Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour

Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour

2,452 Views
12 Days From

$1372

Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour

12 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Negombo, Pidurangala, Sigiriya, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple, Sigiriya Fortress, Kandy, Ella, Little Adam's Peak, Udawalawe National Park Safari, Udawalawa, Nine Arch Bridge, Mirissa, Peraliya Tsunami Memorial, Colombo, Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

Tour operator:

One Life Adventures

Tour code:

12DSLT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 22

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-45

Special diets catered:

Meat, Vegans, Vegetarians, Other: On Request

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $1372

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

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

Tour Overview

One Life Adventures is a premium youth operator, specialising in trips for travellers aged 18-45 years inclusive (at the time of travel). Sri Lanka is the rising star of Asia, and for good reason! Our handpicked 12 day itinerary has been carefully selected to show you the best of this green and luscious gem of the Indian Ocean. Head up to the misty mountain tops to hike the hill country and explore tea plantations before travelling down to the sun-drenched beaches and national parks where we’ll search for wild elephants. Spot dolphins, visit ancient temples, play cricket on the beach and have the adventure of a lifetime with your new OLA family. The smells of spices, tea and traditional foods will bring your senses alive as you adventure through this island nation.

Highlights

  • Dambulla Cave Temple Tour

  • Sigiriya Rock Climb

  • Pidurangala Monastery Climb

  • Cooking Class

  • Spice Garden Tour

  • Kandy Tuk Tuk Tour

  • Temple of the Tooth

  • Tea Estate Visit

  • Kandy to Ella Train Journey

  • Elephant Safari

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Places You'll See

Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour

Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour

Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour

Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Welcome To Sri Lanka!

Location: Negombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Beacon Beach Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in Colombo any time on Day 1. Your local guide or someone from our transport company will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening you and all the other guests will have a fantastic Sri Lankan Welcome Meal to introduce you to their delicious cuisine!

Day 2 : Sigiriya: Dambulla Cave Temple & Pidurangala Hike

Location: Pidurangala, Sigiriya, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kashapa Lion Rock (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today the journey really begins! We drive to Dambulla and stop by the famous Dambulla Cave Temple to marvel at ancient carvings and statues before heading to a local restaurant to sample the best food Sri Lanka has to offer & then check into our hotel. Have a quick dip in the pool before heading off to Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery for unparalleled 360 degree views of the local area and Sigiriya at sunset.

Day 3 : Sigiriya: Rock Climb Experience

Location: Sigiriya Fortress, Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kashapa Lion Rock (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the morning by climbing Sigiriya, considered by locals to be the eighth wonder of the world. Over 1500 years of history in one place! We’ll then stop for a fantastic Sri Lankan lunch with a local family. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool, book a massage or opt for an elephant safari!

Day 4 : To Kandy: Spice Garden, Cooking Class, Tuk Tuks & Temple

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Queens Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we embark into the Knuckle Mountain Range. We head to a spice garden where you will learn the secrets to Sri Lankan cooking before heading into the country’s second biggest city, Kandy. And what better way to see the city than in the back of some local transport, Tuk Tuks! Lastly we will visit the Temple of the tooth.

Day 5 : Ella: Tea Estate & 'That' Iconic Train Journey

Location: Ella

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day by making our way to the tea country! Tour a working Tea estate, pick tea and taste the finest Ceylon After lunch, jump on the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella – voted one of the world’s most scenic train rides in the world!

Day 6 : Ella: Free Day To Explore & Relax

Location: Ella

Accommodation Name: Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you have a day to yourself in the wonderful mountainous town of Ella! Try out many optional activities including hiking Ella Rock or Diyaluma Falls. Treat yourself to a massage or just using the downtime to chill out by the pool!

Day 7 : Udawalawe: Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge & Elephant Safari

Location: Little Adam's Peak, Udawalawe National Park Safari, Udawalawa, Nine Arch Bridge

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Athgira River Glamping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit the world famous Nine Arch Bridge in the morning. Afterwards, we journey out of the mountains and grab lunch on the way to Udawalawe National Park to get up close and personal with the elephants!

Please bring an overnight bag with you for this night!

Day 8 : Mirissa: Paradise Beach Time

Location: Mirissa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Randiya Beach Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave the campsite and head down to the beach in Mirissa! You have a free afternoon to rent a surf board, or sit back and catch some rays before heading over to coconut tree hill for sunset!

Day 9 : Mirissa: Free Time

Location: Mirissa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Randiya Beach Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is your day to savor and indulge in the beauty of Mirissa.

Day 10 : Mirissa: Galle Bike Tour With Local School Visit & Galle Fort

Location: Mirissa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Randiya Beach Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a 12km cycle through the lush southern Paddy Fields, stopping at a local school en-route. In the afternoon, walk around the old Dutch Fort in Galle, buy some souvenirs and taste some of the best ice cream in Sri Lanka! You will also have the opportunity to visit the Dog Care Clinic at Unawatuna. This dog clinic is one of the only self-funding rescue centres for dogs in Sri Lanka. This is an optional extra as to enter you need to make a small donation.

Day 11 : Mirissa: Tsunami Memorial & Turtle Sanctuary

Location: Peraliya Tsunami Memorial, Colombo, Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pegasus Reef (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the morning on the beach before heading to the memorial for the 2004 Tsunami. Afterwards, head over to the Turtle Sanctuary to see some super cute and freshly hatched turtles! We then drive to Colombo for our final night.

Day 12 — Time To Say Goodbye!

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is where we say goodbye!

Your tour guide can help you arrange your onward travel if you’d like the assistance. All the best for your onward journey!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Entrance Fees

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

  • Game Drives on Safari

  • Train Tickets

What's Not Included

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Drinks with Meals

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Travel Insurance

Optional Extras

  • Maldives - Twin/Double (booked in groups of 2) (13/12/24-06/01/25)

    Maldives 5 day, 4 Night extension to your Sri Lanka tour. Only applicable for 2 people travelling together (cost is per person) (Only for dates including 13/12/24-06/01/25)

  • Maldives - Twin/Double (booked in groups of 2) (Excluding 13/12/24 - 06/01/25)

    Maldives 5 day, 4 Night extension to your Sri Lanka tour. Only applicable for 2 people travelling together (cost is per person) (Excluding 13/12/24-06/01/25)

  • Maldives - Single (Excluding 13/12/24-06/01/25)

    Maldives 5 day, 4 night add-on. Room for a solo passenger - EXCLUDING 13/12/24-06/01/25

  • Maldives - Single (13/12/24-06/01/25)

    Maldives 5 day, 4 night add-on. Room for a solo passenger - ONLY for dates including 13/12/24-06/01/25

Mode of Transport

All transport Day 1 to 11. Coaches, trains, tuk-tuks and more

Accommodation

11 nights of accommodation

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    We do not charge any extra for solo travellers

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    We recommend bringing no more than 15kg

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes, the tour coaches are air conditioned

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes, we have travellers join us from all over the globe

  • What is the age range of this tour?

    We have an age range of 18 – 45 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes there is free time in each location for independent exploring

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    We stay in a mixture of boutique hotels and hostels, and we spend one night glamping near to Udawalawe Safari Park

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, let us know and we can help arrange extra accommodation at an additional cost

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes all entrance fees are included

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes all guides speak English

  • What is the maximum group size?

    22 people

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all accommodations

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    We recommend speaking to your GP for recommended vaccinations

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes airport transfers are included on day 1 of this tour only

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    All participants must be aged over 18

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    All the accommodations are listed on our itinerary

  • How big are your group sizes?

    Our groups are capped at 22 people maximum.

  • Do I have to have travel insurance to come on a tour?

    Travel insurance on all One Life Adventures trips is compulsory and we will check for it on tour, if you do not have travel insurance when you arrive on your tour you will not be able to continue without purchasing it.

  • What's the general age range on your tours?

    We have an age range of 18 – 45 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.

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

    Yes, we do. We cannot guarantee single sex rooming arrangements in multi-share accommodation (e.g. shared dormitory hostels), but twin share rooms will always be single sex.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Danny  

One of the best experiences of my life

16-Jan-2020

The tour of Sri Lanka was amazing. I was a bit skeptical of booking a tour at first because I wasn’t sure whether it would be good value for money but I’m so glad I did. All the accommodation, food, and excursions were great. My highlight was the whale watching tour and also visiting the Nine Arch Bridge. Our tour guide, Cristina, was the best. She had such an infectious personality that made everyone in a good mood and have the best time. She took the time to really get to know everyone and she played a huge part in making this tour so good. I’ve already recommended this tour to so many people as it honestly was one of the best experiences of my life and I’ll definitely be booking a tour with One Life Adventures again.

JuliaLipp  

The best thing I have ever done

04-Mar-2020

I really enjoyed the tour with one life, especially the guides (alice, boby, rihas and morgan) did a great job. alice gave us the feeling that we can ask her everything- she gave us the feeling to have the best time in our life. she has a good feeling what the group needs, which game is good in which moment etc. she organized a accomodation 10h before we arrived, because my friend got sick during the travel to sri lanka- she really cared from the first second! the interaction with the three local guys was also awesome- all 4 seem like, they really love what they do! rihas is also a really really good guy- the knowledge about his country and his wish, that the group has the time of their life is great. he answered all our questions, even he didn't know- he contacted other people to get the answer. the overall tour was the best thing i have ever done- even i was not sure in the beginning, because i never travelled with a group- but i had the chance to do things by myself and really loved the structure of the tour.

NatalieTyers  

One life adventures has taken all the hard work out of travelling in Sri Lanka!

15-Jan-2020

I have travelled a little before, but I have always tried to do it on my own and do all of my own research etc, which is time consuming, and I’ve always felt that I missed things and could have experienced more. One life adventures has taken all the hard work out of travelling in Sri Lanka! Having everything planned for us has ensured that we didn’t miss a thing! We have done so much and seen so many hidden gems in Sri Lanka that I would never have known about. It has been action packed with great adventures!! Our tour guide Manju spoke excellent English and knew everything there was to know about every location we visited. He was very knowledgeable and helpful! We learned a lot about Sri Lankan history, about Buddhism and much much more! Kelly was fantastic, she’s so outgoing and energetic, she really kept us all going throughout the whole 12 days even when we were up at 5am! I am a huge animal lover so I mostly enjoyed the elephants, whales, turtles, the birds and the dog shelter! My only regret was I didn’t take any dog treats! I will definitely be going on another one life adventure. It has literally been a once in a lifetime adventure! Thank you Kelly, Kacee, Manju and our drivers for making it so special.

SaraDukes  

There was no major sneaky add ons which I really liked as a backpacker.

16-May-2019

The tour was actually so amazing! It was so well organised and I felt like I really got the most out of it for the price of the tour...unlike some of the tours I’ve done in the past there was no major sneaky add ons which I really liked as a backpacker. Our guide was so great, really nice & made sure everything was running well and that everyone was having a fantastic time.. nothing was ever too much trouble. I loved that he genuinely was passionate about reducing waste & helping contribute and encourage others to do the same... with refillable water stations, a quick beach clean up and actually standing by sustainable travel & sticking to it. Our local guide was a blast as well, very informative and was always down for a chat. Would recommend and have recommended this tour company to many fellow travellers already! 10/10 would do it again!

Kaitlin  

The itinerary was jam packed with amazing experiences

06-Nov-2019

Couldn't recommend this tour enough! I came as a solo traveller and the total peace of mind of having everything organised made for a stress-free trip. The itinerary was jam packed with amazing experiences, some I never would have had had I not done a tour. There are lots of early starts but all totally worth it and it's also a pretty physical trip with lots of hikes which were actually one of my favourite parts of the trip but worth being prepared for and bringing trainers! Some of my highlights were Pidurangala rock, the tea plantation visit and cooking class. The accommodation was much higher standard than I expected and the food was great. The only thing I can possibly say I didn't like was I felt a lot of pressure to pose for the perfect Instagram snap which for me took some of the enjoyment out of just experiencing things in the moment but I guess others would love this! Our guides Kelly and Rihas made the trip, they were always full of energy and enthusiasm and nothing was too much hassle. They taught us lots about the places we visited and Sri Lankan culture, as well as just being a lot of fun. This is my 2nd trip with One Life (Philippines Oct 2018) and I can't wait to book my next :)

RyanChandler  

There was so many highlights over the 12 days

22-Jul-2019

This tour had everything! Over the course of the 12 days, I saw everything I could have wished to see and much more! Our guide Joe was superb throughout the whole trip and if there was ever a question, he would be able to answer it. Each day of the itinerary was made so simplistic and this was due to the hard work Joe was putting in behind the scenes throughout the whole 12 days to ensure that we had the best trip ever! As for Ravi our local guide, the knowledge he has of Sri Lanka is mind-blowing and I have never met somebody who will do anything and everything to ensure you are happy at all times. The accommodation throughout the trip was far superior to what I have would of expected and a couple of the nights blew me away. There was so many highlights over the 12 days... from hiking to amazing view points, seeing elephants up close and personal in the wild and of course all of the incredible culture and food Sri Lanka has to offer. I could not recommend this trip enough to anyone looking to travel to Sri Lanka... you will have the time of your life and return home with memories to last a life time. Roll on my next OneLife trip!

Emily  

A very environmentally and culturally conscious company

01-Jan-2020

One life is a very special company. There are so many bonus experiences that you get along the way as well as an incredible itinerary. They really don’t skip anything and provide support the whole way. Outside of your own experience they are also a very environmentally and culturally conscious company that make every effort to give back to the local economy and make sure they are contributing to sustainable tourism.

Kerry  

I will definitely be travelling with One Life again

15-Jan-2020

This was my second tour with One Life Adventures after doing the Philippines tour in 2019. It was an unbelievable experience that allows us to do so many activities and explore Sri Lanka. We experienced the country in an ethical and sustainable way which is so refreshing. Our guide, Kelly, was amazing and was super knowledgable, fun and helpful to allow us to have the best holiday and get the best Instagram pics! Having the added extra of Manju as our local guide to have everything seamlessly organised was awesome, not to mention his knowledge on the country. Our bus driver and his assistant were great and I loved having the comfort of knowing they would get us everywhere safely. I have added on the Maldives so hopefully that is equally as awesome. I definitely will be travelling with One Life again to make it a triple. Awesome trip, loved it all!!! Best tour company and guide

HKelly  

Everything I could have wanted from a tour

04-Apr-2020

I had the most amazing time in Sri Lanka on the OneLife tour! I was initially a bit apprehensive about what everyone would be like, and whether it would be the right vibe for me but I really can say I left the tour with friends for life. Kacee was our OneLife tour leader, and Rihas was our local guide. Both were unbelievable! So helpful, knowledgable and fun to be around, I’ve left the tour feeling like part of a family. The tour itself included so much, great views, great food, great bars, great hotels, great activities. Literally everything I could have wanted from the tour. I’m already thinking about booking my next OneLife tour which tells you everything you need to know about how amazing it was!

SaraCosta  

I recommend this tour 100%

18-Feb-2020

I did the tour starting on the 31st of January of 2020 and it was excellent. All the activities, people, food, hotels, transports, everything was good. I don't have anything to say against it. Alice was an extraordinary group leader and I am really thankful for all her help and support. I left my glasses in Kandy and Cristina and her didn't stop until I had them back. On our last day of tour, in Colombo, Alice came with me to meet the guy even though she didn't have to. I am really thankful for that. This just show how kind and good professional she is. She was also able to manage such a different and difficult group. Rihas was amazing!! I couldn't have asked for a better local guide. He knew so much and always answered all our questions. Always with a big smile on his face, ready to make us welcome in his country, that we can see he loves so much. The drivers, Bobby and Morgan were so kind. Even though they didn't speak a lot of english, they would make the effort to communicate with us. I loved the fact that every morning they would give a flower to everyone on the bus. I recommend this tour 100%. I had the best time!

Read all 10 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    One Life Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    One Life Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform one life adventures, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    One Life Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 AUD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of one life adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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