Discover Sri Lanka

12 days
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Small Group Tour
Sri Lanka was known by early Arab traders as “Serendib,” a name which gave rise to the English word “serendipity.” Set out on an adventure through this serendipitous Indian Ocean isle, exploring stunning palaces, ancient cities, and intricately decorated Buddhist temples. Take a stroll through fragrant spice gardens and lush tea plantations, tasting world-ren...
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$3,443
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore ruins and archaeological sites with local experts
    • Take in a lecture on elephant conservation
    • Search out leopards at wilpattu national park
    • Enjoy a taste of tea at its source
    • Learn about local ingredients and flavours during a cooking demonstration

What's this trip about?

    Sri Lanka was known by early Arab traders as “Serendib,” a name which gave rise to the English word “serendipity.” Set out on an adventure through this serendipitous Indian Ocean isle, exploring stunning palaces, ancient cities, and intricately decorated Buddhist temples. Take a stroll through fragrant spice gardens and lush tea plantations, tasting world-renowned Ceylon tea right at the source, and look out for elephants and leopards on safari in two celebrated national parks.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityColombo
End CityNegombo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Sri Lanka

Attractions

  • Colombo
  • Dambulla
  • Kandy
  • Negombo
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Udawalawe

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Safari
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wilpattu Safari and Conservation Talk
    • Wilpattu National ParkYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Agricultural Village Experience
    • HabaranaYour Journeys Highlight Moment: High Tea and Handicrafts
    • KandyYour G for Good Moment: Sthree Craft Shop and Café
    • KandyYour Hands-On Moment: Visit a Coconut Plantation
    • ColomboYour Foodie Moment: Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration
    • Udawalawe
    • Arrival transfer
    • Tour of Anuradhapura ruins
    • Tour the Sigiriya rock fortress
    • Dambulla cave temple visit
    • Visit a Matale spice garden
    • Tour the Temple of the Tooth
    • Cultural show
    • Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens
    • Tour Nuwara Eliya area and a Ceylon tea plantation
    • Hike in Horton Plains National Park
    • Safari drive in Udawalawe National Park
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Colombo

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Colombo/Wilpattu National Park

Begin the day with a visit to a coconut plantation. Coconut is one of Sri Lanka’s major exports, and many local industries utilize coconut-based by-products. Continue north to Wilpattu National Park, one of the oldest parks in the country and home to a significant leo...

Day 3 Wilpattu National Park/Anuradhapura

Travel to the sacred city of Anuradhapura, an ancient capital of Sri Lanka dating to the third century B.C. Take your time to wander the palaces, gardens, Buddhist temples, and monasteries of this splendid UNESCO World Heritage site, and opt to explore the ruins by bike with a professional cycling guide.

Day 4 ANURADHAPURA/HABARANA/DAMBULLA

Venture to the thriving village of Habarana, where we’ll get a chance to glimpse daily rural life. Explore the area by traditional bull cart, visiting lush vegetable fields and rice paddies. Take a stroll through town and meet some of Habarana’s residents. Float in a canoe down a picturesque lake, and sit down for a lunch of local specialties. Later, continue to Dambulla for the evening.

Day 5 Dambulla

This morning, discover one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights—the striking fortress of Sigiriya, or the Lion’s Rock. This royal city and UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the fifth century on the slopes and summit of an imposing granite peak. Climb up a series of...

Day 6 Dambulla/Kandy

Set out to explore the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved collection of cave shrines in Sri Lanka. Admire stunning Buddhist murals and a trove of Buddha statues, including a spectacular reclining Buddha carved out of solid rock. Then visit...

Day 7 Kandy

Kandy served as the last capital of Sri Lanka’s Sinhala dynasty before the British took complete control of the island in 1815. Spend the day exploring the city, visiting the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, once accessible only to the royal family. A...

Day 8 Kandy/Nuwara Eliya

Travel through scenic mountains to the town of Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of Sri Lankan tea country. Visit a tea plantation to gain insight into the cultivation and production of this beloved beverage, and savour a cup of perfectly blended Ceylon tea. Then head out on...

Day 9 NUWARA ELIYA/HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK/UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK

Venture out early this morning into Horton Plains National Park, a protected natural area encompassing high altitude grasslands and hilly cloud forest. Enjoy a picnic breakfast, and culminate your trek at a point known as World’s End—a majestic drop that provides incr...

