Best of Sri Lanka
Overview
Highlights
- Ride around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura on a bike tour, cycling through the jungle to see the dagobas, palaces, and pools of a city abandoned over 1000 years ago.
- Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya to the ancient ruins that lie atop the 200-metre-high summit and get panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness.
- Explore the divine city of Kandy, mingling with pilgrims at the Temple of the Tooth, touring a tea factory, and taking in the views of this lush lakefront town.
- Fall in love with Sri Lankan food and get to know locals during experiences like lunching with a Tamil tea worker and a home-cooking demonstration.
- Unwind on the sandy beaches of Mirissa, where the waters are clear and warm, and monkeys play in the swaying palms that line the shores.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Zero Plastic. Donations help them educate Sri Lankan communities about the impact of plastic on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
- Anuradhapura - Bike tour
- Polonnaruwa - Bike Tour
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
- Kandy - Tea factory visit
- Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal
- Kandy to Bandarawela – Scenic train ride
- Hill Country trek
- Galle - Walking tour
- Galle - Traditional Sri Lankan Wood Carving - demonstration and participation
- Colombo - City tour by bus
Itinerary
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. There are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those who arrive early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lank...
You will leave Negombo after breakfast, and along the way visit the Negombo Fish Markets. Your private vehicle takes you to ancient Anuradhapura via the small town of Chilaw. Those keen on history and archaeology might like to visit Mihintale, the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism, a recommended optional activity. The price of this will depend on the number of people sharing the vehicle.
A guided bicycle tour of the city will take place today. Among the ruins, you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.
Travel on to Polonnaruwa via Maradankawala by public bus and private vehicle, the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are close together and generally in much better repair than those you have just...
Depart Polonnaruwa this morning and travel to Dambulla by private vehicle. Explore the amazing Dambulla Cave Temples which are located high on a stone cliff face, with numerous steps to enter. Some 150 Buddha images adorn the five caves, with fascinating frescoes and ...
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya. This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb w...
Today you will visit a nearby tea factory and take a guided tour to learn about the production of Sri Lanka's best-known beverage. Of course, you will also sample some of the delicious varieties while you're here. Your hotel in Kandy, located far from the noise and bustle of the city, is a great place to unwind with lovely views over the town.
Start your day with a scenic train journey to Bandarawela, passing through tea plantations and winding along mountains into the highlands. Once in Bandarawela, you will visit a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn some secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Enjoy the delicious meal afterward.
Drive to the starting point for our walk today. This hike takes you through picturesque tea plantations and small Tamil villages. Lunch will be arranged at Tamil tea worker’s house. Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable local lodge. Total walk distance: 12km Time: 4-5 hours
Embrace an early start this morning and take the train to Idalgashinna. Take a walk to explore more of the beautiful surroundings of Sri Lanka's Hill Country (walk will take approximately 4.5 hours). Enjoy this chance to meet the tea pickers along the way and stop for...
There’s a chance this morning to take an optional excursion to Udawalawe National Park to look for elephants, just keep in mind that participating will require a wake-up call of around 4.30 am. Alternatively, you could sleep in and then choose to head to a nearby ayur...
Enjoy a day of beach splendour in Mirissa. The beach itself is a long curve of sand with lovely clear waters for swimming – a great spot to watch the sunset. Consider taking a bicycle ride or tuk-tuk to nearby Weligama, where colourful fishing boats bring fresh fish t...
Head further down the coast. Arrive in Galle, home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many interesting old buildings. Along the way stop near Galle Fort entrance and meet our local artisan friend Mr Sunil. A traditional woodcarv...
Leaving Galle, we travel on to Colombo by train, the nation's capital. Stop by some of the city's main sights on a bus tour including Independence Square, Parliament, and past the National Museum, finishing with a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot...
Your trip comes to an end today, with no activities planned. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
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Dates & Availability
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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.
Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings
The Tour was great for persons our
The Tour was great for persons our age (60+). Physical commitment, new experiences and a wonderful tour leader and country, Sri Lanka, to visit. The Tour had everyth...
Our guide was fantastic and very informative
Our guide was fantastic and very informative nothing was a problem, we...
I gace this score because if people
I gace this score because if people are looking for in terms of cultur...
The Tourleader did his best job and
The Tourleader did his best job and tried to make our time in Sri Lanka as beautiful as it was.
It was great trip, could not have
It was great trip, could not have asked for more.
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- Fairway Colombo
- No. 07, Hospital Street
- Colombo 01
- Colombo
- SRI LANKA
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