12 Days Authentic Sri Lanka

12 Days Authentic Sri Lanka

Emerald coasts, palm fronds, crystal clear waters and a balmy sun bouncing of the turquoise water – this is only a fraction of what is on offer.  Behind this veneer is the hidden Sri Lanka that most haven’t even imagined – of ancient caves, of convivial cultures co-existing like links in a chain, of cuisine influenced by travellers, it’s European connections, and a country shaped as much by its myths and legends as by its landscape. Dive into this world and move deeper into a country that has more to offer than just a polished outside skin

Map

Inclusions


Accommodations

9 Night twin share hotel 1 Night Jungle Resort 1 Night Safari Tents

Read more

Activities

Fish Markets, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Fortress, Spice Gardens Visit, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Tooth, Sightseeing around kandy lake, Visit to Tea Factory & Tea Plantations, Ella Gap, 9 Arch Bridge, Visit Ravana Cave, Ravana Waterfall Yala Safari, BBQ Dinner by a Bonfire, Mirissa Walking Tour, Galle Walking Tour, Galle Fort and City, Turtle hatchery, Boat Ride in Madu River, Exploring Colombo city tour.

Read more

Airport Transfer

Arrival & Departure transfer included

Read more

Local Tipping

Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport

Read more

Meals

11 Breakfasts 2 Dinners

Read more

Transportation

Private bus, Train, Auto rickshaw, Boat, Private vehicle, Jeep,

Read more

Itinerary

Day 1
Negombo
Day 2
Dambulla
Day 3
Kandy
Day 4
Kandy
Day 5
Ella
Day 6
Ella
Day 7
Yala National Park
Day 8
Mirissa
Day 9
Mirissa
Day 10
Galle
Day 11
Colombo
Day 12
Colombo

Day 01 Welcome to Sri Lanka

Ayubowan and Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon touchdown at the airport our representative will facilitate your transfer to your hotel. Once there, put your bags in one corner of your room, fish out your sandals and head for the warm beaches of Negumbo to get a taste of that warm Sri Lankan air! Remember you have a meeting scheduled with your Tour Leader at 6 pm and a chance to spin some yarns over an optional group dinner thereafter.

Day 02 On the road to Dambulla

Following breakfast, watch the locals pick their fish and bargain back and forth like skillful orators (Socrates had nothing on them) as you meander through the bustling fish market in Negumbo. Pick your way through the stingrays, pearl spots, snappers and a dazzling variety of fish that lie dormant in sharp contrast to the constant chatter of voices. Knives being sharpened and the real hustle of vendors trying to make themselves heard over the fierce competition. Once you’re done climb on board your bus and then stop at the bewitching 2000 years old Cave Temple en route to Dambulla where we retire for the night.

Day 03 Visit the mysterious Sigiriya Fortress

Rise early today to visit the mysterious Sigiriya Fortress or Lion Rock, rising almost 200 metres from the ground. Getting to the top might do something awful to your thighs if all the exercise you’ve done for a while is punching the keypads on your laptop, but once you’re there the views are as spectacular as the frescos that adorn the walls. After you’re done contemplating the mysteries of what instigated the building of this fortress and watching the clouds collect over the canopy of a luxuriant forest, chew on some real food before heading out to Kandy. Before reaching Kandy however, treat your stomach to a delicious lunch at a spice garden and also make a pit stop at the Dalada Maligawa Temple to witness (if you’re lucky) the cleansing ceremony of the Buddha’s tooth relic.

Day 04 Explore Kandy at your own pace

Wake up to breakfast and a free day today at Kandy. A good starting point to get a feel of the city might be the lake itself where you can take a boat ride, step back from the bustle of it all and observe the city at a distant. Alternatively, if you want to get up close to the city’s pulse there’s no one to stop you taking a walk around the lake. Whatever it is that takes your fancy, top it off by joining a cooking class and get yourself acquainted with the country’s culinary delights. Try your hand at that tablespoon of care and a pinch of spice to perfect that local recipe. However, if all you want to do is raise your feet up, there’s no better way to do it then by booking in a relaxing massage. Check with your Tour Leader to co-ordinate these activities for you and ask for a few more suggestions on how to spend your day.

