Sri Lanka Explorer

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.5

19 Reviews

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

If you're looking for a place where Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, churches and mosques can all be found on the same stretch, Sri Lanka’s melting pot should be next on your list.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)
Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights)

Highlights

Explore Jaffna, an area of Sri Lanka only recently opened to tourism, where you’ll learn about Tamil culture and visit Point Pedro – Sri Lanka’s northernmost point.
Find the perfect spot to kick back under a swaying palm tree along Trincomalee Beach’s sandy shoreline. Then, stop by a local village to join the community in making a traditional Tamil meal.
Observe wild elephants from basic tree houses and hopefully catch an outstanding sunset in Wasgamuwa National Park – one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Sri Lanka.
Visit Sigiriya's Lion Rock – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and if you’re game, climb the steps to the top for amazing views over the jungle.
Witness ritual and devotion in the spiritual heart of the country during a visit to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Train

Guide Language

English

Starts

Negombo, Sri Lanka

Finishes

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo with a welcome meeting at 5.30 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka with a walk, checking out the local fishing boats and maybe feasting on some fresh seafood. You might also like to explore the surrounding countryside on a hired bicycle. After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to an optional group dinner to get to know each other.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Anuradhapura

Travel north by private vehicle to Anuradhapura today. Along the way, you’ll visit the Negombo Fish Markets and get a feel for daily life in the local fishing community. Continue to Anuradhapura – the grand ruins here point to its status as Sri Lanka’s ruling city for almost one and a half millennia. Hop on a bike for a guided cycling tour of the various archaeological sites like the stupas, citadel and the monasteries. You’ll also stop by the Bodhi Tree Temple – the second-most sacred site in Sri Lanka. The rest of your evening is free to explore on your own. Your leader will have some great suggestions for dinner.

Included Activities:

Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
Anuradhapura - Bike tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Jaffna

Travel north today by train to the coastal Tamil town of Jaffna – inaccessible for years due to the civil war. Journey around the Jaffna Peninsula, soaking in the views of Point Pedro – Sri Lanka’s northernmost point. You’ll also stop to see the healing waters of Keerimalai Spring, the ruined dagobas of Kantarodai and Nilawari – a bottomless well where it’s said that the Hindu God Rama shot an arrow to get water. Tonight, visit a local home and learn to cook traditional Jaffna cuisine, then enjoy the fruits of your labour for dinner.

Included Activities:

Jaffna - Jaffna Peninsula tour
Jaffna - Cooking class & family visit
Anuradhapura - Scenic train ride from Anuradhapura to Jaffna

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Jaffna

Head out to explore more of Jaffna with your leader today. First up, you’ll head to a hands-on pottery class run by a local, family-owned business, where you’ll learn about the art of pottery and various techniques from the potter. After, head to lunch in a local Hindu home, where you’ll feast on a traditional vegetarian meal and learn more about the Hindu community in Jaffna. This afternoon, visit a beautiful library that was carefully restored after the war, and see the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil – an important local Hindu site. Then, return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

Included Activities:

Jaffna - Jaffna Library
Jaffna - Pottery making experience

Optional Activities:

Jaffna - Fort visit (1600 LKR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Trincomalee

Say goodbye to Jaffna and move on to bright and sunny Trincomalee. Discover the beach vibes of ‘Trinco’, relax in the shade of a palm tree and try ‘toddy’ straight from its flowers. Trincomalee was one of the world’s finest deep-water harbours, attracting famous sailors like Marco Polo to its shores. There are no activities planned today, so there's plenty of time to relax around the pool or head to the beach.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Trincomalee

Visit a local village today and learn how local tappers extract toddy from palmyra trees, and how the leaves of the palmyra are woven into various household items. Then, join some local women to see how odiyal kool (Tamil seafood soup) is prepared and try some for yourself. You’ll have free time this afternoon, so maybe you’d like to visit the colourful and intricate Pathirakali Amman Hindu temple or sit back, relax and enjoy the lazy beach lifestyle.

Included Activities:

Trincomalee - Palmyrah Toddy and Food experience

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Sigiriya

Drive from Trincomalee towards Dambulla, stopping along the way to visit the Zero Plastic Impact Center. This Intrepid Foundation partner supports almost 100 local artisans producing plastic-alternative products like reusable woven basket bags and clay water bottles. Try your hand at bamboo and coconut shell crafting and take home your own traditional Sri Lankan mask. After, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple – this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Many of the caves are full of large, colourful statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life. After returning to Dambulla, there’s the option of a wildlife drive in Minneriya National Park to seek out elephants, sambar deer and leopards in the evergreen scrublands. If you’d prefer to relax, don’t worry, there will be another wildlife outing tomorrow.

Included Activities:

Dambulla - Cave Temples
Sigiriya - Zero Plastic Impact Centre Visit, an Intrepid Foundation partner

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Dambulla

Today is a real Sri Lanka highlight – a visit to Sigiriya's Lion Rock. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient, carved-rock fortress rises dramatically above the surrounding plains and, if you’re game, you can climb the many stairs to see the amazing views of the surrounding jungle. After, head out for a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park – home to Sri Lankan elephants and sloth bears, and claimed to be the best park in the world to witness elephants in large herds in their natural habitat (the best sightings are in August and September). Later, return to Dambulla and enjoy a free evening.

Included Activities:

Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress visit
Minneriya National Park - Entrance fee

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Kandy

Leave Dambulla this morning and head on to Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient royal era. On the way, stop at a spice garden, where hints of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, clove, nutmeg and vanilla lace the air as you learn the secrets of cultivating these shelf favourites. When you arrive in Kandy, head to a Kandayan dance show full of colourful traditional costumes.

Included Activities:

Kandy - Spice garden visit
Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kandy

Start the day with a visit to the Giragama Tea Factory to learn how the famous local tea is grown. Then, head to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This golden-roofed temple is home to Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. After, enjoy the rest of the day to explore on your own. Perhaps you’d like to take a walk around the beautiful lake in the centre of town, visit the local Buddhist temple or while away the afternoon among the trees and flowers of the Royal Palace Park.

Included Activities:

Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
Kandy - Tea Factory Visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Colombo

Drive to Colombo today – the nation's capital. Stop by some of the city's main sights on a bus tour, including Independence Square, Parliament and the National Museum, ending at Barefoot Fair-Trade Store for a spot of shopping. Here, you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. If you’re lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, you can visit Good Market – a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight, there's an optional final group dinner to celebrate your journey together.

Included Activities:

Colombo - City tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Colombo

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the hotel at any time. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,995

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

If you're looking for a place where Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, churches and mosques can all be found on the same stretch, Sri Lanka’s melting pot should be next on your list.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Jun 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Hilary

Traveled, March 2024

04/14/2024

What a great trip around Sri Lanka, Asa was an excellent guide. A fabulous tour.

4.5

Catherine

Traveled, March 2024

04/14/2024

A excellent full on tour of SriLankas North & other cultural highlights.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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