For most travellers, Sri Lanka has been off the map for too long. Well, it's back. Discover the vibrant colours, diverse cultures, and swaying palm trees of this tropical jewel. Explore tea plantations and rock fortresses on this 14-day tour, which is designed to please. This tour is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it's about the inspiring people you'll meet along the way.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration, Udawalawe. Colombo orientation walk. Fishing market walking tour. Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride. Dambulla Cave Temple visit. Sigiriya Rock Fortress tour. Village tour with local lunch. Spice plantation visit. Temple of the Tooth guided tour. Tea factory visit. Yala National Park safari. Galle Fort and city tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore the Sigriya rock fortress, Enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demo for dinner, gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation, relax on pristine beaches, Embark on a safari through Yala National Park, Overnight at a nature resort in Digana
How large will the group be?
Max 15, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private van, boat, scenic local train.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
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.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (13 nts).
Itinerary
Colombo
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Colombo/Negombo
Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before heading to Negombo. With evening free time, explore the stunning Portuguese and Dutch architecture.
Negombo/Sigiriya
Begin the day visiting the seaside and observe fisherman sorting through their haul ashore. Board a boat to glide along the Dutch canal and get a closer look at the lives of the locals. Travel to the Dambulla province and visit the cave temple before watching the sun set over the lake. Travel through the countryside to Sigiriya in Dambulla, the central province of Sri Lanka. Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla.
In the evening, try to catch a beautiful sunset over the Kandalamma Lake.
Sigiriya
Guided tour of the rock fortress of Sigiriya — a World Heritage site. Meet locals and share a meal in a nearby village.
Enjoy a walking tour of a local village to learn about residents' way of life while getting a chance to try the local cuisine at a lunch prepared by the families of the community. Later, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the fifth century, this rock fortress boasts well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces with beautiful wall motifs.
In the afternoon, opt to go for a tour of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, where you can cycle through the ruins.
Sigiriya/Kandy
Drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range and visit a spice plantation en route to Kandy. Stop for lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. Take a guided visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth. En route to Kandy, stop at the herbal centre of spices. Students of Ayurveda will explain different uses for each herb.
Arrive to Kandy in the afternoon. Go for a stroll around Kandy Lake and visit the famed Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy an included lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. In the evening, opt to attend a Kandyan Cultural Dance.
Kandy/Digana
Enjoy a free morning in Kandy then travel to Digana. Arrive at the nature resort for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a jewellery maker who handcrafts delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn to make Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner. Accommodations at a nature resort are simple and authentic.
Digana/Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a free morning of exploration before transferring to Nuwara Eliya. In the afternoon, explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands. Gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region. The town, also known as 'Little England', offers a lot of options for visitors. Explore the nature trails, visit the plantations, or go golfing or horseback riding.
Nuwara Eliya/Ella
Spend a free morning hiking in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve or strolling local markets. Later, hop on the local train and take the scenic route to Ella. Use free time to explore the area. Opt to stay close to the city, wandering local markets or head further afield. There's a 9km (6 mi) trek in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Wander around Victoria Lake and take in the views.
Ella
Enjoy a free day in the charming town of Ella. Opt to tour the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, hike to Little Adam's rock, admire views of Ella Rock, or simply relax and wander around town.
Ella/Yala National Park
Enjoy a free morning. In the afternoon, travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari.
Yala National Park to Mirissa
Enjoy one last morning visiting Yala NP then bid farewell and travel south to idyllic Mirissa Beach.
Galle
Take a day trip to Galle and tour the colonial city and historic fort before returning to Mirissa.
Mirissa
Enjoy a free day in peaceful Mirissa. Opt to relax on the beach or take a surfing lesson.
Mirissa
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
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. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. 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.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