Day 10 UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK

A sanctuary for large herds of elephants, Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in the world to observe these majestic pachyderms. Embark on a jeep safari through the park seeking out the abundant wildlife, including water buffalo, jackals, and various spe...

Day 11 Udawalawe/Negombo

Drive to Negombo and spend the day at leisure. This small port town has seen Portguese, Dutch, and British rule—reflected in the architecture of the old quarter—and used to be a centre of the cinnamon trade. Choose to visit the Old Dutch Fort, step into one of the town’s ornate Catholic churches, or enjoy a stroll on the beach.

Day 12 Negombo

Depart at any time.

Hotel check out is at 12:00pm. Your CEO can assist you with arranging an easy transfer to Colombo or the International airport.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,799
Price per day$233
Last Updated: 5/13/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
15 Jul 2024
26 Jul 2024
$2,799
4 spots left
29 Jul 2024
09 Aug 2024
$2,799
Sold Out
12 Aug 2024
23 Aug 2024
$2,799
12 spots left
26 Aug 2024
06 Sep 2024
$2,799
15 spots left
09 Sep 2024
20 Sep 2024
$2,899
Sold Out
23 Sep 2024
04 Oct 2024
$2,899
14 spots left
07 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
$2,899
15 spots left
21 Oct 2024
01 Nov 2024
$2,899
15 spots left
04 Nov 2024
15 Nov 2024
$3,049
14 spots left
18 Nov 2024
29 Nov 2024
$3,049
10 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
32,197
Great
10,075
Average
8
Disappointing
6
Terrible
28
N

Niamh

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The standard of accommodation was the best I have experienced in the 3 g trips I have undertaken

The standard of accommodation was the best I have experienced in the 3 g trips I have undertaken. Transport was reliable and comfortable with very friendly and accom...

K

Kevin

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Great trip

Great trip.

M

Margaret

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Fantastic

Fantastic. Loved Sri Lanka!

J

Jessica

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

My overall feeling was that the tour was excellent a very good method of getting the heart of the country in a short time

My overall feeling was that the tour was excellent - a very good method of getting the heart of the country in a short time. Our tour leader was very knowledgeable a...

K

Karen

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Enjoyed the trip through gadventures

Enjoyed the trip through gadventures

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

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G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

"Classic": An unbeatable mix of uncommon experiences, insider access, cultural contact, and all the must-sees and -dos, Classic is adventure perfected.

"Active": Why just see the world when you could bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport it? Why, indeed. Active tours keep travellers who like to move on the move.

"Yolo": You’re only young once. Make the most of it with Yolo tours, fun-filled and fast-moving adventures designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39.

"Family": Just because you settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Family makes our big planet small enough for all.

"Local Living": Want to get under the skin of some of the most gorgeous and out-there places? Local Living tours grant access that even locals don't have.

"Private Groups": Got a group of eight or more and want to keep the fun to yourselves? Try a Private Group tour. You pick the who and where, we’ll handle the what.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

  • 100% Guaranteed Departures
  • Lifetime Deposits
  • 24/7 Service
  • Awards include one of National Geographic Traveler's Tours of a Lifetime and one of National Geographic Adventure's "Best Adventure Tour Outfitters." Several times named Canada's Favorite Adventure Tour Operator.

To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
What they’re known for
Curated culturally immersive adventures for young adults and families that are tailored to a destination or specific theme.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel/lodges (8 nts), tented camp (3 nts).,

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle, boat, 4x4, walking,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle, boat, 4x4, walking
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Important Notes

1. Some culturally significant sights in Sri Lanka may not allow entry to people wearing hats or hijabs, or to those with covered faces. Examples of cultural sites with such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree section or the Anuradhapura Cultural Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple and Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. 2. Displaying body art or wearing clothing that includes an image of the Buddha is illegal; please be culturally sensitive and respect the law and should you have any such tattoos, keep them covered at all times. 3. Traveling by road in Sri Lanka is certainly not what people are use to in Western countries. Many road ways are single lane, rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, and overtake in seemingly dangerous situations. Although their are some improvements in the works to the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result, some of the roads are poorly maintained, and this gets even more pronounced during and after the monsoon. As a result, travel time covering relatively short distances is very long in comparison to Western countries. 4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-23730

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