Original
Explorer
Best of Sri Lanka
4.9
Excellent
544 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 £1,822(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.
Some temples on this trip require your head to be uncovered when visiting. You can opt out of temple visits if this requirement doesn't suit you.
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
Pekoe Trail
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
Dates and availability
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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 (523)
5 stars
479
4 stars
41
3 stars
3
Hemi
Oct 10, 2025
Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country and beautiful people highly recommend entrepid to see the country with
Laura
Sep 28, 2025
I have had the most amazing two weeks on the Best of Sri Lanka tour, we have seen and experienced so much. Highlights include seeing a sloth bear, the temple visits and the beautiful train ride. Our trip leader, Prabarth, made the trip - he has been brilliant!
Leeanne
Sep 28, 2025
An exceptional tour of Sri Lanka, with a local and highly informed tour leader. Every experience was mind blowing in educating me about a different culture and having opportunities to see real people, local food and life changing understandings of tradition, values and kinships. Fully recommend this experience just to see the impact of change as Sri Lanka moves forward whilst retaining their traditional beliefs. A local, informed and passionate tour leader is a must.
Gregory
Sep 28, 2025
An unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s culture, wildlife, and landscapes. Every day offered something unique - ancient temples, scenic hikes, safaris, and local food. Thoughtfully planned, environmentally responsible, and beautifully led by our incredible guide, Prabarth. I left feeling inspired, refreshed, and deeply connected to this vibrant, welcoming country.
Ewa
Sep 23, 2025
The Intrepid Best of Sri Lanka tour is a great way to have an active adventure around the main sights, sounds, tastes and culture of Sri Lanka. Our local guide Upul was excellent and guided through an action packed diverse tour of this beautiful island.
Simon
Sep 23, 2025
A most amazing trip in the country of my birth, quite brilliantly orchestrated by leader Prageeth and well supported by driver Kishan and attendant Sanju. The group gelled from day one and laughed, cried, danced and sang together all the way round this beautiful island.
Shirley
Sep 23, 2025
I would highly recommend this tour..it encompasses so much..a balance between cities..small villages..the country...train rides..trekking..climbing...off the beaten path..however prepare for the humidity
Emma
Sep 23, 2025
Sri Lanka is a small island but has a lot of variety. If you like ancient cities, historic temples, wall to wall sunshine and great food then you’ll love this trip. The highlands in the centre are a dramatic contrast to the coast, but the people everywhere are friendly and welcoming. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there, with a great guide and good travel companions.
Anthony
Sep 14, 2025
Marcelle
Sep 14, 2025
We had the most amazing time of our life, in the land like no other…Sri Lanka. Thanks so much to everyone in our group for an unforgettable trip. We’ve had an absolute blast traveling around Sri Lanka. The itinerary is so diverse and allows you to explore and experience every part of Sri la la that you could possibly dream of. Thanks Asanga Bandara Rajapakse⁩ for all your knowledge, leadership and sense of humor in making this an amazing experience that we’ll treasure forever.
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