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Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: HPPS
Overview
Destination:
Sri Lanka,
Duration:14 days
Type:Group tour (max 12)
Travel Period
September 2026 - December 2028
Discover a country that radiates warmth – from its glorious sunshine and scorching cuisine to the incredibly kind people, this is Sri Lanka. This 14-day Premium adventure will take you straight to the heart of the country. Explore the ancient ruins of past civilisations, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, search for rare and beautiful animals like elephants and leopards, relax on palm-fringed beaches and soak up the hospitable welcome from the locals. You’ll see all the best bits of Sri Lanka in style, with a Feature Stay hotel surrounded by wildlife-rich nature trails and a Premium Experience at a waterfall in the lesser-known town of Wellawaya.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. Some travellers have reported being approached by locals offering excursions before their Intrepid trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Intrepid and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We advise customers against joining any tour offered by the unauthorised guides.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. 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.
4. Tourism in Sri Lanka is booming, and with it has come a huge increase in visitors to Yala National Park. In order to reduce our impact on wildlife and the environment we are trialling visiting a less touristed section of Yala. Should we determine that tourist numbers here also make it difficult to visit responsibly, we will change our itinerary to visit Udawalawe National Park.
5. Yala National Park is closed in September and October for infrastructure development and rejuvenation. During these months we visit Udawalawe National Park.
6. Please provide your full name and passport number exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). If we do not receive your passport details in time, we cannot guarantee your train journey. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket. Train tickets are in very high demand in Sri Lanka. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. 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.
4. Tourism in Sri Lanka is booming, and with it has come a huge increase in visitors to Yala National Park. In order to reduce our impact on wildlife and the environment we are trialling visiting a less touristed section of Yala. Should we determine that tourist numbers here also make it difficult to visit responsibly, we will change our itinerary to visit Udawalawe National Park.
5. Yala National Park is closed in September and October for infrastructure development and rejuvenation. During these months we visit Udawalawe National Park.
6. Please provide your full name and passport number exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). If we do not receive your passport details in time, we cannot guarantee your train journey. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket. Train tickets are in very high demand in Sri Lanka. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
Highlights:
- 1. Some travellers have reported being approached by locals offering excursions before their Intrepid trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Intrepid and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We advise customers against joining any tour offered by the unauthorised guides. 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 3. 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. 4. Tourism in Sri Lanka is booming, and with it has come a huge increase in visitors to Yala National Park. In order to reduce our impact on wildlife and the environment we are trialling visiting a less touristed section of Yala. Should we determine that tourist numbers here also make it difficult to visit responsibly, we will change our itinerary to visit Udawalawe National Park. 5. Yala National Park is closed in September and October for infrastructure development and rejuvenation. During these months we visit Udawalawe National Park. 6. Please provide your full name and passport number exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). If we do not receive your passport details in time, we cannot guarantee your train journey. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket. Train tickets are in very high demand in Sri Lanka. We always try our best to secure tickets, but if we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.
Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners.
- Transport: Private vehicle, Train.
- Accommodation: Hotels (11 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights).
- Complimentary arrival transfer.
- Negombo - Welcome Dinner.
- Negombo - Fish market.
- Dambulla - Home-cooked dinner.
- Dambulla - Cave Temples.
- Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple.
- Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins.
- Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple.
- Anuradhapura - Ruwanweliseya Stupa.
- Anuradhapura - Jetawanaramaya Stupa.
- Polonnaruwa ancient ruins.
- Polonnaruwa - Statue of Parakramabahu I.
- Polonnaruwa - Rankot Vihara.
- Polonnaruwa - Quadrangle.
- Polonnaruwa - Lankatilaka.
- Polonnaruwa - Gal Vihara.
- Sigiriya – Zero Plastic Impact Centre.
- Matale - Spice Garden.
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress visit.
- Kandy - Botanical Gardens.
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth.
- Kandy - Hela Bojun social enterprise lunch.
- Kandy - Gem museum & lapidary workshop visit.
- Kandy - Private Cultural Dance Performance.
- Nuwara Eliya - High tea.
- Nuwara Eliya - Visit to Tea Estate & Tea Factory.
- Nanu Oya - Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella.
- Ella - Nine Arch bridge visit.
- Ella - Ella Gap view point.
- Wellawaya - Waterfall visit & picnic lunch.
- Yala/Bundala National Park - Wildlife safari.
- Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour.
- Galle - Beeralu lace weaving activity.
- Galle - Farmer's market and home cooking class.
- Colombo - City Tour.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe take some time to relax on the beach under the blue sky. After your welcome meeting, your leader will take you to a local restaurant for a seafood dinner. Sri Lankan food is famous for its rich aromas, spices and flavours, and this evening you’ll find out why as you sample some local favourites like pol sambol (a spicy coconut dish) and roast paan (crispy roasted bread).
Day 2: Dambulla
Rise early this morning for a visit to the Negombo fish market. Morning is the best time to visit – your leader will help you navigate the organised frenzy of vendors displaying fresh catches like crabs, lobsters and squid. Then, say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Dambulla, where you'll spend the next three nights. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then make the short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here, you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. Explore the cave complex with your leader, who will explain why this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site has been a place of worship for thousands of years.In the evening, join your group for an authentic introduction to the local cuisine and food culture. Tuck into a delicious array of local dishes, including hoppers, string hoppers, pol roti, fried lake fish, and other Sri Lankan favourites. You will also have the chance to get hands-on and learn how to prepare some of these classic dishes so you can recreate the taste of Sri Lanka at home.
Day 3: Dambulla
Today, you’ll head to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Anuradhapura, the northern point of Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle’, which also contains Polonnaruwa to the east and Kandy to the southwest. This area is full of temples and sites of cultural and religious importance. The city of Anuradhapura is one of the country’s most historically significant places and was its first ancient capital. Take a step back in time as your leader guides you through the giant stupas of Ruwanweliseya and Jetawanaramaya, and ponder the rise and fall of ancient civilisations as you explore crumbling temples and ruins. Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple – home to a sacred bodhi tree planted in 236 BC, believed to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Stop by the ancient temple of Isurumuniya and see its intricate carvings that tell stories thousands of years old. Return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Day 4: Dambulla
After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Polonnaruwa to continue your exploration of the cultural triangle. Following Anuradhapura as the Sinhalese and Chola capital in the 10th century, the area is strewn with ancient relics. Discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex – it’s not hard to imagine what this place looked like in all its former glory. Visit the ruins of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, covered in detailed carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha. Stop by the statue of Parakramabahu I – standing at 10 m tall, this is a truly impressive sight. Later this afternoon, you’ll visit the Zero Plastic Impact Centre, an Intrepid Foundation partner supporting nearly 100 local artisans producing plastic-alternative products like reusable woven basket bags and clay water bottles. Tonight, head back for a final evening in Dambulla, where you might like to enjoy a drink by the lake.
Day 5: Kandy
Rise bright and early for a sunrise visit to one of Sri Lanka’s highlights – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock Fortress). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains, is topped by a ruined palace. It's a good workout to get to the top, but the views make it well worth it. Your leader will share stories of the ancient civilisation who once lived atop the rock as you climb. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop in the city of Matale, where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Continue to Kandy where you’ll have a free evening to explore. Though it’s the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Maybe take a stroll around the city’s central lake or ask your leader to recommend a favourite restaurant.
Day 6: Kandy
This morning, meet with a local botanist for a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Your guide will help you spot yellow-fronted barbets, Layard’s parakeets and Sri Lankan hanging parrots and introduce you to an array of orchids. You’ll also visit the gem museum and lapidary, where you can learn about the history of gem mining in Sri Lanka and see how gems are turned into beautiful pieces of jewellery. Today’s lunch is particularly special as you’ll dine at Hela Bojun – a social enterprise founded by the Sri Lankan government to train and employ women from rural communities. In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local dancer where you’ll watch an exclusive cultural performance in an intimate setting. This evening, visit the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. This is the most important shrine in the country, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre. Arrive in time and you may have the chance to witness the pooja – a small ceremony of reverence involving drummers and dancers.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya
Depart Kandy and travel to Nuwara Eliya by private vehicle. Situated deep in tea country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 m, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. Once favoured by the Scottish and the English, remnants of the past can be seen in sculpted gardens and manor homes decorating the city. When you arrive, explore the charming town at your own pace before heading to your accommodation, tucked away among tea plantations and scenic hills. This afternoon, you’ll have a high tea experience at your hotel. Converted from the former home of a British governor, the hotel now offers an impressive selection of tea paired with finger food and confectioneries. This evening, maybe explore the hotel’s palatial gardens or settle in for dinner at the onsite restaurant.
