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Experience Overview
Discover a country that radiates warmth – from its glorious sunshine and scorching cuisine to the incredibly kind people, this is Sri Lanka. This 14-day Premium adventure will take you straight to the heart of the country. Explore the ancient ruins of past civilisations, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, search for rare and beautiful animals like elephants and leopards, relax on palm-fringed beaches and soak up the hospitable welcome from the locals. You’ll see all the best bits of Sri Lanka in style, with a Feature Stay hotel surrounded by wildlife-rich nature trails and a Signature Experience at a waterfall in the lesser-known town of Wellawaya.
Highlights
- Find relaxation at your Feature Stay, set in serene farmland. With a swimming pool, spa treatments and a range of optional activities like village walks, nocturnal wildlife trails and paddy field walks, you can kick back or do more exploring at your leisure.
- Discover the breadth of Sri Lanka’s food scene during Signature Experiences including a cooking class in Galle, a tea plantation tour, a high tea in Nuwara Eliya and a barbecue dinner in Dambulla.
- Search for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and ever-elusive leopards on a safari through the wild grasslands of Yala National Park.
- Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
- Dine at the Hela Bojun restaurant in Kandy – a social enterprise focused on training and employing local women. Then, watch a private cultural dance performance.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2185
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle, Train
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HPPS
Starts: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finishes: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (3), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Hotels (11 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6590 ($471 /day)
Itinerary
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe take some time to relax on the beach under the blue sky. After your welcome meeting, your leader will take you to a local restaurant for a seafood dinner. Sri Lankan food is famous for its rich aromas, spices and flavours, and this evening you’ll find out why as you sample some local favourites like pol sambol (a spicy coconut dish) and roast paan (crispy roasted bread).
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Negombo - Welcome Dinner
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Beach Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early this morning for a visit to the Negombo fish market. Morning is the best time to visit – your leader will help you navigate the organised frenzy of vendors displaying fresh catches like crabs, lobsters and squid. Then, say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Dambulla, where you'll spend the next three nights. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then make the short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here, you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. Explore the cave complex with your leader, who will explain why this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site has been a place of worship for thousands of years. In the evening, join your group for a Sri Lankan style barbecue. Tuck into a delicious array of fresh grilled fish, meat and vegetables and watch a demonstration on how to make chilli and coconut sambol, so you can recreate the taste of Sri Lanka at home.
Included Activities:
- Negombo - Fish market
- Dambulla - Local BBQ dinner
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Lake Dambulla Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll head to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Anuradhapura, the northern point of Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle’, which also contains Polonnaruwa to the east and Kandy to the southwest. This area is full of temples and sites of cultural and religious importance. The city of Anuradhapura is one of the country’s most historically significant places and was its first ancient capital. Take a step back in time as your leader guides you through the giant stupas of Ruwanweliseya and Jetawanaramaya, and ponder the rise and fall of ancient civilisations as you explore crumbling temples and ruins. Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple – home to a sacred bodhi tree planted in 236 BC, believed to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Stop by the ancient temple of Isurumuniya and see its intricate carvings that tell stories thousands of years old. Return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Included Activities:
- Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
- Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
- Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple
- Anuradhapura - Ruwanweliseya Stupa
- Anuradhapura - Jetawanaramaya Stupa
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Lake Dambulla Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Polonnaruwa to continue your exploration of the cultural triangle. Following Anuradhapura as the Sinhalese and Chola capital in the 10th century, the area is strewn with ancient relics. Discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex – it’s not hard to imagine what this place looked like in all its former glory. Visit the ruins of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, covered in detailed carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha. Stop by the statue of Parakramabahu I – standing at 10 m tall, this is a truly impressive sight. Later this afternoon, you’ll visit the Zero Plastic Impact Centre, an Intrepid Foundation partner supporting nearly 100 local artisans producing plastic-alternative products like reusable woven basket bags and clay water bottles. Tonight, head back for a final evening in Dambulla, where you might like to enjoy a drink by the lake.
