Sri Lanka: Wonders & Wildlife – Premium Adventure
Sri Lanka: Wonders & Wildlife – Premium Adventure
Sri Lanka: Wonders & Wildlife – Premium Adventure
14 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo
Visiting: Sri Lanka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AIM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Halal, Jain, Kosher, Meat, Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Sri Lanka is a wonderland for adventurers: Buddhist temples and colonial architecture; tea plantations and spice gardens; safari parks and palm-fringed beaches. Book this Premium trip to explore it beyond the typical tourist track. We join a family to cook traditional curries (which we share with our hosts and local monks) and explore Gal Oya with a chief from the forest-dwelling Veddha community. Of course, there are a few highlights we couldn’t miss, including the rock fortress of Sigiriya and safari in Yala National Park, and we’ve scheduled downtime in beachside on the south coast for a chance to kick back and relax.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Negombo
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you are met by our airport representative and guide and transferred (approximately 20 minutes) to the west-coast city of Negombo. We then have the afternoon at leisure, allowing us to enjoy the many facilities at the resort.
We come together as a group for a welcome cocktail before dinner, and the tour leader provides a welcome briefing – a great opportunity to meet and mingle with your travel companions for the next two weeks.
Premium accommodation: Heritance Negombo (or similar)
Day 2 : Drive To Habarana Via Umandawa Global Buddhist Village And Dambulla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we travel to Habarana (approximately four hours’ drive). En route, we stop at the Umandawa Global Buddhist Village, a ‘walking monastery’ with hamlets, gravel paths, gardens, organic farms, ponds and sculptures. We also have a freshly prepared organic lunch here.
After our food, we visit the Dambulla cave temple complex, which houses intricate murals and 150 Buddha statues across five cave temples, before completing our journey to Habarana.
Premium accommodation: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (or similar)
Day 3 : Morning Village Tour; Evening Visit To The Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we take a village tour around Habarana (approximate drive time: 20 minutes). We start with a short ride in a hand-tractor/land-master near the village pond, before boarding a boat to cross the water. After a short walk through paddy fields and vegetable gardens, we reach a family home and have the opportunity to participate in an alms-giving session at a nearby Buddhist temple. We help the family to prepare and cook a traditional meal of vegetarian curries and steamed rice before observing various rituals performed by a local monk for the alms-giving ceremony. The meal will be shared between us, the monks, and the host family.
Late afternoon, we visit Sigiriya, an icon of Sri Lanka. Built in the fifth century by King Kashyapa, this magnificent rock fortress sits on a flat-topped granite plateau 655ft (200m) above the scrub jungle. We take the 1,500 steps to the top, visiting renowned frescoes, enjoying expansive views from the summit and, with a bit of luck, basking in a beautiful sunset.
Premium accommodation: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (or similar)
Day 4 : Drive To Kandy Via A Spice Garden
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we head to Kandy (approximate drive time: three hours). Along the way, we visit a spice garden for a delightful sensory experience. Our guide takes us on a leisurely walk through the garden, pointing out different plants and explaining their significance. We also have an opportunity to plant a tree with assistance from the staff, helping to regenerate the garden.
We then continue to Kandy (also known as Mahanuwara), the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. After checking into our riverside hotel, we have the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to explore the local bazaars, stroll through the royal botanical gardens just outside the city or just relax by the hotel pool.
Premium accommodation: Cinnamon Citadel (or similar)
Day 5 : Kandy City Tour; Afternoon Transfer To Gal Oya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we visit the Temple of the Tooth. The last king of Kandy, having embraced Buddhism, made the town home to the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. It was said the protector of the relic would also be the ruler of the land and so it was placed close to the royal palace in what is now the Temple of the Tooth. This temple is one of the holiest places of worship in Sri Lanka and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. Visitors can take part in Buddhist rituals, or pooja, throughout the day, a spiritual and special experience.
We have lunch at a local restaurant and then proceed to our glamping site near Gal Oya National Park (approximate drive time: 3hr 30min). Our home for the next two nights is an idyllic spot in Rathugala, a village inhabited by the indigenous Veddha community and wrapped by forested mountains. Take the opportunity to unwind by the pool and immerse yourself in nature.
Superior accommodation: Wild glamping, Gal Oya
Day 6 : Morning Boat Safari On Lake Senanayake Samudraya; Afternoon Walk With A Veddha Chief
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we have a boat safari on the largest lake in Sri Lanka, Senanayake Samudraya (approximate drive time: 40 minutes). Created in 1951 and surrounded by Gal Oya National Park, the reservoir is a great place to see elephants as they gather to drink; if we’re lucky, we may spot them swimming from island to island. The reservoir is also home to abundant birdlife, crocodiles, deer and more. During the experience, we stop for a snack, tea or coffee with a lovely panorama. Due to the limited availability of boats, the experience may be shared with other guests.
