Original
Explorer
Best of Sri Lanka
15 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
circle326 reviews
location_on 15 days
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Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
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Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
tour
Trip Code
HPSH
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
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Meals
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
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Transport
Private vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Bicycle
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Accommodation
Hotels (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night)
From £1,893(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Ride around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura on a bike tour, cycling through the jungle to see the dagobas, palaces and pools of a city abandoned over 1000 years ago.
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Climb the rock fortress of UNESCO-listed Sigiriya to the ancient ruins that lie atop the 200-m-high summit and get panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness.
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Explore the divine city of Kandy, mingling with pilgrims at the Temple of the Tooth, touring a tea factory, and taking in the views of this lush lakefront town.
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Fall in love with Sri Lankan food and get to know locals during experiences like lunching with a Tamil tea worker and a home-cooking demonstration.
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Unwind on the sandy beaches of Mirissa, where the waters are clear and warm, and monkeys play in the swaying palms that line the shores.
Is this trip right for you?
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The summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the southwest of the country. Please consider your suitability to the time of year you wish to travel and be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
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This trip includes hiking on Days 9 and 10, an awesome way to see the picturesque hill country and interact with the local Tamil people. The hike is over relatively flat ground and covers approximately 10-12 km each day. We recommend a basic level of fitness as some have found the experience physically demanding. Parts of the trails are on rough ground which can be muddy and slippery if it’s been raining. If you feel you are not able to complete these walks, we can arrange vehicle transport for you.
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The views from the top of Lion Rock in Sigiriya are spectacular, but getting there involves walking up uneven, narrow steps and navigating tight walkways. If you’re afraid of heights or have conditions that affect mobility, you may wish to skip this activity.
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The drive to Mirissa on Day 11 is downhill, windy and slow. Motion sickness has been an issue for some travellers in the past. If you believe you might be affected, speak with your GP before travelling about medication that can help.
Itinerary
- DAY 1Day 1 • Negombo
- DAY 2Day 2 • Anuradhapura
- DAY 3Day 3 • Anuradhapura
- DAY 4Day 4 • Polonnaruwa
- DAY 5Day 5 • Dambulla
- DAY 6Day 6 • Sigiriya – Kandy
- DAY 7Day 7 • Kandy
- DAY 8Day 8 • Bandarawela
- DAY 9Day 9 • Haputale/ Bandarawela
- DAY 10Day 10 • Udawalawe Jungle Camp
- DAY 11Day 11 • Mirissa
- DAY 12Day 12 • Mirissa
- DAY 13Day 13 • Galle
- DAY 14Day 14 • Colombo
- DAY 15Day 15 • Colombo
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
airport_shuttle Transport
Private vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Bicycle
bed Accommodation
Hotels (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£2,338
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Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left
£2,360
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Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£2,228
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Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£2,228£2,005
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Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,228
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Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£2,574
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Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Important notes
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1.Some travellers have reported being approached by locals offering excursions before their Tuuur trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Tuuur and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We advise customers against joining any tour offered by the unauthorised guides.
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2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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3. In the wet season, we occasionally need to alter the length and itinerary of the Hill Country hike due to weather conditions.
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4. 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.
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5. Train tickets are in very high demand. We always try our best to secure tickets, but on the rare occasion that we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
Reviews (349)
5 stars
316
4 stars
31
3 stars
2
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Gillian
Feb 01, 2025
This is an amazing trip that enables the traveller to see the best of Sri Lanka in a short space of time. As with any trip, the tour guide plays an important part and our guide, Dodangoda, imparted his love for Sri Lanka with great enthusiasm and a huge amount of knowledge. I have never tasted so many different local snacks on a trip before either! Loved it all!
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Paul
Jan 31, 2025
An outstanding trip, brilliantly lead by Dodan, who possesses a fantastic knowledge of the country and its culture, is extremely approachable and always works hard to ensure everyone is enjoying all the activities.
Places visited, food enjoyed all enhances what was a spectacular trip...Many thanks to Dodan and his colleague.
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Rachel
Jan 30, 2025
This was my third trip with Intrepid, and once again, it was an unforgettable experience! If you’re wondering about the details of this journey, just check out the reviews from other travellers—they’re all spot on. But for me, travel is all about the emotions, so I’ll share my experience through the feelings it evoked.
The Best of Sri Lanka Tour felt like a true gift—one that nourished my mind, body, and soul. Exploring this beautiful and historic country with a passionate, proud, and knowledgeable Sri Lankan guide was nothing short of inspiring. Everywhere we went and every site we visited filled me with awe, peace, and admiration. The bond within our group was special, like gaining a second family. From shared meals to sunsets, songs, and the camaraderie we built while hiking, cycling, and exploring-every moment felt heartwarming and precious. Even those early 6:30 AM starts (early for me!) were absolutely worth it.
The kindness and infectious smiles of the Sri Lankan people left me with a deep sense of hope and joy—memories that will stay with me always.
A huge part of what made this trip so amazing was the fantastic Intrepid crew—Dodan, our tour guide, whose warmth and humour made every moment memorable, and who was always ready to go the extra mile; Karu, our calm and skilled driver (with a love for Revello cashew chocolate bars) made sure we arrived at each destination safely; and Nalaka, the all-rounder with a bright smile (to match it his occasional vibrant shirts) kept our bus clean and comfortable and ensured that we never went thirsty. These wonderful people made me feel safe, respected, and cared for, and I’m incredibly grateful to them.
I know I’ve rambled on a bit, but for such an incredible experience, it’s hard not to!
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Kelley
Jan 29, 2025
Fabulous trip which encapsulated as much of the best of Sri Lanka as was possible in 2 weeks. Faultless guiding by an experienced and enthusiastic leader.
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Kerstin
Jan 29, 2025
What an amazing trip! Best of Sri Lanka exceeded our expectations and has given a desire to return to this beautiful and interesting country. The itinerary is varied and packed to the brim. Thank you Intrepid.
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Danny
Jan 28, 2025
The Best of Sri Lanka is well named. We had a great group of 12 and an incredible leader who knew how to make everything work brilliantly. The island, its history, the scenery, wildlife and culture are amazing. The people are unfailingly friendly.
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Alice
Jan 21, 2025
An exceptional trip giving a full flavour of this beautiful country -
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Bill
Jan 21, 2025
I’ve done many small group international trips and Best of Sri Lanka ranks at the top of the list. The variety of experiences and immersion in the cultural and natural beauty of this wonderful country is unmatched.
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MELINDA
Jan 20, 2025
If you’re on the fence about visiting Sri Lanka, do not hesitate! Book now! You will fall in mad love with this beautiful country and all she has
To offer! From her stunning hillsides full of teas gardens, amazing animals, and most of all her people! Truly magical in every sense of the word! If you can request Asanga as you leader you will never regret your decision! Amazing!!!
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Jamie
Jan 19, 2025
If you’re on the fence about visiting Sri Lanka, do NOT hesitate! This tour is absolutely magical! You’ll fall in love with Sri Lanka, her beauty, and her people! Book it!