Essential Sri Lanka
From USD $1,350
Lets visit Sri Lanka with Family & Friends
From Kandy, venture into the cool, misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, famous for their tea plantations, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Travel by scenic train, winding through emerald-green landscapes — one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
Wildlife Encounters
Explore the wild side of Sri Lanka with a jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to elephants, leopards, and countless bird species. Nature lovers and photographers will find this part of the tour a true highlight.
Coastal Charms & Colonial Heritage
Head south to Galle, where cobblestone streets, Dutch-era architecture, and ocean views await inside the historic Galle Fort. It’s a place to unwind and soak in Sri Lanka’s coastal beauty and colonial past.
Modern Capital Life
Wrap up your tour in Colombo, the capital city. It’s a vibrant blend of old and new, with street markets, stylish cafes, temples, and colonial buildings offering a colorful finale to your journey.
| Start Negombo, Sri Lanka | End Colombo, Sri Lanka | Destinations Sri Lanka |
| Meals 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch | Transport Train, Private vehicle | Accommodation Hotel (10 nights) |
| Days 11 | Group size Min 1 - Max 16 | Ages Min 18- Max 35 |
| Theme 18 to 35s | Style Basix | Physical rating |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Negombo. If you arrive early, you might like to stroll the seaside and witness some of the local fishing craft. Maybe explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on a bicycle, which you can rent from your hotel reception. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner and get to know each other over a couple of drinks. You’ll spend the night by the beach, near plenty of beach bars and pubs.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Some travellers have reported being approached by locals offering excursions before their Intrepid trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Intrepid and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We advise customers against joining any tour offered by the unauthorised guides.
Day 2 - Dambulla
Head to the fish market in Negombo this morning – this can be quite hectic, but the variety of fish presented by the locals is a great insight into local culture. From here, you’ll make your way to Dambulla – the second-largest centre in the Matale District. A popular activity today is a visit to Sigiriya – an ancient rock fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the palace ruins that sit on top of a massive 200-m-high rock (leftover lava plug from an extinct volcano) that’s surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs. If you decide to take this activity, you’ll want to bring your camera, the photo ops are endless! If you like, your leader can take you for dinner tonight to a local restaurant to taste some delicious local cuisine.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 3 - Kandy
This morning, you have the option to visit Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) – a UNESCO World Heritage site of various temples built into five different caves under an overhanging rock. Explore the paintings, statues and wall murals of this fascinating place and then head to Kandy, making a stop at a local spice garden in Matale along the way. When you arrive in Kandy, enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe take up a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local cuisine you’ve now grown to love!
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 4 - Kandy
If you’re looking to relax this morning, you might want to book an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate those weary muscles. Kandy is home to a picturesque lake, some great old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants, so there’s lots to see and do with your free day today. Once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, this area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Maybe walk through the town to take in the sites of Kandy, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens, visit the Temple of the Tooth or book a cultural dance performance.
Day 5 - Ella
This morning, say goodbye to Kandy and you hop on a train to Ella. This train trip is kind of famous, due to the gorgeous views along the way of lush, green scenery and surrounding mountains (so grab a window seat if you can!). It’s a long journey, but you can buy all sorts of yummy treats from the onboard sellers. When you arrive, maybe visit to local tea factory or go for a drink in one of the many bars. Tonight, your leader can help you with the best spots for nightlife – maybe grab a couple of pals and head to a local restaurant nearby that boasts live music and delicious eats.
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Train tickets are in very high demand. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
Day 6 - Ella
Today you’ll venture out on a half-day trek to Ella Gap. Get active and traverse the green mountainsides for some fresh air. Along the way, stop in at a small village for a spicy curry lunch at a local family home. Get to know your gracious hosts as you eat together and refresh with a steaming pot of Ceylon tea to wash it all down. This is the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, learn about their lifestyle and swap stories. After the hike, the rest of the day is then free for you to explore on your own.
Day 7 - Yala National Park
Head out of Ella this morning in a private vehicle to Tissamaharama. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an exciting 4WD safari through Yala National Park, where you’ll come across the area’s native wildlife – look out for elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. Make sure you grab your camera and stay hydrated! Tonight, while you reflect on a super-fun day, why not go out with your travel buddies in search of some appa (hoppers), kottu roti and parippu (lentil curry).
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Tourism in Sri Lanka is booming, resulting in an increase in visitors to Yala National Park. Overtourism and lack of sustainable management practices are of major concern to Intrepid. In rare circumstances, we may change our itinerary to visit Udawalawe National Park to reduce our impact on wildlife and the environment. Udawalawe is home to wild elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards.
From September through October when Yala National Park is closed annually for infrastructure development and rejuvenation, you’ll go on a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.
Day 8 - Unawatuna
Journey west in a private vehicle this morning to Unawatuna – this stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. Along the way, stop in Galle and head out on a walking tour with your local leader, maybe grabbing some lunch to refuel. After, arrive at your destination where you’ll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surroundings at your own pace.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 9 - Unawatuna
Today is all about the beach! Grab a good book, order a cocktail and don’t forget the bottle of sunscreen – today is for rest, relaxation and reclining on the warm sands of Sri Lanka. If you like, you can go wander or ‘bikesplore’ the lesser-known areas of the city on two wheels. Make use of the many beach restaurants and bars that line the shore tonight after an epic sunset.
Day 10 - Colombo
Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you’ll jump on a local train to Colombo. When you arrive in Sri Lanka’s capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. After, maybe explore the collection of temples and churches that all live alongside each other – apart from the gorgeous architecture, this is also a great example of how different types of belief systems and places of worship can come together side by side, creating a sense of community and peace. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together. After, why not head out in search of the perfect spot to toast to a trip well-travelled?
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Seating cannot be guaranteed on today’s local train and is subject to availability. As train tickets cannot be secured until the day of travel, during peak travel periods your group may travel to Colombo via bus.
Day 11 - Colombo
Enjoy your last string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stick around to explore more, just speak to your booking agent.
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