12 Days | Explore the hidden beauty of Sri Lanka, from ancient ruins and rustling jungles to the sandy shoreline
![sri-lanka_kandy_temple-of-the-sacred-tooth_locals](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt1ae2332a7b1fbda9/63c8a10e182d990c31545d2e/HPKS_sri-lanka_kandy_temple-of-the-sacred-tooth_locals.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Explore the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltac4fe0ac05511dc8/63c8a113a58a600757b48294/Intrepid_Travel-sri-lanka_dambulla_sigiriya-lion-rock-fortress_group-climbing-steps_3.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Fire dance performance, Kandy](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blta1a3feac13b700c1/63c8a11723a7241736cd0af0/Intrepid_Travel-sri-lanka_kandy_cultural-show_fire.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltc5fd3ca9b58e2e8d/63c8a11cbf0eab074cf00771/Intrepid_Travel-sri-lanka_dambulla-caves-temple_statues_traveller.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Wild elephants in Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltcb2c77b62178d0a0/63c8a1200754b45d8b0ff6a9/PEAK_DMC-Asia_Sri_Lanka_mother-calf_elephant-marsh_ss_347951078.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
If you're looking for a place where Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, churches and mosques can all be found on the same stretch, Sri Lanka’s melting pot should be next on your list. On this 12-day adventure, you’ll head from laidback Negombo to ancient Anuradhapura. Explore the secrets of the north, the hidden places of Jaffna and the beautiful coastline of Trincomalee. Learn about the spiritual heart of the country in the temples of Kandy, look out for local wildlife on safaris and spend time with locals keen to share their homes, food and stories.
Trip overview
![Map of Sri Lanka Explorer including Sri Lanka](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt1bcec3be03cc5c3d/637aef876a53ab129ede7349/HPSS_2023.gif?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
- Start
- Negombo, Sri Lanka
- Finish
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Sri Lanka
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- HPSS
- Visit Sigiriya's Lion Rock – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and if you’re game, climb the steps to the top for amazing views over the jungle.
- Explore an area of Sri Lanka only recently opened to tourism – considered to be off-limits for years due to the civil war, the gates to Jaffna are now open to adventurers once more. Discover Tamil culture and see Point Pedro – Sri Lanka’s northernmost point.
- Kick back in the sun on Trincomalee Beach’s bright and sandy shoreline. Enjoy the open skies, swaying palm trees and glittering waters, then stop by a local village to join the community in making a traditional Tamil meal.
- Witness ritual and devotion in the spiritual heart of the country during a visit to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.
- Observe wild elephants from basic tree houses and hopefully catch an outstanding sunset in Wasgamuwa National Park – one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Sri Lanka.
- Jaffna has opened to tourism after being off-limits to visitors for the past 30 years, meaning it’s quieter, less developed and services and accommodation are not yet quite up to the same standard as the rest of the country.
- Though its equatorial position means constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Itinerary
Inclusions
10 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, Train
Hotel (11 nights)
- Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
- Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
- Anuradhapura - Bike tour
- Jaffna - Jaffna Peninsula tour
- Jaffna - Nagadeepa Temple
- Jaffna - Cooking class & family visit
- Jaffna - Jaffna Library
- Trincomalee - Palmyrah Toddy and Food experience
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
- Minneriya National Park - Entrance Fee
- Kandy - Spice garden visit
- Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Kandy - Tea factory visit
- Colombo - City Tour
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. The Perahera Festival is a 10 day period of evening processions to honour the Sacred Tooth, which is enshrined at Kandy's Temple of the Tooth. Each night features thousands of perfomers, including dancers, drummers, and a parade of more than 50 decorated elephants. Due to Intrepid's stance on elephant cruelty we do not visit the Perahera Festival and cannot purchase tickets on your behalf.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
Read Essential Trip InformationReviews
Filter by rating