Premium Sri Lanka

9 Days | Discover Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

5 out of 5 based on 24 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $2,466
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Encounter a country that radiates warmth – from its glorious sunshine to its spice-laden cuisine and incredibly kind people. This 9-day Premium adventure through Sri Lanka will introduce you to the country’s wealth of cultural riches. Explore the ancient ruins of past civilisations, spot rare and beautiful creatures in their natural habitats, relax among swathes of green tea fields at a hilltop retreat and receive a warm welcome from the locals. A shining gem in the Indian ocean, the teardrop isle will bring you nothing but smiles.

Trip overview

Map of Premium 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
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HPPC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodation
Premium experiences
Premium knowledge

Why you'll love this trip
  • Learn about the country’s past during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – established in 1891, this colonial-era hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
  • Discover the beauty and mastery of Sri Lanka’s craft traditions and try them for yourself – from brass making and pottery to woodwork and ancient palm leaf writing.
  • Get an exclusive and immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna, where you’ll walk through tea plantations and paddy fields and learn about sustainable farming with a local guide.
  • Spot elephants, monkeys and tropical birds on a safari through the wild grasslands of Minneriya National Park.
  • Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Zero Plastic. Donations help them educate Sri Lankan communities about the impact of plastic on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Rock Fortress – or Lion Rock – of Sigiriya is spectacular. However, those with a fear of (or even an aversion to) heights may wish to sit the excursion out. Scaling the rock involves walking up lots of rough, narrow steps and tight walkways.
  • There are a couple of long travel days on this trip. Journeys may take up to five hours but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers and the diverse scenery.

Itinerary

Map of Premium Sri Lanka including Sri Lanka

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, scenic train

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nights), Feature Stay (1 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Negombo - Welcome Dinner
  • Ridigama - Ridi Viharaya shrine visit and cultural experience
  • Ritigala - Monastery Tour and Blessing
  • Muriya Kadawala Village - Pottery Making Experience
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Minneriya National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Polonnaruwa - Bicycle Tour
  • Polonnaruwa - Cooking demo and lunch
  • Matale – Spice Garden Visit.
  • Kandy - City Tour with the Temple of the Tooth
  • Ambagasthenna - Tea Plantation and Sustainable Farm Tour
  • Ambagasthenna - Village and Temple Tour
  • Ambagasthenna - Sunset Viewing with Drinks
  • Pilimatalawa - Specks Workshop
  • Nuwara Eliya - High Tea
  • Nanu Oya - Scenic Train Ride
  • Nuwara Eliya - Orientation Tour
  • Colombo - Farewell Dinner
  • Colombo - Orientation Tour
  • Labukelle - Tea Plantation and Factory Visit
Add on activities
  • Kandy - Cultural Dance Show - USD7

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. 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.
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.

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

5 out of 5 based on 24 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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Pauline · Traveled February 2024
Experienced the Sri Lanka Cultural Tour with Intrepid Travel. Amazing trip. Professional, varied and educational.
Review submitted 07 Mar 2024

Elaine · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 05 Mar 2024

Sarah · Traveled February 2024
Wonderful trip with great guide, Upal, and Silva and Weera. Lovely hotels. Packed itinerary enhanced by Upal’s knowledge including eating in local people’s homes which also helps the community. No hesitation in recommending
Review submitted 06 Mar 2024

Elizabeth · Traveled February 2024
Excellent trip and wonderful guide. Beautiful country and fabulous food. The tour was very busy so we didn’t have enough time to use the stunning pools but Ananda was extremely willing to let us do our own thing even when that made things harder for him
Review submitted 23 Feb 2024

Kara · Traveled February 2024
Really amazing trip. Jam packed with great experiences.
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024
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