Best of Sri Lanka Tour with 1 Review by Intrepid Travel

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Negombo, Sri Lanka

Ends

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Highlights

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.

Itinerary

Craving a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s wonders? The "Best of Sri Lanka" active trip is a 15-day journey that invites you to cycle, hike, and savor your way through the island’s most iconic sites and hidden gems. Summit the legendary Lion Rock in Sigiriya, pedal through the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, and marvel at the massive Buddha carvings in Polonnaruwa.

Share a home-cooked meal with a Tamil tea worker, relax on Mirissa’s sun-kissed beaches, and trek between plantations and villages in Haputale. With a moderate activity level, this tour is perfect for travelers eager to balance adventure with cultural immersion.

A major USP is the authentic local interactions—from family lunches to cycling ancient cities—making this trip an unforgettable way to experience Sri Lanka’s heart and heritage.

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.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

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.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple, Anuradhapura - Bike tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Polonnaruwa

Travel to one of the oldest kingdoms in Sri Lanka, 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.

included:Polonnaruwa - Bike Tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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!

included:Dambulla - Cave Temples

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Kandy - Temple of the Tooth, Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

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.

included:Kandy - Tea factory visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 dinner with your hosts and get to know each other. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore at your own pace.

included:Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal, Kandy - Scenic train ride from Kandy to Bandarawela

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

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 Pekoe trail hike today. This section of the Pekoe trail hike takes you to see Hindu Kovils, through tea 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.

included:Pekoe Trail

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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.

accommodation:Permanent tented camp (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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, stopping for lunch and taking in the surroundings.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Galle - Walking tour, Galle - Beeralu lace weaving experience

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Colombo - City tour by bus

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

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What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Bicycle

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree TempleAnuradhapura - Bike tourPolonnaruwa - Bike TourDambulla - Cave TemplesKandy - Temple of the ToothSigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress VisitKandy - Tea factory visitBandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local mealKandy - Scenic train ride from Kandy to BandarawelaPekoe TrailGalle - Walking tourGalle - Beeralu lace weaving experienceColombo - City tour by bus

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 1 review

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