Discover Sri Lanka
Experience Overview
Uncover the highlights of Sri Lanka, a paradise of tea plantations, verdant mountains, safari parks and golden coastlines. Guided by a local tour leader, we see why this teardrop-shaped island is so special: ancient Buddhist temples, the mighty rock fortress of Sigiriya, hill towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, wildlife of Yala National Park (home to one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world), and palm-fringed beaches of the south coast. As you will discover, Sri Lanka offers incredible variety, despite its small size, which is made extra special by a laid-back atmosphere, tasty cuisine and hospitable people.
Profile
— Accommodation: 11 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private air conditioned bus and one train journey — Cycling and walking activities — Game Drive in Yala/Udawalawe National Park — Some long journeys by private bus
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 11 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private air conditioned bus and one train journey — Cycling and walking activities — Game Drive in Yala/Udawalawe National Park — Some long journeys by private bus
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 a few long drives on bumpy, twisty mountain roads but regular stops help to break up the journeys. The buses we use are comfortable and air conditioned. Some included activities that are more on the moderate challenge side than easy. Walking up Sigiriya Rock on day 3 and Horton Plains walk on day 10 are enjoyable and a relaxed pace but may not be suitable for someone with reduced fitness or mobility issues. Your Leader can advise on the trip if you have any concerns.
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. You will be able to rejoin the group when they return to the plateau.
For Horton Plains, the walk unfolds in four distinct terrain phases. Phase one entails an easy initial walk followed by a brief uphill climb and then a descent along a rocky riverbed, where caution is advised, especially on wet days. Phase two transitions to a path of fine soil and peat, which may become slippery when wet, leading to Greater World’s End. Phase three involves an undulating walk with varying degrees of incline and descent which has been classed as easy/moderate challenge, including steep steps, culminating in a 45-degree uphill stretch. The final phase, four, continues with undulating terrain, featuring gravel and grass paths and moderately steep steps, ultimately leading to the exit point of the excursion. Trainers/trail shoes with good grip are recommended for this activity.
Occasionally there can be inclement weather which prevents a safe and pleasant walk at Horton Plains. If this occurs, your Leader will advise of a “plan Bwhere you will travel directly to Ella and visit the Nine Arch Bridge (approximately a 30-minute walk to the bridge), an iconic construction also known as the Bridge in the Sky. Following that, if time permits you will join the trailhead for Mini Adam’s Peak (also known as Little Adam’s Peak). The Mini Adam’s Peak route is a relatively easy hike (approximately 1.2mi/2km) but the final ascent includes about 10 to 15 minutes of steps – save energy for that!
April Departures, Sinhala and Tamil New Year:
A unique celebration to the people of Sri Lanka, this important New Year national festival, known as Avurudu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil, is not celebrated by any other nation. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities are observed by both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus across Sri Lanka for two days on 13-14 April 2025. If you are travelling in Sri Lanka over these dates you can expect to see religious ceremonies, family activities, traditional foods, colourful decorations and a general feeling of good will toward neighbours and friends. Parties can go on into the night and it can be quite loud during this period. Your Leader will be happy to show you some of the activities where your itinerary allows. Please note, during the New Year public holiday, most shops, monuments and attractions will be 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$20) 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. Where suitable, your tour leader will be happy to arrange a shuttle transfer into the local town or, if you prefer to be more independent, take a tuk tuk or taxi. Your leader can help recommend some good places to eat.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is 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 and 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. Open sided jeeps are used in Yala National Park and jeeps or a microbus will be used to drive to Horton Plains.
The train ride to Ella will be in the second-class carriage, an authentic experience and great chance for some fun local interactions. Due to the Sri Lankan rail booking system, tickets are purchased on the day from the railway station ticket office and seats cannot be reserved in advance, so we sit where we can once on board.
Please Note: We will endeavour to secure train tickets from Pattipola to Ella as per the itinerary. However, during peak holiday seasons/busy periods, if the train coming from Kandy is sold out or overcrowded, your leader will action an alternative plan. The group will travel by road to Ella railway station and from there (where most travellers disembark) you will be able to enjoy the train ride from Ella to Badulla. The journey will be approximately one hour journey and has the highlight of passing over the world famous Nine Arch bridge.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: The Covanro, 323 Airport Road, Naiwala Roundabout, Veyangoda 11100
Phone: +94 332 245 000
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
Generally, you should 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 and especially at Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains where seasonally daytime temperatures can be a low as 12C-15C (53F-59F) and night temperatures will be about 8C-10C (46F-50F) minimum. If travelling between December and February, we recommend you pack a warmish jacket.
Please note, occasionally low cloud and rains over Horton Plains can be prohibitive to the day 10 walk to World’s End viewpoint. In case of inclement weather, your leader will make an alternative plan taking you through Ella Gap earlier in the day.
Spending Money
For small purchases, particularly at local shops and markets, cash is generally preferred and easier for transactions than credit cards.
