Classic Sri Lanka

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

4.6 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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USD $1,481
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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 37 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

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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

4.6 out of 5 based on 18 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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Kayleigh · Traveled February 2024
I loved my tour of Sri Lanka, thanks to Chamodi and the great group we had. We saw a lot in a short amount of time, and it gave me a better understanding about Sri Lanka and the way of life there.
Review submitted 03 Mar 2024

Caitlyn · Traveled February 2024
Sri Lanka is an amazing destination and well worth the visit. This was my first trip with Intrepid and I am very happy with them, and will book with them in the future. Our tour guide, Chamodi, is an incredible woman working in a quite male-dominated industry. I hope more people can come to Sri Lanka with Chamodi, in particular.
Review submitted 03 Mar 2024

Helen · Traveled February 2024
I loved Sri Lanka it was a holiday of a lifetime .If you want to be a responsible tourist and experience the culture of Sri Lanka this is the holiday for you . Seeing the Buddhist temples, elephants in their natural habitat and experiencing food with local families was fantastic. Chamodi our leader was full of passion for her country and the company Intrepid. Staying as a small group of 12 was good . You get to know everyone and make good friends. loved the 8 day tour and I will keep a part of Sri Lanka in my heart forever
Review submitted 03 Mar 2024

Graeme · Traveled February 2024
Couldn’t have asked for a better group of people and a better guide, not finished our trip yet and already looking at bolking Vietnam for next year.
Review submitted 02 Mar 2024

Kate · Traveled December 2023
The Intrepid tour in Sri Lanka opened my eyes to the abundance of wildlife, history and beautiful people and places. I would definately recommend as a holiday destination.
Review submitted 31 Dec 2023
Classic Sri Lanka
From
USD $1,481