SHORTLIST

Best of Sri Lanka

This 15-day trip immerses you in the must-sees, must-tastes and must-meets of beautiful Sri Lanka. You’ll summit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lion Rock in Sigiriya, cycle through sprawling ancient city ruins in Anuradhapura and wander the massive granite Buddha carvings in Polonnaruwa. Have lunch with a Tamil tea worker in their home, relax with a cold beer and your feet in the sand in Mirissa and hike between plantations and villages in Haputale. This is the best of Sri Lanka!

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 single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. In the wet season, we occasionally need to alter the length and itinerary of the Hill Country hike due to weather conditions.

4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

5. Train tickets are in very high demand. We always try our best to secure tickets, but on the rare occasion that we cannot book them, you will continue your journey by private vehicle.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$3,835
Number of Days
15
Start Location
Negombo, Sri Lanka
End Location
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, close to the international airport, with a welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. If you arrive early, you can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Day 2: Anuradhapura
Visit the Negombo Fish Markets this morning to see the hustle and bustle of daily trade, then hop in your private vehicle to ancient Anuradhapura – the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, with ruins of ancient Buddhist temples, including Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which is the oldest living planted tree in the world! Along the way, stop in the small town of Chilaw and maybe grab some local lunch. When you arrive, settle in and enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Those keen on history and archaeology might like to visit Mihintale – the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
Day 3: Anuradhapura
Take a guided bicycle tour of the city today. Among the ruins, you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree – a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in the woodlands and others with columns and ponds. After your cycle tour, you have a free afternoon. Maybe grab some delicious local cuisine – your leader will know the best spots.
Day 4: Polonnaruwa
Travel on to 100-year-old Polonnaruwa by public bus and private vehicle today. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this was the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are close together and generally in much better repair than those you’ve seen so far. When the heat of the day has eased, you'll visit more palaces, temples and stupas, including the massive stone Buddhas. You'll also visit the museum, which has scale models of many of the buildings, to show how they would have existed in their time.
Day 5: Dambulla
Depart Polonnaruwa this morning and travel to Dambulla. When you arrive, you’ll head out to explore the amazing Dambulla Cave Temples, which sit on high on a stone cliff face with lots of steps. Some 150 Buddha images adorn the five caves, with fascinating frescs and paintings on the walls and roofs. In the afternoon, you may like to relax by the hotel pool or take an optional wildlife 4WD safari to Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco National Park where you might see some wild elephants!
Day 6: Sigiriya – Kandy
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, you’ll head to Sigiriya. This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you’re wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to Kandy. On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch and to learn about the medicinal properties of ingredients used in cooking and treatments. Carry on to Kandy, where you’ll visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth) – Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site. Time permitting, you'll also have the option of visiting the National Museum or the world-class Botanical Gardens.
Day 7: Kandy
Today, you’ll visit a nearby tea factory for a guided tour to learn about the production of Sri Lanka's best-known beverage. Of course, you’ll also sample some of the delicious varieties of locally produced tea while you're here. Later, head back to your hotel in Kandy, located far from the noise of the city. This spot is a great place to unwind, with lovely views over the town.
Day 8: Bandarawela
Start your day with a scenic train journey to Bandarawela, passing through tea plantations and winding along mountains into the highlands. When you arrive, you’ll visit a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn some secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. After, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal for lunch with your hosts and get to know each other. Tonight, you’re free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Day 9: Haputale/ Bandarawela
Today, you’ll drive to Haputale – at 1431 m above sea level, this area has a rich biodiversity, dense with various flora and fauna. Surrounded by hills and covered with cloud forests and tea plantations, it’s the perfect starting point for your hike today. This hike takes you through the plantations and small Tamil villages. For lunch, head to a local Tamil tea worker’s house and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your host. Carry on and soak up the gorgeous scenery! Tonight, you’ll head back to Bandarawela.
Day 10: Udawalawe Jungle Camp
Embrace an early start this morning and take the train to Idalgashinna. When you arrive, head out on a hike to explore the beautiful surroundings of Sri Lanka's Hill Country. Enjoy this chance to meet the tea pickers along the way and stop for lunch in Haldummulla. After, make the drive to tonight’s jungle camp accommodation at Udawalawe, stopping at Diyaluma Falls along the way. Your accommodation this evening is a lake-facing camp that backs onto a forest reserve where many herbs used in ayurvedic medicine are grown. When you arrive, you can choose to go on a short tour of the local village or relax at your camp.
Day 11: Mirissa
This morning, you can take an optional excursion to Udawalawe National Park to look for elephants – just keep in mind this activity will require a wake-up call of around 4.30 am. Alternatively, you could sleep in, then maybe head to the ayurvedic medicine manufacturing centre. Later, set off to Mirissa by private bus – this is your paradise accommodation for two days of relaxation.
Day 12: Mirissa
Today is all about laying beachside in Mirissa. The beach itself is a long curve of sand with clear waters perfect for swimming – it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset! Consider taking a bike ride or tuk-tuk to nearby Weligama, where colourful fishing boats bring fresh fish to sell along the shore or maybe explore the UNESCO World Heritage coastal city of Galle by bike, stopping for lunch and taking in the surroundings.
Day 13: Galle
Head further down the coast to Galle – home to an impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many old buildings. When you arrive, head to a local female artisan’s workshop for a demonstration on Beeralu lace weaving. Learn about this practise and how the local artisan hails from a family of traditional Beeralu lace makers. Beeralu is a form of pillow lace that’s hand woven in intricate patterns, often in delicate shades of white. Believed to have been introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, you’ll learn more about the history of this art. In the evening, take a stroll around the historic fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts.
Day 14: Colombo
Leaving Galle, you’ll travel on to Colombo – the nation's capital. Stop by some of the city's main sights on a bus tour including Independence Square, Parliament and the National Museum, finishing with a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot Fairtrade Store. Here, you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. If you’re lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, you’ll visit Good Market – a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight, there's an optional group dinner to celebrate your journey together.
Day 15: Colombo
Your trip comes to an end today, with no activities planned. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Private vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Bicycle.
  • Accommodation: Hotels (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night).
  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple.
  • Anuradhapura - Bike tour.
  • Polonnaruwa - Bike Tour.
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples.
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth.
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit.
  • Kandy - Tea factory visit.
  • Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal.
  • Kandy to Bandarawela – Scenic train ride.
  • Hill Country trek.
  • Galle - Walking tour.
  • Galle - Beeralu lace weaving experience.
  • Colombo - City tour by bus.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
14 Feb 2025 28 Feb 2025 1 $4,795
19 Feb 2025 05 Mar 2025 1 $4,495
26 Feb 2025 12 Mar 2025 3 $4,795
28 Feb 2025 14 Mar 2025 1 $4,345
05 Mar 2025 19 Mar 2025 5 $4,340
07 Mar 2025 21 Mar 2025 9 $4,140
09 Mar 2025 23 Mar 2025 2 $4,385
10 Mar 2025 24 Mar 2025 9 $4,140
12 Mar 2025 26 Mar 2025 8 $4,140
16 Mar 2025 30 Mar 2025 3 $4,605
19 Mar 2025 02 Apr 2025 3 $4,635
21 Mar 2025 04 Apr 2025 2 $4,790
23 Mar 2025 06 Apr 2025 3 $4,785
24 Mar 2025 07 Apr 2025 9 $4,140
26 Mar 2025 09 Apr 2025 10 $4,140
28 Mar 2025 11 Apr 2025 12 $4,140
30 Mar 2025 13 Apr 2025 8 $4,270
02 Apr 2025 16 Apr 2025 1 $4,670
04 Apr 2025 18 Apr 2025 6 $4,405
06 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025 4 $4,545
09 Apr 2025 23 Apr 2025 4 $4,475
11 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025 1 $4,580
13 Apr 2025 27 Apr 2025 1 $4,795
16 Apr 2025 30 Apr 2025 3 $4,495
18 Apr 2025 02 May 2025 10 $4,135
20 Apr 2025 04 May 2025 9 $4,135
23 Apr 2025 07 May 2025 6 $4,345
25 Apr 2025 09 May 2025 10 $3,990
27 Apr 2025 11 May 2025 7 $4,345
30 Apr 2025 14 May 2025 12 $3,990
02 May 2025 16 May 2025 11 $3,835
07 May 2025 21 May 2025 12 $3,835
09 May 2025 23 May 2025 10 $3,835
16 May 2025 30 May 2025 9 $3,835
23 May 2025 06 Jun 2025 10 $3,835
30 May 2025 13 Jun 2025 12 $3,835
01 Jun 2025 15 Jun 2025 12 $3,835
04 Jun 2025 18 Jun 2025 12 $3,835
11 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025 11 $4,000
15 Jun 2025 29 Jun 2025 9 $4,000
18 Jun 2025 02 Jul 2025 8 $4,055
