Essential Sri Lanka

Essential Sri Lanka

11 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Ella, Yala National Park, Unawatuna, Unawatuna , Colombo

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

HPYL

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $980 $784 Operator discount: -$196 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Take Sri Lanka, boil it like the tea leaves the country’s famous for and strain out all the best stuff. On this 11-day trip through natural paradise, small villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’ll wander past barracuda at the Negombo Fish Market, search for elephants in Yala National Park, feast on spicy curry prepared by a local in Ella, hike through lush mountains and get horizontal on the beach in Unawatuna – Sri Lanka’s idyllic beach spot, perfect for lounging and sipping cocktails. With a local leader who knows where to find all the best teahouses and a group of likeminded travellers, this one’s gotta be an adventure of a lifetime!

Highlights

  • Cruise around in a 4WD on a wildlife safari, searching for majestic elephants, lone leopards and aquatic birdlife in Yala 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 home.

  • Kick back on the warm sands of paradisical palm-lined Unawatuna, with plenty of free time to soak up the sun at the beach and the opportunity for an optional whale-watching tour.

  • 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 six-hour nature documentary, there’s so much amazing scenery!

  • Enjoy super fun included activities mixed with plenty of free time to choose your own adventure – maybe use some of it to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya. These palace ruins sit atop a massive rock structure surrounded by gardens and are a must-see for any Sri Lanka visit.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Zero Plastic. Donations help them educate Sri Lankan communities about the impact of plastic on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya.

  • Cruise around in a 4WD on a wildlife safari, searching for elephants, lone leopards and aquatic birdlife in Yala National Park.

  • 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!

Itinerary

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Day 1: Negombo

Location: Negombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Negombo. If you arrive early, you might like to stroll the seaside and witness some of the local fishing craft. Maybe explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on a bicycle, which you can rent from your hotel reception. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner and get to know each other over a couple of drinks. You’ll spend the night by the beach, near plenty of beach bars and pubs.

Day 2: Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Head to the fish market in Negombo this morning – this can be quite hectic, but the variety of fish presented by the locals is a great insight into local culture. From here, you’ll make your way to Dambulla – the second-largest centre in the Matale District. A popular activity today is a visit to Sigiriya – an ancient rock fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the palace ruins that sit on top of a massive 200-m-high rock (leftover lava plug from an extinct volcano) that’s surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs. If you decide to take this activity, you’ll want to bring your camera, the photo ops are endless! If you like, your leader can take you for dinner tonight to a local restaurant to taste some delicious local cuisine.

Included Activities:
-Negombo - Fish market

Optional Activities:
-Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress (entrance)

Day 3: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, you have the option to visit Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) – a UNESCO World Heritage site of various temples built into five different caves under an overhanging rock. Explore the paintings, statues and wall murals of this fascinating place and then head to Kandy, making a stop at a local spice garden in Matale along the way. When you arrive in Kandy, enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe take up a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local cuisine you’ve now grown to love!

Included Activities:
-Matale - Spice garden visit

Optional Activities:
-Dambulla - Cave temples (entrance)
-Kandy - Cooking Demonstration and Dinner in a Local Home

Day 4: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

If you’re looking to relax this morning, you might want to book an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate those weary muscles. Kandy is home to a picturesque lake, some great old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants, so there’s lots to see and do with your free day today. Once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, this area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Maybe walk through the town to take in the sites of Kandy, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens, visit the Temple of the Tooth or book a cultural dance performance.

Optional Activities:
-Kandy - Botanical Gardens
-Kandy - Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home
-Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
-Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance

Day 5: Ella

Location: Ella

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, say goodbye to Kandy and you hop on a train to Ella. This train trip is kind of famous, due to the gorgeous views along the way of lush, green scenery and surrounding mountains (so grab a window seat if you can!). It’s a long journey, but you can buy all sorts of yummy treats from the onboard sellers. When you arrive, maybe visit to local tea factory or go for a drink in one of the many bars. Tonight, your leader can help you with the best spots for nightlife – maybe grab a couple of pals and head to a local restaurant nearby that boasts live music and delicious eats.  

Included Activities:
-Kandy - Scenic train ride to Ella

Day 6: Ella

Location: Ella

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today you’ll venture out on a half-day trek to Ella Gap. Get active and traverse the green mountainsides for some fresh air. Along the way, stop in at a small village for a spicy curry lunch at a local family home. Get to know your gracious hosts as you eat together and refresh with a steaming pot of Ceylon tea to wash it all down. This is the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, learn about their lifestyle and swap stories. After the hike, the rest of the day is then free for you to explore on your own.

Included Activities:
-Ella - Trek to Ella Gap
-Ella - Nine Arch Bridge
-Ella - Lunch at a Local Family Home

Day 7: Yala National Park

Location: Yala National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Head out of Ella this morning in a private vehicle to Tissamaharama. When you arrive, you'll head out on an exciting 4WD safari through Yala National Park, where you'll come across the area's native wildlife – look out for elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. Make sure you grab your camera and stay hydrated! Tonight, while you reflect on a super-fun day, why not go out with your travel buddies in search of some appa (hoppers), kottu roti and parippu (lentil curry).

Included Activities:
-Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari

Day 8: Unawatuna

Location: Unawatuna

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Journey west in a private vehicle this morning to Unawatuna – this stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. Along the way, stop in Galle and head out on a walking tour with your local leader, maybe grabbing some lunch to refuel. After, arrive at your destination where you’ll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surroundings at your own pace.

Included Activities:
-Galle - Walking tour

Day 9: Unawatuna

Location: Unawatuna

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is all about the beach! Grab a good book, order a cocktail and don’t forget the bottle of sunscreen – today is for rest, relaxation and reclining on the warm sands of Sri Lanka. If you like, you can even book an optional whale-watching tour or go 'bikesplore' the lesser-known areas of the city on two wheels. Make use of the many beach restaurants and bars that line the shore tonight after an epic sunset.

Optional Activities:
-Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar)

Day 10: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a local train to Colombo. When you arrive in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. After, maybe explore the collection of temples and churches that all live alongside each other – apart from the gorgeous architecture, this is also a great example of how different types of belief systems and places of worship can come together side by side, creating a sense of community and peace. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together. After, why not head out in search of the perfect spot to toast to a trip well-travelled?

Included Activities:
-Colombo – Guided market visit
-Galle - Local train ride to Colombo

Day 11: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy your last string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stick around to explore more, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (9 nights), Hostel (Multi-share) (1 night)

  • Negombo - Fish market

  • Mawanella - Spice Garden visit

  • Kandy - Scenic train ride to Ella

  • Ella - Trek to Ella Gap

  • Ella - Nine Arch Bridge

  • Ella - Lunch at a Local Family Home

  • Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari

  • Galle - Walking tour

  • Colombo – Guided Market Visit

  • Galle - Local train ride to Colombo

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Negombo - Fish market
  • Matale - Spice Garden visit
  • Kandy - Scenic train ride to Ella
  • Ella - Trek to Ella Gap
  • Ella - Nine Arch Bridge
  • Yala/Bundala National Park - Wildlife safari
  • Galle - Walking tour
  • Galle - Scenic train ride to Colombo
  • Colombo - City tour by bus
  • Colombo - Guided Market Visit

Transport

  • Train , Private vehicle

Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels 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.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • All hotels on this trip have fans, but not all will have air conditioning.

Important Information

  • 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 Day 10 (Colombo) 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 exactly as per passport at the time of booking for train 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

  • Train , Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • 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 Tissamaharama 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.

  • 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

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

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 - Wednesday

Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
$950 $808

Operator discount: -$142

Sunday - Wednesday

Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025
$945 $803

Operator discount: -$142

Sunday - Wednesday

Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 12, 2025
$980 $784

Operator discount: -$196

Sunday - Wednesday

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$980 $784

Operator discount: -$196

Sunday - Wednesday

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$1000

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$940

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$960

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Sunday - Wednesday

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$870

Sunday - Wednesday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$905

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$905

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$870

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
$905

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025
$905

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025
$905

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 03, 2025
$905

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025
$905

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$940

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025
$940

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
$940

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 07, 2026
$940

Sunday - Wednesday

Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 14, 2026
$985

Sunday - Wednesday

Jan 25, 2026 - Feb 04, 2026
$985

Sunday - Wednesday

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$950

Sunday - Wednesday

Feb 22, 2026 - Mar 04, 2026
$950

Sunday - Wednesday

Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026
$985

Sunday - Wednesday

Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 01, 2026
$985

Sunday - Wednesday

Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026
$950

Sunday - Wednesday

Apr 19, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026
$950

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026
$915

Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026
$915

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026
$915

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026
$915

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 20, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
$915

Sunday - Wednesday

Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 28, 2026
$915

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
$950

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 06, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
$950

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 30, 2026
$985

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 06, 2027
$985

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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