotel in Colombo. Accommodation: Cinnamon Red Hotel (or similar)
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. It’s been a culture-packed adventure, so if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about booking a beach extension to either Weligama or Hikkaduwa to prolong your stay on the teardrop island or going a bit further and taking our Maldives extension.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
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