25 Jun 2025 09 Jul 2025 5 $4,155
29 Jun 2025 13 Jul 2025 12 $3,835
02 Jul 2025 16 Jul 2025 11 $3,835
04 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025 12 $3,835
06 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025 7 $4,000
09 Jul 2025 23 Jul 2025 11 $3,835
11 Jul 2025 25 Jul 2025 11 $3,835
16 Jul 2025 30 Jul 2025 9 $3,915
20 Jul 2025 03 Aug 2025 12 $3,835
23 Jul 2025 06 Aug 2025 12 $3,835
25 Jul 2025 08 Aug 2025 12 $3,835
27 Jul 2025 10 Aug 2025 12 $3,835
30 Jul 2025 13 Aug 2025 12 $3,835
01 Aug 2025 15 Aug 2025 12 $3,835
03 Aug 2025 17 Aug 2025 3 $4,275
06 Aug 2025 20 Aug 2025 12 $3,990
10 Aug 2025 24 Aug 2025 8 $4,055
13 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025 12 $3,990
17 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025 12 $3,990
20 Aug 2025 03 Sep 2025 10 $3,990
22 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 12 $3,990
24 Aug 2025 07 Sep 2025 12 $3,990
27 Aug 2025 10 Sep 2025 12 $3,990
29 Aug 2025 12 Sep 2025 8 $4,000
31 Aug 2025 14 Sep 2025 10 $3,835
03 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025 12 $3,835
07 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025 6 $4,000
10 Sep 2025 24 Sep 2025 12 $3,835
14 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025 12 $3,835
17 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 12 $3,835
21 Sep 2025 05 Oct 2025 12 $3,835
24 Sep 2025 08 Oct 2025 12 $3,835
26 Sep 2025 10 Oct 2025 12 $3,835
28 Sep 2025 12 Oct 2025 8 $4,000
01 Oct 2025 15 Oct 2025 12 $3,915
05 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025 10 $4,000
08 Oct 2025 22 Oct 2025 12 $3,915
12 Oct 2025 26 Oct 2025 8 $4,155
15 Oct 2025 29 Oct 2025 12 $3,915
19 Oct 2025 02 Nov 2025 12 $3,915
22 Oct 2025 05 Nov 2025 11 $3,915
26 Oct 2025 09 Nov 2025 11 $3,915
29 Oct 2025 12 Nov 2025 12 $3,915
02 Nov 2025 16 Nov 2025 10 $3,990
05 Nov 2025 19 Nov 2025 12 $3,990
07 Nov 2025 21 Nov 2025 12 $3,990
09 Nov 2025 23 Nov 2025 12 $3,990
12 Nov 2025 26 Nov 2025 12 $3,990
14 Nov 2025 28 Nov 2025 12 $3,990
16 Nov 2025 30 Nov 2025 10 $3,990
19 Nov 2025 03 Dec 2025 12 $3,990
21 Nov 2025 05 Dec 2025 12 $3,990
23 Nov 2025 07 Dec 2025 12 $3,990
26 Nov 2025 10 Dec 2025 12 $3,990
30 Nov 2025 14 Dec 2025 11 $3,990
03 Dec 2025 17 Dec 2025 12 $4,140
05 Dec 2025 19 Dec 2025 12 $4,140
07 Dec 2025 21 Dec 2025 10 $4,140
10 Dec 2025 24 Dec 2025 12 $4,140
12 Dec 2025 26 Dec 2025 12 $4,140
14 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025 10 $4,140
17 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2025 12 $4,140
19 Dec 2025 02 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
20 Dec 2025 03 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
21 Dec 2025 04 Jan 2026 10 $4,140
24 Dec 2025 07 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
26 Dec 2025 09 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
27 Dec 2025 10 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
28 Dec 2025 11 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
30 Dec 2025 13 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
31 Dec 2025 14 Jan 2026 12 $4,140
02 Jan 2026 16 Jan 2026 12 $4,345
04 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 12 $4,345
07 Jan 2026 21 Jan 2026 12 $4,345
11 Jan 2026 25 Jan 2026 11 $4,345
14 Jan 2026 28 Jan 2026 12 $4,345
18 Jan 2026 01 Feb 2026 11 $4,345
21 Jan 2026 04 Feb 2026 12 $4,345
25 Jan 2026 08 Feb 2026 12 $4,345
28 Jan 2026 11 Feb 2026 12 $4,345
01 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026 12 $4,190
04 Feb 2026 18 Feb 2026 12 $4,190
08 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026 10 $4,190
11 Feb 2026 25 Feb 2026 12 $4,190
13 Feb 2026 27 Feb 2026 12 $4,190
15 Feb 2026 01 Mar 2026 12 $4,190
18 Feb 2026 04 Mar 2026 12 $4,190
22 Feb 2026 08 Mar 2026 12 $4,190
25 Feb 2026 11 Mar 2026 12 $4,190
27 Feb 2026 13 Mar 2026 12 $4,190
01 Mar 2026 15 Mar 2026 12 $4,345
04 Mar 2026 18 Mar 2026 12 $4,345
08 Mar 2026 22 Mar 2026 12 $4,345
11 Mar 2026 25 Mar 2026 12 $4,345
13 Mar 2026 27 Mar 2026 12 $4,345
15 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026 12 $4,345
