Secrets of Sri Lanka
Secrets of Sri Lanka
Secrets of Sri Lanka
12 Days Starting in Colombo, Sri Lanka and ending in Kosgoda, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya Lion Rock, Kandy, Kitulgala, Haputale, Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory, Ella, Yala National Park, Galle, Kosgoda
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SLK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 14
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
25-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Adrenaline Sports, Sightseeing, Swimming, White water rafting
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in authentic Sri Lanka on this 12-day adventure trip. You’ll avoid the usual tourist traps and get a glimpse of real Sri Lankan culture – from a local’s tour of Colombo to cycling around 1,000-year-old ruins. Foodies will love the hands-on cooking lesson, combined with a trip to the village market, while thrillseekers will get their fix white-water rafting and abseiling at Kitulgala. Explore a quieter, lesser-known side of Yala National Park, where you might spot wild elephants and leopards, before finishing the trip on a tropical beach in Kosgoda.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Colombo For A Cocktail And Guided Tour
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jetwing Colombo Seven
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at your Colombo hotel and drop your bags in your room. Kick-start your trip on the rooftop bar, where you'll be served a passion-fruit arrack cocktail. You’ll meet your fellow travellers at 5.30pm here, and be greeted by our Local Insider who will be with you throughout the trip. Afterwards, embark on a late-afternoon stroll through the capital, followed by a drink in one or several of Colombo's dodgy bars – these no-frills joints are a Colombo institution, with plenty of local charm. Dinner will be a traditional Sri Lankan affair at a local restaurant with your group.
Activities included:
Colombo city tour
Dodgy bar experience
Welcome dinner
Day 2 : Unwind With A Swim In Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arika Villa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The next day, you’ll travel to Dambulla – one of the vertices of the Cultural Triangle and home to the best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, built more than 2,000 years ago. Here, you’ll check into a secluded boutique villa surrounded by tropical gardens. Take a dip in the swimming pool or opt for a wild swim in the river. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before a jam-packed day of temple visiting tomorrow.
Day 3 : Cycle Around Polonnaruwa And Spot Elephants In Minneriya National Park
Location: Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park, Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arika Villa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be whisked off to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. Cycle or drive to see the finest carved temples and Buddhas on the island. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite for a farmer’s lunch of rice and curry overlooking paddy fields. In the afternoon, you’ll head out on a 4X4 game drive in Minneriya National Park. This unspoilt wilderness offers one of the best chances in the world to see herds of wild elephants.
Activities included:
Cycling tour of Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site
Game drive at Minneriya National Park
Day 4 : Climb Sigiriya Fortress And Tour A Private Spice Garden
Location: Sigiriya Lion Rock, Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fox Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Few attractions earn the title "wondrous" quite like Sigiriya, so you’ll need to start early today to beat the crowds. Climb the winding steps up the 349m (1,144ft) rock face to reach the fifth-century fortress; there will be refreshing cold towels and fruit for you after your exertions. Next, to the cultural capital of Kandy, stopping off for a private spice plantation tour and lunch. Once in the city, you’ll check into an upscale Kandy hotel surrounded by the Hanthana mountain range.
Activities included:
Sigiriya Fortress entry
Private spice garden visit
Day 5 : Whip Up A Sri Lankan Feast In Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fox Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll meet a local host. Hop in a tuk-tuk to the village market, where the host will talk you through the local produce, before heading into the kitchen for a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking lesson – and you get to tuck into your creation for lunch. In the afternoon, unwind back at the resort, or join an optional visit to a dancing school in Lankathilake, where a generational dancing master will teach you the ancient art of dance in his backyard. This evening is free for you to grab your own dinner from the hotel or in Kandy itself.
Activities included:
Private cooking lesson
Private dance lesson
Day 6 : Paddle Down White-Water Rapids In Kitulgala
Location: Kitulgala
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Borderlands Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You'll be checking out after breakfast, before a scenic drive through forest-clad hills to Kitulgala. Enjoy lunch in this rural setting; you'll then embark on a white-water rafting adventure along the Kelani River. You’ll be led through seven high-quality class II and III rapids. Exhilarating descents are punctuated by calm stretches of water, perfect for soaking in the tropical surroundings. Dry off back at the hotel.