Included Activities:
- Polonnaruwa ancient ruins
- Polonnaruwa - Statue of Parakramabahu I
- Polonnaruwa - Rankot Vihara
- Polonnaruwa - Quadrangle
- Polonnaruwa - Lankatilaka
- Polonnaruwa - Gal Vihara
- Sigiriya – Zero Plastic Impact Centre
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Lake Dambulla Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise bright and early for a sunrise visit to one of Sri Lanka’s highlights – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock Fortress). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains, is topped by a ruined palace. It's a good workout to get to the top, but the views make it well worth it. Your leader will share stories of the ancient civilisation who once lived atop the rock as you climb. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop in the city of Matale, where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Continue to Kandy where you’ll have a free evening to explore. Though it’s the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Maybe take a stroll around the city’s central lake or ask your leader to recommend a favourite restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Matale - Spice Garden
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
Accommodation:
- The Golden Crown or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, meet with a local botanist for a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Your guide will help you spot yellow-fronted barbets, Layard’s parakeets and Sri Lankan hanging parrots and introduce you to an array of orchids. You’ll also visit the gem museum and lapidary, where you can learn about the history of gem mining in Sri Lanka and see how gems are turned into beautiful pieces of jewellery. Today’s lunch is particularly special as you’ll dine at Hela Bojun – a social enterprise founded by the Sri Lankan government to train and employ women from rural communities. In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local dancer where you’ll watch an exclusive cultural performance in an intimate setting. This evening, visit the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. This is the most important shrine in the country, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre. Arrive in time and you may have the chance to witness the pooja – a small ceremony of reverence involving drummers and dancers.
Included Activities:
- Kandy - Botanical Gardens
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Kandy - Hela Bojun social enterprise lunch
- Kandy - Gem museum & lapidary workshop visit
- Kandy - Private Cultural Dance Performance
Accommodation:
- The Golden Crown or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Kandy and travel to Nuwara Eliya by private vehicle. Situated deep in tea country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 m, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. Once favoured by the Scottish and the English, remnants of the past can be seen in sculpted gardens and manor homes decorating the city. When you arrive, explore the charming town at your own pace before heading to your accommodation, tucked away among tea plantations and scenic hills. This afternoon, you’ll have a high tea experience at your hotel. Converted from the former home of a British governor, the hotel now offers an impressive selection of tea paired with finger food and confectioneries. This evening, maybe explore the hotel’s palatial gardens or settle in for dinner at the onsite restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Nuwara Eliya - High Tea
- Nuwara Eliya - Visit to Tea Estate & Tea Factory
Accommodation:
- Grand Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a scenic train ride to the small town of Ella, perched in the highlands. Visit the Ella Gap, which offers views stretching out across the plains, then head to the Nine Arch Bridge. This 24-m-tall stone bridge has nine grand arches that stretch over the jungle. The bridge is about 90 m long (295 ft) and was built in 1921 entirely from bricks, stone and cement. Next, continue by private vehicle to Wellawaya. This off-the-beaten-track town gives you a glimpse of authentic Sri Lankan life and unspoiled landscapes. Arrive at Jetwing Kaduruketha – your Feature Stay, situated in serene farmland. With a swimming pool, spa treatments and a range of optional activities such as village walks, nocturnal wildlife trails and paddy field walks, you’ll find both relaxation and authentic local experiences here.
Included Activities:
- Ambewela - Scenic train ride from Ambewela to Ella
- Ella - Nine Arch bridge visit
- Ella - Ella Gap view point
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Kaduruketha (Feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Walk to a secluded waterfall for a Signature Experience this morning. Soak up the raw beauty of your surroundings, then settle in for a picnic lunch paired with drinks. Maybe go for a refreshing dip under the waterfall or simply kick back and relax, listening to the tranquil sound of the waterfall cascading before you. After, return to your accommodation, then the rest of your day is free. You might like to walk a section of the Pekoe Trail through lush tea plantations, visit a nearby village to meet the locals and share a home-cooked meal, see how spices are farmed at a local spice producer or walk along the Tree Trail to see more than 100 tree species that scatter the grounds of your Feature Stay. Ask your local leader for suggestions to help you plan your day.