It is recommended that you allow at least 2,200 Sri Lankan rupees (US$6) for personal expenditures such as stamps, postcards 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 with an exception 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. For an overview of the optional extras, please see below:
— White-water rafting at Kitulgala: Approximately 11,000-14,000 rupees per person — Trek to Adam’s Peak: Usually 9,100-18,200 rupees per person depending on how many people would like to attempt the climb. Your leader will advise on costs and arrangements, minimum two passengers. — Optional tuk tuk in Giritale: 6,000 rupees per tuk tuk — Optional game drive on Day 3: Approximately 25,000 rupees per person (may vary depending on booking numbers), minimum two passengers — Koggala Lake mangrove boat tour on Day 13: 5,000 rupees per person – enjoy a serene boat ride across Koggala Lake. As you drift through the calm waters, you're surrounded by lush vegetation, including well-preserved mangrove swamps. During the trip, you visit Cinnamon Island, where you learn about the fascinating process of how cinnamon is grown, harvested and processed. You also stop at Monkey Island, a haven for various primate species, including purple-faced leaf monkeys, gray langurs and toque macaques. The excursion lasts approximately 1hr 30min, offering a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and local culture.
Please note that the white-water rafting is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility as challenging terrain in parts. Please speak to your Leader before booking if you have any concerns.
Whale watching (November to April)
— The whale-watching trip by private boat should cost about 32,500 rupees per person depending on the number of participants. Minimum six passengers required.
Below is the breakdown.
— Cost of boat: 11,000-14,000 rupees (depending on availability and demand on the given day) — Entry ticket: 8,000 rupees — Tuk tuks: 1,500 rupees per person (we cannot take the bus into the harbour) — Tips: 500 to 1,000 rupees per person
Please note, if you choose to enjoy this excursion on your free day, we strongly advise booking a private charter boat through your tour leader in advance as the boats are always subject to availability. The more members of the group who wish to join the charter the more cost-effective it will be. We do not recommend larger, commercial boats; they may be cheaper, but they do not always respect the welfare of the animals or operate in an environmentally responsible way. We have also had reports of overcrowding on the boats. Please ask your leader for further details on how to book a private charter.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in Sri Lanka.
Tipping kitty: Tipping can be an awkward affair, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar country. As such, your tour tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local guides, and other support staff used on the trip (optional excursions are not included in the group kitty). Your tour leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually about 16,500 rupees (approximately US$50) per group member. At any time during the trip, your tour leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.
Tour leader and transfer crew: These are not included in the tipping kitty and are at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, our recommendation is as follows:
Driver and assistant: around 650-950 rupees (US$2-US$3) per group member, per dayTour leader: around 1,100-1,600 rupees (US$4-US$5) per group member, per day
Where possible, please try to tip in the local currency.
Highlights
— Experience the best of Sri Lanka: ancient culture, tropical landscapes and safari adventures — Enter Dambulla’s sacred cave temples to walk among ancient Buddha icons — Summit the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya for unforgettable views over the central plains — Cycle through rice fields and villages − an immersive way to experience rural Sri Lanka — Game drive through Yala National Park to search for the elusive leopards — Relax with beach time on the golden sands of Ahangama
Trip Details
Product Code: 4343
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: h bridge.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AIL
Starts: Veyangoda, Indian Ocean
Finishes: Veyangoda, Indian Ocean
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts and one lunch — All accommodation — All transport including one train journey — Activities as listed in the itinerary — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
A selection of hotels, most with poolsOn this cultural adventure in Sri Lanka, we spend 14 nights in hotels, which are generally of a good standard and most have swimming pools. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Sigiriya: Hotel Sigiriya (nights 2-3) This four-star property surrounded by nature is the perfect place to ease into our adventure. Unwind with a dip in the freshwater pool (which has near-unbeatable views of Sigiriya Rock) and relax in your spacious room with garden views. Yala: Mandara Rosen (nights 10-11) Within a mountain forest, the 58-room Mandara Rosen is our home from home as we explore Yala National Park. It has a swimming pool lined with loungers and araliya trees (underwater music is available) plus a 120-seater restaurant serving a mix of cuisines. The rooms are comfortable, with earthy tones and Kandyan paintings. Ahangama: Insight Resort (nights 12-13) Enjoy a spot on the beach, where it is possible to swim in the sea most of the time. Spacious rooms offer sea views and the quiet fishing village is an easy walk for those wishing to explore a local community. There are good photo opportunities with the stilt fisherman nearby and the hotel is close to the optional excursions. Service can sometimes be slow, but it is a small property, so the staff and management are flexible and cater for our group’s needs. Worth knowing Hotels in Sri Lanka are becoming increasingly busy and, occasionally, we must find alternatives to the ones we typically use. We endeavour to find the nearest alternative with a similar standard of rooms.The standards and styles of hotels on this trip vary. Some of our selections are based on location and what is available in the area or the character and atmosphere at the premises. Some properties in the hill region may not have air conditioning in rooms and instead have fans. This is due to the cooler climate.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.The Nuwara Eliya hotel (Araliya Red, nights 8-9) is a larger property than we would usually choose for our groups but has been selected for the central location, walking distance from the main town and swimming pool (which few hotels have in Nuwara Eliya), offering additional leisure options and ability to eat in local restaurants.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,080 ($272 /day)
Itinerary
The group flight arrives at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and we transfer to our hotel approximately 30 minutes away. Those not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, your Leader will advise the time and location. Accommodation: The Covanro (or similar)
We depart after breakfast for the drive (approximately four hours) among coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations through Kurunegala to Dambulla. Here, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, well-preserved paintings and Buddha statues inside the caves, which date to the first century BCE. After lunch, we continue to Sigiriya (Lion Rock). From our hotel, we can see the giant rock fortress rising from the plains (occasionally we may stay nearer to Dambulla due to hotel availability). Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Sigiriya is, perhaps, the standout attraction in Sri Lanka with the ruins of a fifth-century palace crowning an imposing granite peak, also known as Lion Rock. This morning, we drive to the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens. We then take the route to the top, via a series of steep steps and gangways, ascending 655ft (200m) and passing an overhanging rock, under which portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. On the flat-topped summit are extensive remains of the King's Summer Palace. During the afternoon, there is a chance to enjoy an optional game drive in either Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or the Hurulu Eco Park to see elephants in their natural habitat (which location depends on the elephant herd movements). For those who would prefer not to join the game drive, you can relax by the hotel pool. Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
This morning, we have a short drive to Girithale where our hotel overlooks the scenic Girithale Tank. The early inhabitants here solved the dual problem of heat and lack of water in this dry area by constructing large tanks to act as reservoirs and cool the warm breeze. Now they provide an important habitat for bird life, particularly from August to April. Today we hop on local bikes and enjoy a leisurely cycle through small villages and lakes. As an alternative to cycling, you can hire a tuk tuk locally for approximately 4,000 rupees and follow the group on their trail. Along the way, we should see plenty of bird life including Egrets, Brahmany kites, Kingfishers and Bulbuls. Breaking up the journey, we stop for lunch in a traditional village before returning to our hotel in Giritale by late afternoon. Accommodation: Giritale Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we take a short drive to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa, 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. We visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. After lunch, we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. Stopping along the way 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. This is a long but fascinating day, arriving to Kandy in the early evening. Accommodation: Earl’s Regent Hotel (or similar)
Leaving Kandy early, we have a spectacular drive through the countryside on the way to Kitulgala. Here, we have the opportunity of going on a walk through the jungle or local villages followed by an optional white-water rafting excursion. 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. If you do not wish to go rafting, freshen up and relax by the water until the rafters return for lunch. After, we drive to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Please note, it is possible to climb Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) from the full moon day of December to the full moon day of May. This is optional and you need to be confident in your fitness levels to attempt this. You would leave Nuwara Eliya around midnight on Day 8 and drive for approximately two hours to the base of the peak. From here, it is a strenuous four-hour climb to the top in time for sunrise. We then return to Nuwara Eliya to join the group for lunch on Day 9. Accommodation: Araliya Red (or similar)
This morning, we have free time to explore the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya, a popular hill station during the British era, situated in the cool highland air. Known locally as Little England, it is dotted with British-style houses and parks and features a golf club and racecourse. Following lunch, we visit a nearby tea plantation and factory and learn about the process of tea production. Accommodation: Araliya Red (or similar)
We have an early start this morning and take a 19mi (30km) drive south to Horton Plains, a large plateau more than 6,560ft (2,000m) high, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and the best way to explore is on foot. We take a three to four-hour guided walk (5.5mi/9km) through the picturesque rolling grasslands, spanning through various landscapes and elevations, where we hope to encounter monkeys along the way. We also visit World’s End, where the ground drops 3,445ft (1,050m) to the plains. For a more detailed terrain description of Horton Plains walk, please see our "Is this trip for you" section within the Trip Notes. Following this, we catch a train from the highest railway station in the country – within 90 minutes we drop from 6,198ft (1,889m) to 3,599ft (1,097m). The train travels through cloud forest into tea plantations, with breath-taking views of the lush valley below. We get off at Ella railway station and continue by road to Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 3,280ft (1,000m) below. Almost the entire southern part of the island is in view and (on a particularly clear day) the shimmering Indian Ocean is visible. We travel to Kataragama on the plains; this is our base for visiting the best-known national park in Sri Lanka, Yala. Accommodation: Mandara Rosen (or similar)
Today we proceed to Tissamaharama, we walk to a local farmhouse where you’ll be offered tea in a coconut shell along with a local snack. We mix with real Sri Lankan life and take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games, returning to our bus in tractors used by the farmers. Later this afternoon, we enjoy a game drive in Yala National Park. Yala is home to elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles and wild boars. The park, which is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and freshwater lagoons, has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. Please note, the sanctuary may be closed for four to six weeks from September to October, allowing park authorities to check the welfare of the animals. We therefore go to a nearby alternative, usually Udawalawe National Park. Accommodation: Mandara Rosen (or similar)
Today, we leave for the coast, with its beautiful palm-fringed bays. On the way you will visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. This unique experience highlights and supports the conservation efforts in Sri Lanka for wild elephants. Located on the outskirts of Udawalawe National Park the Elephant Transit Home is rehabilitation centre for orphaned and sick elephants to receive nourishment and care until they become independent and healthy enough to be released back into the wild. From Udawalawe, we continuing on to Ahangama, arriving at our coastal hotel in the afternoon and you can relax for the rest of the day by the pool or on the beach. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Today is free for you to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool. There are also optional activities including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation or, from November to April, you can go whale watching off Dondra Head, one of the best places in the world for seeing blue and sperm whales. Dolphin pods often play alongside the boats. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
We drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century, and now a World Heritage site. On the way, we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set among beautiful gardens. Later, we continue along the expressway to Colombo, reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Colombo (or similar)
The adventure ends today and you begin your return journey home. Those on the group flights will take a transfer to the airport this morning. If you are not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your return airport transfer. It's been a culture-packed adventure, so if you're craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip getaway to the Maldives. Alternatively, if you'd like to explore Sri Lanka a little more, you can book an extension to your hotel stay.
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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
Reviews
Rhianna Rawlins - Traveled, March 2024
Great overview of Sri Lanka This was a great overview of Sri Lanka showing what the country has to offer on culture, landscapes and wildlife. Hotels were generally of a good standard and some had spectacular views. There were some long days involved but these were broken with stops and lunches. Most Inspirational Moment Probably getting to the top of Sigirya and understanding all the history around it. Thoughts on Group Leader Sujan was a brilliant leader, nothing was ever too much trouble, he was very well organised, knowledgeable and passionate about his country. I felt he was very much part of the group and made every effort to make sure the trip went well. Advice for Potential Travellers Take socks for the temples as they can be very hot on the feet! Do the additional game drive as we saw elephants there but not Yala. Suggestions Definitely recommend this trip, thoroughly enjoyed it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Paul Hunt - Traveled, March 2024
Everything Sri Lanka A beautiful country with contrasting scenery from white sand beaches to green tea plantations and jungle and plains. The tour was a great mix of history and temples with wildlife and scenery. Welcoming, hospitably people with a rich and diverse culture A range of hotels from satisfactory to good, expect buffet meals with some a la carte, but be prepared to wait. Most Inspirational Moment Unexpectedly releasing baby turtles into the Indian Ocean Climbing Lion Rock and exploring Lovers Leap waterfall Thoughts on Group Leader Sujan presented his country with great enthusiasm and knowledge. Always taking care of the group and making small amendments to the schedule to ensure we had the best of everything. Advice for Potential Travellers It's quite a full on trip with some early starts and long drives but go with the flow and enjoy. Don't expect many dining out opportunities as hotels tend to be slightly out of town and even in the towns options are limited. Expect it to be hot and humid Suggestions Visit Sri Lanka now, they need the tourist dollar and it's totally safe. It's only going to get busier! Only slight disappointment was not doing Adam's Peak, I'd read before hand how busy it gets now with people turning back before reaching the summit so we decided against.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Sharon Livermore - Traveled, April 2024
Amazing Sri Lanka Amazing places, scenery, people and activities Most Inspirational Moment Climbing Lion Rock and the amazing sunsets Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was incredibly knowledgeable with a great sense of fun Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for tge heat and humidity. Also be aware that Worlds End may not be possible if there is low cloud and it is wet. An alternative will be given and the alternative will mean that you will see/pass through Ella Gap during daylight hours
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2024
jeanette hambrey - Traveled, March 2024
Truly discovered Sri Lanka! What a brilliant trip, the itinerary is well put together, the first week we were doing towns and temples, and the second week was a bit more relaxed in scenery and nature. I was very impressed with all of the hotels used, most had swimming pools and all the rooms were modern and spacious . The last one in Colombo with a roof top bar ! Most Inspirational Moment Climbing lion Rock, I didn't make it to the top but got to the lions claws and waited for the others. I also really liked meeting the village farmers, we played games and had a good laugh! Thoughts on Group Leader Sujan was a really knowledgeable chap, friendly and patient, with a wicked sense of humour. He did a great job! Advice for Potential Travellers You don't need adapters if you're English as all hotels were 3 pin. Take an umbrella, it's too hot to wear a waterproof! And take socks to the temples, we burnt our feet on the cobbles even running haha Take a good water container and you can get it filled as many times as you need on the bus. Take clothes to cover arms and knees for the temple, or a pashmina to go over your shoulders. I changed money at the airport, I initially changed £300 but needed slightly more so I used the ATM which you get to every other day or so. Suggestions This is a great trip , I really enjoyed it. Sri Lanka needs the tourism and felt safe and friendly so book your place and enjoy !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Hazel Dunning - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing holiday Had a brilliant time with varied activities, lovely hotels, excellent driver and most importantly one of the best guides I have ever had. Most Inspirational Moment None Thoughts on Group Leader Outstanding!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Yvonne Wensley - Traveled, February 2024
So much to absorb,fulfilled expectations and mores This 15 day trip is described as easy/moderate however it is quite full on with so much packed into the time. Sri Lanka is a diverse and interesting country and we were very lucky to have such a knowledgeable and interesting guide, Roshan who brought not only the presenting experience but the history to life. All eyes and ears on him from everyone when we were discussing the day to come. I would add he had the patience of a Saint and witty and entertaining flow to keep us all engaged. The variety of walking, wildlife, history, belief systems, culture, flora, fauna, whale watching and even cycling which I sucked at gave perspective .so lovely to mix with local families on occasion and have such a variety of places and settings with something amazing around each corner. Our driver was remarkable, treating any road challenge like a confident puzzler and kept us safe in some interesting situations.for me the natural beauty of Sri Lanka left me in awe with such a variety of landscapes to explore. There were a couple of very early starts but totally reasonable to catch the hidden gems and avoid the worst of the heat. Dont underestimate the humidity. Hotels were all well placed for what we were visiting each day though