Essential Sri Lanka
Experience Overview
Take Sri Lanka, boil it like the tea leaves the country’s famous for and strain out all the best stuff. On this 11-day trip, you’ll travel through natural paradise, small, friendly villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Search for elephants in Udawalawe National Park and walk to the top of Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Feast on spicy curry prepared by a local in Ella and hike through lush mountains. Relax on the beach in Hiriketiya – perfect for lounging and sipping cocktails – and do it all with a new group of friends!
Highlights
- Cruise around in a 4WD on a wildlife safari, searching for elephants, lone leopards and aquatic birdlife in Udawalawe National Park.
- Learn the benefits of washing down a spicy curry with piping-hot Ceylon tea during lunch in a lush mountain village near Ella in a local’s home.
- Kick back on the warm sands of paradisical palm-lined Hiriketiya, with plenty of free time to relax and soak up the sun at the beach.
- Leave the imprint of your face on the train window as you stare out wide-eyed on a journey from Kandy to Ella – this scenic rail ride is basically a 6-hour nature documentary, there’s so much amazing scenery!
- Walk to the top of the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Explore the ruined fortress on the top of the rock, learn about the region’s history and see the Lion’s Gate – a staircase with two huge stone lion paws on either side.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2195
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Train,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 39 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HPYL
Starts: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finishes: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Permanent Tent (with basic ensuite) (1 night),Hostel (multi-share) (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1085 ($99 /day)
Itinerary
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Negombo. If you arrive early, maybe stroll the seaside or explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on a bicycle, which you can rent from your hotel reception. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner and get to know each other over a couple of drinks – you’ll spend the night by the beach, near plenty of beach bars and pubs.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Make your way to Dambulla – the second-largest centre in the Matale District. When you arrive, maybe explore the Dambulla Cave Temples. With five sanctuaries, it’s the largest cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka! Perhaps spend the day walking through the UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa or climb Pidurangala Rock for views of the Lion Rock Fortress, which you’ll visit tomorrow! Tonight, maybe head out to a local restaurant to taste some delicious local cuisine.
Optional Activities:
- Dambulla - Cave temples (entrance) (7 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, walk to the Lion Rock Fortress – a 200 m tall rock structure in Sigiriya. Explore the ruined fortress on the top of the rock, learn about the region’s history and see why the fortress is called ‘lion rock’, then head to Kandy. Your afternoon is free for you to explore – maybe learn how to make a traditional batik cloth during a workshop, then, create your own under the watchful guidance of a local expert. You could also take up a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local cuisine you’ve now grown to love!
Included Activities:
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress
Optional Activities:
- Kandy - Cooking Demonstration and Dinner in a Local Home (12 USD)
- Kandy - Batik Painting Workshop (28 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, Kandy managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. If you’re looking to relax this morning, you might want to book an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate those weary muscles. Kandy is home to a beautiful lake, some great old shops and a bustling market, so there’s lots to see and do with your free day today. Maybe walk through the town to take in the sites of Kandy, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens, visit the Temple of the Tooth or book a cultural dance performance.
Optional Activities:
- Kandy - Botanical Gardens (10 USD)
- Kandy - Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home (12 USD)
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth (7 USD)
- Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance (7 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to Kandy and hop on a train to Ella. This train trip is kind of famous, due to the gorgeous views of mountains and greenery (so grab a window seat if you can!). Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or listen to music while you stare out the window. When you arrive, maybe visit a local tea factory or go for a drink in one of the many bars. Tonight, your leader can help you with the best spots for nightlife – maybe grab a couple of your new friends and head to a local restaurant nearby for some live music and delicious eats.
Included Activities:
- Kandy - Scenic train ride to Ella
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll hike one of the shortest and most popular stages of The Pekoe Trail. This trekking route runs through Sri Lanka’s tea region and is maintained by a non-profit organisation promoting sustainable tourism practices to benefit the local communities. Head through the Ella Forest Reserve, passing the famous Nine Arches Bridge and tea plantations. Then, cut across small local villages and see the bridge from a different vantage point. Along the way, stop in at a small village for a spicy curry lunch at a local family home. Get to know your gracious hosts as you eat together and refresh with a steaming pot of Ceylon tea to wash it all down. This is the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, learn about their lifestyle and swap stories. After the hike, the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own.
Included Activities:
- Ella - Nine Arch Bridge
- Ella - Lunch at a Local Family Home
- Ella - Pekoe Trail Hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel south today for an exciting 4WD safari through Udawalawe National Park, where you'll come across the area's native wildlife – look out for elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. Make sure you grab your camera and stay hydrated! Tonight, while you reflect on the day, maybe join your travel buddies in search of some appa (hoppers), kottu roti and parippu (lentil curry).
