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Sri Lanka Tours

Few islands in the world offer the diversity that exists in Sri Lanka; from ancient cities to rich religious festivals, colonial memories to rolling tea plantations and some of the best beaches in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka intoxicates its visitors with a potpourri of cultures, religions, races, customs and sheer natural beauty.

Yala National Park  One of our favourite National Parks, Yala is located in south east Sri Lanka and home to many animals including Leopards, Elephants, species of birdlife, flora and fauna. Enjoy game drives as you traverse forest, grassland and lagoons.

Sigiriya Visit the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya including the water gardens, frescoes, mirror wall, and the stunning Lion Rock rising 200 metres above a forested plain. The walk up is worth it as you can see rock carvings along the way and the view from the top is fantastic!

Cave Temples Visit five separate caves which contain about 150 stunning Buddha statues and paintings. These are some of Sri Lanka’s most important and evocative religious art. Buddha images were first created here over 2000 years ago, and over the centuries subsequent kings added to and embellished the cave art.

Hatton Famous for its tea trails, set in the heart of ‘tea country’, Hatton is accessible by train and it is worth the journey to get there! Explore the immaculate tea trails, learn about the production of tea and enjoy the unspoilt beauty of this pristine area.

Galle A coastal city south of Colombo, Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place to explore on foot. Set along picturesque coastline Galle is known for its colonial architecture, churches and museums.

Sri Lanka’s climate is rather complicated for such a small country, due to the fact that the island is affected by two separate monsoon seasons.

Low season is between May and August when the weather in the North and East is best during this time. The Yala monsoon season brings rain to the south and west coasts plus the Hill Country.

The shoulder season of April and September to November offer the  best odds for good weather countrywide. New Year’s celebrations in mid-April cause transport to fill beyond capacity.

High season is between December to March where the  Hill Country plus west- and south-coast beaches are busiest – and driest. With beds in demand, prices peak. The Maha monsoon season (October to January) keeps the East, North and Ancient Cities wet.

Staff experiences

I loved exploring the ancient sites in Sri Lanka. Their temples can only be described as legendary! Sigiriya or Lion Rock was a highlight for me. From the top (after climbing too many stairs to count!), you are rewarded with spectacular views over the ancient city. The ruins at Polonnaruwa are fascinating, with ancient sculptures of Buddha cut into granite stone dating back to the 12th century.  A trip to Sri Lanka is not complete without a visit to Kandy, nestled in the foothills of tea country.

An evening tour to the Temple of the Tooth to witness the Puja ceremony is a must.  A true highlight was a visit to Pedro Tea Estate to  learn how tea is produced – what a process! Driving through the winding roads to reach the estate, you are rewarded with stunning views of rolling hills, dotted with colourfully dressed tea pickers hard at work. Concluding the day with a cuppa tea was the perfect end to a wonderful tour.

Useful information

Currency  The Sri Lankan currency is the rupee

Language  Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka. English is widely spoken.

Why we love it  Sri Lanka is spectacular, it’s affordable and it’s still often uncrowded. Now is the best time to discover it. Distances are short. We love that you can see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living tree in the morning (Anuradhapura) and stand awestruck by the sight of hundreds of elephants gathering in the afternoon (Minneriya). Spend your days discovering the beaches, visiting 2000-year-old temples, strolling through mellow villages and delight in the beautiful birds and wildflowers.

Weather  – There is usually good weather somewhere on the island, at most times of the year. The  best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April/May to September. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round. Coastal and lowland areas enjoy average daytime temperatures of around 26–30°C (often climbing up well into the 30°Cs during the hottest part of the day). Temperatures decrease with altitude, reducing to a temperate 18–22°C in Kandy, and a pleasantly mild 14–17°C in Nuwara Eliya and the highest parts of the island – nights in the hills can be quite chilly, with temperatures sometimes falling close to freezing.

Social customs and quirks  Sri Lankans place great emphasis on manners, you’ll see this exemplified by the fabulously courteous staff at top-end hotels. Sri Lankans are very proud of their island, its national achievements and (especially) their cricket team. “Sri Lanka good?” is one of the questions most commonly asked of visitors.  Public physical displays of affection in public are also frowned upon – Sri Lankan couples hide behind enormous umbrellas in the quiet corners of parks and botanical gardens. You should eat and shake hands with people using your right hand.

All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples should be appropriately dressed. In Buddhist temples   this means taking off shoes and headgear and covering your shoulders and legs. The same shoe and dress rules apply in Hindu temples, with a couple of twists. In some, non-Hindus aren’t permitted to enter the inner shrine; in others, men are required to take off their shirt before entering, and women are sometimes barred entirely.

Finally, you should never have yourself photographed posing with a Buddha image (that is, with your back to the image).

Health* There are currently no health requirements to enter Sri Lanka

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.

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The beautiful island country of Sri Lanka is one of Asia 's hidden gems, with its endless stretch of beaches, diverse culture and eight World Heritage-listed sites. As one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, there is an abundance of native flora and fauna to be discovered at the 24 wildlife reserves. The range of tour options makes exploring this country a breeze, whether you want to climb the rock face of the impressive Bambarakanda waterfall, or discover the vibrant marine life scuba diving out from Negombo.   

Don’t miss these Sri Lanka attractions

• Safari tours
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• Surfing at the remote Arugam Bay

Nature and adventure

Some of Sri Lanka’s most popular attractions are the many wildlife sanctuaries including the Yala and Udawalawe national parks. Take a jeep safari tour through each park to observe majestic elephants, buffalos, leopards and sloth bears roaming in their native habitat. You can also opt for specific wildlife sightseeing, from bird watching to leopard safaris.

Further to discovering the country’s wildlife, Sri Lanka presents breathtaking natural landscapes that are waiting to be explored. Cycling trips take you through the lush countryside and tea plantations, while trekking tours in the Central Highlands highlight the Knuckles Mountain Ranges, Adam’s Peak and Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.

