Sri Lanka Explorer

12 Days | Explore the hidden beauty of Sri Lanka, from ancient ruins and rustling jungles to the sandy shoreline

4.9 out of 5 based on 71 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
CAD $2,390
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If you're looking for a place where Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, churches and mosques can all be found on the same stretch, Sri Lanka’s melting pot should be next on your list. On this 12-day adventure, you’ll head from laidback Negombo to ancient Anuradhapura. Explore the secrets of the north, the hidden places of Jaffna and the beautiful coastline of Trincomalee. Learn about the spiritual heart of the country in the temples of Kandy, look out for local wildlife on safaris and spend time with locals keen to share their homes, food and stories.

Trip overview

Map of Sri Lanka Explorer 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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HPSS
This trip generates 39 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
  • Visit Sigiriya's Lion Rock – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and if you’re game, climb the steps to the top for amazing views over the jungle.
  • Explore an area of Sri Lanka only recently opened to tourism – considered to be off-limits for years due to the civil war, the gates to Jaffna are now open to adventurers once more. Discover Tamil culture and see Point Pedro – Sri Lanka’s northernmost point.
  • Kick back in the sun on Trincomalee Beach’s bright and sandy shoreline. Enjoy the open skies, swaying palm trees and glittering waters, then stop by a local village to join the community in making a traditional Tamil meal.
  • Witness ritual and devotion in the spiritual heart of the country during a visit to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.
  • Observe wild elephants from basic tree houses and hopefully catch an outstanding sunset in Wasgamuwa National Park – one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Sri Lanka.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Jaffna has opened to tourism after being off-limits to visitors for the past 30 years, meaning it’s quieter, less developed and services and accommodation are not yet quite up to the same standard as the rest of the country.
  • Though its equatorial position means 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

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

Map of Sri Lanka Explorer including Sri Lanka

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Activities
  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
  • Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
  • Anuradhapura - Bike tour
  • Jaffna - Jaffna Peninsula tour
  • Jaffna - Cooking class & family visit
  • Jaffna - Jaffna Library
  • Jaffna - Pottery making experience
  • Trincomalee - Palmyrah Toddy and Food experience
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Minneriya National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Kandy - Spice garden visit
  • Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Kandy - Tea factory visit
  • Colombo - City Tour

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. The Perahera Festival is a 10 day period of evening processions to honour the Sacred Tooth, which is enshrined at Kandy's Temple of the Tooth. Each night features thousands of perfomers, including dancers, drummers, and a parade of more than 50 decorated elephants. Due to Intrepid's stance on elephant cruelty we do not visit the Perahera Festival and cannot purchase tickets on your behalf.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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 71 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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Sarah · Traveled September 2024
What an incredible adventure! I was so lucky to have such a great crew -- our guide Shihan, our driver Tony, and copilot Sanjaya -- they really made our group feel welcome and well looked after. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with so much variety to offer visitors. I was really looking forward to seeing the elephants, and our safari drive actually exceeded my expectations by far! I enjoyed the temples and historical sites, the beach time, the food, all of it. And if you have time -- dont miss a chance to do an ayurvedic massage! Overall, just an amazing experience.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024

Aileen · Traveled September 2024
This trip was perfect. It showcased all the places i wanted to see and do plus more.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024

Tara · Traveled September 2024
Sri Lankan Explorer exceeded every expectation I had. The leader, Shihan, was exceptionally knowledgeable while being remarkably warm and approachable. The temples in Jaffna, dolphins in Trincomalee, and views from Sigiriya are memories I’ll never forget.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024

Luke · Traveled September 2024
Our whole crew, Shihan, Tony and Sanjaya, did an incredible job making sure our whole group felt comfortable and safe throughout the special tour.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024

Robyn · Traveled September 2024
I can highly recommend an Intrepid travel holiday - the service and care was exceptional. We were so well cared for we just had to relax and sit back and enjoy the experience, soaking up the culture. Shihan our tour guide was incredible and our driver Tony was very safe and always friendly. The assistant was Sanjaya and he was also excellent always smiling, our safety was paramount and genuinely this intrepid team were 10/10. Highly recommend Intrepid for your next travel adventure!
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024
Sri Lanka Explorer
From
CAD $2,390