Activities included:
White-water rafting
Day 7 : Abseiling In Sandun Ella And Scenic Train Journey To Haputale
Location: Haputale
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Melheim Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The adventure continues today as you grab a packed breakfast and hit the trail early in your hiking boots. You’ll arrive at the Sandun Ella waterfall where you’ll don safety gear and abseil down the 300ft (91m) drop. The afternoon is more serene: you’ll board a train at Nanuoya railway station and settle into the slow, undulating rhythm through the hill-country tea plantations to Haputale. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable journey. Check into the hotel for a relaxing dinner and an early night.
Activities included:
Abseiling at Sandun Ella
Scenic train journey
Day 8 : Tour A Tea Estate And Hike Around Ella
Location: Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory, Ella
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Melheim Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day with a visit to the Uva Halpewatte tea factory, where you’ll learn all about Ceylon tea while touring a nearby estate. Then it's onwards to charming Ella. As an optional activity, you can head to a local restaurant where you’ll learn how to prepare koththu for lunch – a local dish of shredded flatbread mixed with meat, vegetables and egg. There will be free time to explore Ella itself before you take in the sights of Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge on a guided hike. Dinner will be served back at the hotel.
Activities included:
Tea factory visit and tasting
Guided hike around Ella
Optional activities:
Koththu cooking experience and lunch
Day 9 : Explore Tissa And Admire Rock Buddhas At Buduruwagala
Location: Yala National Park
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Chaarya Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast in the evergreen hills, you’ll travel south to the lakeside town of Tissa, on the edge of Yala National Park. On the way, you’ll stop at two towering waterfalls – a perfect photo opportunity. Beyond them, you can marvel at the 1,000-year-old, rock-carved Buddhas at Buduruwagala – the tallest Buddhas on the island are here. Spend the remainder of the day by the hotel pool – and make sure you get an early night.
Activities included:
Buduruwagala Temple visit
Day 10 : Spot Wildlife In Yala National Park
Location: Yala National Park, Galle, Kosgoda
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Habitat
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll depart the hotel at 5am sharp to arrive at the Yala National Park gates as they open. With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world – and plenty of elephants, monkeys and crocodiles – Yala will make for lasting memories. To reduce the impact on the wildlife and the environment, you’ll visit a less touristy part of the park for a game drive. Next up: the historic city of Galle. Wander the alleyways, brimming with colonial mansions, temples, restaurants and boutiques, and visit Galle Fort, built in the 1600s by the Dutch, before travelling up the coast to Kosgoda.
Activities included:
Game drive at Yala National Park
Galle Fort visit
Day 11 : Optional Whale-Watching Tour From Kosgoda, Plus Farewell Beach Feast
Location: Kosgoda
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Habitat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take advantage of a lie-in this morning. We can help you book a whale-watching tour, although a day spent between the pool and the peaceful, palm-fringed beach will also make an excellent finale to your trip. There’s also an on-site spa if you fancy one last indulgence. Come nightfall, it’s time for a celebratory farewell dinner on the beach, followed by a DJ set – get ready to dance till dawn.
Activities included:
Farewell dinner
Optional activities:
Whale-watching tour in Mirissa
Day 12 : Depart From Kosgoda
Location: Kosgoda
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and say goodbye to your fellow travellers. Checkout is by 12pm. You can either extend your stay on the beach in Kosgoda or return to Colombo (transfers can be booked separately) to catch your flight home.
What's Included
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Local Insider
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Accommodation
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Private and local transport
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Activities described in the itinerary
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Meals not in the itinerary
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Visas (if required)
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Optional activities
Check out our Q&As
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What is the group size?
Our maximum group size is 18, although our average group size is 10-12 people. Group travel is a great way to meet other people, and you will have the safety of travelling with a group, but you can also decide how much time you want to spend by yourself.
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Why should I travel with Culture Trip?
We know the world's best bits – our award-winning content proves it. Now we’re using that expertise to bring you curated trips that combine thoughtful planning with authentic experiences and hand-picked accommodation. Led by Local Insiders, our trips bring together small groups of curious travellers who embrace the value of shared experiences, cultural immersion and travel that never feels rushed.
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How much money should I bring?
This will depend on how long your trip is, your destination and how much you intend to spend on personal expenses and any meals that aren’t included. It is a good idea to check out the cost of a local lunch and dinner in your destination before you travel.
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Do I need to tip?
Tips are not included in the price of your trip but are entirely optional and at your discretion.
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What kind of transport do you use on your trips?
We use a mix of public and private transport on our trips, but usually a small and comfortable minibus, so we can access more remote destinations that larger groups can’t get to.
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Is there any age limit on the Trips?