Natural wonders

Sri Lanka is home to eight natural and cultural World Heritage-listed sites, which can all be visited on guided tours. The Central Highlands and Sinjaraja Forest Reserve can be discovered on trekking and camping tours, while most of the other cultural sites can be explored on foot including the ruins of the Ancient City of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

If you’re looking for a break from sightseeing, there are endless stretches of pristine beaches you can enjoy. Arugam Bay is the perfect surfing location, while the picturesque Mirissa beach is a great spot to embark on a whale-watching tour. With nearly 1600 kilometres of coastline, water sports and activities are plentiful, including snorkelling, windsurfing, cruising and kayaking.

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Sri Lanka Tours

Long overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Sri Lanka is emerging as a must-visit destination for avid travellers seeking a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty. At Inspiring Vacations, we invite you to embark on a journey to this enchanting island with our meticulously crafted Sri Lanka tours. Immerse yourself in the allure of this tropical paradise as we take you on an unforgettable adventure through its diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

Unveiling the Wonders of Sri Lanka

Travels in Sri Lanka open the door to a world steeped in tradition and history, where ancient civilisations have left an indelible mark on the landscape. Over two millennia of habitation and the influence of various European colonies have shaped Sri Lanka into a captivating mosaic of cultures. Explore the charming streets of southern Galle, where Dutch Colonial structures stand proudly amidst Islamic mosques and Buddhist temples. Our expertly curated tours of Sri Lanka ensure you witness the fascinating juxtaposition of these architectural wonders.

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A journey around the Emerald Isle which encompasses its many and varied attractions and experiences.

A journey around the Emerald Isle which encompasses its many and varied attractions and experiences. Explore the ancient Buddhist history of the Cultural Triangle, including ancient cities and the remarkable rocktop palace ruins of Sigiriya. Stay in the hill towns of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, visiting tea estates, villages and the beautiful Nine Arches Bridge. Seek out wildlife on safari in Yala, walk the cobbled streets of Galle Fort, and relax on the long stretch of beach at Bentota.

This itinerary departs daily and can be customised for you by one of our Destination Experts.

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15 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Accommodation

15 nights hotel accommodation 

Transportation

Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide throughout. 1 second class reserved train.

Sightseeing

Anuradhapura tour, Polonnaruwa tour, Sigiriya Rock tour, Dambulla Caves tour, village visit and lunch, Kandy tour, train Kandy to Nanu Oya, Ella village breakfast tour, Demodara and Nine Arches Bridge tour, 2 x jeep safaris at Yala National Park, Galle Fort walking tour, Colombo city tour.

Climbing to the summit of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock

Breakfast in a village near Ella, and viewing the elegant Nine Arches Bridge

Safaris in search of Leopard, Elephant and other wildlife in Yala National Park

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Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers a very rare and exclusive experience to all. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka is its tropical forests, beaches, wild life and landscapes. As well as the natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage and the friendly faces, makes it a world famous tourist destination.

Taprobane Travel is proud to take you on tour to explore this breathtaking island and its exquisite experiences.

8 Nights / 9 Days Tour in Sri Lanka

Welcomed by a representative of Taprobane Travel NZ and transfer to Hotel in Bentota through the Southern Expressway.

- Overnight stay at the Avani Bentota Hotel, Bentota – Standard Sea View Room

After breakfast at the Hotel leave for Galle – Southern Capital along the coastal route.

Galle ….. the port city, standing on one of the main sea routes in the southern part of the city, it has a unique charm among the many historic places in Sri Lanka. The Dutch built the 1st Protestant church in Sri Lanka here, and it is also famous for its Dutch Fort.

En route visit a Turtle Hatchery, a Mask Museum and the Moon stone Mines at Meetiyagoda. In Galle visit the Galle Dutch Fortress - a World Heritage Site

- Overnight stay at the Radisson Blu Resort, Galle – Deluxe Ocean View Hotel

After breakfast through the Southern Expressway leave for Nuwara Eliya "Little England".

Nuwara Eliya…..nestled in a wooded basin at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala Sri Lanka’s highest peak, this region at 6,183ft above sea-level Has a cool, crisp climate unknown elsewhere in Sri Lanka. A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the town seems like a piece of the English Lake District. Unusual plants, birds and animals thrive here besides natural feature like waterfalls and caves. Tea, the glistening green leaves of this lovely shrub, along with neat rows of green, cloak ridges and valleys providing a lasting impression of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The Golf Course – one of the finest and picturesque in Asia – the serene Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, beautiful parks and well kept lawns and hedges give the place an air of nostalgia.

Stop in close proximity to the location of David Lean's award winning film "Bridge on the River Kwai." - You might be lucky to find the "Jungle Boy" who will be willing to escort you to the site.

Enjoy the natural beauty on this mountainous route passing the two Water Falls - Devon and St. Claires. Evening is free for walks /tour around the city - the important places being the Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, Golf Course, Market  etc. Nature Lovers could make a visit to see the Lover's Leap Water Falls just outside the city which will involve a little bit of hiking for about 1 hour both ways.

- Overnight stay at the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya – Deluxe

After breakfast leave for Kandy - the Hill Capital through the Ramboda Pass surrounded by "Green Carpets"- hills covered with Tea and cascading Water Falls amidst breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

Kandy.....literally the "City on the Hills" so named as it was protected by the nature - water , rocks and jungles. The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings before falling to the British  in 1815AD which is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures vision of splendor of magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. The centre of attraction is the golden roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord  Buddha .The Kandy Lake built by the last King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 holds a prominent view of the City. It is a City for arts and crafts as well culture and history.

En route visit a Tea Factory and a Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of world famous "Ceylon Tea" and to taste a pure unblended cup of factory fresh tea before  being sent to the Tea Auctions in Colombo leading to Export.

Deviate to visit the Elephant Orphanage to see the world's largest herd of domestic Elephants comprising adults and babies including the world’s first set of twins who are still being fed by bottle thrice a day.

Elephant Orphanage… established in 1975 as an effort towards education and conservation by way of scientific captive breeding. Located on the banks of the Maha Oya, the Elephant Orphanage provides shelter to house young elephants who find themselves displaced and lost from their natural habitats for various reasons such as environmental changes due to development projects, being abandoned by their parents when they fall into pits and ravines, etc.

