Guide

Our Sri Lankan team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country.

Meals

All breakfasts and one lunch are included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Your leader can also help recommend some good places to eat. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this – you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Accommodation

During this cultural exploration of Sri Lanka, we stay in a mixture of three- and four-star hotels (locally rated). These typically offer local hospitality in small to mid-size properties and are near the attractions or towns we’re visiting. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the notable places we stay. Sigiriya: Hotel Sigiriya (nights 2-4) This four-star property surrounded by nature is the perfect base for exploring the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. With views of Sigiriya Rock from the freshwater pool and spacious rooms looking out to the gardens, you can relax and unwind in this idyllic haven. Kandy: Hotel Topaz (nights 5-6) The charming Hotel Topaz is perched on the highest point of Sri Lanka’s hill capital and provides comfort and tranquility amid the bustling city. The bedrooms offer panoramic hillside views and facilities include a swimming pool, spa and restaurants. In just a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride, you reach the heart of Kandy, where you can explore the market and shops or wander around the lake. Worth knowing Please note, paying the single supplement may not mean you receive a double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from hotel to hotel and, on some nights, a smaller one-person room may be allocated.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the group however, please note vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we will try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. Jeeps in Minneriya National Park for the elephant safari. Train journeys are in 2nd Class carriages for a more authentic local experience.

Not included:

Insurance

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Wattala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Wattala

Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival, those travelling on the group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. The adventure begins in coastal Wattala, a suburb of the capital Colombo. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel and settle into the trip. Accommodation: Pegasus Reef Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Transfer To Sigiriya; Afternoon Climb To Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Transfer To Sigiriya; Afternoon Climb To Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Breakfast)

We depart after breakfast for the drive (approximately four hours) among coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations to Sigiriya where we check into our hotel for the next few nights. This afternoon we climb the Sigiriya rock fortress, also known as “Lion Rock”. Built as a safe haven from invaders, this impressive 5th century rock fortress rises 655ft (200m) from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside, giving far-reaching views. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens we ascend up a series of steep steps and gangways, passing overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit are the remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where we are rewarded with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. The descent is much easier and you can cool off in the hotel pool at dusk. Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Morning Cycle Through The Ancient Capital Of Polonnaruwa; Afternoon Game Drive To See Elephants In Their Natural Environment (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Morning Cycle Through The Ancient Capital Of Polonnaruwa; Afternoon Game Drive To See Elephants In Their Natural Environment (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning we transfer across to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa. The drive is just over 1 hour and on arrival we swap to two wheels for our cycle tour of the ancient capital of the Sinhalese. There are many Buddhist relics and ruins here, dating from a 1,000 years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. The city flourished in the 12th century after the decision was made to move the capital from Anuradhapura, so it was further from incursions from southern India. The ruins are therefore younger and better preserved than those at Anuradhapura. At a leisurely pace, enjoying the cool breeze we visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. We stop for lunch in a rural village, which breaks up the journey and is a great opportunity to experience traditional Sri Lankan food. In the afternoon, we visit Minneriya National Park where we take to 4x4s to explore and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Although there is generally a good chance to see elephants all year round, Minneriya is famous for the “Gathering” of wild elephants. A seasonal phenomenon between July & September which draws hundreds of these majestic creatures to the reservoir, creating a remarkable wildlife spectacle. Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Visit Cave Temples At Dambulla; Afternoon In Rural Habarana (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Visit Cave Temples At Dambulla; Afternoon In Rural Habarana (Breakfast)

Today we head over to Dambulla, a short 30 minute drive from the hotel. Here, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, considered among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. A complex of five caves adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues, showcasing remarkable cultural and spiritual significance, which date to the first century BCE. From Dambulla, another short drives takes us to the Habarana village of Hiriwaduna. Amid lush landscapes, we’ll experience genuine hospitality from the local villagers, joining them in daily activities such as a bullock cart ride, learning traditional fishing techniques and strolling through the paddy fields. A wonderful glimpse into rural life’s simplicity and charm. After, we transfer back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: To Kandy Via A Matale Spice Garden (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: To Kandy Via A Matale Spice Garden (Breakfast)