In the afternoon, we explore Gal Oya with a village chief from the indigenous, forest-dwelling Veddha community. He leads us on a walk through the jungle of his ancestors, bringing the forest to life by explaining how his community uses medicinal plants, and identifying ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings.
Superior accommodation: Wild glamping, Gal Oya
Day 7 : Early Morning Walk To Kiri Oruwa Lake; Drive To Ella Via A Tea Plantation
Meals Included: Breakfast
For those who wish to explore, there’s an early morning walk to Kiri Oruwa Lake. We are joined by a naturalist guide and take a leisurely stroll through the village of Rathugala to the waters, which are normally full of birdlife and sometimes elephants. We then return to the hotel for breakfast, before driving to Ella (approximate drive time: three hours).
This afternoon, once we're checked into the hotel we head out to visit a private tea plantation and factory. We start by walking through the plantation observing workers gathering and plucking the young leaves and buds from the tea plant, we'll then visit the factory to see how fresh leaves are processed from withering and rolled until they are fermented and turned into the familiar black-brown product. The level of fermentation determines the type of tea produced, whether it's green, black, oolong, or white tea. Finally, you can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea at the tea factory.
Superior accommodation: EKHO Ella (or similar)
Day 8 : Trek To The Nine Arches Bridge; Lunchtime Cooking Experience
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we stretch our legs with a 5.4mi (8.7km) hike leaving from Ella town. We follow a train track through the Ella Forest Reserve and visit the Nine Arches Bridge, a spectacular Colonial-era construction also known as the Bridge in the Sky.
After completing the (approximately) 2hr 30min walk, we travel by tuk-tuk to a local restaurant where we have an interactive cookery experience where together we will prepare traditional recipes and cook several Sri Lankan dishes for example, coconut roti, garlic curry, eggplant pickle, dhal curry, coconut sambal, papadam and rice. Once the hard work is complete, we will sit together and feast on this authentic lunch.
Afternoon at leisure. Ella town is often characterised by a mix of residential and commercial areas, with architecture which reflects a blend of traditional and modern influences, giving the town a unique and inviting atmosphere. The charming main street lined with quaint shops, cafes and restaurants are great to wander in and out of.
Superior accommodation: EKHO Ella (or similar)
Day 9 : Drive To Yala National Park For Evening 4X4 Safari; Visit The Elephant Transit Home
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we head to Yala National Park (approximate drive time: two hours). Along the way, we visit the Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves until they are ready to be released back into the wild.
It’s then on to Yala National Park, said to be home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Here we jump into 4x4s for an evening safari. We keep our eyes peeled for the extraordinary resident wildlife, including elephants, bears, crocodiles and wild boar. The vegetation is primarily grassland and shrub jungle with patches of dense growth, while several salt- and fresh-water lagoons are a haven for a large variety of resident and migratory birds.
Premium accommodation: Chaarya Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 10 : Morning 4X4 Safari; Drive To Weligama For Beach Downtime
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we have our second opportunity to meet the wild and wonderful animals of Yala National Park with a 4x4 safari. You can anticipate encountering a diverse range of fascinating animals, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature, and creating lasting memories on this safari adventure.
Then, after breakfast, we leave for the south-coast town of Weligama, popular for its sandy beach, swimming, snorkelling and surfing (approximate drive time: two hours). From November to April, Weligama is also a top spot for whale watching, when the waters welcome whales (including blue, sperm and bryde) and dolphins.
Premium accommodation: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day At Leisure In Weligama; Optional Whale-Watching Boat Trip (November To April)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to spend relaxing on the beach or wandering around the local shops and people watching from a beach bar.
Optional activities include surf lessons and snorkelling. From November to April, Weligama is one of the best places in the world to see blue and sperm whales and, more often than not, large dolphin pods playing alongside the boats.
Premium accommodation: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 12 : Visit Galle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we transfer (approximately one-hour) to Galle, said to be the ancient seaport of Tarshish where King Solomon obtained gems and spices. This Unesco World Heritage site is where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505. It was then captured and fortified by the Dutch who ruled maritime Sri Lanka in the 17th and 18th centuries. Within the 17th-century fort and ramparts are old Dutch churches and monuments, an imposing crested and monogrammed gateway, many well-preserved old Dutch houses and narrow alleys still bearing Dutch names.
Premium accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse (or similar)
Day 13 : Drive To Colombo; Boat Safari In Madu Ganga River
Meals Included: Breakfast
Atter breakfast, we take a boat safari on the Madu Ganga. As we cruise along the calm river waters, enjoy the tranquil surroundings and lush greenery of the mangrove forests. The knowledgeable boat guides provide us with information about the various local plants and animals, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. We stop at Cinnamon Island to learn about the traditional cinnamon industry and visit Kothduwa Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple on an isolated island.
We arrive in Colombo in the afternoon, the commerce capital of Sri Lanka. The Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and British left their mark here, in churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food, and smatterings of their languages. Modern Colombo is a fascinating city – a blend of east and west, past and present. The main seaport in Sri Lanka is here and adjoining it is Pettah, a local bazaar and trading area. Other places of interest are the beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques, the historic Wolvendaal Church, and residential areas comprising the stately homes of the affluent.
