Essential Sri Lanka
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Spot wildlife on safari, soak up beachside sun and sip the finest Sri Lankan tea

- Start
- Negombo, Sri Lanka
- End
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Destinations
- Sri Lanka
- Meals
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Transport
- Train, Private vehicle
- Accommodation
- Hotel (7 nights), Permanent Tent (with basic ensuite) (1 night), Hostel (multi-share) (2 nights)
- Days
- 11
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Ages
- Min 18- Max 35
- ThemeOur themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- 18 to 35s
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Basix
- Physical ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Cruise around in a 4WD on a wildlife safari, searching for elephants, lone leopards and aquatic birdlife in Udawalawe National Park.
- Learn the benefits of washing down a spicy curry with piping-hot Ceylon tea during lunch in a lush mountain village near Ella in a local’s home.
- Kick back on the warm sands of paradisical palm-lined Hiriketiya, with plenty of free time to relax and soak up the sun at the beach.
- Leave the imprint of your face on the train window as you stare out wide-eyed on a journey from Kandy to Ella – this scenic rail ride is basically a 6-hour nature documentary, there’s so much amazing scenery!
- Walk to the top of the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Explore the ruined fortress on the top of the rock, learn about the region’s history and see the Lion’s Gate – a staircase with two huge stone lion paws on either side.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions and activities
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Train, Private vehicle
Hotel (7 nights), Permanent Tent (with basic ensuite) (1 night), Hostel (multi-share) (2 nights)
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip puts the power in your hands – there’s tonnes of free time for optional activities, so you’ll have plenty of freedom to decide what you want to do.
- The journey from Ella to Udawalawe takes a winding road down the mountains to the coast, which means the drive can feel a little slow. But don't worry, it also means that you’ll get to see the awesome scenery from literally every angle.
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is not available on Days 8 & 9 (Hostel) 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 and passport number exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). If we do not receive your passport details in time, we cannot guarantee your train journey. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket. Train tickets are in very high demand in Sri Lanka. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
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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