Today we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way, we stop at a spice garden near Matale, where we learn about various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on fresh spices, massage oils and Ayurvedic medicines. Kandy itself is on a small lake and after a couple of adventurous days in Sigiriya, you have time this afternoon to relax and slow the pace down at the hotel or take a wander into the town to explore the market stalls or visit the lake. Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Morning City Tour And Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden; Afternoon Visit To The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Morning City Tour And Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden; Afternoon Visit To The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)

This morning we head out to explore Kandy city and the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Renowned for its collection of orchids endemic to Sri Lanka, as well as over 4000 different plant species the botanical garden sits close to the Mahaweli River and covers over 147-acres (60-hectares). In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in July/August, the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Some of our summer departures should coincide with the Kandy Perahera festival, but the exact dates, decided by priests, are not known until approximately five months prior to the event. After our visit, we drive to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge Buddha, and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction. In the evening, we have the option to attend a performance of the athletic Kandyan Dancing and fire walking. Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Train Ride Through Misty Tea Country Hills To Nuwara Eliya (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Train Ride Through Misty Tea Country Hills To Nuwara Eliya (Breakfast)

This morning, we travel by train, taking the scenic rail ride into the misty tea hills (approximately a three hour journey). Our destination is Nuwara Eliya or Little England, which was a favoured cool escape for the British. At 6,128ft (1,868m) above sea level, this town is in the area of Sri Lanka most famous for tea production. On arrival, we visit a tea plantation and factory where we enjoy the taste of a pure cup of “Ceylon Tea” and experience the process of turning the raw green leaf into the final product. There is time to explore the town with its Colonial era bungalows and Tudor-style hotels. The area is very picturesque with lush green hillsides and a lake. Accommodation: Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: To Colombo Via Kitulgala; Optional White Water Rafting (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: To Colombo Via Kitulgala; Optional White Water Rafting (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we depart for Kitulgala, a small town located in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and the Kelani River, which offers various water-based activities. Arriving in Kitulgala, we visit the remains of a bridge, considered a historical landmark that gained international fame after being featured in the 1957 epic war film “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” directed by David Lean. Although set in Thailand, it was actually filmed in Sri Lanka, with the Kitulgala bridge playing a significant role in the film’s story. While in Kitulgala you will also have the option to go white water rafting. The rafting is a supplement cost and requires minimum 4 people (see the Optional Excursions section of the trip notes), the activity lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade III rapids) depending on your preference. Please note, occasionally due to water levels rafting may not always be possible. Late afternoon, we drive to our hotel in Colombo. Accommodation: Cinnamon Red Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: End In Colombo (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: End In Colombo (Breakfast)

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. It’s been a culture-packed adventure, so if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about booking a beach extension to either Weligama or Hikkaduwa to prolong your stay on the teardrop island or going a bit further and taking our Maldives extension.

9 days tour

Sri Lankan Highlights

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Sri Lankan Highlights

Day 1: Start Wattala

Day 2: Transfer To Sigiriya; Afternoon Climb To Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Breakfast)

Day 3: Morning Cycle Through The Ancient Capital Of Polonnaruwa; Afternoon Game Drive To See Elephants In Their Natural Environment (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 4: Visit Cave Temples At Dambulla; Afternoon In Rural Habarana (Breakfast)

Day 5: To Kandy Via A Matale Spice Garden (Breakfast)

Day 6: Morning City Tour And Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden; Afternoon Visit To The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)

Day 7: Train Ride Through Misty Tea Country Hills To Nuwara Eliya (Breakfast)

Day 8: To Colombo Via Kitulgala; Optional White Water Rafting (Breakfast)

Day 9: End In Colombo (Breakfast)

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania