Overall, amazing trip!
From the moment I rang up and spoke to lovely Mandy, I was impressed by Explore.
I was part of a group of 8 ranging from 30s-70s, by the end of the trip, we were like old friends. I hadn’t done a group trip before and you are spending a lot of time together so be prepared for that if you are also sharing a room.
Luckily we all got on really well and had a laugh together but you do have to carve out some solo time.
Itinerary - this trip is described as moderate but it’s quite full on. So many activities are squeezed in to the available time and a fair bit of travel in between, but this is broken up by stops on an off the bus for points of interest.
It meant we saw so much of Sri Lanka, we covered 2000km. Think, temples, wildlife, food, hiking, boat / train trip, beach, cities, and history and beautiful scenery.
Accommodation - some were lovely, some not so much, but all were clean / acceptable, some just a bit more basic than others.
Most had pretty good food as we eat at the hotel most nights due to often being off the beaten track.
You are accompanied for the whole trip by your tour guide and we were very lucky to have Sam.
Sam made the trip.
He has such and in depth knowledge of Sri Lanka and was so willing to tell us everything we wanted to know about the history and customs of the country that we really felt like we had gotten to know the country in depth. He had so many little extras ‘up his sleeve’ from stopping the bus to show us how to blow bubbles with a soap plant to arranging for us to go into the signal room at the train station.
I am sure all of the guides are brilliant, but know if you are lucky to be assigned Sam, he is something special.
The trip was fantastic, so many experiences packed into two weeks and friends I hope to stay in touch with. If you’re considering this trip, 10/10 recommend.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Are you looking forward to getting away this summer? This carefully-crafted itinerary takes you to some iconic and spectacular places as well as some lesser-known spots of Sri Lanka and is comprised of carefully selected boutique accommodation that you are sure to love!
This guided trip commences from Galle and takes you all the way up to Kandy, Pasikudah and the country's cultural triangle. Start with a city tour of Unesco-listed Galle before heading to Yala to explore the wildlife in Yala National Park. Stop in Ella and enjoy the beautiful tea-country scenery.
Then get a bit active with a short hike to a secluded waterfall before driving to the sacred city Kandy across the tea plantations. Sit back and relax on a beach in Pasikudah, or go for optional snorkeling and whale-watching excursions. Spend the last few nights in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle, where you will' be able to explore some iconic attractions such as the rock fortress of Sigiriya. Embark on one last safari in Minneriya National Park before the trip in paradise comes to an end!