18 Mar 2026 01 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
20 Mar 2026 03 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
22 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
25 Mar 2026 08 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
27 Mar 2026 10 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
29 Mar 2026 12 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
01 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
03 Apr 2026 17 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
05 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 12 $4,345
08 Apr 2026 22 Apr 2026 12 $4,190
10 Apr 2026 24 Apr 2026 12 $4,190
12 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 12 $4,190
15 Apr 2026 29 Apr 2026 12 $4,190
17 Apr 2026 01 May 2026 12 $4,190
19 Apr 2026 03 May 2026 12 $4,190
22 Apr 2026 06 May 2026 12 $4,190
24 Apr 2026 08 May 2026 12 $4,190
26 Apr 2026 10 May 2026 12 $4,190
01 May 2026 15 May 2026 12 $4,025
08 May 2026 22 May 2026 12 $4,025
15 May 2026 29 May 2026 12 $4,025
22 May 2026 05 Jun 2026 12 $4,025
29 May 2026 12 Jun 2026 12 $4,025
31 May 2026 14 Jun 2026 12 $4,025
03 Jun 2026 17 Jun 2026 12 $4,025
10 Jun 2026 24 Jun 2026 12 $4,025
14 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026 12 $4,025
17 Jun 2026 01 Jul 2026 12 $4,025
24 Jun 2026 08 Jul 2026 12 $4,025
28 Jun 2026 12 Jul 2026 12 $4,025
01 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 12 $4,025
05 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 12 $4,025
08 Jul 2026 22 Jul 2026 12 $4,025
15 Jul 2026 29 Jul 2026 12 $4,025
19 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 12 $4,025
22 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 12 $4,025
26 Jul 2026 09 Aug 2026 12 $4,025
02 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026 12 $4,190
05 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 12 $4,190
09 Aug 2026 23 Aug 2026 12 $4,190
12 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 12 $4,190
16 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026 12 $4,190
19 Aug 2026 02 Sep 2026 12 $4,190
23 Aug 2026 06 Sep 2026 12 $4,190
26 Aug 2026 09 Sep 2026 12 $4,025
28 Aug 2026 11 Sep 2026 12 $4,025
02 Sep 2026 16 Sep 2026 12 $4,025
06 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 12 $4,025
09 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 12 $4,025
13 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 12 $4,025
16 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 12 $4,025
20 Sep 2026 04 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
23 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
27 Sep 2026 11 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
30 Sep 2026 14 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
04 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
07 Oct 2026 21 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
11 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
14 Oct 2026 28 Oct 2026 12 $4,025
18 Oct 2026 01 Nov 2026 12 $4,025
21 Oct 2026 04 Nov 2026 12 $4,025
25 Oct 2026 08 Nov 2026 12 $4,025
28 Oct 2026 11 Nov 2026 12 $4,025
01 Nov 2026 15 Nov 2026 12 $4,190
04 Nov 2026 18 Nov 2026 12 $4,190
06 Nov 2026 20 Nov 2026 12 $4,190
08 Nov 2026 22 Nov 2026 12 $4,190
11 Nov 2026 25 Nov 2026 12 $4,190
13 Nov 2026 27 Nov 2026 12 $4,190
15 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 12 $4,190
18 Nov 2026 02 Dec 2026 12 $4,190
20 Nov 2026 04 Dec 2026 12 $4,190
22 Nov 2026 06 Dec 2026 12 $4,190
25 Nov 2026 09 Dec 2026 12 $4,190
29 Nov 2026 13 Dec 2026 12 $4,190
02 Dec 2026 16 Dec 2026 12 $4,345
04 Dec 2026 18 Dec 2026 12 $4,345
06 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 12 $4,345
09 Dec 2026 23 Dec 2026 12 $4,345
11 Dec 2026 25 Dec 2026 12 $4,345
13 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 12 $4,345
16 Dec 2026 30 Dec 2026 12 $4,345
18 Dec 2026 01 Jan 2027 12 $4,345
20 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 12 $4,345
23 Dec 2026 06 Jan 2027 12 $4,345
25 Dec 2026 08 Jan 2027 12 $4,345
26 Dec 2026 09 Jan 2027 12 $4,345
27 Dec 2026 10 Jan 2027 12 $4,345
30 Dec 2026 13 Jan 2027 12 $4,345