Discover Sri Lanka

15 days
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Small Group Tour
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 ...
26%
$4,448
From$3,295
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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

What's this trip about?

    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.From tea hills to golden sands, Buddhist temples to safari parks: the Pearl of the Indian Ocean exceeds expectations

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityVeyangoda
End CityColombo

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

Attractions

  • Kandy
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Sigiriya

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip 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 everyone

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Veyangoda

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 tran...

Day 2 Visit cave temples at Dambulla; to Sigiriya

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, ...

Day 3 Morning climb to Sigiriya rock fortress; optional afternoon game drive

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 ...

Day 4 To Girithale; bike ride through country villages

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 breez...

Day 5 Visit ancient capital of Polonnaruwa; drive to Kandy via spice garden

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 flouris...

Day 6 - 7 Time in Kandy to explore or relax

Kandy is by a small lake and we spend two full days in and around the town. On the first day, we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found ...

Day 8 To Nuwara Eliya via Kitulgala; optional Adam's Peak climb (December to April only)

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 c...

Day 9 Free morning in old colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Visit tea factory in afternoon

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 ...

Day 10 Early morning to Horton Plains; walk to World's End viewpoint; to Ella by train and onward to Kataragama

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...

Day 11 Drive to Tissamaharama and walk through rural farmland; afternoon game drive in Yala National Park

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 f...

Day 12 Morning visit to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home; drive to Ahangama

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 ...

Day 13 Free day to relax on the beach or optional activities including whale watching (Nov to April)

Today is free for you to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool. There are also optional activities including from November to April, whale watching off Dondra Head, one of the best places in the world for seeing blue and sperm whales. Huge dolphin pods often play alongside the boats. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)

Day 14 To Galle; visit old fort; transfer to Colombo

We drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century, and now a Unesco 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 ...

Day 15 End Colombo

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 arriva...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,295
Price per day$220
Last Updated: 12/13/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
22 Dec 2024
05 Jan 2025
$3,745
$4,480
29 Dec 2024
12 Jan 2025
$4,045
$4,780
12 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$4,045
$4,855
19 Jan 2025
02 Feb 2025
$4,045
$4,855
26 Jan 2025
09 Feb 2025
$4,045
$4,855
26 Jan 2025
09 Feb 2025
$4,045
$4,855
02 Feb 2025
16 Feb 2025
$4,045
$4,855
09 Feb 2025
23 Feb 2025
$4,045
$4,855
16 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$4,045
$4,855
23 Feb 2025
09 Mar 2025
$4,045
$4,855

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Sri Lanka Summer 2018

In 2 weeks we managed to see most of the main sights in Sri Lanka. It was going full tilt mostly staying one or two nights in each place. We really enjoyed all the...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Sri Lanka

We had a great holiday and were very well looked after by our tour Guide: Ruwan Balasuriya When the elephants swam across the lake and came ashore. They were within...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Amazing Sri Lanka

It was amazing to discover this beautiful country. The locals, temples, scenery, nature, smells... loved it loved it loved it!! Climbing Adams Peak, elephant safari...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

AIL 180415

Amazing trip around Sri Lanka Seeing all the wild animals in the Yala National Park. We even saw a Lepard with her babies having lunch. It was just amazing! Sujan...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

discover sri lanka

We had an amazing and enchanting tri to Sri Lanka everything was wonderful. The hotels, the guide, the food and most of all the beautiful scenery. Going on the ele...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon 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.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

14 nights comfortable hotels, all en suite Travel by private bus Additional travel by train, bicycle and jeep Some long drives
On 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. Nuwara Eliya: Araliya Green Hills (nights 6-7) Araliya Green Hills, in the misty mountains and lush tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, combines colonial architecture with modern comforts. It offers a range of delightful restaurants and stylish bars, all while showcasing genuine Sri Lankan hospitality. Located near the highest point on the island, it's the perfect base to explore the captivating highlands and attractions. 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.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
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.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 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 ID
exodus-AIL

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