Compare Simply Sri Lanka by Intrepid Travel vs Northern Sri Lanka tour including Jaffna by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 657 | $ 3,607 |
| Price Per Day | $ 82 | $ 240 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip. |
The cultural triangle, neatly tended tea estates, rose-gold beaches... On a tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Sri Lanka specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Admire the cave frescos of Dambulla and clamber to the top of Sigiriya Rock’s fortress. Join pilgrims as they stroll the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Pause at a roadside fruit stall for a fresh banana. Spot elephants, bird life and, if you’re lucky, a leopard, in Yala National Park. Take a traditional mask-making class and compare your skills with those sold in the boutiques of Dutch-colonial Galle. Long stretches of coastline, Colombo’s artisanal markets, a plantation-home stay… What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go. |
Day 1 Negombo
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Day 2 Dambulla
After breakfast, leave Negombo and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Dambulla, arriving just after midday. In the afternoon you may like to relax at the hotel after check-in, or take an optional visit to a nearby wildlife reserve – a jeep safari excursion that takes you into elephant country. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Another option is the nearby Dambulla Caves with their magnificently decorated interiors.
Day 3 Sigiriya - Kandy
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship.
Day 4 Kandy
The morning is yours to explore Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush countryside. It’s home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. It was once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, and the area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Perhaps walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy – explore the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys in 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Regroup for today’s lunch, which is sure to be one to remember! Visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment to women from local communities while training and empowering them. Here you’ll enjoy some truly delicious Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the important work they do. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.
Day 5 Unawatuna
Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage.
Day 6 Unawatuna
Sleep in, relax on the beach, work on your tan or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. Feel like something a bit more active? Today is a good opportunity to pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach for some more chillaxing.
Day 7 Colombo
Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. If you're lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together.
Day 8 Colombo
Have string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast, then pull your saddest face as our trip comes to an end.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Colombo.
Day 2 : Kandy
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by our representatives and transferred to Kandy for your first two nights in Sri Lanka. In the lower hill region, you're surrounded by lush hills and some amazing scenery.
Day 3 : Kandy
Visit Kandy and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Early this evening your driver will take you to a performance of the famous Kandyan dancing before visiting the famous Temple of The Sacred Tooth.
Day 4 : Sigiriya
Transfer north to Sigirya, travelling via the impressive caves in Dambulla. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the site consists of 5 temples; carved into the rock within a hill looming over Dambulla. Taking a walk up the steps to the top of the hill, you can enjoy the views of the surrounding plains before exploring these beautiful temples.Spend the night in Sigiriya, located in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle.
Day 5 : Sigiriya
Explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and nearby ancient city of Polonnaruwa today with your chauffeur-guide. Polonnaruwa is still a devout holy city so you can mix with brightly robed Buddhist monks and pilgrims dressed in white bringing beautiful floral offerings.
Day 6 : Anuradhapura
Travel onwards to Anuradhapura for the next three nights. Passing rice paddies and farm, this is a great route to spot some local wildlife.The evening is free to relax.
Day 7 : Anuradhapura
Today you will visit the ancient sites which dot the towns of Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Avoid the midday sun and wear comfortable shoes.
Day 8 : Anuradhapura
Spend the day exploring Wilpattu National Park. Travel by jeep to hopefully see wild elephants, the local birdlife amongst many other species of animals.
Day 9 : Jaffna
This morning after breakfast you will drive up to the very north of the country to Jaffna - a stunning place that has a turbulent history and strong Tamil influence - it's a really unique place to visit in Sri Lanka.
Day 10 : Jaffna
Today you will be able start your tour of the Jaffna area with your guide. You are likely to be the only tourists around so you will certainly get to see the Sri Lankan way of life.
Day 11 : Jaffna
Another day to continue your explorations of Jaffna. Today you may want to visit one of the neighbouring islands or go up to the top of the peninsula to the coast.
Day 12 : Trincomalee
Travel south east today to reach the harbour city of Trincomalee. Explore the history or relax on the beautiful beaches.
Day 13 : Trincomalee
Day at leisure to explore or just relax on the beach. In summer it's possible to take a boat trip to see whales and dolphins - this can be booked directly with the hotel.
Day 14 : Colombo
Take a domestic flight back to Colombo today. If flights connect, you may be able to fly out internationally on the same day, otherwise, stop in Colombo for one night. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring one of Colombo's markets.
Day 15 : International return flight
Travel to the international airport for your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