This evening, after a brief city tour, our leader takes us out for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Premium accommodation: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo (or similar)
Day 14 : End Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The adventure ends today. You are transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your international flight home. If you’d like a bit more time to explore Sri Lanka, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, five lunches & six dinners
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All accommodation
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Tips for local staff
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All transport
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Entrance fees to all monuments and activities
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Boat safari in Gal Oya
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Two Game drives in Yala
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All activities (except where "optional" is stated)
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Tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Tips for your tour leader
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners are included.
We suggest allowing about 4,000-6,000 rupees (US$13-US$20) per lunch or dinner when not included in the itinerary. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally; however, some locations may have limited local restaurant options, in which case meals will be at the hotel.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought here by Malays, Arabs, Indians, as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this – you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food.
Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.
Accommodation
We relax in premium resorts (mostly Sri Lankan-owned) and spend two nights in a rural glamping site plus two nights in a boutique hotel. The properties were chosen for their excellent location, comfort and style, whether lakeside in Habarana, overlooking the Ella hills (from a hot tub) or by the golden beach in Mirissa.
Negombo: Heritance Negombo (night 1)
Start your adventure in style at this five-star resort, which offers spacious contemporary rooms, a huge outdoor pool, gym and spa. The restaurant caters both international and local cuisines, introducing you to the delicious Sri Lankan curries. Shake off the weariness from travel with a dip in the pool or maybe relax in the spa before enjoying sunset as you settle in for the evening.
Habarana: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (nights 2-3)
Experience a rustic elegance at this four-star property. It was designed in the local rural village style, which helps it to blend into its natural environment. Situated close to the lake, you can sit outside the spacious bedroom on your veranda, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the well-kept gardens and tranquil sounds of nature. The resort has a spa and outdoor pool to relax in after a long hot day.
Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel (night 4)
A brief stop in Kandy but not one to be missed at this four-star riverside property. A 10-minute drive outside the bustling city centre, this tranquil retreat has a river-view restaurant offering a wide selection of local and international cuisines. Enjoy a splendid view as you drink a fresh juice over breakfast – sure to leave you full of energy for the day ahead. The property also has a spa and gym plus an outdoor pool.
Gal Oya: Wild glamping (nights 5-6)
We stay in the historic village of Rathugala, surrounded by vegetation and misty hills. The lavishly designed tented lodges with fixed ensuite bathrooms at Wild Glamping Gal Oya come with a host of amenities, including a pool and restaurant. Enjoy an immersive experience here no other in this remote, unspoiled region of Sri Lanka as you find your inner calm.
Ella: EKHO Ella (nights 7-8)
In central Ella, EKHO is a boutique four-star hotel with only 14 rooms, offering the perfect spot to take in the picturesque (and possibly best) views of the Ella Gap. The restaurant offers indoor and al fresco dinning and there are loungers, daybeds and a hot tub on the sun terrace. The property is a stone's throw from town, which has plenty of shops and restaurants, and is close to popular hiking trails and attractions.
Tissamaharama: Chaarya Resort & Spa (night 9)
Retreat into the wilderness at this four-star property close to Yala National Park. It offers spacious chalet-style bedrooms with private balconies to take in the sounds of nature as you look out to the lush tropical gardens. Cool off in the pool, an oasis between the trees, or why not visit the spa for a welcome massage after some long travel days? The resort also has an al fresco and indoor restaurant serving international and local cuisines.
Weligama: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (nights 10-11)
Enjoy the beauty of the Sri Lankan coast while relishing in five-star hotel amenities, beachfront access and exceptional service. Unwind in the spacious rooms, which have private balconies, most with ocean views. Take advantage of the beachfront swimming pool and fitness centre or indulge at the luxurious Quan Spa. The resort is also ideally situated in the centre of Weligama Bay with safe waters for swimming, snorkelling and surfing.
Galle: Jetwing Lighthouse (night 12)
Fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves rolling over the rocks as this five-star hotel looks out across the ocean. The property is well located, within a five-minute drive of the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, and has beach access from the hotel gardens for a more relaxing stay. Additional facilities include the Ayurveda and spa services, tennis court, swimming pool, and in-house boutique shops.
Colombo: Galle Face Hotel
This four-star heritage hotel is steeped in more than 150 years of history and sits on the waterfront in the heart of Colombo. Offering six unique dining venues, a wellness centre and outdoor pool, Galle Face Hotel is the ideal final stop on our journey – relax and unwind or cram in some final sightseeing and retail therapy in the Sri Lankan capital.
Worth knowing:
For 2025 departures, the start hotel in Negombo (day 1) will be Jetwing Blue
For 2025 departures, the end hotel in Colombo (day 13) will be Cinnamon Lakeside
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.