Original
Explorer
Sri Lanka Explorer
12 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
108 reviews
12 days
Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Code
HPSS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights)
From £1,435(12 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Visit Sigiriya's Lion Rock – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and if you’re game, climb the steps to the top for amazing views over the jungle.
Explore an area of Sri Lanka only recently opened to tourism – considered to be off-limits for years due to the civil war, the gates to Jaffna are now open to adventurers once more. Discover Tamil culture and see Point Pedro – Sri Lanka’s northernmost point.
Kick back in the sun on Trincomalee Beach’s bright and sandy shoreline. Enjoy the open skies, swaying palm trees and glittering waters, then stop by a local village to join the community in making a traditional Tamil meal.
Witness ritual and devotion in the spiritual heart of the country during a visit to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.
Observe wild elephants from basic tree houses and hopefully catch an outstanding sunset in Wasgamuwa National Park – one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Sri Lanka.
Is this trip right for you?
Jaffna has opened to tourism after being off-limits to visitors for the past 30 years, meaning it’s quieter, less developed and services and accommodation are not yet quite up to the same standard as the rest of the country.
Though its equatorial position means constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Itinerary
Explore the hidden beauty of Sri Lanka, from ancient ruins and rustling jungles to the sandy shoreline
If you're looking for a place where Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, churches and mosques can all be found on the same stretch, Sri Lanka’s melting pot should be next on your list. On this 12-day adventure, you’ll head from laidback Negombo to ancient Anuradhapura. Explore the secrets of the north, the hidden places of Jaffna and the beautiful coastline of Trincomalee. Learn about the spiritual heart of the country in the temples of Kandy, look out for local wildlife on safaris and spend time with locals keen to share their homes, food and stories.
Inclusions
Meals
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights)
Included activities
Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
Anuradhapura - Bike tour
Jaffna - Jaffna Peninsula tour
Jaffna - Cooking class & family visit
Anuradhapura - Scenic train ride from Anuradhapura to Jaffna
Jaffna - Jaffna Library
Jaffna - Pottery making experience
Trincomalee - Palmyrah Toddy and Food experience
Dambulla - Cave Temples
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
Minneriya National Park - Entrance Fee
Kandy - Spice garden visit
Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
Kandy - Tea factory visit
Colombo - City Tour
Optional activities
Jaffna - Fort visit - LKR1600
Dates and availability
Starting
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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. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. 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.
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.
5. Train tickets are in very high demand. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
Reviews (105)
5 stars
91
4 stars
12
3 stars
2
Victoria
May 02, 2025
This itinerary is great as an addition to another tour or previous visit. Visiting Jaffna and Trincomalee were such highlights. This itinerary covers a lot of ground and offers the opportunity to experience a range of environments in this incredibly varied country.
Helen
Apr 30, 2025
Sri Lanka is a unique destination and this tour was a great way to learn about the culture, history, and geography. The accommodation and travel facilities were of a good standard. Our guide was knowledgeable and well organized, and well supported by an assistant and the driver. A highly recommended tour.
Kerstin
Apr 30, 2025
This trip was amazing and I enjoyed every single moment. A well balanced mix of culture and nature and some nice additional activities available on top of the well selected included ones. Our tour guide Yasi was always caring for us and made the group feel as a great team.
Nicole
Apr 24, 2025
An incredible tour with a fabulous tour leader! We had such a wonderful variety of experiences from cycling in Anuradhapura, climbing Sigiriya at sunrise and an afternoon safari filled with elephants to cooking demonstrations and lovely meals with local families. The tour had a nice mix of relaxation and exploration. The time on the beach in Trincomalee was fantastic. Manoj is an excellent tour leader and I feel very fortunate to have met him on this trip. The local knowledge he provided was invaluable and his behind-the-scenes organizing to maximize our experiences was superb. His kindness, care and professionalism elevated the quality of the tour to the highest degree.
Trish
Apr 17, 2025
Such a great showcase of Sri Lanka and what incredible beauty it has to offer. This trip introduces you to this special island jewel on the Indian Ocean.
Miranda
Apr 13, 2025
This is a fantastic trip and I recommend it without reservation. This is the time to go to the north which is much less touristy but this will change.
Emma
Mar 31, 2025
A great all-round intro to Sri Lanka as it covered a lot in 12 days - history, culture, meeting local families, wildlife, beach time, and food! Special thanks to our guide Dananjaya for his help, knowledge, and advice on what spice level to ask for!
Natalie
Mar 27, 2025
Dananjaya our leader made the trip very enjoyable and really highlighted how beautiful Sri Lanka and the local people are. This tour was a great balance to experience some nature, beaches, learn about the local lifestyles, visit temples to gain insights into the different cultures and connect with locals.
Sarah
Mar 20, 2025
This tour is amazing, a brilliant mix of local culture and organised activities, with enough free time to also relax. Visiting Jaffna was a highlight, a town still recovering from civil war and reopening to tourism. The train ride was another highlight, and on time (more than the UK!!). Elephant safari was brilliant, as was sunrise hike to the top of Lions Rock. This is a brilliant trip and Sri Lanka is a beautiful country.
Steph
Mar 20, 2025
Sri Lanka is the most brilliant destination and my trip of Sri Lanka Explorer was perfect. Highly recommend and am very grateful to Tiran, our leader for his friendly but always professional leadership.
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