Walk in to a Spice Garden and take part in a conducted tour to get some knowledge about the growth and use of spices in the day to day life. In this garden you will find all Spices that grow in Sri Lanka including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper, Nutmeg, Vanilla  etc in the form of trees, plants, creepers. Visitors will be taken round by a competent person explaining each specie’ name , identity,  growth, use in food/medicinal/curative values. All products are displayed in a shop from which those interested could by them although not mandatory to do so as this will mainly be a technical visit for educative purposes.

In the evening watch a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers including devotional "Fire Walking"

- Overnight stay at the Amaya Hills Resort & Spa, Kandy – Standard Room

After breakfast visit,

Lankatilake Temple

This is considered to be one of the best examples of traditional Sinhalese temple architecture that is in existence. Built on a rock with a beautiful setting, the temple is reached by a long series of rock cut steps. Unique with its colossal seated Buddha Statue in the inner sanctum under a beautiful Makara Thorana. This monument has an interesting multiple roof structure covered with flat clay tiles.

Gadaladeniya Temple

A special building of South Indian Origin with a Shrine Room devoted to God Vishnu  attached to it. The main Shrine Room has a seated Buddha Statue and the remains of some paintings of the Gampola Period. Architecturally this is considered as one of the most important buildings of the 14th Century, The roofed stupa – Vijayothpaya – is on a  high stone platform with four image houses facing the four sides mounted with small stupas.  

Embekka Dewalaya

A special Shrine dedicated to God Skanda built in the 14th Century. Part of the building – the Drumming Hall is a special attraction with its intricately carved pillars. Nothing has been spared of wood without elaborate carvings .In fact this is considered as one of the finest pieces of traditional architecture. The two chamber Granary is also a special feature in the complex.

Visit a Brass Foundry to witness the process of making different decorational items out of Brass

- Overnight stay at the Amaya Hills Resort & Spa, Kandy - Standard Room

After breakfast visit the Royal Botanical Gardens - one of the best of its kind in Asia with more than 5000 species of different varieties of flora which incidentally was the Headquarters of Lord Louise Mountbatten - the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during the Second World War.

Continue to visit the Tea Museum at Hantana

In the afternoon visit the Galmaduwa Temple whose lower storey is built of stone and the upper storeys of brick and stone masonary in seven diminishing steps which has a strong resemblance of Hindu Architecture which is popularly known as a “Gedige”

After breakfast leave for a City Tour including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha - by far the most important place of worship for Buddhists world over, Upper Lake Drive - a place where one could have a bird's eye view of the city below , a Gem Museum - to see how the valuable gems that you see on a shop shelf are turned out from a raw stone with the back ground history.

In the evening watch the spectacular Kandy Esala Perahera – 2nd Day

After breakfast leave for Negombo – Little Rome via Kurunegala

Negombo…..Being one of the major tourist beach resorts of the island, this lively town is mainly inhabited by the fisher-folk. This is also one of the strongholds of the catholic community of Sri Lanka and quietly correctly considered as the “Little Rome”, located along the picturesque Negombo lagoon, along which hundreds of fishing boats and catamarans could be seen most of the time. The Town is dotted with several churches, some dating from the earliest colonial times. Sightseeing in Negombo includes the remains of the Old Dutch Fortress from 1678, the Dutch Canal constructed for the transportation of Cinnamon, St. Mary’s Church and the Old Dutch Cemetery, and naturally, the Negombo Fish Market –more famously known as the “Lellama”.

Break journey to visit Panduwasnuwara is an ancient capital and was the base for an epic love story where a Princess named Unmada Chithra was iimprisoned by her brothers in an ektemge (a circular tower) – go round to witness the magnificent ruins including a palace, monasteries, image houses, dagobas and monks' living quarters, carved pillars, guard stones, and other ancient constructions all of which is claimed to belong to the 12th century A.D.

Also visit the famous visit the Munneswaram Hindu Temple which is very popular and is contained with the Indian Epic “Ramayana”

- Overnight stay at the Suriya Luxury Resort, Negombo – Deluxe Room

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Cost: from NZ$2350 per person

Cost Include:

1. Accommodation on double sharing basis with breakfast included. 2. Transport in an A/C Deluxe vehicle with an English speaking Chauffeur/ Guide. 3. Entrance Fees to all the tourist sites that are included in the programme. 4. All Taxes as of Jun 2023.

Andrea & Murray from Christchurch, NZ, and their friends from US, Lettie & Jim were recommended to us by our guest Rachel Cummins. They travelled to Sri Lanka on a Tailor-made tour for 15-days.

Negombo | Sigriya | Arugam Bay | Ella| Welimada | Nanu Oya | Kandy | Negomo

Our guest Rebecca Meachen recommended Racheal Cummins to us. Racheal requested us to design a tour of Sri Lanka which incorporated her interest in culture and nature, cuisine & spices for her chef husband and surfing for her boys. They covered almost the whole of Sri Lanka in 21-days.

Negombo | Colombo | Galle | Koggala | Welimada | Nuwara Eliya | Horton Plains | Kandy | Peradeniya | Dambana | Arugam Bay |Trincomalee | Jaffna | Nagadeepa |Dambulla | Habarana | Polonnaruwa | Anuradhapura | Wilpattu | Wilpattu | Negombo

Denise & Simon travelled in Sri Lanka for 11-days. They were recommended to us by Andrea & Murray.

Negombo | Sigriya | Kandy | Ella| Udawalawe | Mirissa | Galle

After their 20-day South India tour, Katie & Nicki,  continued their tour in Sri Lanka for seven days to get a flavour of this paradise island.

Negombo | Kandy | Nuwara Eliya | Dubulla | Habarana | Sigiriya | Polonnaruwa | Negomo

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Highlights of Sri Lanka

17 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

• Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Included Meals Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Accommodation 14 nights in 4 star accommodation
• Group Tour Max Group Size: 28
• Physical Rating 2 Learn More X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Learn More Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.

Tour Highlights

Our Highlights of Sri Lanka tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Polonnaruwa

Wander through this UNESCO ancient kingdom

Visit this 1st century BC Dambulla Rock Temple

See these lovable Asian elephants at the Udawale Elephant Orphange

Tour the multi-religious city of Sri Lanka's capital

Tea Plantation Tour

In the cooler climes of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, tour a tea factory and plantation to learn all about the cultivation and production of the refreshing tea grown in the area.

