Sri Lanka: Wonders & Wildlife – Premium Adventure

14 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Sri Lanka is a wonderland for adventurers: Buddhist temples and colonial architecture; tea plantations and spice gardens; safari parks and palm-fringed beaches. Book this Premium trip to explore it beyond the typical tourist track. We join a family to cook traditional curries (which we share with our hosts and local monks) and explore Gal Oya with a chief fro...
$6,480
From$4,800
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Climb the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya for breathtaking views
    • Explore Gal Oya with a chief from the indigenous Veddha community
    • Take a boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya, the largest lake in Sri Lanka
    • Enjoy a unique glamping experience in an indigenous village
    • Hike through Ella Forest, stopping at the Nine Arches Bridge
    • Seek out elephants and leopards in Yala National Park

What's this trip about?

    Sri Lanka is a wonderland for adventurers: Buddhist temples and colonial architecture; tea plantations and spice gardens; safari parks and palm-fringed beaches. Book this Premium trip to explore it beyond the typical tourist track. We join a family to cook traditional curries (which we share with our hosts and local monks) and explore Gal Oya with a chief from the forest-dwelling Veddha community. Of course, there are a few highlights we couldn’t miss, including the rock fortress of Sigiriya and safari in Yala National Park, and we’ve scheduled downtime in beachside on the south coast for a chance to kick back and relax. From mighty Sigiriya to the leopard-ruled plains of Yala, discover the heart and soul of this extraordinary island

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityNegombo
End CityColombo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Ella
  • Mirissa
  • Weligama
  • Yala

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, five lunches & six dinners
    • All accommodation
    • Tips for local staff
    • All transport
    • Entrance fees to all monuments and activities
    • Boat safari in Gal Oya
    • Two Game drives in Yala
    • All activities (except where "optional" is stated)
    • Tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Negombo

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you are met by our airport representative and guide and transferred (approximately 20 minutes) to the west-coast city of Negombo. We then have the afternoon at leisure, allowing us to enjoy the many facilities at the...

Day 2 Drive to Habarana via Umandawa Global Buddhist Village and Dambulla

After breakfast, we travel to Habarana (approximately four hours’ drive). En route, we stop at the Umandawa Global Buddhist Village, a ‘walking monastery’ with hamlets, gravel paths, gardens, organic farms, ponds and sculptures. We also have a freshly prepared organic...

Day 3 Morning village tour; evening visit to the Sigiriya rock fortress

Following breakfast, we take a village tour around Habarana (approximate drive time: 20 minutes). We start with a short ride in a hand-tractor/land-master near the village pond, before boarding a boat to cross the water. After a short walk through paddy fields and veg...

Day 4 Drive to Kandy via a spice garden

After breakfast, we head to Kandy (approximate drive time: three hours). Along the way, we visit a spice garden for a delightful sensory experience. Our guide takes us on a leisurely walk through the garden, pointing out different plants and explaining their significa...

Day 5 Kandy city tour; afternoon transfer to Gal Oya

After breakfast, we visit the Temple of the Tooth. The last king of Kandy, having embraced Buddhism, made the town home to the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. It was said the protector of the relic would also be the ruler of the land and so it was placed close to the ...

Day 6 Morning boat safari on lake Senanayake Samudraya; afternoon walk with a Veddha chief

After breakfast, we have a boat safari on the largest lake in Sri Lanka, Senanayake Samudraya (approximate drive time: 40 minutes). Created in 1951 and surrounded by Gal Oya National Park, the reservoir is a great place to see elephants as they gather to drink; if we’...

Day 7 Early morning walk to Kiri Oruwa Lake; drive to Ella via a tea plantation

For those who wish to explore, there’s an early morning walk to Kiri Oruwa Lake. We are joined by a naturalist guide and take a leisurely stroll through the village of Rathugala to the waters, which are normally full of birdlife and sometimes elephants. We then return...

Day 8 Trek to the Nine Arches Bridge; lunchtime cooking experience

After breakfast, we stretch our legs with a 5.4mi (8.7km) hike leaving from Ella town. We follow a train track through the Ella Forest Reserve and visit the Nine Arches Bridge, a spectacular Colonial-era construction also known as the Bridge in the Sky. After complet...

Day 9 Drive to Yala National Park for evening 4x4 safari; visit the Elephant Transit Home

After breakfast, we head to Yala National Park (approximate drive time: two hours). Along the way, we visit the Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves until they are ready to be released back into the wild. It’s then on to Yala National P...

Day 10 Morning 4x4 safari; drive to Weligama for beach downtime

In the morning, we have our second opportunity to meet the wild and wonderful animals of Yala National Park with a 4x4 safari. You can anticipate encountering a diverse range of fascinating animals, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature, and creating lasting memo...

Day 11 Day at leisure in Weligama; optional whale-watching boat trip (November to April)

Today is yours to spend relaxing on the beach or wandering around the local shops and people watching from a beach bar. Optional activities include surf lessons and snorkelling. From November to April, Weligama is one of the best places in the world to see blue and s...

Day 12 Visit Galle

After breakfast, we transfer (approximately one-hour) to Galle, said to be the ancient seaport of Tarshish where King Solomon obtained gems and spices. This Unesco World Heritage site is where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505. It was then captured and ...

Day 13 Drive to Colombo; boat safari in Madu Ganga river

Atter breakfast, we take a boat safari on the Madu Ganga. As we cruise along the calm river waters, enjoy the tranquil surroundings and lush greenery of the mangrove forests. The knowledgeable boat guides provide us with information about the various local plants and ...

Day 14 End Colombo

The adventure ends today. You are transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your international flight home. If you’d like a bit more time to explore Sri Lanka, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,800
Price per day$343
Last Updated: 1/6/2025

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 Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
Write a Review

Other Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews

A

Anon

May 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Efficient & knowledgeable

Quick and clear responses; know the details about their trips. Easy to book sort deposit

J

Jane Byrne

May 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

So easy to book

So easy to book, very friendly and knowledgeable staf...

M

Mike from West Yorkshire

May 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Trust these people implicitly

Just booked a holiday with these people to Scandinavia after previously having done so to Central Europe. Greece & Iceland in the last few years. Feel I can trus...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Tips for your tour leader
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

We relax in premium resorts (mostly Sri Lankan-owned) and spend two nights in a rural glamping site plus two nights in a boutique hotel. The properties were chosen for their excellent location, comfort and style, whether lakeside in Habarana, overlooking the Ella hills (from a hot tub) or by the golden beach in Mirissa. Negombo: Heritance Negombo (night 1) Start your adventure in style at this five-star resort, which offers spacious contemporary rooms, a huge outdoor pool, gym and spa. The restaurant caters both international and local cuisines, introducing you to the delicious Sri Lankan curries. Shake off the weariness from travel with a dip in the pool or maybe relax in the spa before enjoying sunset as you settle in for the evening. Habarana: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (nights 2-3) Experience a rustic elegance at this four-star property. It was designed in the local rural village style, which helps it to blend into its natural environment. Situated close to the lake, you can sit outside the spacious bedroom on your veranda, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the well-kept gardens and tranquil sounds of nature. The resort has a spa and outdoor pool to relax in after a long hot day. Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel (night 4) A brief stop in Kandy but not one to be missed at this four-star riverside property. A 10-minute drive outside the bustling city centre, this tranquil retreat has a river-view restaurant offering a wide selection of local and international cuisines. Enjoy a splendid view as you drink a fresh juice over breakfast – sure to leave you full of energy for the day ahead. The property also has a spa and gym plus an outdoor pool. Gal Oya: Wild glamping (nights 5-6) We stay in the historic village of Rathugala, surrounded by vegetation and misty hills. The lavishly designed tented lodges with fixed ensuite bathrooms at Wild Glamping Gal Oya come with a host of amenities, including a pool and restaurant. Enjoy an immersive experience here no other in this remote, unspoiled region of Sri Lanka as you find your inner calm. Ella: EKHO Ella (nights 7-8) In central Ella, EKHO is a boutique four-star hotel with only 14 rooms, offering the perfect spot to take in the picturesque (and possibly best) views of the Ella Gap. The restaurant offers indoor and al fresco dinning and there are loungers, daybeds and a hot tub on the sun terrace. The property is a stone's throw from town, which has plenty of shops and restaurants, and is close to popular hiking trails and attractions. Tissamaharama: Chaarya Resort & Spa (night 9) Retreat into the wilderness at this four-star property close to Yala National Park. It offers spacious chalet-style bedrooms with private balconies to take in the sounds of nature as you look out to the lush tropical gardens. Cool off in the pool, an oasis between the trees, or why not visit the spa for a welcome massage after some long travel days? The resort also has an al fresco and indoor restaurant serving international and local cuisines. Weligama: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (nights 10-11) Enjoy the beauty of the Sri Lankan coast while relishing in five-star hotel amenities, beachfront access and exceptional service. Unwind in the spacious rooms, which have private balconies, most with ocean views. Take advantage of the beachfront swimming pool and fitness centre or indulge at the luxurious Quan Spa. The resort is also ideally situated in the centre of Weligama Bay with safe waters for swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Galle: Jetwing Lighthouse (night 12) Fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves rolling over the rocks as this five-star hotel looks out across the ocean. The property is well located, within a five-minute drive of the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, and has beach access from the hotel gardens for a more relaxing stay. Additional facilities include the Ayurveda and spa services, tennis court, swimming pool, and in-house boutique shops. Colombo: Galle Face Hotel This four-star heritage hotel is steeped in more than 150 years of history and sits on the waterfront in the heart of Colombo. Offering six unique dining venues, a wellness centre and outdoor pool, Galle Face Hotel is the ideal final stop on our journey – relax and unwind or cram in some final sightseeing and retail therapy in the Sri Lankan capital. Worth knowing: For 2025 departures, the start hotel in Negombo (day 1) will be Jetwing Blue For 2025 departures, the end hotel in Colombo (day 13) will be Cinnamon Lakeside
Cancellation policy

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

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels 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, five lunches and six dinners are included. We suggest allowing about 4,000-6,000 rupees (US$13-US$20) per lunch or dinner when not included in the itinerary. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally; however, some locations may have limited local restaurant options, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought here 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 – 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
[object Object]
Trip ID
exodus-AIM

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >