Sri Lanka Encompassed
Experience Overview
For most travellers, Sri Lanka has been off the map for too long. Well, it's back. Discover the vibrant colours, diverse cultures, and swaying palm trees of this tropical jewel. Explore tea plantations and rock fortresses on this 14-day tour, which is designed to please. This tour is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it's about the inspiring people you'll meet along the way.
Highlights
- Explore the Sigriya rock fortress
- Enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demo for dinner
- Gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation
- Relax on pristine beaches
- Embark on a safari through Yala National Park
- Overnight at a nature resort in Digana
Trip Details
Product Code: 1561
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private van, boat, scenic local train.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ASSL
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Finishes: Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration, Udawalawe
- Colombo orientation walk
- Fishing market walking tour
- Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride
- Dambulla Cave Temple visit
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress tour
- Village tour with local lunch
- Spice plantation visit
- Temple of the Tooth guided tour
- Tea factory visit
- Yala National Park safari
- Galle Fort and city tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (13 nts).
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
- Private van, boat, scenic local train.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2564 ($183 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Colombo/Negombo
Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before heading to Negombo. With evening free time, explore the stunning Portuguese and Dutch architecture.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Pettah district of Colombo and wind your way through a series of open-air bazaars and markets. The area is home to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, one of the oldest and most visited mosques in Colombo, and also hosts Kayman's Gate, Colombo Town Hall, and the Khan Clock Tower.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Golden Star Beach Hotel
Day 3: Negombo/Sigiriya
Begin the day visiting the seaside and observe fisherman sorting through their haul ashore. Board a boat to glide along the Dutch canal and get a closer look at the lives of the locals. Travel to the Dambulla province and visit the cave temple before watching the sun set over the lake.
Travel through the countryside to Sigiriya in Dambulla, the central province of Sri Lanka. Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla.
In the evening, try to catch a beautiful sunset over the Kandalamma Lake.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get a closer look at daily life while cruising calmly along the Dutch canal, one of many canals in the city linking estuaries and lagoons together. Watch as Negombo's residents collect coconuts, and keep an eye out for the multitude of bird species in the area.Transport - Negombo - SigiriyaActivity - Visit the ancient Dambulla cave temples at one of the most well-preserved temple and cave sites in Sri Lanka. See Buddhist mural paintings that line the walls of the seventh-century caves as well as a collection of hundreds of statues of Buddha in different poses.Activity - Take a walking tour of a fishing market. There's no better way to learn about the life of the locals than to head to the sea to take in the action. Watch the fishermen bring their boats to shore, clean their nets, dry the fish, and sell to waiting buyers.Accommodation - IORA Resort
Day 4: Sigiriya
Guided tour of the rock fortress of Sigiriya — a World Heritage site. Meet locals and share a meal in a nearby village.
Enjoy a walking tour of a local village to learn about residents' way of life while getting a chance to try the local cuisine at a lunch prepared by the families of the community. Later, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the fifth century, this rock fortress boasts well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces with beautiful wall motifs.
In the afternoon, opt to go for a tour of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, where you can cycle through the ruins.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Wander through a typical Sri Lankan village to learn more about its residents and their way of life. Enjoy some local cuisine prepared by locals of the town and get a chance to interact with the community.Activity - Be mesmerized by this rock fortress, which captivates every visitor with its well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces adorned with beautiful wall motifs. Start at the water gardens and climb more than 1,200 steps to reach the top. Pass caves with frescoes and boulders to find the ruins of a palace on the flat surface of the old volcanic magma rock. The rock rests 370m (1,213 ft) above sea level with a shear drop on all sides.Free_time - Head out and explore.Accommodation - IORA Resort
Day 5: Sigiriya/Kandy
Drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range and visit a spice plantation en route to Kandy. Stop for lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. Take a guided visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth.
En route to Kandy, stop at the herbal centre of spices. Students of Ayurveda will explain different uses for each herb.
Arrive to Kandy in the afternoon. Go for a stroll around Kandy Lake and visit the famed Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy an included lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. In the evening, opt to attend a Kandyan Cultural Dance.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the herbal centre of spices for an interactive session with students of Ayurveda. Learn all about the medicinal uses of various herbs used by the people of Sri Lanka in their massages and treatments.Activity - Walk through the city and around Kandy Lake to get a better feel for the place.Activity - Enjoy a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, which houses an important relic – a tooth of Lord Buddha kept in a well-preserved golden casket. Learn about the importance of this site from local guides.Activity - Stop for a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by Sthree Craft Shop and Café. This social enterprise offers opportunities for local women and youth living with disabilities, through handicraft and hospitality training.Accommodation - Ganga Addara Hotel
Day 6: Kandy/Digana
Enjoy a free morning in Kandy then travel to Digana. Arrive at the nature resort for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a jewellery maker who handcrafts delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn to make Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.
