Highlights of Sri Lanka

7 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
This week long exploration of Sri Lanka packs in a wealth of highlights across this beautiful island. Discover sprawling ancient capitals, giant Buddhist statues, intricate temples, national parks teeming with wildlife and white sand tropical beaches. Wilpattu National Park - Take a jeep safari to search for leopards, elephants and sambar deer Sigiriya ...
19%
$1,402
From$1,140
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Explore Sri Lanka's Buddhist Temples and sacred sites
    • Search for leopards on a jeep safari
    • Relax on the beautiful beaches of the west coast

What's this trip about?

    This week long exploration of Sri Lanka packs in a wealth of highlights across this beautiful island. Discover sprawling ancient capitals, giant Buddhist statues, intricate temples, national parks teeming with wildlife and white sand tropical beaches. Wilpattu National Park - Take a jeep safari to search for leopards, elephants and sambar deer Sigiriya - Climb the UNESCO Heritage Site of Lion's Rock for stunning views of the surrounding plains Dambulla - Explore the incredible painted cave temple filled with Buddha statues and share a meal with a local family

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityNegombo
End CityColombo Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Sri Lanka

Attractions

  • Colombo
  • Dambulla
  • Kandy
  • Negombo
  • Sigiriya
  • Yala
  • Yala National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Negombo

Arrive in Negombo, the famous coastal town famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. This relaxing beach resort is a short distance from Sri Lanka's capital city, and is the perfect place to spot locals bringing in the day's catch and watch the sunset. F...

Day 2 In search of leopards in Wilpattu National Park

Leaving Negombo we travel north following the coastal road via the small towns of Chilaw and Putalam before reaching the entrance to Wilpattu National Park. Here we will leave our bus and change to jeeps for an afternoon safari through the park hoping to spot Sri Lank...

Day 3 Climb Mihintale for fabulous views en route to the coast

We start this morning with a visit to the mountain peak of Mihintale. It is believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, introducing Buddhism to the country. Exploring Mihintale involves climbing a flight o...

Day 4 Free time to explore Trincomalee

Today is left free for you to relax on the beaches of Trincomalee. The waters on the east coast are particularly calm and shallow, in some areas you can walk almost 100 metres in to the sea with the water only being waist height. Alternatively you could take a short t...

Day 5 Explore cave temples and take lunch with the locals

Today we leave the coast and head inland. We swap our bus for a bullock cart and make our way slowly through a small village on the outskirts of Habarana. Reaching the lake we change seats again and use dugout canoe style boats - adapted with seats for a more comforta...

Day 6 Climb Lion's Rock at sunrise. Drive to Kandy

An early start this morning as we plan to climb Sigiriya Rock ahead of the crowds and whilst it is cool. The ruins of this 5th century Sky Fortress are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. Built...

Day 7 Drive to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport where our trip ends

Departing Galle this morning we drive along the coastal road back to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) where we will arrive at about 10am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 12:45pm.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 1 Join trip in Negombo

Arrive in Negombo, a coastal town known for its fishing industry and golden sands. This relaxing beach resort is a short distance from Sri Lanka's capital city, and is the perfect place to spot locals bringing in the day's catch and watch the sunset. For those arri...

Day 2 In search of leopards in Wilpattu National Park

Leaving Negombo this morning we travel north following the coastal road via the small towns of Chilaw and Putalam before reaching the entrance to Wilpattu National Park, a drive of around 4 hours including stops. Here we will leave our bus and change to jeeps for an a...

Day 3 Walk up Mihintale Mount. Explore Dambulla cave temples on drive to Sigiriya

We start this morning with a visit to the mountain peak of Mihintale. It is believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, introducing Buddhism to the country. Exploring Mihintale involves climbing a flight o...

Day 4 Climb Lion's Rock at sunrise. Drive to Kandy

An early start this morning as we plan to climb Sigiriya Rock ahead of the crowds and whilst it is cool. The ruins of this 5th century sky fortress are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. Built...

Day 5 Visit highlands tea producer. Drive to Koggala beach via Galle Fort

Leaving Kandy behind we stop at a tea factory to learn about the processes involved in Sri Lanka's largest export. Originally a tea bush was brought from China in 1842 to be planted at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and it was 25 years later that James Taylor establishe...

Day 6 Free time to explore Galle, whale watching (seasonal) and or relax at Koggala Beach

Today is left free to do as little or as much as you wish. A short tuk tuk ride can take you back to the pretty coastal town of Galle. Today, the town has a strong arts vibe, with foreign and local artists, writers, photographers, designers and poets drawing inspirati...

Day 7 Drive to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport where our trip ends

Departing the hotel this morning we drive (3hrs) along the coastal road back to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) where we will arrive at about 10am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 12:45pm.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,140
Price per day$163
Last Updated: 4/29/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
15 Jul 2024
21 Jul 2024
$1,140
$400
11 spots left
05 Aug 2024
11 Aug 2024
$1,680
$400
8 spots left
16 Sep 2024
22 Sep 2024
$1,210
$330
13 spots left
14 Oct 2024
20 Oct 2024
$1,210
$330
14 spots left
11 Nov 2024
17 Nov 2024
$1,450
$340
13 spots left
25 Nov 2024
01 Dec 2024
$1,410
$340
11 spots left
06 Jan 2025
12 Jan 2025
$1,460
$350
16 spots left
20 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$1,460
$350
16 spots left
03 Feb 2025
09 Feb 2025
$1,460
$350
14 spots left
17 Feb 2025
23 Feb 2025
$1,460
$350
15 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

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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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,540
Great
2,172
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
T

Thais

Mar 2024

Written on

Highlights of Sri Lanka

The itinerary was very good, however the all the hoteis are very bad quality (i would recommend to give better option for the clients that want to have a better qual...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Highlights of Sri Lanka

I understand that the guide was new and he tried his best, but there is lack of communication and organisation during the tour. I previously attended to so many tour...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Highlights of Sri Lanka

The climb up Lions Rock was amazing!

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2023

Written on

Highlights of Sri Lanka

Great guide, very informative, beautiful country. S...

F

Fatema

Dec 2023

Written on

Highlights of Sri Lanka

An amazing and varied trip covering so much in just a week. My highlight was seei...

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Other Explore! Reviews

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Veronica

Apr 2024

Written on

Very Good

Extremely helpful and friendly staff enjoyed talking to her

G

Gina

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

Our guide was a wonderful leader and took great care of everyone on the trip and made sure everyone was snd felt included He loved his country and telling us its ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Sri Lanka: All foreign nationals who intend to visit Sri Lanka for a short stay of up to six months, including transit passengers, must apply for travel authorization online prior to travel to the country. All UK, EU, US, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationals can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a fee of approx 100USD. You must apply for this prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that you print and bring a copy of the ETA approval notice with you. The Sri Lankan authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Sri Lanka. https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ In addition to this, Sri Lanka has discontinued the use of paper land cards, and passengers are now required to fill out the following online arrival form, prior to arriving in Sri Lanka: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/emb/eEmbarkation/'#/home-page All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A plus Polio and diptheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. We strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellents containing DEET as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
    • Breakfast : 6
    • Lunch : 1
  • Breakfast : 6
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-SLH

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