intrepid tours sri lanka

Best of Sri Lanka

15 days | fuelled by curry and cups of tea, travel to the hills, plantations, forests and countryside of sri lanka.

Traveller on from the outside of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka on an Intrepid Travel tour.

This 15-day trip immerses you in the must-sees, must-tastes and must-meets of beautiful Sri Lanka. You’ll summit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lion Rock in Sigiriya, cycle through sprawling ancient city ruins in Anuradhapura and wander the massive granite Buddha carvings in Polonnaruwa. Have lunch with a Tamil tea worker in their home, relax with a cold beer and your feet in the sand in Mirissa and hike between plantations and villages in Haputale. This is the best of Sri Lanka!

Trip overview

Ride around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura on a bike tour, cycling through the jungle to see the dagobas, palaces and pools of a city abandoned over 1000 years ago.
Climb the rock fortress of UNESCO-listed Sigiriya to the ancient ruins that lie atop the 200-m-high summit and get panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness.
Explore the divine city of Kandy, mingling with pilgrims at the Temple of the Tooth, touring a tea factory, and taking in the views of this lush lakefront town.
Fall in love with Sri Lankan food and get to know locals during experiences like lunching with a Tamil tea worker and a home-cooking demonstration.
Unwind on the sandy beaches of Mirissa, where the waters are clear and warm, and monkeys play in the swaying palms that line the shores.
The summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the southwest of the country. Please consider your suitability to the time of year you wish to travel and be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
This trip includes hiking on Days 9 and 10, an awesome way to see the picturesque hill country and interact with the local Tamil people. The hike is over relatively flat ground and covers approximately 10-12 km each day. We recommend a basic level of fitness as some have found the experience physically demanding. Parts of the trails are on rough ground which can be muddy and slippery if it’s been raining. If you feel you are not able to complete these walks, we can arrange vehicle transport for you.
The views from the top of Lion Rock in Sigiriya are spectacular, but getting there involves walking up uneven, narrow steps and navigating tight walkways. If you’re afraid of heights or have conditions that affect mobility, you may wish to skip this activity.
The drive to Mirissa on Day 11 is downhill, windy and slow. Motion sickness has been an issue for some travellers in the past. If you believe you might be affected, speak with your GP before travelling about medication that can help.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

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.

Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information 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.

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.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

The Negombo Fish Markets are closed on Sundays and Catholic Holidays.

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.

Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
Anuradhapura - Bike tour

For the temple visits here and on other days, you’ll need to remove your shoes (leaving socks on is acceptable and recommended on hot days) and ensure you have your shoulders and legs covered.

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.

Polonnaruwa - Bike Tour

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

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!

Dambulla - Cave Temples
Minneriya National Park - Jeep hire (minimum 6 pax) - USD40
Minneriya National Park (entrance) - USD30

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.

Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

You’ll need to be of a good fitness level to climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya, as there are many steep, stone steps to the top.

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.

Kandy - Tea factory visit
Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance - USD7
Kandy - Botanical Gardens - USD10

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.

Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal
Kandy to Bandarawela – Scenic train ride

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Train tickets are in very high demand. We always try our best to secure tickets, but on the rare occasion that we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.

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.

Hill Country trek

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your hiking distance will be approximately 12 km or 4 to 5 hours.

The hike requires good walking shoes, as the 'track' will be rocky, and if there has been recent rain it can get very muddy and slippery. Although the walk is not too demanding, it can be difficult walking on the rough and unsteady ground.

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.

Permanent tented camp (with basic facilities) (1 night)

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your hiking distance will be approximately 10 km or 4.5 hours.

If you don't feel up to the hike today, you can be driven to Haldummulla to wait for the group.

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.

Udawalawe National Park - Entrance fee - per person - USD30
Udawalawe National Park - Jeep hire (minimum 6 pax) per jeep - USD30

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.

Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar) - USD70
Explore Galle by Bicycle - USD25
Explore Galle by bicycle with market visit and local lunch - USD35

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.

Guesthouse (1 night)
Galle - Walking tour
Galle - Beeralu lace weaving experience

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

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.

Colombo - City tour by bus

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

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 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Private vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Bicycle

Hotels (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1.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.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. In the wet season, we occasionally need to alter the length and itinerary of the Hill Country hike due to weather conditions.

4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

5. Train tickets are in very high demand. We always try our best to secure tickets, but on the rare occasion that we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Sri Lanka Safari

Fully Guided

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Relax on golden sand beaches in Sri Lanka
Explore Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
Climb the ancient Sigiriya fortress
Cruise on Gal Oya National Park's lake
Spot leopards during Yala safari
Introduction
Day 1 Negombo
Day 2 Wilpattu National Park
Day 3 Habarana
Day 4 Habarana (Sigiriya)
Day 5 Ampara - Gal Oya National Park
Day 6 Arugam Bay
Day 7 Kataragama - Kumana National Park
Day 8 Kataragama - Yala National Park
Day 9 Sinharaja
Day 10 Tangalle
Day 11 Colombo
Day 12 Colombo

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What's Included

Accommodation
Additional Services

What's Not Included

Where you'll stay.

Permanent Tented Camp (with facilities)

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

5 to 99 years old

Response time

Response rate

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
Joan · 1st January 2024 A great trip, lots of varied and interesting activities, fantastic scenery, a suberb leader, Matish, a small friendly... Show more
Harry · 10th September 2023 This excellent tour is much more than a bike ride as it encompasses many of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical... Show more
Jason · 2nd March 2023 Well-balanced itinerary and great guide!

Dates & Availability

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Upcoming departures
February 2025
August 2025
September 2025
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Good to Know

Currency Rs Sri Lanka Rupee Sri Lanka

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M.

These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
Typhoid - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tuberculosis - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 3 months before travel.
Hepatitis B - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Rabies - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Sri Lanka. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
For any tour departing before 20th January 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 20th January 2025, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Intrepid Travel. Please familiarise yourself with the Intrepid Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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