if you like to shop or visit a village or town every day that’s not an option. There are days where the shoppers can get their fix along the way. Alot of food is buffet style but with great variety and always fresh fruit. Wonderful tea but no real milk to go with it, not alot of dairy produce at all and powdered creamer offered instead. Lovely to have a swimming pool or ocean opportunity to swim and chill out on the days with more free time or after a long day. All the hotels were of a reasonable standard, some more quirky than others but not your generic corporate cloned/squeeze everyone into soul less spaces , mostly fitting the environment they were in. Be prepared to take a variety of clothing, flip flops to walking shoes, vest tops to sweat shirts,shorts to walking trousers. I used my umbrella once. Options to get laundry done along the way. Read the brochure carefully so you know your likely daily spend and added trip costs. Roshan kindly worked costings out in local currency, dollars and sterling which helped on days away from atms. Most Inspirational Moment Everyone has their own personal wish for what they hope to get from a visit to Srilanka. I found some of the temples both Buddhist and Hindu and the craftsmanship and art work of such antiquity and some cases purity and simplicity quite moving. Other s hugely complex and thought provoking. The walk in Horton plains beautiful for its range, a bit scrambly on river beds. I think though the people and their demeanour , friendliness and positive response to visitors is inspiring.technically in terms of civil construction how water is managed to support agriculture and life is quite mind-blowing considering when it developed processes still working today. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was a joy, a real encouragement and support, open to trying to offer answers to every question and to make the travel experience interesting and fun. What a wide range of knowledge , actually a funny guy, full of humour but patience ,a real catalyst to enable the jumble of folk travelling together to build real camaraderie and ensure every need met if it were possible. He kept us learning, curious and safe , a positive leader with such warmth and respect and understanding for the chequered history SriLanka has experienced, great to get the non eurocentric take on it all, literally we grew to comfortably trust him with our lives...to make the experience a great one. Advice for Potential Travellers Insect repellant, earplugs if you need air conditioning on at night, it's very hot but the units to keep you cool are noisy. Change money at the airport, have a card for ATMs. Drink water at every opportunity. Be open minded to those travelling with you . Suggestions Thankyou exodus , this trip has such variety and opportunity.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Linda Stalker - Traveled, February 2024
Disappointing This was my first Exodus trip since lockdown and was highly anticipated. Unfortunately I came home feeling that the holiday just hadn’t lived up to my expectations. The hotels were situated well outside of towns and almost every evening the group meals were in the hotel restaurant. Because we were a full group of 18 (the largest group I have travelled with in my 20+ group tours) the hotels served buffet meals. I have not come across this on previous trips and I was disappointed that we did not get many opportunities to visit local restaurants. In some hotels there was the option to order from the a la carte menu but this usually meant a wait of over an hour before food was served. The itinerary was changed for day 10 a few days before the trip started – this meant a 6am start for hiking on Horton Plains. This was followed by a train ride from Ella to Badulla rather than from Bandarawela to Ella and this meant that we missed the scenic train journey to Ella and, by the time we were picked up at Badulla for the drive to Katharagama via Ella, we did not get any views at Ella Gap because it was evening and too dark to see. We did not reach the hotel that evening until after 8pm so the itinerary for that day needs a rethink. On day 13 almost everyone in the group went whale watching. A private boat was arranged by the guide and trip notes suggested that the larger commercial boats do not always respect the welfare of the animals. As a group we were concerned and disappointed to find that all the whale watching boats, including our boat, chased after the whales and dolphins if any were spotted. I appreciate that this is a difficult situation as we have all paid to go whale watching and obviously want to see something but the noise and pollution from 20 boats chasing around trying to get a good view cannot be environmentally sound practice and is perhaps an optional activity that Exodus should reconsider. Most Inspirational Moment Meeting and talking to the local people. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was a good guide however he lacked the sparkle and enthusiasm that I have come to expect from Exodus guides. I think this could simply be because he does back to back Exodus tours and is probably exhausted. As soon as our trip finished he was off to start the next trip. He answered all queries and questions with a smile but it almost felt as if we were having to raise the issues and it would have been good to find out more about the country and people today. Advice for Potential Travellers A good trip and covers a lot of ground. When there is the opportunity try and eat in local restaurants - cheaper and far better food. Take plenty insect repellant. Suggestions Do your souvenir shopping in Kandy as there is very little to buy after this unless you wait until Colombo airport. Make sure you have printed or online proof of your flight home otherwise they wont let you into the terminal building at Colombo airport. Discover Sri Lanka Reply from Exodus Thank you for taking the time to submit a review, Linda, although we were saddened to learn that your most recent Exodus holiday did not meet your expectations in some areas. We try to select small, independently run hotels that offer a more personal service, in keeping with our commitments to support local communities. In many of the locations this tour takes in, particularly in the “cultural triangle” region, we are extremely limited in terms of centrally located accommodation options which offer suitable quality, and many of the nearby towns and villages tend to feature hotels that are either unable to host groups of our size or provide unsuitable menu options for tourists. Where possible, our leaders are happy to suggest local restaurants, although we have found that service can be very slow, which is why groups usually prefer to dine at their hotel. Although we endeavour to maintain the itinerary as described in our literature, the nature of adventure travel is one that sometimes requires last-minute changes due to various factors, for example local festivities or adverse weather impacting the standard activities. Our leaders will always try their best to avoid any significant disruption to the itinerary and have a “plan b” to ensure the trip can continue as smoothly as possible and we sincerely hope this was the case on your trip. We are proud of our responsible travel ethos and were, therefore, regretful to hear of your concern regarding the whale watching activity. This is something we have been monitoring very closely with our local operator and we are actively looking into viable ways to encourage better practice across the industry. We recognise the impact our tour leaders have on our customers’ overall enjoyment of a trip, so we were sorry to hear that Roshan missed the mark for you. He is one of our best-performing leaders across all our trips and has been a regular nominee and past winner of our Leader of the Year Award. Nevertheless, it’s disappointing that your experience of him fell somewhat short and we will address this with Roshan ahead of future trips he leads. We sincerely hope that this has not discouraged you from travelling with us again as we’ve hugely appreciated your loyalty and wish that you will give us another chance. Sarah Puttnam, Product Manager
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Sherman Hirowatari - Traveled, January 2024
The Discover Sri Lanka trip was a wonderful combination of culture, activities and rest. Most Inspirational Moment Many! Spending time with families and seeing how they live was very memorable. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan. Excellent. Knowledgeable, approachable and very concerned about every participant. Advice for Potential Travellers Go on this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Julie Graham - Traveled, January 2024
Fantastic trip This was a good way to see all Sri Lanka has to offer. Most Inspirational Moment Turtle on beach laying her eggs Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant Advice for Potential Travellers Mosquito repellant Suggestions My only negative was the guide at Adams Peak went way too fast. I told them to go ahead and leave me. I still got to see the sunrise!! Without rushing!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Stuart Robertson - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent all round trip, Highly Recommended. Trip was very diverse with a great bunch of travelling companions. So much to see and do with sufficient amount of downtime. Standard of accommodation exceeded our expectations and the transport (coach) supplied was comfortable with plenty of room for everyone. Most Inspirational Moment So many wonderful things to view on this trip from such a diverse country, my stand out moment was Lion Rock and Clare loved every experience the trip provided however, what stood out to her most was how welcoming and friendly the country and people were. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was an excellent group leader who along with our Driver (Also Roshan) and Assistant (Sundan) made this a well organised and laid back trip, all are a credit to their country and company. Roshan was very knowledgable and delivered all the information with passion and humour. He provided so much information without it feeling like information overload. He was always on hand to answer any queries or concerns and always dealt with them with a smile. Advice for Potential Travellers Plenty of opportunities to access ATM's for local currency so you don't need to carry excessive cash with you, a mix of currencies (Dollars, Pounds & Rupees) served us well as most places accept card payments, Revolut or similar pre paid cards are ideal. If internet access is a priority, Wifi in the hotels is adequate however other members of the group purchased pre-paid SIM cards very cheap (£4) with lots of data. Suggestions If you're in two minds about this trip, do not hesitate as it certainly won't disappoint!! Everything about this trip from the group leader and team to travel companions, places we visited, things we did, hotels we stayed at, food we ate and the people of Sri Lanka were absolutely fantastic...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Angela Cannon - Traveled, January 2024
Wonderful Trip This trip covered so many different experiences, every day was a delight. Our group were the best travelling companions you could possibly hope for and were a pleasure to be with. The hotels were of a very good standard. Most Inspirational Moment Too many to choose just one. I enjoyed the cycling through villages, the white water rafting and the hike on Horton Plains, especially as being in my mid 70s I had worried I might not be able to keep up with the younger members. However, the icing on the cake was seeing the turtle on the beach laying her eggs on the beach by our hotel. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was the best leader you could wish to have. He gave us lots of background information on everywhere we were going and the history of Sri Lanka. He had a wonderful sense of humour and full of good advice on recommendations on where to eat. Advice for Potential Travellers Try everything on offer, you may well surprise yourself. Suggestions A really wonderful 2 week tour, even better than I'd hoped. Well done!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Lesley Greenhill - Traveled, January 2024
Very varied trip A great tour around Sri Lanka seeing beautiful scenery, animals, temples and local people Most Inspirational Moment Spending time with locals on the two farm visits. The Sri Lankan games were great fun. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was excellent. He was relaxed but organised. He gave us a lot of information about the country and it’s history. Great sense of humour. An exceptional guide. Advice for Potential Travellers Enjoy the wide variety of activities. Suggestions Such a varied and interesting trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2024
Ali Deas - Traveled, January 2024
Spot on. A great introduction to the diverse island of Sri Lanka Excellent tour leader, varied and interesting itinerary, excellent organisation and accommodation. Most Inspirational Moment Bicycle ride and Lions Rock Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent 10/10 Advice for Potential Travellers Be advised that the Horton Plains Hike is quite challenging. Several in the group struggled. Suggestions Great trip. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Angela Beckwith - Traveled, January 2024
Fabulous Sri Lanka This is an excellent trip around Sri Lanka, combining activities (rafting, hiking, cycling), culture (temple visits, tea and cinnamon farms) and nature (safaris, whale watching), with a generous amount of pool and chill time. The many optional activities allow for doing as much or as little as desired, and there is plenty to keep occupied with when down time is available. The included activities gave a fascinating insight into daily life, including the Sri Lankan games (I don’t think any of our groups will be winning prizes in those games for a while!). The locals were all so friendly and hospitable, and the hotels exceeded my expectations throughout. Most Inspirational Moment Walking up Adam's Peak with the many locals partaking in the pilgrimage to the Temple of the Foot and reaching the top in time for a fabulous sunrise. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was an excellent group leader - so knowledgeable, organised and always willing to help organise little extras. His history and cultural lessons on the bus were delivered with enough information to allow us to really understand the country but without being too much of an information overload. He was always patient, in good humous and made sure we were all well looked after, helping also to deal with lost luggage and any special requests people had. Our driver (another Roshan) and helper (Sandun) were also excellent and kept us and our belongings safe throughout the trip. Advice for Potential Travellers The leopards in Yala were elusive for us, but you will get out of the safari what you put in. We saw an incredible mixture of animals - land monitor lizards, chameleons, salamander, crocodiles, water buffalo, black-naped hare, deer - to name just a few, along with an incredible array of colourful and impressive birds. At the end of the day, nature is wild and nothing is guaranteed so go with your fingers crossed but take the time to appreciate all the other wildlife on offer as well. The Adam's Peak hike is strenuous but absolutely worth it. The entire hike is up 5,500 steps so your calf muscles and knees will feel it the following day, especially the final half an hour which is up unrelenting steep steps. It is thoroughly worth it though, and watching the sunrise with hundreds of other pilgrims was an unforgettable experience. Take out plenty of cash at the airport as optional excursions all need to be paid in cash - if you do all of the optional activities (elephant safari, rafting, Adam's Peak, whale watching, mangrove boat trip), you will need around £250 equivalent, plus money for tips, tuk-tuks, local shopping, lunches etc. Hotel bills can be paid on card. There are additional ATMs available in Kandy and Ahangama. People's Bank and Bank of Ceylon tended to be reliable and at the time of writing did not charge ATM fees for foreign cards. Suggestions Sri Lanka is not nearly as conservative as sometimes made out in terms of dress. Apart from the temple visits, where knees and shoulders must be covered, it was generally fine to wear shorter shorts (I would not recommend hot pants, but knees showing was fine) and vests for general activities, both in town and in the rural areas. Be prepared for the humidity and ensure you keep hydrated, and wear plenty of bug spray the entire time - the mosquitoes are persistent day and night!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Sarah Dennis - Traveled, November 2023
Beautiful country Loved this trip it had a fabulous mix of places to visit and activities. From visiting serene temples to racing down the rapids in a raft everything was well organised and reasonably priced. A wonderful tour guide who attended to everyone’s needs efficiently and with fun, a great group of people and stunning countryside. I would recommend this trip to everyone. Most Inspirational Moment A toss up between Asian elephants walking past our jeep close enough to touch and watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean whilst the stilt fishermen worked hard to catch a the day’s bounty. Thoughts on Group Leader Sujan our group leader was excellent. He was very perceptive to individual peoples needs whilst delivering an amazing time for the whole group. He had a great understanding of people and therefore everyone in the group of 18 felt looked after and listened to. He had a fantastic knowledge of Sri Lanka and if he didn’t know something he would research the answer and tell us later. He had a great sense of humour and really helped to make the tour special. Advice for Potential Travellers Take plenty of mosquito repellent as they loved to have a nibble of us all. Take a jumper for the mountains and be prepared to eat a lot of curry. Suggestions I’ve wanted to visit Sri Lanka for a long time and I’m so pleased I did. It is so beautiful and not too many tourists.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Nandita Nelson - Traveled, November 2023
An unexpected gem of a holiday A very varied trip in a green and beautiful land with palm fringed beaches and he warmth of the Indian Ocean. We covered 1600km and seemed to do it all, temples, wildlife safaris, historical ruins, adventure white water rafting, markets, tea plantation, botanical gardens, shopping, culture, beach. Name it and we were there! A comprehensive and very enjoyable itinerary. Most Inspirational Moment Too many...The tranquility of the ruins atop Lion Rock, the amazing bird life, the leopard at Yala and the sunset over the lake, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, the hanging parrots and sunbird in the date palm outside my window, the thrill of white water rafting (a first for me). All unforgettable. Thoughts on Group Leader Superb. Amazingly well organised. He coped with the different demands of our varied group with good grace, always pleasant, always polite, always fair and kind to everyone. A great job Sujan! Thank you. Advice for Potential Travellers Lots, but everyone finds their own way. Try everything. Don't forget plenty of sun block and plenty of insect repellent. An umbrella is a useful item. Best place to buy tea is not at the plantation itself because of limited stock and relatively little choice, but in Galle on Rampart Street when you walk around the old fort. T-shirts at the botanical gardens shop are decent quality. Take binoculars, really worthwhile, and a bird book if interested. There are kids at the farm visit, so a colouring book or 2 as giveaways may be welcome. Suggestions If you have never tried white water rafting and fancy it, this is an excellent opportunity, the water is warm. Chill, enjoy and soak up all Sri Lanka has to offer, the history, the wildlife, the people, it is an uplifting experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Louise Thornton - Traveled, February 2024
Wonderful Sri Lanka I loved this trip, a beautiful Country, very friendly people, a great leader and another wonderful Group of people to share it with. One of my best Exodus trips. Most Inspirational Moment I celebrated a milestone birthday on this trip, and while sat on the beach eating birthday cake with the rest of the group a green turtle came out of the sea and laid her eggs right in front of us! A very special moment. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was lovely, very patient, very kind, supportive of everyone and their different needs. His knowledge was second to none and pitched at exactly the right level - everyone put their books down or electronic devices away when we heard the familiar 'tap tap' on the microphone on the bus each morning, we knew we were going to learn something important. He was a great wildlife spotter (better than some of the wildlife guides) and had a brilliant sense of humour, it was a pleasure to sit chatting with him. Advice for Potential Travellers It is much cooler in the tea plantations so definitely take some warm clothes. For the walk to World's End make sure you have sturdy shoes, I did it in trainers but might have preferred my walking shoes. If you are a little unsteady on your feet take a walking pole, some of the paths are quite rocky. Suggestions If you have the time, seriously consider a few extra days at the beach in Sri Lanka or the Maldives extension at the end of your trip, this is a very beautiful part of the world to enjoy some relaxation and reflect on an amazing trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Jonathan - Traveled, November 2023
Discover Sri Lanka We are just home from a fantastic tour of Sri Lanka. Never has an Exodus holiday (this was our eighth tour) been so diverse of culture and wildlife. For example, day one, we were sitting in our hotel which was right beneath Lion Rock (the ancient capital of Sri Lanka) and that afternoon we went on a safari and saw loads of elephants in their natural habitat. Day-after-day, there was something to experience – temples, wildlife, locals, forests, cycling, trekking and even a couple days at one of the world’s top surfing oceans. Most of the hotels were of an excellent standard with lovely swimming pools. Generally speaking all Sri Lankan staff are very slow and laid-back but after a couple days we felt that this attitude actually helped with the relaxing, chilled atmosphere. Our guide Roshan was highly experienced – he was incredibly diligent, thorough and knowledgeable with exceptional attention to detail – one of the best Exodus guides we’ve met so far.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Lynne Corder - Traveled, June 2023
Great trip A great holiday. Lots of variety. Small group. Great guide. Would recommend. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the baby elephants playing together. Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan was a really great guide. Very knowledgeable. Great sense of humour. One of the best guides I’ve had on trips. Very organised. Always ready to help out. Advice for Potential Travellers Take cash for optional trips. Can be paid in pounds or dollars. Suggestions Would recommend Exodus. Nice hotels and great balance between seeing everything and time to chill out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Chris Birkhead - Traveled, February 2023
Sri Lanka open for tourists The discover Sri Lanka trip allowed us to see the highlights of the centre and South of the country with a well thought out itinerary. Some days are full on, with early starts and reasonably energetic walks or cycles, the activities are punctuated by two night stops at some hotels, allowing recuperation. Most Inspirational Moment The trip had everything from Bhudist temples and ancient forts to nature reserves. For us seeing elephants, a leopard and two blue whales would have to be the highlights of the trip. On a more human dimension though the traditional games organised by our group leader Roshan were brilliant, getting everyone involved, even the driver and assistant joined in! Thoughts on Group Leader Roshan did an excellent job with a diverse bunch. His good sense of humour and organisational skills meant that things ran smoothly, even though there were a range of optional trips that were not taken up by eveyone. Advice for Potential Travellers Sri Lanka is ready for and needs tourists! We did not experience any disruption or see any protests during the trip. The hotels and local restaurants/cafes all provided varied menus (especially if you enjoy a curry).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
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