Included Activities:
- Wellawaya - Waterfall visit & picnic lunch
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Kaduruketha (Feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel to Yala National Park to go on a safari. As Sri Lanka’s second largest national park, there’s so much to uncover here. Maybe take the chance to do some birdwatching – Yala is home to some 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, painted stork and crimson-fronted barbet. Keep an eye out for peacocks strutting their way through the park. If Yala is closed today, you will visit the fantastic Bundala National Park instead. Have dinner at your resort this evening.
Included Activities:
- Yala/Bundala National Park - Wildlife safari
Accommodation:
- Jetwing Yala or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Go on an optional visit to Kataragama Temple this morning to see the shrine dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo (the resident god). Later, you’ll transfer to Galle – a beautiful seaside town near Sri Lanka's southernmost tip. Settle into your hotel, then head just outside Galle to a small village for a Signature Experience – a Beeralu lace weaving activity in a local home. This is a traditional weaving method in Sri Lanka. You’ll have the chance to participate in the weaving yourself and, if you like, you can choose to support the village by buying some products to take home. After, follow your leader on a walking tour through Galle, the best-preserved Dutch town in Sri Lanka. At its core lies a fort surrounded on three sides by the ocean with a treasure trove of ancient mosques and churches, museums and boutiques on its streets. Uncover local history as your leader shares tales from the town’s past through to the present day.
Included Activities:
- Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour
- Galle - Beeralu lace weaving activity
Accommodation:
- Le Grand Galle or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is yours to spend at your leisure. Maybe visit a cinnamon plantation just outside of Galle to learn about the process of making this spice. Birdwatchers may wish to explore the Hiyare Rainforest Reservoir on the outskirts of the city. As always, you can speak to your knowledgeable leader for information on how to book or access these activities. In the evening, join your leader for a visit to the local markets to learn about all the fresh ingredients that make up Sri Lanka’s flavoursome and fragrant recipes. After perusing the colourful market stalls, head to your local host’s home and take part in a Sri Lankan cooking class followed by a delicious dinner. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Sri Lankan cuisine as you cook up some Ambulthiyal fish curry, lentil dhal, eggplant curry and something sweet for dessert.
Included Activities:
- Galle - Farmer's market and home cooking class
Accommodation:
- Le Grand Galle or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to Galle and make your way to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city. When you arrive, head to a courtyard restaurant in the former home of a family from Jaffna and sit down for a northern Sri Lankan lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll go on a guided tour of the city by bus. Make a stop at the Pettah fruit and vegetable market, where you’ll be fully immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Colombo as you watch vendors and shoppers go about their business. Visit the striking candy-cane-coloured Red Mosque and its soaring minarets that can be seen from across the city, then keep exploring to uncover more Dutch and British-influenced architecture – a hangover from the city’s past. This evening, you may like to join your leader and fellow travellers for a final group dinner to toast to your Sri Lankan adventure.
