Classic Sri Lanka

8 Days | Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s history, cuisine and culture

4.8 out of 5 based on 38 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,770
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The remnants of a spiritual past await your discovery in Sri Lanka, from the ancient cliff-built complex of Lion Rock in Sigiriya to the ruins of the Sinhalese capital in Anuradhapura. Explore wonders of nature and humanity – often both at once – on this 8-day adventure through the cities, jungles and caves of Sri Lanka. Beginning in Negombo, travel through verdant countryside, past tea plantations, into the wildlife-filled Minneriya National Park and to the thriving capital of Colombo. An immersive and cultural Sri Lankan escapade awaits – the only thing left to choose is when to go.

Trip overview

Map of Classic 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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HPKS
This trip generates 50 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
  • Head off on safari – Sri Lanka style! Look for elephants and leopards while you cruise the beautiful Minneriya National Park in a jeep with expert local guides.
  • See one of the world’s most revered relics at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, home to an earthly remain of the Lord Buddha, and discover the cave temple of Dambulla.
  • Travel through highlands so green they almost glow in Nuwara Eliya, and sample some of the acclaimed tea varieties that grow on the hillsides with your small group.
  • Learn about the varied cuisine and local customs of different regions around Sri Lanka and join local families to dine on traditional dishes like fragrant fish curry and rice.
  • Take a guided bike tour around Anuradhapura City, an impressive World-Heritage listed site, soaking up the splendour of the ruins which date back to the city’s heyday hundreds of years ago.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This is a busy trip, with lots of included and optional activities to make the most of your short time in the country.
  • We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
  • 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 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.

Itinerary

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

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

Map of Classic Sri Lanka including Sri Lanka

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Activities
  • Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
  • Kandy - Home-cooked lunch
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Nuwara Eliya - Tea factory tour
  • Kandy - Scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Matale - Spice Garden
  • Sigiriya - Home-cooked lunch
  • Minneriya - Jeep safari
  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
  • Anuradhapura - Sacred City bike tour
  • Colombo - City tour by bus
  • Colombo – Guided market visit
Add on activities
  • Kandy - Botanical Gardens - USD10

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1.Some travellers have reported being approached by locals offering excursions before their Intrepid trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Intrepid and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We advise customers against joining any tour offered by the unauthorised guides.

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. 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.

4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for entrance 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

4.8 out of 5 based on 38 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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Janet · Traveled September 2024
Very disappointed with the oak ray elephant lake resort habarana we had no towels room,our guide translated for us only to be told we where lying and it turned into a very big issue by the general manager...our guide had to leave as he was taken the group out for some treatments.....the general manager and staff (all male) followed us back to our room ,when we had to tell them to stop as we found this to completely unacceptable. what was the reason? Was he going to check the room ? Then the staff called to the room again asking about towels....we felt the staff were in trouble because of this .....and this was certainly not the intention from us .....it was just a towel issue....we feel very upset and intimate...can you please respond to this
Review submitted 22 Sep 2024

Alice · Traveled August 2024
Absolutely amazing trip. Very full on and you cover a lot of ground on this trip but you learn a lot and the things you see and do make the early starts worth while. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and this trip highlights some of the best of their culture
Review submitted 15 Aug 2024

Jennifer · Traveled August 2024
Sri Lanka was amazing, people are humble, kind and extremley accomodating. Food was pleasant with a huge option, visited lots of different areas none of them were disappointing. The culture, the history the people and the food made my holiday unforgettable. Thanks Intepid.
Review submitted 10 Aug 2024

Grace · Traveled August 2024
Amazing Trip and experience. Thanks to our guide, Hasantha, and his drivers who were very committed to us. Hasantha’s deep knowledge of the country’s history, culture, and hidden gems made every day an adventure, and his genuine care for our comfort and experience made us feel like we were traveling with a friend.
Review submitted 14 Aug 2024

Noah · Traveled July 2024
Very quick overview of Sri Lanka. Fun and informative.
Review submitted 23 Jul 2024
Classic Sri Lanka
From
USD $1,770