You must be 25 or over to travel on our trips, however there is no upper age limit. You just need a sense of adventure.
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What happens if I need to amend or cancel my booking?
You can change the date of your tour up to 60 days prior to departure and cancel at any time, although cancellation conditions may apply.
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How many meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily and then depending on your itinerary, some lunches and dinners. This is clearly indicated in the trip details or ask your Travel Expert to confirm.
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Do I need any vaccinations?
As a tour operator we are unable to give medical advice, however we suggest you contact your doctor, a professional medical travel clinic or check out the World Health Organisation website for more details.
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When will I know if my trip is guaranteed?
We usually wait until we have a few travellers booked on a trip before we guarantee it will run. The latest we will guarantee a trip is 60 days ahead of departure, often it will be long before.
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What visas do I need?
Depending on your passport and your destination, you may need a visa to travel on one of our trips. It is up to you to ensure you have any and all necessary visas before you travel. We recommend you check with a specialist visa agency at least 6 weeks before you travel.
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Are airport transfers included?
Some of our trips do not include airport transfers, so we recommend customers either take public transport or a taxi. However, if you would like us to arrange a private transfer please ask one of our travel experts who can arrange this for you.
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What is not included in the trip?
We don’t include the following in our trips: insurance (however you must have insurance to travel on one of our trips), flights, tips for local guides, optional activities and other meals and services not mentioned in your itinerary.
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What happens if I am travelling on my own?
Most accommodations on our trips are reserved on a twin share basis. Therefore, if you are travelling on your own you will be sharing a room with another Culture Trip traveller of the same sex. However, most of the time it is possible to pay a supplement for your own room. Please ask your Travel Expert for more information.
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Are flights / transport to the destination included?
No - our travellers come from all over the world so flights and / or transport to the start destination are not included.
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Can I book extra nights accommodation before or after my trip?
Yes, call or email one of our Travel Experts who will be able to add accommodation to your booking.
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Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes - all travellers must have travel insurance before they join one of our trips. You are strongly advised to take out your policy at the time of booking to protect your holiday payments in the event of cancellation.
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Will there always be a guide on the trip?
Absolutely yes. We pride ourselves on our expert Local Insiders - they are an integral part of what makes our trips so special. Your Local Insider will accompany you throughout the trip and is there to help and assist in any way possible as well as ensure everything works to time.
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Can I travel in my own private group?
Yes you can. Our team of Travel Experts can put together a bespoke trip to suit all group sizes in most destinations around the world. Please contact us for more details.
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How fit do I need to be to take one of your trips?
We offer a variety of different trips, most of which do not require a specific level of fitness. Some of our trips are more active, but we include details on each specific trip information page. If you are unsure please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Travel Experts.
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What kind of luggage should I bring?
It depends on the type of trip you have booked, but we usually recommend a soft sided bag or case as they are easier to handle on a trip.
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I booked but cannot travel anymore. What are the amendments and cancellation options?
We understand plans can change and that’s why we offer flexible booking conditions. You can change or cancel your booking at any time up to 56 days prior to departure and receive a full refund of any funds you have already paid towards your trip.
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Do I have to make full payment at the time of booking?
You do not have to make full payment at the time of booking. We only require a small, fully refundable deposit of $100 to secure your spot on the trip. Full payment is due at the latest 56 days prior to departure.
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Do I have to take part in all the activities? Will there be free time on my trip?
The amount of free time varies per trip. Please enquire with our travel experts to get a proper understanding on the amount of free time on the trips you are interested in. You do not have to take part in all activities but we strongly encourage you to do so! We have carefully crafted each trip to show you the best of every destination, so you’d be missing out! Also taking part in activities is a great way to get to know your travel companions and make new friends. Nothing like a positive and supportive group environment to venture outside of your comfort zone and surprise yourself!
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What is a Local Insider?
We believe there’s no better way to discover a new place and a new culture than by experiencing it through the eyes and experience of a local. That’s why we only work with local guides - whom we name our Local Insiders. They know their region inside out and have a passion for sharing it with travellers. All our Local Insiders have years of experience guiding and speak English. Importantly, they like to travel the way we like it too: away from crowds, tourist traps and queues. Focussing on the true essence of a destination, teaching you all about the local culture and profusely sharing local hidden gems and insights.
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Free Date Changes
Culture Trip allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 55 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Culture Trip allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform culture trip, 55 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Culture Trip requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 55 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of culture trip charges.
At 54 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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