Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. AIR CONDITIONING: All hotels on this trip have fans, but not all will have air conditioning. Hotels (11 nights), Lodge (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative 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 are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Meals

12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

MOTORCYCLES: Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka. TAXIS: Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM : card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities. Private vehicle , Public Bus , Train , Bicycle

Others

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 - Beeralu lace weaving experience Colombo - City tour by bus

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Others

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

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Day 1 Day 1: Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, close to the international airport, with a welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. If you arrive early, you can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Day 2 Day 2: Anuradhapura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Anuradhapura

Visit the Negombo Fish Markets this morning to see the hustle and bustle of daily trade, then hop in your private vehicle to ancient Anuradhapura – the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, with ruins of ancient Buddhist temples, including Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which is the oldest living planted tree in the world! Along the way, stop in the small town of Chilaw and maybe grab some local lunch. When you arrive, settle in and enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Those keen on history and archaeology might like to visit Mihintale – the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
Day 3 Day 3: Anuradhapura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Anuradhapura

Take a guided bicycle tour of the city 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 the woodlands and others with columns and ponds. After your cycle tour, you have a free afternoon. Maybe grab some delicious local cuisine – your leader will know the best spots.
Day 4 Day 4: Polonnaruwa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Polonnaruwa

Travel on to 100-year-old Polonnaruwa by public bus and private vehicle today. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this was 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’ve seen so far. When the heat of the day has eased, you’ll visit more palaces, temples and stupas, including the massive stone Buddhas. You’ll also visit the museum, which has scale models of many of the buildings, to show how they would have existed in their time.
Day 5 Day 5: Dambulla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Dambulla

Depart Polonnaruwa this morning and travel to Dambulla. When you arrive, you’ll head out to explore the amazing Dambulla Cave Temples, which sit on high on a stone cliff face with lots of steps. Some 150 Buddha images adorn the five caves, with fascinating frescoes and paintings on the walls and roofs. In the afternoon, you may like to relax by the hotel pool or take an optional wildlife 4WD safari to Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco National Park where you might see some wild elephants!
Day 6 Day 6: Sigiriya – Kandy
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sigiriya – Kandy

Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, you’ll head to Sigiriya. This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka’s premier sights and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you’re wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to Kandy. On the way, there’s the option of stopping at one of the region’s wonderful spice gardens for lunch and to learn about the medicinal properties of ingredients used in cooking and treatments. Carry on to Kandy, where you’ll visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth) – Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist site. Time permitting, you’ll also have the option of visiting the National Museum or the world-class Botanical Gardens.
Day 7 Day 7: Kandy
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kandy

Today, you’ll visit a nearby tea factory for a guided tour to learn about the production of Sri Lanka’s best-known beverage. Of course, you’ll also sample some of the delicious varieties of locally produced tea while you’re here. Later, head back to your hotel in Kandy, located far from the noise of the city. This spot is a great place to unwind, with lovely views over the town.
Day 8 Day 8: Bandarawela
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Bandarawela

Start your day with a scenic train journey to Bandarawela, passing through tea plantations and winding along mountains into the highlands. When you arrive, you’ll visit a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn some secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. After, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal for lunch with your hosts and get to know each other. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Day 9 Day 9: Haputale/ Bandarawela
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Haputale/ Bandarawela

Today, you’ll drive to Haputale – at 1431 m above sea level, this area has a rich biodiversity, dense with various flora and fauna. Surrounded by hills and covered with cloud forests and tea plantations, it’s the perfect starting point for your hike today. This hike takes you through the plantations and small Tamil villages. For lunch, head to a local Tamil tea worker’s house and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your host. Carry on and soak up the gorgeous scenery! Tonight, you’ll head back to Bandarawela.
Day 10 Day 10: Udawalawe Jungle Camp
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Udawalawe Jungle Camp

Embrace an early start this morning and take the train to Idalgashinna. When you arrive, head out on a hike to explore the beautiful surroundings of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Enjoy this chance to meet the tea pickers along the way and stop for lunch in Haldummulla. After, make the drive to tonight’s jungle camp accommodation at Udawalawe, stopping at Diyaluma Falls along the way. Your accommodation this evening is a lake-facing camp that backs onto a forest reserve where many herbs used in ayurvedic medicine are grown. When you arrive, you can choose to go on a short tour of the local village or relax at your camp.
Day 11 Day 11: Mirissa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Mirissa

This morning, you can take an optional excursion to Udawalawe National Park to look for elephants – just keep in mind this activity will require a wake-up call of around 4.30 am. Alternatively, you could sleep in, then maybe head to the ayurvedic medicine manufacturing centre. Later, set off to Mirissa by private bus – this is your paradise accommodation for two days of relaxation.
Day 12 Day 12: Mirissa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Mirissa

Today is all about laying beachside in Mirissa. The beach itself is a long curve of sand with clear waters perfect for swimming – it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset! Consider taking a bike ride or tuk-tuk to nearby Weligama, where colourful fishing boats bring fresh fish to sell along the shore or maybe explore the UNESCO World Heritage coastal city of Galle by bike. From September to April, there is an optional whale-watching excursion, too. Please ask your leader about this as you’ll need to book at least one day in advance.
Day 13 Day 13: Galle
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Galle

Head further down the coast to Galle – home to an impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many old buildings. When you arrive, head to a local female artisan’s workshop for a demonstration on Beeralu lace weaving. Learn about this practise and how the local artisan hails from a family of traditional Beeralu lace makers. Beeralu is a form of pillow lace that’s hand woven in intricate patterns, often in delicate shades of white. Believed to have been introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, you’ll learn more about the history of this art. In the evening, take a stroll around the historic fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts.
Day 14 Day 14: Colombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Colombo

Leaving Galle, you’ll travel on to Colombo – 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, finishing with a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot Fairtrade Store. 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’ll visit Good Market – a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight, there’s an optional group dinner to celebrate your journey together.
Day 15 Day 15: Colombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Colombo

Your trip comes to an end today, with no activities planned. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

+12

15 days tour

Best Of Sri Lanka

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of Sri Lanka

Day 1: Negombo

Day 2: Anuradhapura

Day 3: Anuradhapura

Day 4: Polonnaruwa

Day 5: Dambulla

Day 6: Sigiriya – Kandy

Day 7: Kandy

Day 8: Bandarawela

Day 9: Haputale/ Bandarawela

Day 10: Udawalawe Jungle Camp

Day 11: Mirissa

Day 12: Mirissa

Day 13: Galle

Day 14: Colombo

Day 15: Colombo

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