Start Location: Negumbo Sri Lanka
Finish Location : Colombo Sri Lanka
Country : Sri Lanka
Group Size : 2 to 16
Trip Style : Signature
Joining Point
Beacon Beach Hotel
Address: 185 Porutota Rd, Negombo 11500, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 312 272 621
Airport Arrival Transfer Included Only available On The First Day Of Your Trip
Finishing Point
Fairway Hotel
Address: 7 Hospital St, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 153 153
Airport Departure Transfer Included Only available On The Last Day Of Your Trip
Essential trip information
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.
DAY 1
NEGUMBO
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.
Accommodation: Beacon Beach Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Nil
Included Meals: Nil
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 2
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.
Accommodation: Kassapa Lion’s Rock or similar
Included Activities: Fish Markets, Dambulla Cave Temple
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Nil
Day 3
KANDY
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.
Accommodation: Topaz Kandy or similar
Included Activities: Sigiriya Fortress, Spice Gardens Visit
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 4
KANDY
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.
Accommodation: Topaz Kandy or similar
Included Activities: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Tooth, Sightseeing around kandy lake.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Cooking Class, Botanical Gardens
DAY 5
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.
Accommodation: Ella Jungle Resort or similar
Included Activities: Visit to Tea Factory & Tea Plantations
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 6
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!
Accommodation: Ella Jungle Resort or similar
Included Activities: Ella Gap, 9 Arch Bridge,
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Massage
DAY 7
YALA NATIONAL PARK
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.
Accommodation: Big Game Camping or similar
Included Activities: Visit Ravana Cave, Ravana Waterfall Yala Safari, BBQ Dinner by a Bonfire
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Activities: Nil
Day 8
MIRISSA
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!
Accommodation: Paradise Beach Club or similar
Included Activities: Mirissa Walking Tour
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 9
MIRISSA
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.
Accommodation: Paradise Beach Club or similar
Activities: Free day
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional activities: Whale Watching- November to April
DAY 10
GALLE
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.
Accommodation: Nooit Heritage Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Galle Walking Tour, Galle Fort and City, Turtle hatchery
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 11
COLOMBO
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.
Accommodation: Fairway Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Boat Ride in Madu River, Exploring Colombo city tour.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Activities:
Day 12
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.
Included Meal: Breakfast.
Itinerary disclaimer
Itinerary Changes
The itineraries for One World Adventures are updated on a regular basis during the year, reflecting the current situation in each of our destinations and customer feedback. Information that forms the Essential Trip information may vary from your initial booking and it is vital that you read and review the information provided before your departure. This will provide you with the latest information. Your itinerary may change once you’re in the country- as a result of transport schedules, changes in weather conditions, public holidays and varying local conditions. To ensure our guests have the best experience, the scheduled activities in each location may vary in order and time depending on the season travelled. Your tour leader will inform you of any changes once on the trip.
Optional Activities
Our optional activities selected have been popular with past guests and are listed in the itinerary. This list is only some of the activities you can enjoy and should be used as a guide only to what is available. Prices are for entry only and do not include transport to and from the sites or local guides. Prices are approximate and the activities are subject to availability. Some activities maybe on a join-in basis. It is not possible to participate in all the activities listed due to the limited time in each destination. Planning ahead and choosing the activities that suit you is highly recommended.
Pre-booking recommendations for activities will be noted in the Special information listed in the daily itinerary. Usually, activities can be organized independently on the day or alternatively inform your tour leader and they can assist you make the arrangements.
We have assessed and sighted the credentials and safety of the operators chosen for medium and high risk activities and work closely with them. As such, medium to high risk activities not listed in the itineraries (that may be less expensive) are not recommended as we cannot guarantee there quality or safety. Therefore, our staff or tour leaders will not assist you with organizing these activities. It is at your own risk and discretion if you decide to participate in activities not listed in the itinerary.
Feedback
We value the important feedback received by our past guests. All feedback is read and improvements to our itineraries and destinations are made. Share your experiences and let future guest gain valuable insight into One World Adventures. www.oneworldadventures.com/feedback
Emergency Contact Information and Issues.
