Classic Sri Lanka

The remnants of a spiritual past await your discovery in Sri Lanka, from the ancient cliff-built complex of Lion Rock in Sigiriya to the ruins of the Sinhalese capital in Anuradhapura. Explore wonders of nature and humanity (and often both at once) in this 8-day trip through the cities, jungles and caves of Sri Lanka.

Holiday Highlights

This trip takes you to many of the country's key sights in just over a week.
There's a big emphasis on historic sights on this trip. Discover evidence of ancient lives carved into the earth, from the cave temple of Dambulla to the soaring urban complex of Lion Rock. Here are some more of the most fascinating: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/sri-lankas-most-fascinating-historical-sites/
Travel through highlands so green they almost glow in Nuwara Eliya, and sample some of the famous tea varieties that grow on the hillsides.
See one of the worlds most revered relics at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, home to an earthly remain of the Lord Buddha.
Go safari, Sri Lanka style! Look for elephants and leopards in beautiful Minneriya National Park.
Watch candy-coloured tuk-tuks zip down the street in the shadow of skyscrapers in Colombo.
Dig into Kottu Roti in its birthplace - Batticaloa
Meet the tribal Vedda people in Dabana
Join worshipers at Kandyâs sacred Temple of the Tooth

Physical		Cultural		Max Group Size	12	Duration	8 days
Themes	Explorer
Category	Gold	Trips for those who want a tonne of inclusions, better standard accommodation, larger roomier vehicles.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Make sure you have your next of kin and insurance details on hand to give to your group leader at this meeting. Those arriving early can get into the Sri Lankan spirit by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps 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 - Kandy

Rise and shine for an 8 am check-out this morning. Wipe the sleep from your eyes and take a private transfer to lush, rainforest-rimmed Kandy. It’s a 3.5-hour drive, so maybe pack or book or simply get to know your fellow travellers during the journey. Your afternoon is free, so perhaps head out and indulge in some of Kandy’s natural and historical attractions. The Peradeniya Botanic Gardens offer both – the sculpted lawns were once a private playground for Kandyan royalty. In the evening, watch a traditional dance performance set to percussive rhythms.

Day 3 - Kandy

The gorgeous highlands await you today, so rise and shine for the 4-hour train journey to Nuwara Eliya. The evergreen hills and cool climate made this town a primary retreat for British colonialists in the 19th century, and many buildings remain from this period, earning it the nickname ‘Little Britain’. Stop in at a tea factory and learn about the process of cultivating the region’s fragrant, highly-regarded varieties. Nuwara Eliya remains an incredibly important tea-growing area, and the plantations that dot the hillside make for lovely scenery. Return to Kandy by chartered bus, and maybe ask your leader where you can grab a nice kotthu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and plenty of spices). Kandy was one the world’s primary source of cinnamon and a variety of spices are grown the area, which makes for food that is bursting with flavour.

Day 4 - Sigiriya

This morning, visit the temple that holds a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. The aptly named Temple of the Tooth is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places and no matter your spiritual inclination (or lack thereof) the hush of the temple and the atmosphere of reverence is incredibly powerful. Bid farewell to Kandy and transfer to Sigiriya, where the immense Lion Rock dominates landscape. Tomorrow you will explore the ancient gardens and frescoes that decorate this behemoth, but today another unique site awaits. Make a night-time visit to the cave temple of Dambulla, actually a complex of five caves that are full of paintings and statues of the Lord Buddha. Murals cover the rough walls and sloping ceilings of the caves, which once served as dwellings for prehistoric Sri Lankans before the arrival of Buddhism.

Day 5 - Sigiriya

This morning you'll visit the ancient carved-rock fortress that rises 180 metres above the surrounding plains in Sigiriya. A true spectacle of both nature and human endeavour, the Lion Rock features ancient paintings, the remains of a great lion sculpture and some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Climb the winding walkways and explore this incredible example of ancient urban planning. When the sun goes down, jump in jeep and go safari at Minneriya National Park. Many of the local beasties come out to play in the evening, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, sambar deer and leopards.

Day 6 - Anuradhapura

Say Ayubowan (this versatile phrase is used for greetings and farewells) to the verdant plains of Sigiriya and begin the 3-hour journey to Anuradhapura. This ancient Sri Lankan capital is home to some of the countries’ best-looking ruins. Take a guided bike tour of this World-Heritage listed site, soaking up the spooky splendour of ruins scattered among the city.

Day 7 - Colombo

Hit the road again and head to Colombo, where you’ll have a free day to explore at your own pace. A popular destination for international tourists and locals alike, this vibrant city by the sea has colonial architecture, shiny hotels and plenty of temples for those who haven’t had their fill of spiritual attractions. Colombo is also full of multi-level shopping centres, but the real magic (and best souvenirs) can be found at the Pettah Bazaar. It’s chaotic, so maybe enlist a few other brave travellers to keep you company and then dive into the madness.

Day 8 - Colombo

Your Intrepid adventure comes to an end today in Colombo. With no scheduled activities, you're free to leave after check-out. Can't get enough of Colombo? Why not embark on an Urban Adventure and see the streets and sights from a tuk-tuk. You won’t see this side of Colombo on your own! Find out about this and other options at urbanadventures.com/destination/Colombo-tours.

Day 9 - Mahiyangana

Travel by private vehicle this morning as you head inland to the small town of Mahiyangana. Visit Mahiyangana temple and the country’s first dagoba, marking the spot where Buddha is said to have first preached.

Day 10 - Kandy

Continue into the physical and spiritual heart of the country travelling via the Knuckles Mountain Range to Kandy, the former home of the last Sri Lankan king. this evening observe locals worshiping in Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines and home to a tooth relic of Buddha. Travel time approx. 3 hours

Day 11 - Colombo

Leaving Kandy this morning, we stop en route to visit the Giragama tea factory, where we can sample some of the best of Sri Lankas biggest industry. (120km/approx. 3.5hrs). Continue to Colombo.

After check in we set off for a city walk via the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, past the National Museum, before finishing at a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot fair trade store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries.

Tonight we celebrate our journey around Sri Lanka with an optional final night group dinner.

Day 12 - Colombo

There are no activities planned for day 12 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Additional accommodation is available through your booking agent at the time of booking your trip.

Itinerary disclaimer

Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.

Included activities

Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

A number of activities on this itinerary may have an alcohol component. Relevant local laws governing the legal age for consumption of alcohol apply to this trip. If you are below the local drinking legal age, you will not be able to participate in any trip activities involving alcohol. No refund will be offered for those activities.

Optional activities

A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only. Prices are for entrance only and don't include transport costs to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination. Optional activities aren't necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any optional activities, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and doesn't form part of your contract with Intrepid. You may be required to sign/complete a waiver form or a receipt for some optional activities.