Accommodations at a nature resort are simple and authentic.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Head out and explore.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Get a crash course in local life with a village walk through Digana. Learn about some of the essential local industries and meet with local families, going about their daily routines. Visit their humble abodes to learn about their way of life before enjoying a traditional herbal drink.Activity - Enjoy a cooking demonstration and see how local Sri Lankan delicacies are prepared.Activity - Explore the small village of Digana, lend a hand with the farm, learn to cook authentic Sri Lankan dishes, and wake up in tranquility surrounded by palm trees. A dolomite mining community, this project supports efforts for alternative income in Digana as well as improved access to food and water.Accommodation - Oruthota Chalets
Day 7: Digana/Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a free morning of exploration before transferring to Nuwara Eliya. In the afternoon, explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands. Gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region.
The town, also known as 'Little England', offers a lot of options for visitors. Explore the nature trails, visit the plantations, or go golfing or horseback riding.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The town of Nuwara Eliya produces the finest Orange Pekoe Ceylon tea, and is inhabited mainly by tea planters and plantation workers. Pay a visit to one of the factories to learn all about tea production.Accommodation - Top Rich Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya/Ella
Spend a free morning hiking in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve or strolling local markets. Later, hop on the local train and take the scenic route to Ella.
Use free time to explore the area. Opt to stay close to the city, wandering local markets or head further afield. There's a 9km (6 mi) trek in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Wander around Victoria Lake and take in the views.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute.Transport - Take the scenic route and observe the stunning scenery from the local train.Free_time - Get to know Ella with some free time this evening.Accommodation - Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel
Day 9: Ella
Enjoy a free day in the charming town of Ella. Opt to tour the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, hike to Little Adam's rock, admire views of Ella Rock, or simply relax and wander around town.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day to visit Ella's sights, or simply relax in town.Accommodation - Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel
Day 10: Ella/Yala National Park
Enjoy a free morning. In the afternoon, travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Head out on a safari in Yala National Park. Keep an eye out for leopards, elephants, jackals, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer, crocodiles, and more than 200 bird species. Learn about its diverse wildlife and the history of the park.Free_time - Experience more of hill country with a free morning. Opt to shop or trek to Little Adam' Peak.Accommodation - Big Game Camp Yala
Day 11: Yala National Park to Mirissa
Enjoy one last morning visiting Yala NP then bid farewell and travel south to idyllic Mirissa Beach.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Olu Ayurveda Resort
Day 12: Galle
Take a day trip to Galle and tour the colonial city and historic fort before returning to Mirissa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the Galle Fort, a 16th-century fort first built by the Portuguese, and later occupied by the Dutch. The ramparts are still standing even after being battered by Mother Nature, including the 2004 tsunami. Explore more of the beautiful capital, taking in the Dutch architecture and lively atmosphere. The Dutch Hospital shopping complex is a great place to scoop up some souvenirs.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Olu Ayurveda Resort
Day 13: Mirissa
Enjoy a free day in peaceful Mirissa. Opt to relax on the beach or take a surfing lesson.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Kick back and relax on the beach or give surfing a try.Accommodation - Olu Ayurveda Resort
Day 14: Mirissa
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Jitesh P - Traveled, December 2023
It is well planned and well thought out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Matthew B - Traveled, December 2023
Good to meet like minded people, and to have a knowledgeable guide to walk us through some of the culture, traditions, foods and customs that you come across, especially in a country lie Sri Lanka, which is very different compared to the day to day we live in.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Stephen B - Traveled, December 2023
3 G Adventures trips completed and all have been fantastic with superb CEO and drivers, plus terrific itineraries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Angela L - Traveled, December 2023
Something for every traveller, reputable, good mix of group and independent time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Kristen B - Traveled, November 2023
G takes the stress out of touring when you want to see the attractions across various towns, sharing the trip with others is great vs going solo
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Tanis C - Traveled, November 2023
Tours are well organized and cover key highlights of countries visited
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Michael Y - Traveled, November 2023
A good sample of several regions, good pace, good value, great guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Christian P - Traveled, November 2023
I have traveled on two G Adventures tours and have an all around fantastic experience both times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Rita A - Traveled, November 2023
The kind of trips and service offered.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Colm D - Traveled, November 2023
Just done my 4th G Adventures trip and one of the best. Everything ran so smoothly and perfect blend and pace
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Luca M - Traveled, November 2023
It's not a 10 because: -price higher than travelling alone -same people for 2 weeks (could also be a pro) -less flexibility than travelling alone
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Amy J - Traveled, November 2023
I thought everything was great but 3 hotels were disgusting. I also don't feel the need to stay in tents. Very uncomfortable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Evelyn H - Traveled, November 2023
Tour guide was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Jean B - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent guide, great country but some of the accommodation was very bad
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Claudia C - Traveled, November 2023
More clear indication about the common funds required in the tour details (G Adventures website). Appreciated also a point of contact with the CEO before the start of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Katrin P - Traveled, October 2023
Because we saw a lot in a short amount of time and it was very well organized. Our CEO was the best I had from all the G Adventures tours I have been on.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Marcus S - Traveled, October 2023
Very reliable and good service
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Scott J - Traveled, October 2023
Travel in private transport makes it easy enough for most traveller',s. Overall trip was enjoyable and I think would cater to the majority
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Keith T - Traveled, October 2023
It's a good way to see the country And meet people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Wendy A - Traveled, October 2023
Tour Guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
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