Our aim is to provide the best possible experience for your holiday. Due to the nature of travel and the places we visit, not everything will always go to plan. If issues arise on your tour, please inform your tour leader or local representative so we can try and rectify the issue at the time. This will help mitigate any negative impact on the rest of your trip.
Unfortunately, a resolution to the problem may not be achieved to your satisfaction- in this event please inform your tour leader that you wish to speak to their direct manager.
We recommend guests provide online feedback within 30 days of finishing your trip, acknowledging that it is very difficult to provide practical assistance once the trip is completed. Letting us know at the time allows us to try and resolve any issues promptly.
Passport
International travel requires a valid Passport with at least six months validity. Your passport details are required for the completion of your booking. It is important that you ensure that the name on your passport matches exactly the name on your booking and airline tickets. Contact us immediately if they do not so errors can be corrected. It is highly recommended that you carry copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you and also leave copies with family or friends in case required.
Visas
All visa requirements are the responsibility of the traveller. Changes to entry requirements may change at any time and therefore, it is import that you check your government’s foreign travel advisories as well as Consular websites for all countries that you are travelling to. This is important so you have the most up to date information that is specific to your nationality and circumstances. Whilst COVID-19 restrictions are in place other sources of visa information available on line may not be up to date or valid.
Once you have booked your trip it is your responsibility to research visa requirements, obtain the necessary documents, know the processing time and application needed for the visas for all countries you are visiting. Visas can take several weeks to process. You can apply directly through a consulate or a booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service.
Sri Lanka Visa
An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Sri Lanka. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: http://www.eta.gov.lk/
Health Screening
If you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home. Contact us to make alternative arrangements.
If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Experiencing the different and amazing foods of the places we visit during your tour is part of the experience in travelling. Not all meals are included in the tour price and this allows for flexibility in choice. Choice of where, when and with whom you want to eat with. Your tour leader can provide some recommendations of places to eat and this allows for better budgeting for you.
Please advise any dietary requirements. Our group meals provide an opportunity to try many dishes as well as enjoy the company of your fellow guests.
Accommodation
Accommodation during the tour may vary- some may be basic and simple with shared bathroom facilities-some with cold water. Air-condition rooms are available. Some countries experience daily load shedding where the power may be turned off at set times during the day-usually early afternoon. Many of the hotels have cafes or restaurants that serve local meals. Please be aware that some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
Showers
Hot water peak times for showers are usually morning and evenings in some accommodation. Outside these times you may need to speak with the reception to obtain hot water.
Room Issues
Addressing any issues with your room requires immediate attention-please speak with the reception or tour leader so issues can be resolved promptly. Speaking with the travel agent will delay the issues being addressed.
Transport
Our tours will involve travel on may forms of transport. Theses include- bus, private vehicle, rickshaw and cycle rickshaw, metro, train, taxi, shuttle buses, jeeps,vans, boats-ferries and airplanes. Some of these modes of transportation will not be of the same standard as you are use to. One World Adventures audit our suppliers regulaly to make sure transportation is of a safe standard.
Contingency Funds
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.
Your Tour Leader
Tipping your tour leader for outstanding service provided to you on your tour is a personal preference and the amount is discretionary. However, as a guide US$3- US$5 per person (in local currency), per day can be used. You are free to tip more or less, depending on how you feel the service was provided. Please remember that tipping is not compulsory and should be given for excellent service. Giving coins, dirty or torn notes or small denominations is considered culturally an insult.
Tipping Kitty:
Your tour leader pays for all tips for drivers, local guides and hotel staff only. Restaurant tips are not included nor tips for your tour leader.
Spending money:
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.
Commissions:
The receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. Rather than turning a blind eye to this unavoidable issue in some areas, monies collected will be distributed to local businesses, One World Adventures Charities and to providing sustainable travel.
Main Luggage
Depending on the time of year you are travelling, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You need to to be able to lift and carry your luggage and walk short distances. This includes up and down stairs and busy railway stations. The smaller your luggage the easier it is to store above or under bunks on overnight trains and public transport. Aim for around 15 kg. Small wheeled suitcases are easy to pick up and carry. Backpacks are also a good option. Our guests find that lighter luggage cause less worry and lead to a more enjoyable trip .
Day pack
A small day pack is very useful for carrying your essential items when exploring destinations and for overnight stays.
On overnight trains packing essential items provides ease of access.www.oneworldadventures.com/packing-list
Wifi
As a rule, WiFi is generally available in most parts of the destinations you travel and in the accommodation we use. Most hotels provide free WiFi in public areas but remember charges for in-room Wifi may occur. Always ask your tour leader on arrival to the hotel.
Usually, in tourist areas-most cafes and restaurants will have free WiFi available- always check and ask for passwords when ordering.
Tour Leader
One of our tour leaders will accompany you on all our trips. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and provide you with the best trip we can. One World Adventures aim to provide the services of an experienced tour leader. However, sometimes a tour leader may be new to a region or training other tour leaders.
Providing general information on the destinations visited, offering suggestions on available sightseeing and activities, recommendations of local places to eat and introducing you to our local friends is there main objective. A broad general knowledge of the historical, cultural, religious and social aspects of the destinations being visited will be provided.
One World Adventures aim to support the local tour guides that have the knowledge of the specific area visited. If you would like more in-depth knowledge of a specific sight nor location , your tour leader can recommend a local guide service for major destinations.
Personal Belongings
It is strongly recommended that you use a neck wallet or money belt when travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, airline tickets, cash and other valuable items. Ideally, leave valuable jewellery items at home. Many of our hotels provide safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of safe keeping valuables. A lock for your luggage is recommended.
Most National Governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your Government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here:www.oneworldadventures.com/safety-policy
Free time
Included activities will be supported by your tour leader. However, during your tour there is free time provided to relax, take it easy, pursue your own interests and explore the destination at your own leisure. It is important that your use good judgment when choosing activities during your free time.
Important to note- the tour leader has the authority to cancel or amend any section of the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety concerns.
Personal Safety
When travelling in tourist areas and cities there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft.
It is recommended that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and preferably walk together or if alone stay in main areas that are well lit. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Scams
Scams involving ATM and credit cards, train tickets, taxis, temple donations and tourist guides operate in a lot of countries. If you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to the nearest police station. You may not be able to get your money or goods back- but they can issue you with an official loss report for insurance purposes.
Travelling on a group tour
Group travel will expose you to all the pleasures and also the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow guests will likely come from all around the world. We ask you to be understanding of the different needs and preferences of the group. Patience's sometimes a requirement that will benefit everyone’s travel experience.
You too have a responsibility to the group- this includes being on time or at a particular place when requested - this ensures your group isn’t left waiting for you.
The best tours work well when the dynamics of the group work well and everyone is considerate to each other.
Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with the contact details or any personal information about your fellow guests that are booked on your trip-prior to departure.
Solo travellers
One World Adventures is ideal for the solo traveller as they want to meet and share the experience with like-minded people.
Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller that is a the same gender (as identified on your passport or the information provided in our booking system), so if you identify differently, please let us know in advance. We provide a Single Supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room.
Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour.
All pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will on a single room basis.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against adventure activities, personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US $200,000 for each categories of cover. We also recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You alone are wholly responsible for arranging your insurance. The period of cover should start no later than the date you make your booking with us. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hr Emergency contact number on the first day off your trip; You will not be able to join the trip without this. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you, rather than the bank's name and credit card details.
A couple of rules
All travellers have the right to feel safe whilst travelling. One World Adventures do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), sexual harassment-between our guests or involving our tour leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a guest are strictly forbidden.
Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. We encourage responsible drinking if you choose to consume alcohol when travelling. Abiding by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption is important.
The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, we recommend no participation in this activity.
By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines.
The decision of the tour leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a tour leader, or interfere with the well-being or operation of the tour group, the tour leader may instruct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund.
One World Adventure reserves the right to refuse you participation in any further tours.
If someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately.