Treasures of Sri Lanka - Independent Journey

15 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 4 photos
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
92%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Fall under Sri Lanka’s spell on this 15-day independent journey from Wattala to Colombo. Stop to smell the scents at the Matale Spice Garden, get a taste of local life cycling through the villages surrounding Dambalawewa Lake and explore the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism at Mihintale. Savour the views from Sirigiya, cool off in the Kelani River and gush o...

Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Visit Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism
    • Enjoy a cycle around Dambalawewa Lake
    • Inspect the ancient rock carvings of Polonnaruwa
    • Summit Sigiriya for vast views across verdant plains
    • Get a versing in Sri Lankan spices at the Matale Spice Garden
    • Enter Kandy's Temple of the Tooth
    • See land peter away at World’s End
    • Learn about turtle conservation efforts at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

What's this trip about?

    Fall under Sri Lanka’s spell on this 15-day independent journey from Wattala to Colombo. Stop to smell the scents at the Matale Spice Garden, get a taste of local life cycling through the villages surrounding Dambalawewa Lake and explore the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism at Mihintale. Savour the views from Sirigiya, cool off in the Kelani River and gush over bathing baby elephants in Athuthusevena. Abounding with natural beauty, epic histories and plain old good fun, this trip leaves no box unticked.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Sri Lanka

Activities

  • Independent

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1 Wattala
Fly into Colombo. A prearranged arrival transfer will take you to your hotel. Settle into the laidback pace of Wattala, a lovely coastal town just north of Colombo. Explore your surrounds by bike or foot, or perhaps head down to the beach for a swim.

Day 2 Anuradhapura
Journey out to Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Count the 1,840 stone steps up to age-old pagodas, monasteries and caves atop this incredible mountain peak before driving out to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to the sacred Bodhi tree.

Day 3-4 Polonnaruwa
Jump on a bike and pedal through quaint villages on the way out to Dambalawewa Lake. See locals washing their clothes in the traditional manner, listen to the chatter of birds and take in the scenic surrounds. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch before headi...
Day 5-6 Kandy
Take on the 750 steps up to the summit of Sigiriya – a remarkable citadel boasting 1,500-year-old frescoes, tranquil ponds and stunning vistas. Stop in at the Dambulla Rock Temple and Matale Spice Garden on the road to Kandy, where you’ll enjoy a traditional culture show...
Day 7 Kithulgala
A small town in the west of Sri Lanka, Kitulgala is the perfect place to take a dip in the refreshing Kelani River. See where the classic film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, was filmed and then keep eyes and ears peeled on a nature walk.

Day 8 Nuwara Eliya
Travel over spectacular Ramboda Pass to the old British hill station of Nuwara Eliya. See Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain loom in the distance as you sip some delicious local tea. Later, if time permits, hike out to the majestic Lover’s Leap Waterfall.

Day 9 Belihul Oya
Wake with the sun and hike through montane forests and tea plantations to World's End. Be entranced by the mesmerising views of the plains below – on a clear day you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean. Then travel through cloud forest and remote villages en route to Beragala.

Day 10 Kataragama
Enjoy another day of incredible hiking before visiting Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the country. Afterwards, drive out to Athuthusevena in time to witness the feeding of some adorable baby elephants.

Day 11 Galle
Keep your eyes peeled for mongoose, porcupine, eagle and storks in serene Yala National Park. Then continue on to Galle, whose historic fort is worth a visit.

Day 12-13 Induruwa
Learn about local turtle species at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery before carrying on to the beachside town of Induruwa. Unwind on sandy shores or perhaps venture in for a dip in the Indian Ocean.

Day 14-15 Colombo
Choose to start the day with a yoga session or a swim or a stroll through lush forest to a local village. Afterwards, head back to the Sri Lankan capital. Explore the harbour, do a spot of shopping and, come evening, perhaps check out the dining scene.

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 $0
Price per day$0
Last Updated: 6/9/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

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.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
103
Great
1
Average
1
Disappointing
1
Terrible
7
Write a Review

Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews

T

Tania

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Peregrine Adventures

preferred
View Profile

It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

Associations

Why 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

Guides
On your Independent Journey you'll be accompanied by one of our leaders in each location. The aim of our leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Requirements
Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey. INDEPENDENT JOURNEYS: This is an ‘independent’ version of one of Intrepid’s most popular tours. You’ll have an Intrepid guide in each location, throughout or for consecutive days, but some transport sections may be unescorted (don’t worry, you’ll have someone on hand to assist at either end). As the name suggests, this is not a group tour, so it is just you (and your travelling companions if you booked with a friend or friends). You will have 24/7 support from a guide and our local office, the accommodation and sightseeing are exactly as you’d get on an Intrepid group tour,The twin share price for this trip is based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a twin room. If you’d prefer not to share a room with your travel companion a single supplement is available. Please ask your booking agent for more information. If travelling in a group of three, one person will take a single room which will be included in the quoted price. As this is an independent trip we are unable to match single travellers in a room with another single traveller.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our local representative. If you have credit card insurance our local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:
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
Meals introduction While travelling with us you'll have the opportunity to experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Meals 14 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Style descriptions ‘Comfort travel’ means encountering all that the real world has to offer, but with an added degree of, well… comfort. We use more private transport, the travel pace more relaxed, the accommodation a touch nicer. And by paying a little more up front, you’ll be treated to more included meals, more leader-led activities and get a greater immersion in all things local. Finish point Mirage Hotel Colombo 61, Moor's Road on Marine Drive (Colombo Plan Road) Wellawatte, Colombo 06 Colombo SRI LANKA Phone: +94 (0)112 363471 Fax: +94 (0)112364922
Trip ID
peregrine-HYKLJ

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 >