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Simply Sri Lanka

8 Days | Discover ancient cave temples, tea plantations and idyllic beaches

4.9 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €459
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Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip.

Trip overview

Map of Simply Sri Lanka including Sri Lanka
Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Sri Lanka
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
HPRS
This trip generates 38.38 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Check out the awe-inspiring Sigiriya (Lion Rock), a 200-metre-high ancient rock fortress that lies smack-bang in the middle of evergreen jungle.
  • Wander through the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, which houses one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relics – a tooth of the Buddha.
  • Get to know the gorgeous beach of Unawatuna, where you can either get active in the surrounding jungle or chill with a cocktail while lying under a palm tree.
  • This tour has the option of a 4WD safari through a park known for its wild elephant population. Seeing these big beauties in the flesh is unforgettable.
  • With these experiences you get local knowledge, decades of on-the-ground operational experience and the freedom and independence to explore at your own pace.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Though its equatorial position means fairly constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
  • Beaches in Sri Lanka may be unpatrolled, so please seek local advice on where to swim safely.

Itinerary

Map of Simply Sri Lanka including Sri Lanka

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Activities
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Kandy - Lunch at Hela Bojun
  • Colombo – Guided market visit
  • Galle - Local train to Colombo
Add on activities
  • Dambulla - Cave temples (entrance) - USD7
  • Minneriya National Park (entrance) - USD45
  • Minneriya National Park - Jeep hire (minimum 6 pax) - USD45
  • Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance - USD7
  • Kandy - Botanical Gardens - USD10
  • Kandy - Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home - USD12
  • Galle Dutch Fort - Free
  • Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar) - USD70

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is available on this trip and is valid for all nights on tour.

PASSPORT DETAILS: Full passport details are required for the train journey. Without them we cannot purchase train tickets. Please advise them at the time of booking.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Cristina · Traveled October 2023
Traveling is one of the most effective ways to bring down barriers of ignorance, bigotry and racism. When you are exposed to a different culture and it takes you in offering you the warmth and kindness of their people, it really makes an incredible difference. This trip to Sri Lanka opened my eyes to such a resilient, creative and humble group—The Sri Lankan people, reflected in our interactions with the immediate staff driver and his assistant that patiently took us to our destinations. However, the star of our trip with out a doubt was our guide. Vidu expertly showed us the history and culture of his people. The amount of time he dedicated to paying attention to every detail of the itinerary and member is the trip was bar none. I learned so much and am forever greatfu o for the experience. Our group was so cohesive, we had an internal flow that allowed for one of the best trips I have ever had. So greatful and thankful.
Review submitted 23 Oct 2023

Joe · Traveled October 2023
Amazing trip with everything you need to see in a short time with expert guides
Review submitted 19 Oct 2023

sheridan · Traveled September 2023
A beautiful country - everyone we met was welcoming and friendly, as two female travellers we felt really safe. This trip is a short one, but it is great value for money, and the UK exchange rate at this time meant food and transport was insanely cheap! Surprisingly few vegetarian food options!? We saw a lot in a short time, with some early starts - many of our (fantastic!!) group added a few extra days at the end to stay by the beach and relax which I would recommend! I learnt a great deal about this wonderful culture and certainly plan to return one day :-)
Review submitted 29 Sep 2023

Palmer · Traveled September 2023
I did my first ever group tour to Srilanka with Intrepid and cannot fault it for value. Good fun , good guide and great company.
Review submitted 06 Oct 2023

Philippa · Traveled September 2023
A good paced tour that covers the highlights of the south-western corner of Sri Lanka that includes natural, historical and cultural wonders, beautiful beaches and wildlife, plus the chance to taste a lot of what Sri Lanka has to offer.
Review submitted 20 Oct 2023
Simply Sri Lanka
From
EUR €459