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2026

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2028

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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US $869 per person

Essential Sri Lanka

11 days
From Negombo to Colombo
4.5
16 traveler reviews
From
$965
-10%
US $869 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2026

Jan
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2027

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Feb
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec

2028

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

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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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
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Negombo

    Optional Activities

    • Bicycle rental and countryside exploration
    • Beach stroll
    • Dinner with fellow travelers at beach bars and pubs
  2. Day 2

    Dambulla

    Optional Activities

    • Dambulla Cave Temples visit
    • Ancient city of Polonnaruwa visit
    • Pidurangala Rock climb
    Landmarks
    Dambulla Cave Temples
    Polonnaruwa
    Pidurangala Rock
    Itinerary Image 1
  3. Day 3

    Sigiriya - Kandy

    Included Activities

    • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress visit and exploration

    Optional Activities

    • Batik cloth making workshop
    • Cooking class to learn local cuisine
    Landmarks
    Lion Rock Fortress (Sigiriya)
  4. Day 4

    Kandy

    Optional Activities

    • Ayurvedic massage
    • Walk through Kandy town
    • Market exploration
    • Royal Botanical Gardens visit
    • Temple of the Tooth visit
    • Cultural dance performance
    Landmarks
    Temple of the Tooth
    Royal Botanical Gardens
  5. Day 5

    Kandy to Ella

    Included Activities

    • Scenic train ride to Ella

    Optional Activities

    • Local tea factory visit
    • Bar visits
    • Dinner at local restaurant with live music
    Landmarks
    Ella
  6. Day 6

    Ella

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

    Included Activities

    • Pekoe Trail hike
    • Nine Arches Bridge visit
    • Lunch at a local family home
    • Ella Forest Reserve walk

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided exploration
    Landmarks
    Nine Arches Bridge
    Ella Forest Reserve
  7. Day 7

    Ella to Udawalawe National Park

    Included Activities

    • Udawalawe National Park wildlife safari

    Optional Activities

    • Dinner at local restaurants for regional specialties
    Landmarks
    Udawalawe National Park
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  8. Day 8

    Udawalawe to Hiriketiya

    Optional Activities

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

    Hiriketiya

    Optional Activities

    • Bicycle exploration of surrounding areas
    • Beach relaxation
    • Dinner at beach restaurants
    • Sunset viewing
  10. Day 10

    Hiriketiya - Galle - Colombo

    Meals
    Dinner (Final group dinner)

    Included Activities

    • Galle walking tour
    • Colombo guided city walk
    • Colombo market visit

    Optional Activities

    • Exploration of temples and churches
    • Final group dinner
    Landmarks
    Galle
    Itinerary Image 1
  11. Day 11

    Colombo

    Meals
    Breakfast (String hoppers and black coffee)
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

4.5
(11,992 reviews)

Number of tours

855

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

8 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

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.5
Overall rating based on 16 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.7
  • Transport
    4.7
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.1
  • Food
    4.3
  • 4.5

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  • Essential Sri Lanka reviewer 1
    January 30th, 2020
    5
    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
    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
    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
    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
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    3.2
    Very unorganized, guide didn’t seem to know what we should be paying for out of pocket/ what was included on our...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018

Dates & Availability

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2026

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

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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    15 Mar, 2026
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    To Wednesday
    1 Apr, 2026
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  • From Sunday
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    To Wednesday
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    12 Apr, 2026
    To Wednesday
    22 Apr, 2026
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    29 Apr, 2026
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    From Sunday
    10 May, 2026
    To Wednesday
    20 May, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    24 May, 2026
    To Wednesday
    3 Jun, 2026
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    7 Jun, 2026
    To Wednesday
    17 Jun, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
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    Multiple Room Types
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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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  • K

    Karen

    Asked on December 28th, 2023

    What is the average age of the participant? Is possible to not finish the trip in colombo but to stay in the south after day 9?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2023

      This is a 18-29 trip all passengers confirmed are on this range. If you would like to spend more time at the south in Unawatuna you can speak to the tour leader and sign off from the trip.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 8 hours.
From
$965
-10%
US $869 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 82831

  • 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 May 10th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 10th, 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.

Videos

  • TourRadar presents The Dambulla Cave Temple
  • TourRadar presents Ella to Kandy by Train
  • TourRadar presents Sigiriya Rock
TourRadar presents The Dambulla Cave Temple

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