Simply Sri Lanka
Simply Sri Lanka
Simply Sri Lanka
8 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo
Visiting: Negombo, Dambulla , Sigiriya - Kandy, Kandy, Unawatuna, Colombo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HPRS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Religion and Spiritual, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
From:
$724
$634 (USD)
Operator discount: -$72
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$18
-12%
Tour Overview
Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps 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: Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, leave Negombo and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Dambulla, arriving just after midday. In the afternoon you may like to relax at the hotel after check-in, or take an optional visit to a nearby wildlife reserve – a jeep safari excursion that takes you into elephant country. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Another option is the nearby Dambulla Caves with their magnificently decorated interiors.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 3: Sigiriya - Kandy
Location: Sigiriya - Kandy
Meals Included: breaksfast
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are 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 for breakfast before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 4: Kandy
Location: Kandy
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
The morning is yours to explore Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush countryside. It’s home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. It was once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, and the area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Perhaps walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy – explore the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys in 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Regroup for today’s lunch, which is sure to be one to remember! Visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment to women from local communities while training and empowering them. Here you’ll enjoy some truly delicious Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the important work they do. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 5: Unawatuna
Location: Unawatuna
Meals Included: breaksfast
Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage.Â
Optional Activities:
-
Day 6: Unawatuna
Location: Unawatuna
Meals Included: breaksfast
Sleep in, relax on the beach, work on your tan or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. Feel like something a bit more active? Today is a good opportunity to pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach for some more chillaxing.
Optional Activities:
-
Day 7: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. If you're lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 8: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: breaksfast
Have string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast, then pull your saddest face as our trip comes to an end.
What's Included
-
Colombo - Market Visit
-
Sigiriya - Lion Rock
-
Kandy - Temple of the Tooth with pooja ceremony
-
Meals
7 breakfasts
-
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
-
Transport
Private vehicle
-
Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
-
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
-
Kandy - Lunch at Hela Bojun
-
Colombo – Guided market visit
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Included Activities
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock
- Colombo - Market Visit
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- AIR CONDITIONING
- All hotels on this trip have fans, but not all will have air conditioning.
Transport
- MOTORCYCLES:
- Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka.
- TAXIS:
- Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities.
Important Information
- 1. A Single Supplement is available on this trip and is valid for all nights on tour.
- PASSPORT DETAILS: Full passport details are required for the train journey. Without them we cannot purchase train tickets. Please advise them at the time of booking.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
-
Is this trip right for you
Though its equatorial position means fairly constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Beaches in Sri Lanka may be unpatrolled, so please seek local advice on where to swim safely. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
-
Are international flights included in this tour?
No
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025
Saturday - Saturday
May 18, 2024 - May 25, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."