Included Activities:
- Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
Accommodation:
- Permanent Tent (with basic ensuite) (Number of Nights: 1)
Journey west to Hiriketiya – this stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Hiriketiya and its surroundings at your own pace. Maybe join a guided tour to see the Hummanaya Blow Hole, visit the Dondra Lighthouse or simply relax on the beach.
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is all about the beach! Grab a good book, order a cocktail and don’t forget the bottle of sunscreen – today is for rest, relaxation and reclining on the warm sands of Sri Lanka. If you like, you can 'bikesplore' the lesser-known areas of the city on two wheels. Make use of the many beach restaurants that line the shore tonight after an epic sunset.
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Hiriketiya behind and make the journey to Galle. Stop for a walking tour with your leader along the way before continuing onto Colombo. When you arrive in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. After, maybe explore the collection of temples and churches that all live alongside each other – apart from the gorgeous architecture, this is also a great example of how different types of belief systems and places of worship can come together side by side, creating a sense of community and peace. Tonight, maybe join your group for a final dinner.
Included Activities:
- Colombo - Guided market visit
- Galle - Walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Indulge in your last string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stick around to explore more, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Similar Tours
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
Liam - Traveled, March 2024
Sri Lanka was an incredible country to explore, made even better with the great people from Intrepid and especially the helpfulness of our guide Chathu!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Alana - Traveled, March 2024
This was the perfect trip to experience the highlights of Sri Lanka! Good food, good people and beautiful sights. I’ll be back to Sri Lanka for sure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Elanor - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip would recommend! Great variety of activities, transport and accommodation with lots of local experiences. Loved this tour and Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Jodi - Traveled, March 2024
Essential Sri Lanka was unreal, 2 weeks of a fast paced over view of such an incredible country. I can’t wait to come back. Our intrepid leader was awesome and so passionate about his country. I can’t recommend coming to Sri Lanka enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
George - Traveled, February 2024
What a great 11 days in Sri Lanka! Our leader Uthpala gave us such a great insight into her country. Loved the safari and all the food we tried!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2024
Amelie - Traveled, January 2024
I had the best time on this trip! Lochana, our tour guide, went above and beyond to make sure we were having the best experience possible and was always ready to help out with anything. Sri Lanka is a beautiful, green country and I would not have been able to see this much of it in 12 days without a tour. We were also a fun group and became friends very quickly :) Only negative was that Intrepid at times could have organized some things better. Overall I would highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Emily - Traveled, December 2021
The tour and our guide Nandana were amazing! Would really recommend - it's a great trip to see lots of different areas of Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2022
Emma - Traveled, December 2021
One of the best trips that I've ever been on! Sri Lanka is such a beautiful and friendly country to travel around. Our tour guide, Nandana, really made the trip the best it could have been. He was so attentive to the group and knowledgeable about the country. Thank you Nandana!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2022
Ben - Traveled, December 2021
This was an amazing tour! such an incredible country. I must say Nandana was the most excellent tour guide I've ever had. So incredibly knowledge and a wonderful person to be around. He led this tour magnificently. so if you are considering a Sri Lankan tour with intrepid I advise that you specifically ask for Nandana to be the guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2022
Katherine - Traveled, December 2021
A brilliant and safe way to see Sri Lanka; busy with lots to do but also enough time to relax. Would suggest booking a few extra days at the beach at the end to make the most of the sun before you leave this beautiful country!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2022
Sarah - Traveled, January 2024
Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country and Lochana was a great tour leader. This trip had a good balance between being active and resting. The Galle to Colombo train was not good as it is very crowded and unsafe for female travellers. Overall though, I had a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, January 2024
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country that I would recommend visiting. Our guide Lochana was awesome and went above and beyond to make us all comfortable and share her culture. The Galle to Colombo train should be removed from the itinerary as it was crowded and unsafe for female travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Sophie - Traveled, December 2023
This was a trip of a lifetime! My first group tour with intrepid and I could not rate it high enough. My tour leader did the most fantastic job showing me around Sri Lanka. There was no part of this tour which I didn’t like. Am definitely going to be booking more tours with this company!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Scott - Traveled, November 2023
Fantastic tour with an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide and a group of people than made the experience unforgettable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Daniela - Traveled, September 2023
This tour has changed my life. I’ve made friends for a life time and learn things about myself that I needed to learn. Hashan our tour guide is one of those people in life that you will never forget. He is special and no doubt the best your guide I have ever had. He is so talented and intelligent. Every nish thing you asked, he had an answer for it. He was always there for us and made me feel welcome, safe and protected. He always had a good vibrant attitude during the trip and wanted to please every single one of us with the things we needed/or wanted to do. Hashan is a very friendly and kind person that lives to teach others and make people fall in love with Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
