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2026

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Essential Sri Lanka

11 days
From Negombo to Colombo
5.0
1 traveler review

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 16
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Negombo

    Optional Activities

    • Seaside stroll in Negombo
    • Bicycle rental and countryside exploration
    • Welcome dinner with group
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Negombo to Dambulla

    Optional Activities

    • Dambulla Cave Temples exploration
    • Ancient city of Polonnaruwa visit
    • Pidurangala Rock climb for Lion Rock Fortress views
    • Local restaurant dinner
    Landmarks
    Dambulla Cave Temples
    Polonnaruwa
    Pidurangala Rock
    Lion Rock Fortress
  3. Day 3

    Dambulla to Sigiriya to Kandy

    Included Activities

    • Walk to Lion Rock Fortress in Sigiriya
    • Explore ruined fortress and learn regional history

    Optional Activities

    • Lion Rock Fortress entrance (USD35)
    • Traditional batik cloth workshop
    • Cooking class in a local home
    Landmarks
    Lion Rock Fortress
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  4. Day 4

    Kandy

    Optional Activities

    • Ayurvedic massage
    • Walk through Kandy town
    • Royal Botanical Gardens visit (USD10)
    • Temple of the Tooth visit (USD7)
    • Cultural dance performance (USD7)
    • Cooking Demonstration and Dinner in a Local Home (USD12)
    Landmarks
    Temple of the Tooth
    Royal Botanical Gardens
  5. Day 5

    Kandy to Ella

    Included Activities

    • Scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella

    Optional Activities

    • Local tea factory visit
    • Bar visit in Ella
    • Local restaurant dinner with live music
    Landmarks
    Nine Arch Bridge
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  6. Day 6

    Ella

    Meals
    Lunch (Spicy curry lunch at a local family home with Ceylon tea)

    Included Activities

    • Pekoe Trail hike through tea region and local villages
    • Nine Arch Bridge views
    • Spicy curry lunch at local family home
    • Ceylon tea

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided exploration after hike
    Landmarks
    Nine Arch Bridge
    Ella Forest Reserve
    Pekoe Trail
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  7. Day 7

    Ella to Udawalawe

    Included Activities

    • 4WD safari through Udawalawe National Park with wildlife viewing

    Optional Activities

    • Local restaurant dinner with appa, kottu roti, and parippu
    Landmarks
    Udawalawe National Park
  8. Day 8

    Udawalawe to Hiriketiya

    Optional Activities

    • Guided tour to Hummanaya Blow Hole
    • Dondra Lighthouse visit
    • Beach relaxation
    Landmarks
    Hummanaya Blow Hole
    Dondra Lighthouse
  9. Day 9

    Hiriketiya

    Optional Activities

    • Beach relaxation
    • Bicycle exploration of lesser-known areas
    • Sunset viewing
    • Beach restaurant dining
  10. Day 10

    Hiriketiya to Galle to Colombo

    Included Activities

    • Walking tour in Galle with group leader
    • City walk in Colombo with group leader
    • Guided market visit in Colombo
    • Temples and churches exploration

    Optional Activities

    • Final group dinner
    Landmarks
    Galle
    Itinerary Image 1
  11. Day 11

    Colombo

    Meals
    Breakfast (String hoppers and super-black coffee)

    Optional Activities

    • Extended stay arrangements
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

878

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

7 hours

Response rate

92%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

5.0
Overall rating based on 1 Reviews

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  • Essential Sri Lanka reviewer 1
    February 13th, 2026
    5.0
    I loved this trip so much, our tour guide Janith was so enthusiastic, his knowledge and passion for the country was...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2026
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Brianna! We’re so pleased to hear you had such a positive time on your Essential Sri Lanka trip. It's wonderful to hear about Janith's enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for the country - it is exactly this that makes us so proud of our commitment to hire local trip leaders, as they really do make the experience special! Thanks again for travelling with Intrepid and leaving a review, and we hope to have you join us again soon!
    Show more
  • Essential Sri Lanka reviewer 2
    January 30th, 2020
    5.0
    Amazing tour! Everything was super organised and the our tour guide Sam made the trip unforgettable. We felt we got...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2020
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thanks for your feedback Rosa!
    Show more
  • S
    January 21st, 2020
    5.0
    I had an amazing time in Sri Lanka, such a beautiful country. Prasad the guide was fantastic from beginning to end....
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2020
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    From us and Prasad thanks so much for your feedback Sinead! Sri Lanka is certainly a stunning place and we're so glad you enjoyed your time there.
    Show more
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    4.8
    Mathisha was such a brilliant tour leader - he made the trip so special!! He provided such great knowledge and also...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    5.0
    My Essential Sri Lanka Trip with Intrepid exceeded all my expectations.The wonderful group of people I traveled with...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    4.5
    Mathisha was an excellent guide who gave our tour such a personal touch!
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    4.2
    Perfect tour! Had both hiking and adventurous activities but also relaxation time.
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    5.0
    The trip was well planned out with lots of activities and optional activities that showcased Sri Lanka.
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    4.8
    Our tour guide went above and beyond to make sure we had the best time possible and saw the real Sri Lanka
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    4.2
    I would like to compliment Ranjan on his managing of our group and all that he did to accommodate us and keep us safe...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018

Dates & Availability

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Select Date

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • V

    Vanessa

    Asked on December 19th, 2025

    Can I have a list of hotels please

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2025

      Hotel list for Essential Sri Lanka tour: Negombo - Hotel J, Dambulla - Nice Place, Kandy - Devon Hotel, Ella - Hotel Country Comfort, Udawalawe - Forest Lodge Camp, Hiriketiya - Chill Vibes, Colombo - Morven Colombo

    • V

      Vanessa

      TravelerWritten December 2025

      Can I have the list for the classic Sri Lanka 8 days too please

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2025

      Hotel list for Classic Sri Lanka 8 Days tour: Day 1 - Negombo: Jetwing Sea, Day 2-3 - Kandy: Swiss Residence, Day 4-5 - Dambulla: Sigiriyaaya, Day 6 - Anuradhapura: Rajarata, Day 7 - Colombo: Sofia Colombo

    • V
      2 more answers
  • C

    Cindy

    Asked on November 13th, 2025

    Age of our group of 3 is around 70 years old and active lifestyle. Is this tour suitable for us. We really want to see elephants

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten November 2025

      This particular tour does have an age restriction, so it isn't based on fitness level — it's simply a policy for this trip. I've got some amazing options that would be perfect for your group of three, especially since you want to see elephants. I'd highly recommend Best of Sri Lanka, Cycle Sri Lanka, Premium Sri Lanka, or Sri Lanka Explorer .... all fantastic trips with wonderful wildlife experiences and absolutely suitable for your age group and active lifestyle.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 7 hours.

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 301072

  • Currency
    Rs
    Sri Lanka Rupee
    Sri Lanka
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Sri Lanka. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before April 17th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after April 17th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec