Classic Sri Lanka

Classic Sri Lanka

8 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Negombo, Kandy, Habarana, Anuradhapura, Colombo

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

HPKS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $1770 $1682 Operator discount: -$88

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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.

Highlights

  • 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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Negombo

Location: Negombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to Bandaranaike International Airport. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until an important welcome meeting at 6pm. 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.

Day 2: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the lush, rainforest-rimmed Kandy where you’ll enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch on arrival. Refresh with a home grown juice welcome drink then feast on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with a slice of sweet kithul thalapa for dessert. After lunch, check in to your hotel then visit the temple that holds a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. Aptly named Temple of the Tooth, it is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places and no matter your spiritual inclination, the hush of the temple and the atmosphere of reverence is incredibly powerful. If you have spare time this afternoon, you may like to visit the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens which were once a private playground for Kandyan royalty. This evening, join your group for a traditional dance performance set to traditional music with percussive rhythms.

Included Activities:
-Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
-Kandy - Home-cooked lunch
-Kandy - Temple of the Tooth

Optional Activities:
-Kandy - Botanical Gardens

Day 3: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

The gorgeous highlands await you today, so rise and shine for the scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya. The evergreen hills and cool climate made this town a primary retreat for British colonialists in the 19th century, and many buildings remain from this period. Stop in at a tea factory and learn about the process of cultivating the region’s fragrant, highly regarded varieties. Nuwara Eliya remains an incredibly important tea-growing area, and the plantations that dot the hillside make for lovely scenery. After the tour, drive back to Kandy and maybe ask your leader where you can grab a nice kottu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and plenty of spices). Kandy was one the world’s primary source of cinnamon and a variety of spices are grown the area, which makes for food that is bursting with flavour.

Included Activities:
-Nuwara Eliya - Tea factory tour
-Kandy - Scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya

Day 4: Habarana

Location: Habarana

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, bid farewell to Kandy and transfer to Habarana, located just 12 km from Sigiriya, where the immense Lion Rock dominates the landscape. This afternoon you will explore this behemoth, but first some other unique sites await. Visit a spice garden and see how the popular spices you use at home are grown then travel onward to the cave temple of Dambulla with its five caves filled with paintings and statues of Lord Buddha. Murals cover the rough walls and sloping ceilings of the caves, which once served as dwellings for prehistoric Sri Lankans before the arrival of Buddhism. Check into your hotel then set off to experience Lion Rock which features ancient paintings, the remains of a great lion sculpture and some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Climb the winding walkways and explore this incredible example of ancient urban planning as you take in the beauty of the sunset.

Included Activities:
-Dambulla - Cave Temples
-Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
-Matale - Spice Garden

Day 5: Habarana

Location: Habarana

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, enjoy a relaxing sleep in then join your leader and group for a home-cooked lunch with a local family. After a welcome drink made with home-grown tropical Sri Lankan fruits, head outside to the garden and take a seat under the trees where you’ll dine on traditional dishes like rice and curry, perhaps made with fresh fish caught from the local lakes. After lunch, jump in a jeep and go on safari at Minneriya National Park where elephants, sambar deer and leopards can be spotted amongst the evergreen forests and scrublands.

Included Activities:
-Sigiriya - Home-cooked lunch
-Minneriya - Jeep safari

Day 6: Anuradhapura

Location: Anuradhapura

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Say ayubowan – used for both greetings and farewells – to the verdant plains of Sigiriya and travel to Anuradhapura where you’ll discover some of the best-preserved ancient ruins in the country. Take a guided bike tour around Anuradhapura City, an impressive World-Heritage listed site, soaking up the splendour of the ruins as you gain an appreciation of what this area must have looked like during its heyday hundreds of years ago. If you would prefer to skip the bicycle, a tuk tuk is available to take you on the tour. Anuradhapura is also home to a sacred, ancient Bo tree, which originally came from a branch of the famous Bo tree in Budda Gaya.

Included Activities:
-Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
-Anuradhapura - Sacred City bike tour

Day 7: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, watch the world go by on the drive to Colombo and take in some of the city's main sights on a bus tour including Independence Square, Parliament and the National Museum, exploring Pettah Market on foot, and 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. If you are lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market – a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight, there's the chance to have a group dinner with your travel crew to celebrate your Sri Lankan journey together.

Included Activities:
-Colombo - City tour by bus
-Colombo – Guided market visit

Day 8: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave any time after breakfast, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times. If you would like to spend more time in Colombo, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (7 nights)

  • 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

  • Mawanella - Spice Garden visit

  • Sigiriya - Home-cooked lunch

  • Minneriya - Jeep safari

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Transport

  • MOTORCYCLES:
  • Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka.
  • TAXIS:
  • Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • All hotels on this trip have fans, but not all will have air conditioning.

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Kandy - Cultural performance
  • Nuwara Eliya - Pedro Tea Estate visit
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
  • Kandy - Spice garden visit
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock
  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
  • Anuradhapura - Ancient site
  • Anuradhapura Bike Tour - Bike Guide
  • Colombo - Market Visit

Important Information

  • 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.

Mode of Transport

  • MOTORCYCLES:
  • Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka.
  • TAXIS:
  • Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$1880 $1786

Operator discount: -$94

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
$2005

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$1970 $1872

Operator discount: -$98

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
$1840 $1748

Operator discount: -$92

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$1985 $1886

Operator discount: -$99

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
$1910 $1814

Operator discount: -$96

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$1910 $1814

Operator discount: -$96

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$1910 $1814

Operator discount: -$96

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$1840 $1748

Operator discount: -$92

Sunday - Sunday

May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$1770 $1682

Operator discount: -$88

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$1840 $1748

Operator discount: -$92

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$1840 $1748

Operator discount: -$92

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
$1840 $1748

Operator discount: -$92

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
$1910

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026
$1910

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026
$2005

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$2005

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026
$2005

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$2005

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 26, 2026 - May 03, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

May 10, 2026 - May 17, 2026
$1860

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
$1860

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026
$1860

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 23, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
$1860

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 06, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026
$1930

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026
$2005

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 03, 2027
$2005

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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