Kosgada Turtle Hatchery

Tour the wonderful conservation project at Kosgada, where a specialist turtle hatchery works tirelessly to protect Sri Lanka's native sea turtle species, and meet its residents.

Kandy Dance Performance

In the island's cultural capital, Kandy, enjoy a fun and fascinating cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

Day by Day Itinerary

Fly overnight to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo.

Journey to Sigiriya and explore the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress, built by King Kasyapa. Later visit the world-renowned Heavenly Maiden frescoes.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, which was the former capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 12th century and is home to well preserved stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the rock temples at Gal Vihara and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings, before returning to Sigiriya.

Travel to the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated ancient cities. Whilst here, visit the Sri Mada Bodhi Bo tree, over 2000 years old; the Ruwanweliseya dagoba and the Samadhi Buddha statue. Visit the Isurumuniya rock temple to visit its rock carvings dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Travel to the Buddhist city of Kandy visiting the Dambulla Rock Temple, which dates back to the 1st Century BC. Visit a spice garden and witness a cookery demonstration in Matale. Continue to Kandy.

Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens before continuing to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. We also explore the remains of the Royal Palace which is now the National Museum. Later, witness a cultural dance show with dinner in the evening.

Travel to Nuwara Eliya by train, through the world's most picturesque scenery to the city known as Sri Lanka's little England. On arrival you will check-in and relax for the rest of the afternoon.

Travel to the Elephant Transit Home located near Udawalawe National Park, where abandoned baby elephants are cared for before they are released into the park. Continue to Yala, Sri Lanka's premiere national park.

Drive to Yala National Park, home to a large number of elephants, leopards, sambhur, wild buffalo and over 130 bird species. Enroute visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation for orphaned elephants.

Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris around the park. It is home to elephants, deer and the elusive leopards, of which one of the world's largest populations can be found.

Depart Yala and drive to Ahungalla. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Ahungalla, check into your hotel for a two night stay.

Drive to Galle for a tour of the city. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort, Galle Lighthouse and Dutch Reformed Church. Also known as Galle Fort, the Dutch Fort is one of the best preserved examples of 17th Century colonial fortifications in the world. Return to Ahungalla in the evening.

Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project.

Embark on a city tour of Colombo this morning. Explore the Fort district, the historic centre of the city. Wander through Pettah Market. Visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal, dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees, and Colombo's finest museums. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Fly to New Zealand arriving home the same or following day.

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• Nuwara Eliya

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

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• Departure: All
• 1 Room, 2 Guests
• 1 Room, 1 Guest

We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.

Additional Price Information

• Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023, subject to change.
• Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
• Customary tipping amount of approximately US$140 pp is paid locally in Sri Lanka.
• Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
• Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request
• Land only (Colombo – Colombo) 14 days from $6,280.00 per person, twin share
• Single supplement from $1,700 (does not apply to Solo Exclusive Departures)
• Price listed is based on new bookings only

Group Tour includes

• 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
• International flights and current taxes
• Domestic transportation
• 3 – 4 star accommodation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Visa fees for New Zealand passport holders

Important Information For Your Tour

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Asia’s Top 4 National Parks

7 asia travel recommendations from wendy wu – the asia expert, in focus: sri lanka.

All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement. On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance. If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.

With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.

We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.

We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.

We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.

Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.

Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.

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One of our expert Personal Travel Consultants will be in touch shortly by email or telephone to discuss your holiday requirements further.

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Sri Lanka is one of the leading romantic destinations in the whole world. The land of serendipity brings spiritual tranquility and a chance to rediscover oneself. The beauty of this tiny island is simply breath-taking. Known for its enchanting ancient ruins, endless soft-sanded beaches, imposing mountains, colorful festivals, tempting water sports, dense wild-life, diverse ethnical groups and off the top hospitality from the local residents, Sri Lanka is bound to make you come back again. Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism brings all of this for you right under your fingertips so that you can discover the serene island for yourself. – Sri lanka Travel and Tourism 2023- Best time to visit Sri Lanka

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With its vibrant orange sunsets, endless beaches, abundant wildlife, and spiced curries, tales of adventures in Sri Lanka will linger on your lips for years to come. From the golden beaches of Bentota and marvellous marine life in Mirissa to the colonial charm of Galle and the rocky ruins of Sigiriya, there's something for everyone. Whether you're after a romantic honeymoon or a backpacking escapade, for 3 days or two weeks , the Teardrop of India is warm and welcoming. Don't miss the budget-friendly safaris at Yala and Udawalawe, or the most scenic train ride of your life from Kandy to the lush green highlands of Ella!

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Sri Lanka One Life Adventures - 12 Days

This tour was such a fun experience! As a young solo female traveller it was the perfect experience- I felt safe and welcomed throughout the trip and Sumudu our tour guide was great, funny and always there to help in any situation! Can happily say I’ve experienced Sri Lanka to the fullest- it’s full on but SO worth it

• Sightseeing

Sri Lanka Experience

Just finished the 12 day Sri Lanka experience tour and had the most amazing time. The trip is a good balance between activities and some chill time to recharge. Can’t thank our group leader Tom enough for being so helpful and knowledgeable throughout the trip. His funny and light-hearted nature ensured everyone had a great time.

• In-depth Cultural

Sri Lanka Express

A good introduction to Sri Lanka but too much time spent travelling in mini bus.

Splendour Of Sri Lanka (7 Days) Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

Totally recommend this trip. Everything was amazing!!! We did so many activities in one week and we had such a pleasant time. Driver Niran was great, made our trip special and always making us feel safe.

Best of Sri Lanka

Great new experiences everyday. The tour has it all, historical sites, outdoors, hikes, sea, cycling ...

Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides

The 12 days really flew by as we were introduced to beautiful Sri Lanka including the culture, the scenery, the local people and the food. Our CEO Cham really went above and beyond for us all making sure that we were able to experience as much as possible and he really looked after us all. I would highly recommend this tour, it was a wonderful experience

Sri Lanka Uncovered

Die Beratung und Hilfestellung war super!!!

Looking for tours beyond just Sri Lanka?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Sri Lanka.

Lifetime Experience In Sri Lanka

We really enjoyed our trip through Sri Lanka with BH Lanka. Even before we arrived in Sri Lanka, we had good experiences with the BH Lanka team. Booking was very easy, individual requests were addressed and questions were answered promptly. From the moment we arrived at the airport in Sri Lanka we were always well looked after. Our tour guide Nalin Dissanayake was always at our side and took us good and safely through half the country. He always made sure we were comfortable. He also knows a lot about the country and can always answer any questions you may have. All conversations with him are very pleasant and humorous. He also speaks very good English. We can only recommend a trip to beautiful Sri Lanka. If you would like to book a tour with a guide, you should do so via BH Lanka and ask for Nalin. Nalin, thank you very much for this amazing trip with very lot of beautiful experiences.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Grand Tour Of Sri Lanka

The whole trip was really well organised from start to finish by BH Lanka Tours. There was great communication and a clear itinerary. As we travelled as a couple we were able to add extra or take out sights to suit us. The hotels exceeded our expectations. The views from Heaven's Edge in Ella were spectacular, particularly at sunrise. Our guide Indunil was amazing. He provided lots of information as we travelled around the country and patiently answered our endless questions. He was always thinking ahead to make sure things ran smoothly. He regularly stopped to get local fruit, drinks and sweets for us to taste. We always felt safe when he was driving. Indunil made a great trip even more memorable for us. A true gentleman.

Essential Sri Lanka

Amazing tour! Everything was super organised and the our tour guide Sam made the trip unforgettable. We felt we got to see so much of Sri Lanka in such a short space of time and can’t wait to return one day. Be prepared to pay extra for some of the optional activities but they are so worth it! Some meals are also not included but Sam made sure to always take us to affordable and authentic places. Can’t recommend this tour enough!

Discover Sri Lanka Beauty - FREE Yala Safari

We organised our tour to Srilanka in June. We selected ASY Tours as our travel partner and they were an excellent team to travel with.  The ASY Tours had their all-inclusive system to make us feel safe and comfortable. Everything they've planned was exceeding our expectations.  When minor problems occurred, the way the team reacted made us realise how much they are dedicated to provide us a safe and secure journey. They were really amazing.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Splendour of Sri Lanka - ( 8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka )

Wir hatten eine fantastische 8-tägige Tour durch Sri Lanka.

Best Touch Of Sri Lanka

My family and I would highly recommend this tour. Our tour guide was Sidath and he was absolutely amazing and we cannot be more thankful for his knowledge and guidance around Sri Lanka. He made us feel safe and provided lots of advice including how to not get ripped off by locals. Sidath cleaned the car everyday to ensure that we were comfortable! The itinerary was well structured with lots of activities. Low points of the tour: very basic hotels (e.g. some tv and AC didn’t work and lots of bugs and mosquitos in the hotel at Yala) which were fine by me but for some people they would have been a problem. Activities at the tail end of the tour weren’t as exciting as the activities at the start of the tour.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Grand Tour Sri Lanka - All Inclusive

I highly recommend using ASY Tours. We used this service for a 14 day trip road trip from Colombo to Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Mirissa. We would never have been able to see so much in such a short space of time without the help of our driver, Tharindu. He has expert knowledge about the culture and history of Sri Lanka and knows all the best local places to eat and shop. He is extremely easy going and a pleasure to be around. We greatly appreciated that he went out of his way to ensure we experienced as much as possible on our travels. Thank you for the incredible experience!!

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

We loved this tour. We felt like it gave a good mix of different things to see in Sri Lanka. Our tour guide Akhtar was amazing. He was incredibly knowledgeable and was constantly sharing his expertise and interesting facts with us. He was very helpful and nothing was too much trouble for him. The tour was very 'On the Go' (up early and lots to do) but this was what we wanted. It was a great week full of interesting activities and tourist sights. My personal highlights would be walking up Sigiriya, the train ride through the mountains and the safari to Udawalawe National Park. The hotels were all comfortable with the best being the Jetwing Lake in Dambulla. The pool there was amazing, I only wish we had more time there as it was so beautiful and we arrived in the dark and left early morning so didn't get to fully enjoy the scenery. I would recommend this tour to others who wanted to experience some highlights of Sri Lanka.

What people love about Sri Lanka Tours

We had a great tour with our guide Sumudu Peiris. He organized the tour and additional trips very well. Also he arranged birthday surprises for a tour member by himself. Sri Lanka is a very diverse country with beautiful landscape and animals. The inhabitants are very friendly. We really enjoyed and recommend this tour! As our guide said: Live in the moment! :)

Love Sri Lanka. IntroTravel let me experience this beautiful country with amazing group and the tour guide.

The tour was perfect for my needs. Day in Kandy a bit of a muddle and wash out. Hotel to far out of town and no choice for food but the hotel and whilst ok not great. Prefer to Sri Lankan food. Amba estate amazing. Hotel J in Negombo and Unawatuna little more than a hostel Didn’t like at all. Same group as Jetwing and they are nice hotels. Guide very knowledgable and friendly. Not great value for money would have been better without using hotel j

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Book Your Holiday To Experience The Innovative Difference

Innovative Travel will help you discover Sri Lanka’s countless wonders. Travelling in Sri Lanka can be complex and if you try and do it independently, your holiday can literally unravel.

There are many benefits in choosing an Innovative Travel holiday for your Sri Lanka experience. The expertise and professionalism of our local representatives will make your holiday seamless. With our Colombo based local operator, you will benefit from fantastic local back up and knowledge. Your guides are professionally qualified and our English speaking drivers are ready to share Sri Lanka’s secrets, from the incredible history to the best local markets or restaurant.

Private bespoke holidays, culinary tours, beach holidays, wildlife tours or design your own combination …our menu of options in Sri Lanka is large and all our programmes may be customised to suit your interests, budget and timeframe, whether you are travelling solo, with family or as a couple.

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1. Full day Safari - Yala National Park - 04.30 am to 06.00 pm with - Janaka safari

2. Udawalawe National Park | Private Safari Tour

3. Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park

4. Whale Watching Mirissa with (WWC)

5. Day tour to Sigiriya & Dambulla from Kandy by Aaliya Tours

6. Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)

7. 8 Days Sri Lanka round tours with privet driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations

8. Colombo City Tour by Tuk Tuk Morning & Evening ( Private )

9. Full Day Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla from Colombo

10. Whales and Dolphins Watching-Luxury Super Grade Cruiser(Hotel Pick up offered)

11. Colombo Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk City Tour

12. Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen

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14. Special leopards safari Yala National park - 04.30 am to 11.30 am

15. Kandy to Ella Train Tickets - Reserved Seats

16. Private Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Class in Kandy with Hotel Transfers

17. Sri Lanka Cooking Class by AGS

18. Snorkeling with Whales in Mirissa

19. Private Dambulla Sigiriya Tour from Kandy with Lunch

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21. Yala safari Private Day Tours in Yala National Park

22. City Tour in Colombo

23. Ella Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory - All Inclusive

24. Sinharaja Rainforest Tour

25. Private Day Trip to Sigiriya, cave and National park Safari Tour

26. Cook with Wasantha

27. Snorkeling Turtles in Mirissa

28. Yala Safari Day Trip from Bentota/ Kalutara/ Ahungalla/ Hikkaduwa

29. 03 Days Highlights Of Sigiriya,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya ,Ella & Udawalawe

30. Private Dambulla Sigiriya Tour from Kandy with friendly chauffeur

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RCB won by 35 runs

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Cycle Sri Lanka

14 days | discover a world of spice and splendour on a cycling trip across sri lanka.

Guided by an expert local leader, this 10-day cycling trip through Sri Lanka will take you to tea plantations, fishing villages, national parks, cities and lush green jungles. From Negombo to Colombo, you’ll see why Sri Lanka is Asia’s most exciting new destination. With pristine coastline, ancient ruins, rugged peaks and wildlife-filled national parks, it’s a dream for travellers who like to get active. In between two-wheeled treks, you can go on safari to spot leopards, take on optional food crawls, laze on the beaches of the southern coast, ride the rails (a must in Sri Lanka), explore the country’s premier Hindu and Buddhist sites, and see the famed UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya. With days of riding and nights of feasting, Sri Lanka will soon make its way to your heart.

Trip overview

• Ride to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya – an ancient rock fortress surrounded by lush greenery. Climb the stairs of Lion Rock and be rewarded for your efforts with a morning breakfast at the top with panoramic views.
• Cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura and enjoy a guided bicycle tour of the ancient city, riding through woodlands, exploring the ruins and getting a peek of the sacred old Bo Tree.
• Step back in time as you explore Sri Lanka’s most important religious and heritage sites, including the Temple of Tooth Relic and Kataragama.
• Join optional food crawls in most locations and connect with the best local street food – from the freshly caught seafood of Negombo to the pulsing night markets of Colombo, this is the best way to experience Sri Lanka’s food cuisine.
• After cycling through cities, national parks and historic sites, take the chance to relax on the sandy beaches of the southern coast. Go swimming in the clear waters, take an optional cycle to nearby Weligama to see the colourful fishing boats selling their catch on the shore and watch the sunset.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
• To complete this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle. As the riding is mostly on sealed roads, with the occasional gravel path, no technical cycling skills are required. But some downhill practice is a great idea before your trip.
• While the cycling distances on this trip are relatively short, the terrain of Sri Lanka is naturally hilly, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit, especially given the warm climate. This applies to the included activities which can add to the potential fatigue. The support vehicle will always be there if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.
• Sri Lankan summers are very hot, with short, sharp monsoons in the southwest. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water. The weather in this region also varies seasonally, so be prepared to get sweaty, and experience the occasional rainstorm, which may lead to a change of plans.
• If you have issues with heights, you might like to opt out of climbing the Lion Rock at Sigiriya (Day 6). There are lots of rough, narrow steps and tight walkways here.
• If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort, you can hire an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip.

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, close to the airport. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5:30 pm tonight, but if you arrive early, you can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft in the town. Maybe feast on fresh seafood or rent a bike from the hotel reception and explore the surrounding countryside on two wheels. Tonight, your leader will have great recommendations for local dinner spots.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Rise early and have some breakfast at the hotel, then start your cycling adventure with a test-ride through the city streets. Cycle from Negombo to Chilaw, through fishing villages, the scenic Dutch canal, coconut plantations and various tile factories. Sit down for a picnic lunch when you arrive in Chilaw. After, hop aboard a coach and travel to Anuradhapura. Here, you can settle into your hotel, relax and perhaps take a swim in the pool. You have the option of joining a 'food crawl' through the streets and markets of Anuradhapura tonight – this is a great chance to sample some tasty local cuisine.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 40 km (25 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 170 m (560 ft) of elevation gain.

After breakfast, cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura for a guided bicycle tour of the ancient city. Among the ruins you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree – a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, with some in woodland settings and others appearing more cultivated with columns and ponds dotted throughout. Visit the impressive Isurumuniya Temple and the Anuradhapura Museum, then sit down with your group for a local lunch. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon and evening.

• Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
• Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
• Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple

Your cycling distance will be approximately 37 kms (23 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 130 m (430 ft) of elevation gain.

Cycle from Anuradhapura to Ritigala this morning, passing paddies, man-made water tanks and jungle patches. Have some lunch along the way at a countryside kiosk then visit the beautiful Ritigala monastery, which dates back nearly 2000 years and is named after the mountain on which it sits. After exploring the site and learning a thing or two about its local mythology, board a coach and travel to Polonnaruwa. When you arrive, the chance to relax and recharge.

• Ritigala Monastery Entrance

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 70 km (44 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 210 m (690 ft) of elevation gain.

Saddle up for a morning ride to Polonnaruwa – the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka. Visit the Vihara Temple, Parakrama Statue and Siva Temple while you explore the site, then cycle to Diyabeduma. The scenery along the way includes sanctuaries, man-made channels and farmlands. Refuel with a picnic lunch then travel from to Dambulla by coach. In the evening, you'll visit the Dambulla wholesale vegetable market, where there will be an option to join in on a local food crawl.