Included Activities:
- Colombo - City Tour
Accommodation:
- The Kingsbury Colombo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Colombo, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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
Jennifer - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent tour highly recommend it. You get to see all the wonders of Sri Lanka and eat your way through their amazing cuisine. Great way to see all of this amazing country. Hotels were of a very high standard.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Chris - Traveled, March 2024
What an amazing tour of Sri Lanka. Saw all the top locations and ate some delicious food. Got to see all the highlights and stayed at some amazing hotels. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Su - Traveled, March 2024
This was a fabulous tour which flew by so quickly. The itinerary was well put together. We got to experience a good variety of activities, learning about local food, culture, architecture, as well as religious and political aspects of the different regions. Our tour leader, Ajith, was excellent. Nothing was too hard or impossible. He arranged everything with efficiency and even organised side trips and dining-outs which weren’t part of the formal itinerary. With a ready sense of humour, he made the tour enjoyable indeed. The safaris were good and we got to see quite a few of Sri Lanka’s animals, but alas no leopard during our outings. Ajith arranged an optional elephant safari on one of the days while staying in Dambula. This is a Must! It was brilliant and we got to see the magnificent creatures up close. Overall this is a highly recommended tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Alannah - Traveled, March 2024
10/10 would recommend this trip. Leaving with a wealth of knowledge about this beautiful country with so many wonderful experiences that will be lasting memories. If you want to deep dive into the culture and history of Sri Lanka, with one of a kind experiences I would absolutely book this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Ryan - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour with Intrepid was excellent! Our tour leader, Yasi, spoke excellent English and he worked hard to ensure that we had a very memorable time! His knowledge of Sri Lankan culture and its people, helped us to appreciate this beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Robyn - Traveled, March 2024
Brilliant trip with so many varied activities and experiences. Highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Linda - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid Travel trip around Sri Lanka was fantastic. Our guide was awesome, giving us a fabulous understanding of the Culture, history and day to day life of his people. The trip catered for the older traveller, with plenty of down time and in the heat and humidity opportunities to pace oneself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Mellisa - Traveled, March 2024
We did a Premium Sri Lanka 14 day trip and Prabarth our tour leader made our trip perfect for us. We did the option elephant tour which is a must, all the hotels were amazing and beautiful, the food was spectacular. We highly recommend this tour you would be silly not to go premium. Sri Lanka is beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Christine - Traveled, March 2024
Beautiful country and lovely people. Well worth visiting with a knowledgeable local guide such as Intrepid provide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Annie - Traveled, March 2024
I had a wonderful trip with a fantastic group of fellow travellers. Our leader Prageeth was excellent with great knowledge of his country as well as sense of humour. Saw so much and made fantastic memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Owen - Traveled, February 2024
Our trip to Sri Lanka was a wonderful holiday, with Ajith our tour leader providing an in depth and educational commentary on the amazing places we saw. Every day provided a new place of beauty and wonder. We saw so many magnificent birds and animals it was like a David Attenborough documentary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Robert - Traveled, February 2024
A wonderful experience and good value for money. Well organised and comprehensive tour with a high level of comfort. Not surprised that many in the group had travelled with Intrepid before.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Fiona - Traveled, February 2024
We really enjoyed our trip to Sri Lanka. We did a lot in 14 days, but the pace was right, the food and accommodation good and our guide Ajith who promised us that he would do his best to ensure we had a good time did just that. We will use Intrepid again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, February 2024
Sri Lanka is a must see place. Beautiful in every aspect and stunning scenery. This tour is a must do if you love adventure. Had the best time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Elaine - Traveled, February 2024
I would highly recommend this trip as it covered all the places I wanted to see. Just the right amount of people in the group with a helpful and knowledgeable guide. It was great fun too!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Richard - Traveled, February 2024
As always intrepid excelled with cost/knowledge/locations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Megan - Traveled, February 2024
This is a brilliant itinerary which provides a great overview of Sri Lanka. Hotels are outstanding. This really was an excellent trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Noel - Traveled, February 2024
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Our leader was excellent. The safaris weren’t great. Some of the hotels were poor. One in particular had filthy showers and poor food. Transport was brilliant with an excellent driver and equally excellent helper.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Colleen - Traveled, February 2024
Our visit to Sri Lanka was a fantastic trip in so many ways. First and foremost, our leader, Asanga, was a joy to spend 14 days with. Our driver, Shamil and assistant, Rohana were so capable. We saw and experienced so many amazing things! I’ll never forget Sri Lanka, Asanga, and our group. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Steve - Traveled, January 2024
We were so lucky or blessed that great leader, great companions and great holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/02/2024