Day 8: Ella to Wellawaya
This morning, take a scenic train ride to the small town of Ella, perched in the highlands. Visit the Ella Gap, which offers views stretching out across the plains, then head to the Nine Arch Bridge. This 24-m-tall stone bridge has nine grand arches that stretch over the jungle. The bridge is about 90 m long (295 ft) and was built in 1921 entirely from bricks, stone and cement. Next, continue by private vehicle to Wellawaya. This off-the-beaten-track town gives you a glimpse of authentic Sri Lankan life and unspoiled landscapes. Arrive at Jetwing Kaduruketha – your Feature Stay, situated in serene farmland. With a swimming pool, spa treatments and a range of optional activities such as village walks, nocturnal wildlife trails and paddy field walks, you’ll find both relaxation and authentic local experiences here.
Day 9: Wellawaya
Walk to a secluded waterfall for a Premium Experience this morning. Soak up the raw beauty of your surroundings, then settle in for a picnic lunch paired with drinks. Maybe go for a refreshing dip under the waterfall or simply kick back and relax, listening to the tranquil sound of the waterfall cascading before you. After, return to your accommodation, then the rest of your day is free. You might like to walk a section of the Pekoe Trail through lush tea plantations, visit a nearby village to meet the locals and share a home-cooked meal, see how spices are farmed at a local spice producer or walk along the Tree Trail to see more than 100 tree species that scatter the grounds of your Feature Stay. Ask your local leader for suggestions to help you plan your day.
Day 10: Yala National Park
Today, you’ll travel to Yala National Park to go on a safari. As Sri Lanka’s second largest national park, there’s so much to uncover here. Maybe take the chance to do some birdwatching – Yala is home to some 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, painted stork and crimson-fronted barbet. Keep an eye out for peacocks strutting their way through the park. If Yala is closed today, you will visit the fantastic Bundala National Park instead. Have dinner at your resort this evening.
Day 11: Galle
Go on an optional visit to Kataragama Temple this morning to see the shrine dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo (the resident god). Later, you’ll transfer to Galle – a beautiful seaside town near Sri Lanka's southernmost tip. Settle into your hotel, then head just outside Galle to a small village for a Premium Experience – a Beeralu lace weaving activity in a local home. This is a traditional weaving method in Sri Lanka. You’ll have the chance to participate in the weaving yourself and, if you like, you can choose to support the village by buying some products to take home. After, follow your leader on a walking tour through Galle, the best-preserved Dutch town in Sri Lanka. At its core lies a fort surrounded on three sides by the ocean with a treasure trove of ancient mosques and churches, museums and boutiques on its streets. Uncover local history as your leader shares tales from the town’s past through to the present day.
Day 12: Galle
This morning is yours to spend at your leisure. Maybe visit a cinnamon plantation just outside of Galle to learn about the process of making this spice. Birdwatchers may wish to explore the Hiyare Rainforest Reservoir on the outskirts of the city. As always, you can speak to your knowledgeable leader for information on how to book or access these activities. In the evening, join your leader for a visit to the local markets to learn about all the fresh ingredients that make up Sri Lanka’s flavoursome and fragrant recipes. After perusing the colourful market stalls, head to your local host’s home and take part in a Sri Lankan cooking class followed by a delicious dinner. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Sri Lankan cuisine as you cook up some Ambulthiyal fish curry, lentil dhal, eggplant curry and something sweet for dessert.
Day 13: Colombo
Bid farewell to Galle and make your way to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city. When you arrive, head to a courtyard restaurant in the former home of a family from Jaffna and sit down for a northern Sri Lankan lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll go on a guided tour of the city by bus. Make a stop at the Pettah fruit and vegetable market, where you’ll be fully immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Colombo as you watch vendors and shoppers go about their business. Visit the striking candy-cane-coloured Red Mosque and its soaring minarets that can be seen from across the city, then keep exploring to uncover more Dutch and British-influenced architecture – a hangover from the city’s past. This evening, you may like to join your leader and fellow travellers for a final group dinner to toast to your Sri Lankan adventure.
Day 14: Colombo
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Colombo, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Dates
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Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
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