• Polonnaruwa ancient ruins

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your cycling distance will be approximately 45 km (28 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 160 m (530 ft) of elevation gain.

Early this morning, you’ll cycle from your hotel in Dambulla to Sigiriya – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an ancient rock fortress that sits 200 m high among the surrounding gardens and reservoirs. Along the way, see the water garden, the boulder garden, the mirror wall and Sigiriya's frescos. You’ll want your camera today as the image of this site against the skyline is one to remember. Hike to the top of the fortress and enjoy some well-earned breakfast at the peak, taking in the panoramic views. After, jump back on your bike and pedal your way through the countryside, stopping for lunch at a spice garden near Matale. Enjoy a rest in the support vehicle as you drive the final leg to Kandy. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a traditional Kandyan dance performance – an insight into an age-old culture.

• Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
• Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance - USD7

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your cycling distance will be approximately 50 km (31 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 150 m (500 ft) of elevation gain.

The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hours. It will be a steep climb with plenty of steps and walkways along the side of the rock. Those not wanting to go to the top can rest at the lion's paw until the rest of the group returns.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the option to either head out for some extra cycling in the Hanthana Mountain Range (weather/time permitting) or stay in Kandy and explore. Later this morning, you’ll head to Giragama for a guided tour of a tea factory, learning about how Sri Lanka's favourite drink is made and sampling some of the delicious varieties. For lunch, visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant – a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment for women from local communities while training and empowering them. Try some Sri Lankan dishes prepared by the women while learning a little more about the restaurant and their important mission. The rest of the afternoon is free. Tonight, visit the Temple of Tooth Relic – the most important Buddhist site in the country – then return to town for a food crawl.

• Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
• Kandy - Lunch at Hela Bojun
• Giragama Tea Factory Tour

The tea factory will be closed on poya (the full moon) days and public holidays.

Transfer to Kandy railway station after breakfast this morning. From the station, you’ll embark on a scenic train trip from Kandy to Hatton, where you’ll then cycle to Maskeliya. Ride through leafy tea plantations to your lunch spot, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Tamil meal from a local kiosk. Check into your guesthouse, then relax this afternoon. If you like, you can take on an optional trek of Adam's Peak – a conical, snow-capped mountain that sits at 2243 m high. The best time for this activity is from mid-December to early May.

• Scenic train ride from Kandy to Hatton

Your cycling distance will be approximately 38 kms (24 mi) on roads with a light climb, turning to mostly downhill, with about 380 m (1250 ft) of elevation gain.

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.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before cycling down from Bogawanthalawa to Balangoda. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Sri Lanka, following a path along the tea plantations and pine forest passes. Alongside mountainous views, you’ll cycle through tall trees, lush vegetation and serene landscapes with a soundtrack of birdsong. Maybe see some trickling waterfalls before stopping among the green slopes of Balangoda for lunch. Then, transfer to Tissamaharama. When you arrive, wind down at your hotel and share stories over a group dinner.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 52 km (32 mi) mostly uphill with about 720 m (2360 ft) of elevation gain.

Cycle from Tissamaharama to Kataragama after breakfast. The holy city of Kataragama is a colourful and vibrant religious centre that rivals Adam's Peak in terms of national importance. This is where the two-week Kataragama Festival attracts thousands of Hindus and tourists each year in July/August. After, take a jeep ride through the beautiful Yala National Park – home to elephants, crocodiles and waterbirds like the great thick-knee. Yala also lays claim to one of the world's highest concentration of leopards! Return to Tissamaharama for the night where you’ll sit down for a group dinner.

• Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari

Your cycling distance will be approximately 38 km (24 mi) on lightly undulating roads with about 170 m (560 ft) of elevation gain.

Overtourism and lack of sustainable management practices have become a major concern for us in continuing to visit Yala. In order to reduce our impact on wildlife and the environment we are trialling visiting a less touristed section of Yala, known as Block 5. Should we determine that high tourist numbers at Block 5 also make it difficult to continue visiting responsibly, we will change our itinerary to visit Udawalawe National Park, where wild elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards also reside.

In September and October, when Yala National Park is closed annually for infrastructure development and rejuvenation, we follow the alternate itinerary of Bundala National Park.

After breakfast, cycle from Tissamaharama to Hambantota via Bundala National Park. After lunch at Hambantota, continue to Mirissa on your bike. You’ll have a free afternoon of beach time in Mirissa, where you can chill out and swim. The beach itself is a long curve of sand with clear waters, perfect for taking a dip and watching the sunset. You can also cycle to nearby Weligama, where the colourful fishing boats bring fresh fish to sell along the shore. The local cottage industry of lace products is also well worth a look if you’re seeking something authentic to bring home.

Your cycling distance will be approximately 39 kms (24 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 60 m (200 ft) of elevation gain.

Enjoy a free morning to relax or if you like, go whale-watching (this activity is more successful from November through to April). Later, you’ll drive to Galle, stopping near the Galle Fort entrance on the way to meet with a local artisan Mr Sunil. A traditional woodcarving expert, he will take you through a practical demonstration of the craft and encourage you to give it a go yourself. When you arrive in Galle – home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many old buildings – spend the evening exploring. Take a stroll around the historic fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts before driving back to Mirissa.

• Buddhist Temple Visit
• Galle - Traditional Sri Lankan Wood Carving - demonstration and participation

Your travel time will be approximately 2 hours.

While the famous stilt fishermen casting lines are an iconic sight, unfortunately this has become a real tourist trap, with travellers expected to pay for the opportunity of taking a photo. We advise our travellers to use their best judgement before paying for a photo.

Depart Mirissa after breakfast and drive to Colombo. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then head out on a leader-led walk of the city, passing the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament and the National Museum. You’ll finish at the Barefoot fairtrade store, where you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. Tonight, there's an optional group food crawl to celebrate your journey. If you’d like to celebrate a trip well travelled, you’ll head to the local market stalls and tuck into some of Sri Lanka’s best street foods.

Your travel time will be approximately 3 hours.

