Original
Explorer
Best of Sri Lanka
4.9
Excellent
511 reviews
15 days
Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Code
HPSH
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotels (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night)
From £1,698(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Fuelled by curry and cups of tea, travel to the hills, plantations, forests and countryside of Sri Lanka
This 15-day trip immerses you in the must-sees, must-tastes and must-meets of beautiful Sri Lanka. You’ll summit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lion Rock in Sigiriya, cycle through sprawling ancient city ruins in Anuradhapura and wander the massive granite Buddha carvings in Polonnaruwa. Have lunch with a Tamil tea worker in their home, relax with a cold beer and your feet in the sand in Mirissa and hike between plantations and villages in Haputale. This is the best of Sri Lanka!
Inclusions
Meals
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotels (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included activities
Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
Anuradhapura - Bike tour
Polonnaruwa - Bike Tour
Dambulla - Cave Temples
Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
Kandy - Tea factory visit
Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal
Kandy - Scenic train ride from Kandy to Bandarawela
Hill Country trek
Galle - Walking tour
Galle - Beeralu lace weaving experience
Colombo - City tour by bus
Optional activities
Minneriya National Park - Jeep hire (minimum 6 pax) - USD40
Minneriya National Park (entrance) - USD30
Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance - USD7
Kandy - Botanical Gardens - USD10
Udawalawe National Park - Entrance fee - per person - USD30
Udawalawe National Park - Jeep hire (minimum 6 pax) per jeep - USD30
Explore Galle by Bicycle - USD25
Explore Galle by bicycle with market visit and local lunch - USD35
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Important notes
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.
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.
3. In the wet season, we occasionally need to alter the length and itinerary of the Hill Country hike due to wet weather.
4. 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.
5. Please provide your full name and passport number exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). If we do not receive your passport details in time, we cannot guarantee your train journey. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket. Train tickets are in very high demand in Sri Lanka. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
Reviews (495)
5 stars
454
4 stars
39
3 stars
2
Paul
Aug 21, 2025
Intrepids level of attention to detail was truly wonderful. I woukd have no hesitation in travelling with intrepid again . Thank you intrepid
Richard
Aug 20, 2025
Sri Lanka as a country, did not disappoint the breathtaking views from the team plantations, to the living history of the temples and monuments. Ananda,our guide helped us navigate our way around Sri Lanka with consummate ease.
Ellie
Aug 19, 2025
An excellent tour , jam packed with activities, history and culture. My guide Ananda was knowledgeable, organised and a true asset to Intrepid. His experience and hard work really enhanced our experience.
Noeleen
Aug 19, 2025
From start to finish this trip went above and beyond all expectations. Ananda was an excellent tour guide who looked after our every need and showed us all aspects of Sri Lankan life which we got to experience first hand throughout the trip. I would highly recommend this trip to others
Karen
Aug 19, 2025
An excellent way to discover Sri Lanka, this trip includes lots of religious sites, great food, and travel and you really feel like you have seen the best of Sri Lanka. Our guide Ananda was amazing and really helped us gain insight into this beautiful country.
Kirsty
Aug 19, 2025
Don't think about it, just book! This tour encompasses so much of the history and culture of Sri Lanka in such a relatively short space of time. Ananda our guide shared his passion and knowledge and really made the trip! I had wanted to this tour for a long time so I had big expectations; the tour did not disappoint! Amazing!!
Pamela
Aug 17, 2025
The Best of Sri Lanka tour was a feast for the senses with vibrant temples, ancient ruins and spectacular scenery and wildlife. But what made the tour extra special was the smiling faces of the local people and being immersed in such a diverse and interesting culture. The tour is full of activities and well structured with options and support for different interests and abilities. Plus the quality and care of the tour leader Viraj and the team was top notch so highly recommend.
Dominic
Aug 17, 2025
Brilliant trip, with lots of included activities. Ananada was an excellent guide to the wonders of Sri Lanka
Laura
Aug 15, 2025
Best of Sri Lanka tour was the perfect way to experience Sri Lanka's history, culture, scenery, wildlife and food. We had a lovely group which made the trip fun and we were well cared for and guided by our exceptional leader, Dodan. Amazing!
Katie
Aug 14, 2025
I had the best time in Sri Lanka. Amazing people and fantastic tour guide. The tour itself is very full on but you experience so much and it’s just incredible.
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