...

Day 05 Board the scenic train trip to Ella

Today we travel from Kandy to Ella by bus and train. En route we visit a local tea plantation and factory where we’re taken on a tour and where words such as curl and twist, withering and twining unravel to acquire new meaning. Step out with your head buzzing with knowledge about what makes Sri Lankan tea one of the best in the world, and step onto another high as we board the scenic train trip to Ella from Nuwaraeliya.

Day 06 Free day to explore Ella

Make the most of your free day by considering a walk up to Ella Rock via changing vistas of railway tracks, tea plantations, verdant forest and eucalyptus trees standing sentinel to guide you on your way. Trudge through the scarred path that delivers you to the cliff and sit down to decode whether your quickening heartbeat is the result of breathtaking views of Ella town or your effort at getting there! If the walk sounds a bit too physical for your liking try the Nine Arch Bridge for size!

Day 07 Elephant Transit Home

We make our way to the Yala National Park today to go on a hunt for the elusive leopard, just one of the parks many shy residents. Boars, elephants, deer and monkeys might play the understudy to the top feline but to see them wild and free is indeed a rare opportunity that’s not to be missed. While at the National Park, get as close as you will with elephants at the Elephant Transit Home, an organisation that seeks to rehabilitate orphaned elephants and then release them to the wild when they’re fit to begin their life anew.

Day 08 restaurants, bars, music and fun

Today we edge further away to the southern coast of Sri Lanka and to one of its most famous beaches. Join your Tour Leader as you’re shown the rope, whilst you circle the sand and the many restaurants and bars for an evening of music and fun!

Day 09 Lazy vacation feeling today

There’s more of that lazy vacation feeling today since you’ve got no schedule to keep to today. Blue sea, balmy sun, a crunchy sound of the sand, wide brimmed hats and cocktails till midnight! Enjoy your free day at Mirissa. However, if you’re visiting Mirissa between November to April, don’t miss out on the opportunity to go whale watching.

Day 10 Cobbled streets Galle Fort

Step into the distinctly different world of Galle Fort with its cobbled streets, neat little pathways, art galleries, coffee shops and Dutch style houses; the only semblance of a Sri Lankan identity stamped by a carelessly parked tuk tuk or the inevitable rickety bicycle. Explore this corner of Sri Lanka and get some historical perspective of the country’s relationship with Europe and the changing fortunes of the fort itself. Wander around to the Clock Tower and perhaps take a moment or two to reflect on the views of the ocean rushing to embrace the cliffs – a hint of serenity after the buzz of Galle City.

Day 11 Farewell diner

Whiz through the city of Colombo on a whirlwind tour as we hit the most interesting and diverse spots the city has to offer. Put a finger to its cultural texture, embrace its bustling streets, visit bargain markets, and uncover a path that is a blend of cultures, religions, and socio-economic classes. From the traditional to the offbeat, discover a life lived by an everyday Sri Lankan right from the Floating Market of Pettah to the Red Mosque, the Ganga Ramaya Buddhist Temple and a lot more. Later, with the evening closing in, join your tour mates for a last dinner together and drink up to experiences shared on your Sri Lankan adventure.

Day 12 Good bye Colombo

It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure transfers are included on the day. Please consult with your tour leader or the hotel desk to confirm the check out time.

Our Hotels


Beacon Beach Hotel

Beacon Beach Hotel is a paradise for beach lovers, offering a unique experience that combines natural beauty with modern luxury. Situated on the beautiful southern coast of Sri Lanka, the hotel provides easy access to the beaches and clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The hotel's rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly designed, offering a comfortable and relaxing space for guests to unwind. The hotel's pool provides the perfect place to soak up the sun and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean. Enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel's restaurant, which serves up fresh and flavorful local cuisine.

Golden Star Beach

Golden Star Beach Hotel is located in the coastal town of Negombo, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and provides easy access to the beach. The hotel's cozy and comfortable rooms come with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay for guests. Take a refreshing dip in the hotel's outdoor pool or sip a tropical cocktail at the beachside bar. The hotel's on-site restaurant serves up mouthwatering local and international cuisine to satisfy any craving. Take a stroll along the beach or explore the town's bustling markets and ancient temples.

Hotel Fairway

The Fairway Hotel Colombo is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The hotel is known for its excellent location, modern amenities, and high-quality service. It has 181 spacious rooms and suites that are elegantly designed and well-equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a rooftop pool, fitness center, and several dining options including a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. The Fairway Hotel Colombo is conveniently located near popular tourist attractions, shopping malls, and business centers making it an ideal choice for leisure travelers visiting Sri Lanka's capital city.

Dates


Start
Finish
Sunday
22 Dec 2024
Thursday
02 Jan 2025
Available
$3,258
+$470
Book Now
Sunday
29 Dec 2024
Thursday
09 Jan 2025
Available
$3,258
+$470
Book Now
Sunday
05 Jan 2025
Thursday
16 Jan 2025
Available
$3,564
+$493
Book Now
Sunday
12 Jan 2025
Thursday
23 Jan 2025
Available
$3,564
+$493
Book Now
Sunday
16 Feb 2025
Thursday
27 Feb 2025
Available
$3,564
+$493
Book Now

Reviews

Ashley Collins

Sri Lanka is the ultimate tour destination for those who crave variety! Beaches that make you want to stay forever, tea plantations that will take your breath away, forts that make you feel like a conqueror, and wildlife that will leave you in awe. Not to mention the yummy food, the friendly locals, the exciting markets, and the ancient sites that take you back in time! I had an absolute blast and I'm already dreaming of my next trip back to Sri Lanka.

Anthony Campbell

I had an incredible experience on the Authentic Sri Lanka trip and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore this beautiful country. Our tour guide, Amaya, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights about Sri Lanka's history, culture, and wildlife. Throughout the trip, I felt very safe and well taken care of. I loved everything about this journey and I'm already looking forward to returning to Sri Lanka.

Cole Cassidy

More like THE TRIP OF MY LIFE! Those 12 days in Srilanka flew by in the blink of an eye, yet were filled with incredible sights, delicious grub, and unforgettable moments. Of course, the superb tour Leader was integral to it all — they truly made this holiday one we'll never forget! We'd hit the road with One World Adventures again in a heartbeat - who could resist such an awesome adventure?

Grace Boone

If you're in search of a totally sick and awesome vacation, Sri Lanka is definitely the place to be! Not only do they have all the popular highlights, but they've also got loads of super fun stuff going on off the beaten path. And don't even get me started on how delicious their food is - plus everyone was so nice and welcoming. I went solo, but my group turned out to be amaze-balls, Shout-out to our perfect leader for giving us a stress-free holiday that we'll never forget! High five for her knowledge and skills.

Billy Blackwood

I absolutely loved our journey around Sri Lanka - it was comically small and packed with loads to do! Our days were action-packed yet there was plenty of chill time here and there. And, the amazing people I traveled with made the experience even better! We had a fantastic Leader who will always remain in my thoughts due to his beaming smirk and irresistible giggle. My heartfelt thanks go out also to our driver and co-driver for their superb managing skills... if I ever head back to Sri Lanka, One World adventures you've got me covered.

Jesse Baker

Our trip to Sri Lanka was absolutely incredible! We saw some absolutely breathtaking places, and the locals were so kind and welcoming everywhere we went. The food was truly delicious, and the accommodations were top-notch. Best of all, our amazing Leader really helped make it a perfect vacation experience that will never be forgotten

Related Trips

view all
7 Days Oman Hot Deals high rate

7 Days Oman

  • Oman
  • 7 Days
  • 2 to 16
from pax
11 Days Argentina Patagonia Hot Deals high rate

11 Days Argentina Patagonia

  • Argentina
  • 11 Days
  • 2 to 16
from pax
11 Days Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure Hot Deals high rate

11 Days Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure

  • Peru
  • 11 Days
  • 2 to 16
from pax
11 Days Colombia Hot Deals high rate

11 Days Colombia

  • Colombia
  • 11 Days
  • 2 to 16
from pax
10 Day Morocco Wellness Hot Deals high rate

10 Day Morocco Wellness

  • Morocco
  • 10 Days
  • 2 to 16
from pax