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 2 dinners

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Train, Jeep

Hotels (13 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information. 2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organise a suitable sized bike. 3. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking. 4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home. 5. Due to Intrepid's stance on elephant cruelty we do not visit the Perahera Festival and cannot purchase tickets on your behalf. 6. 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. 7. 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.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Daily Archives: April 24, 2024

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Hilton Yala hotel review: inside Sri Lanka’s newest eco-minded retreat

A s calm as India is frenetic and as green as its neighbour is dusty, Sri Lanka has always been a major travel destination for those with hopeless wanderlust.

The teardrop-shaped country offers something for every type of traveller; from backpackers and families to couples and groups of friends. Flights may set you back, but it's plain sailing on arrival with the pound sterling exceptionally strong against the Sri Lankan rupee.

Tourism in the country is finding its feet once more, grappling not only with the after-effects of the pandemic but bouts of civil unrest and natural disasters that came before.

Now is the perfect time to head to the beautiful south, especially as its greenest, south-eastern pocket has opened a new Hilton outpost with an eco-luxe focus.

Set in the lush greenery of Yala (pronounced Yah-ley) National Park, the Hilton is one of a handful of hotels permitted in the sanctuary.

It’s a five-hour drive from Colombo International Airport so do stop at other Sri Lankan hot-spot towns if you can. If you’ve got the cash, a chopper or seaplane can whisk you here in around an hour. The nearest town is a very bumpy half an hour drive away, so if it’s peace and quiet you’re after — welcome to paradise.

Newly opened in August 2023, humidity levels soar in April while September is the driest month. Both are times to expect a sub-optimal visit.

The best time to visit? February to July, marking spring and early summer as the prime period for families and couples to book a stay. 

Set beside the Indian Ocean in dense jungle with no fences to separate residents from wandering wildlife, the Hilton turns the tables by making guests feel like the exhibits. We didn’t see elephants wandering by on our visit, but a group of monkeys occupied a poolside table one evening, presumably for sundowner drinks.

The reception is an elevated, airy space with cathedral-high ceilings, with the bar and restaurant divided by a staircase leading down to a buggy park. This is where you’ll be driven to your room (walking the paths alone is forbidden from 6pm to 6am in case of surprise animal encounters; you’ll have to sign a document agreeing to this at check-in). Nothing like signing your life away to kick off R&R.

Food & Drink

Breakfast is a buffet affair at Indian Ocean-facing Dhira restaurant, the modest spread of fruit, pastries and local cakes supplemented by cooked-to-order plates of hoppers, omelettes and other hot breakfast fare. Glass doors lead to a balcony for those who fancy eating in the open air (and can tolerate the cloying temperatures). Lunch and dinner are served in the same space, with a menu of Asian-inspired and grilled dishes to whet the appetite. 

Don't miss the bespoke Lanthaaruma dining experience, which changes location depending on nocturnal animal activity. We enjoyed ours on the beach lit by the glow of lanterns and a bonfire, but it can also be set up beside the pool. A tailored menu is cooked in an open kitchen, with everything from vegetable risotto to Sri Lankan-style surf and turf (gigantic prawns and juicy lamb chops) to feast on while rangers keep watch for gatecrashing elephants.

Hospitality is second to none, with smiling staff, many recruited from the area, falling over themselves to accommodate any whim or need.

Aside from the outdoor pool, there’s also a gym and spa to unwind time in. You’ll find plenty of massage options in the serene space to drain muscles of tension, from 30min sessions to tranquilising hour-and-a-half pampering treatments.

Extracurricular

This Hilton’s biggest USP is, without question, its location.

Guests come here first and foremost for a Sri Lankan safari. Yala is 130,000 hectares of wild protected land, home to a cornucopia of creatures, from Asian elephants and spotted deer, to herds of water buffalo and freshwater crocodiles. Leopards are the king of this jungle — it’s the best place in Sri Lanka to spot one — but the apex predators are notoriously shy so coming across the big cat is pure luck.

Safaris, led by Hilton’s delightful rangers, set off in the early morning to beat the queues and the worst of the heat. We passed at least 20 jeeps queuing to get into zone one (there are six zones), but the hotel organises park entry ahead of time so you can trundle straight into the action. 

While you’re unlikely to spot anything to make your BPM race on the main road, jeeps soon peel off onto smaller paths to raise the chances of scrambling for your camera. We saw everything but a leopard on our four-hour safari, including elephants at play, rebuffed peacock flirting (he shook every feather, she remained aloof) and a croc crouched by a lake, its jaws pulled back into a devilish Cheshire cat grin. Until our ranger Praneeth explained the behaviour was to cool the brain in climbing temperatures, one might assume he was simply pleased to see us. 

The hotel also arranges guided bush walks around the resort so you can take things in at eye level. Archaeological and Buddhist temple trips are on the itinerary list too. Similarly set first thing in the morning, Hilton will pack jeeps with cold drinks and bento-style breakfasts to keep you fed and watered.

Aside from the wildlife, Hilton Yala’s biggest asset is its rangers. The select team helped design the resort to safeguard crucial elephant corridors, keeping them active for the wandering giants. They’re full of insider knowledge, from how climate change affects the park’s residents to bush-harvested solutions for everyday ills. 

Head ranger Sajith Withanage swears by elephant dung as a hangover cure, disclosed as we skirted around sun-hardened pats of the stuff. Simply break off a chunk, burn it like charcoal and breathe in the emanating white smoke, he told us, eyes twinkling. It’s good for stopping nosebleeds too, apparently. One wonders the circumstances in which this remedy was first revealed.

Which room?

Arranged on ground and first-floor levels around a tree-lined pool, suites are wrapped in grey slatted wood, the look purposely designed to mimic zoo cages. But oh! What cages to find yourself in. Plush and fully air-conditioned, the spacious rooms are fitted with swanky Japanese loos, sigh-triggering beds, smart lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows to keep the outdoors firmly in the spotlight.

Top-floor rooms come with jacuzzis on the deck, while the ground-floor options boast private pools that make a welcome retreat from scorching midday temperatures.

Best for...?

Spotting Sri Lanka’s creatures, great and small. 

Rooms at Hilton Yala start from approx. £442 per night, including breakfast. hilton.com

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