Simply Sri Lanka

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 46 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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CHF  547
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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 46 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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Sue · Traveled February 2024
Simply Sri Lanka gives a good introduction to a fascinating country. The key centres are visited with the coast, historic and nature aspects all included. The Guide's knowledge and organisational skills added to this short visit, which I think will bring many back for a longer stay.
Review submitted 03 Mar 2024

justin · Traveled February 2024
Nilanga! He was the best tour guide ever. I wish I could have done another week with him.
Review submitted 13 Feb 2024

Denise · Traveled February 2024
The trip was well planned. The experiences were fabulous a definite must is the Elephants and Turtle hatchery. Our leader Nilanga was just amazing and nothing was too much trouble. Accommodation not 5 star but you can’t expect that. Would definitely recommend.
Review submitted 11 Feb 2024

Paula · Traveled February 2024
Excellent trip with enjoyable trips, weather, food, people, Hotels and mostly group leader. However, unlike previous Intrepid trip, some additional activities were expensive which we had to pay for
Review submitted 11 Feb 2024

Guy · Traveled February 2024
Excellent introduction to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka for those with a limited time frame. This trip covers some highlights of the coast as well as the interior and gives you a flavour of the country without feeling rushed. Friendly guides, beautiful scenery and delicious food, don't hesitate just book it, you won't regret it!
Review submitted 11 Feb 2024
Simply Sri Lanka
From
CHF  547