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Embark on a unique, fun, culture-rich tour of Sri Lanka

A jewel in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating culture, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches. From ancient Anuradhapura city and the well-preserved Polonnaruwa ruins, to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the impressive Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lankan culture spans more than 2,000 years and still remains vibrant and alive today. Trek through lush tea plantations, indulge in seafood feasts in quaint fishing villages and dip your toes in the calm, clear waters of Mirissa beach on this all-encompassing adventure for those seeking a unique travel experience.

Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Destination
Sri Lanka
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
HPSH
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa,

  • Wander throught the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relicin Kandy

  • Lion Rock at Sigiriya is an amazing ruined fort and one of the highlights of this fine country

  • Trek through lush tea plantations

  • Indulge in seafood feasts in quaint fishing villages

  • Dip your toes in the calm, clear waters off the beach at Mirissa

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.

  • The jungle hike is approximately 6.5 hours, accommodation is a comfortable lodge. Its relatively flat but its around 12km each day hiking.

  • If you have issues with heights, you may wish to sit out the climb of Lion Rock at Sigiriya. there are lots of rough, narrow steps and tight walkways.

  • The drive from Bandarawela to Mirissa on day 11 is downhill, windy and slow. Motion sickness has been an issue for some travellers in the past.

Map of Circle Sri Lanka including Sri Lanka
Traveller on from the outside of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Tuk-tuk on a busy city street in Kandy, Sri Lanka
sri lanka sigiriya lion rock fortress
Group of travellers looking out on landscape from a scenic viewpoint on Sigiriya in Sri Lanka during an Intrepid Travel tour.
A monkey in the foreground with travellers in the background on a wilderness walk in Sri Lanka
Traveller on a jungle walk in Sri Lanka
Kandian dancers performing traditional dances in Kandy, Sri Lanka
sri lanka dambulla buddish cave temple
sri lanka women farm tea pickers
sri lanka elephants bathing
sri lanka cooking class bandarawela food
sri lanka market people

Itinerary
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Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5:30 PM. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Leave Negombo after breakfast today. Your private vehicle takes you to ancient Anuradhapura via the small town of Chilaw (approximately 5 hours total travel time). Those keen on history and archaeology might like to visit one of the local museums in the afternoon. Mihintale, the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism, is a recommended optional activity. The price of this will depend on the number of people sharing the vehicle.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

A guided bicycle tour of the city will take place today depending on the weather. Among the ruins you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
  • Anuradhapura - Bike tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a local bus to Polonnaruwa (approximately 2.5 hours), the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are close together and generally in much better repair than those you have just seen. Cycling amid the remains of 1,000-year-old Polonnaruwa is once again the best way to get around. Once the heat of the day has eased you'll visit more palaces, temples and stupas. A likely highlight will be the massive stone Buddhas: 14-metre-high granite carvings of the iconic reclining Buddha which represent the zenith of Sinhalese rock carving. You'll also visit the well laid-out museum, which has scale models of many of the buildings to show how they would have existed in their time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Polonnaruwa - Bike Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Polonnaruwa this morning and travel to Dambulla (approximately 2.5 hours). Explore the amazing Dambulla Cave Temples which are located high on a stone cliff face. Some 150 Buddha images adorn the five caves, with fascinating frescoes and paintings on the walls and roofs. In the afternoon, you may like to relax by the hotel pool or take an optional wildlife jeep safari to Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco National Park where you might spot some wild elephants with a bit of luck. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
There are numerous steps to get to the caves. You will need to remove your shoes and be dressed appropriately, with shoulders and legs covered, to enter.

Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship. Time permitting, you'll have the option of visiting the National Museum or the world-class Botanical Gardens. Another great option is an early-evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers, drummers and and fire-walkers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock
Optional Activities
  • Kandy - Botanical Gardens - LKR1200
  • Kandy - Cultural performance - LKR1000
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The visit to Lion Rock takes around  3.5 hrs. Start around 7am, reaching the lion paw around 8.30 am. On the way visit the water garden, boulder garden, Sigiriya Frescos and the mirror wall. After the Lion Paw its a steep climb with plenty of steps and walkways along the side of the rock. This part of the climb takes around 30 minutes.Those not wanting to go to the top can rest at the lion paw until the rest of the group return.


Today you will visit a nearby tea factory and take a guided tour to learn about the production of Sri Lanka's best-known beverage. Of course, you will also sample some of the delicious varieties while you're here. Your hotel in Kandy, located far from the noise and bustle of the city, is a great place to unwind with lovely views over the town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a scenic train journey into the highlands and disembark at Bandarawela (approximately 7 hours). Once in Bandarawela you will visit a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn some secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Enjoy the delicious meal afterwards.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Take a private bus to starting point for our walk today (approximately 30mins). This hike (approximately 4.5 hours) takes you through picturesque tea plantations and small Tamil villages. Lunch will be arranged at Tamil tea worker’s house. Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable local lodge.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hill Country trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The walks require good walking shoes, as the 'track' is often just rocks under shrubs, and if there has been rain it can get very muddy and slippery. You do need to be fit, because although the walk is not too demanding, it can be difficult walking on rough and unsteady ground. Our usual route is about 20 kilometres in total. If you don't feel you are able to complete these walks, you can take an option to either stay in Bandarawela for an extra night, or if you don't wish to complete the second day's walk your group leader will be able to organise a transport alternative. These options would be at your own expense.

Take a local train to the starting point for our walk today. Set off for some more walking today (approximately 4.5 hours) to explore more of the beautiful surrounds of Sri Lanka's Hill Country. Enjoy this chance to meet the curious tea pickers along the way. Stop for an included lunch in Bambarakanda. After lunch, we will proceed to Bandarawela.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Set off south for the coast, stopping at the Elephant Transit Home en route. At this special organisation you'll experience feeding time for baby orphaned elephants and learn more about their rehabilitation. Then drive further along the Sri Lankan south coast by private bus (approximately 7 hours) to the beach of Mirissa. This is your paradise for two days of relaxation, with your comfortable accommodation just metres from the water.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Udewalawa - Elephant Transit Home
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a day of beach splendour in Mirissa. The beach itself is a long curve of sand with lovely clear waters for swimming – a great spot to watch the sunset. Consider taking a bicycle ride or tuk-tuk to nearby Weligama, where colourful fishing boats bring fresh fish to sell along the shore. The local cottage industry of lace products is also well worth a look. From September to April there is an optional whale watching excursion. Please ask your leader as you'll need to book at least one day in advance.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head further down the coast. Arrive in Galle (approximately 1 hour), home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many interesting old buildings. In the evening, enjoy a stroll around the historic fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Galle - Walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Leaving Galle, we take a classic train ride, catching glimpses of the beautiful coastline before rolling into Colombo (approximately 3 hours). The train tickets from Galle to Colombo cannot be pre booked and therefore are not guaranteed. In the event that tickets are not available you will be transferred to Colombo by bus.
After arriving in Colombo, you'll set off for a city walk via the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, and past the National Museum, finishing with a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot fairtrade store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. Tonight there's an optional final group dinner to celebrate your journey.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Colombo - Walking tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Your trip comes to an end today, with no activities planned. Checkout time at the hotel is 12 noon.
Optional Activities
  • Colombo - Eat, Eat, Repeat Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Colombo - Colombo by Tuk Tuk Urban Adventure - USD55
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Bicycle, Private Bus, Public bus, Train

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (13 nights)

Included activities

  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
  • Anuradhapura - Bike tour
  • Polonnaruwa - Bike Tour
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock
  • Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal
  • Hill Country trek
  • Udewalawa - Elephant Transit Home
  • Galle - Walking tour
  • Colombo - Walking tour

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip and is valid for all nights of tour with the exception of nights 9 and 13.
2. In the wet season, we occasionally need to alter the length and itinerary of the Hill Country hike due to wet weather.
3. 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.
4. Train tickets from Kandy to Bandarawela are in very high demand and tickets for the train from Galle to Colombo cannot be pre-booked.We always try our best to secure tickets, though on the rare occasion that we cannot you will be provided with a private bus to take you to your next destination.

ITINERARY CHANGES IN 2019
In 2019 this trip will visit Kuda Oya on Day 10 instead of going back to Bandarawela. You will spend the evening glamping at Gangadhara eco-lodge, located by a river in the jungle. Swim, fish and enjoy an included barbecue dinner around a bonfire. Kuda Oya is not only beautiful, it is also closer to Marissa which will allow for more beach time on Day 11. The length of the trip and day of departure remains unchanged.

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.
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Reviews

Our Circle Sri Lanka trips score an average of 4.81 out of 5 based on 475 reviews in the last year.

Circle Sri Lanka, July 2018

Leonie Watt

Review submitted 16 Aug 2018

Circle Sri Lanka, July 2018

Powell Jones

Review submitted 11 Aug 2018

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