Sri Lanka – Safari, Sea & Culture: January 11th – 22nd 2027
January 11th-22nd 2027
- 12 Days
- January 11th-22nd 2027
- 7 Destinations
- Min People: 8
- Max People: 16
- 14 Meals Included
- Twin sharing 3* hotels
Join us as we explore the absolute best of Sri Lanka
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka, where every day brings something new and unforgettable. From lush tea-covered hills and scenic train rides to ancient sites and incredible wildlife, this trip is packed with adventure!
Ride the famous train to Ella, hike Pidurangala Rock and Little Adam’s Peak, cycle through Sigiriya, and head out on safari in Yala National Park for a chance to see elephants and even leopards. Immerse yourself in local culture with a cooking class, a homemade dinner with a local family, and a cultural tour in Kandy. It is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, wildlife and some chill time to take it all in.






Arrival & Departure Location
Trip starts in Colombo
Trip ends in Mirissa
Visiting
Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwarya Elia, Ella, Yala National Park & Mirissa
Accommodation
Twin sharing 3* hotels
Trip Highlights
- Authentic Sri Lankan Cooking Class with Local Family
- Famous Train Ride to Ella
- Safari in Yala National Park (chance to see leopard)
- Hike Pidurangala Rock
- Visit 9 Arch Bridge
- Boat Wildlife & Culture Tour
- Sigiriya Cycling Tour
- Explore Nuwarya Elia
- Climb Little Adam's Peak
- Kandy Cultural Tour & Tooth Relic
- Homemade dinner with local family
- 12 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
- 11 Nights 3 Star Hotel Accommodation (twin sharing)
- Experienced Local Tour Guide & Group Leader
- Entrance Fees to listed National Parks
- All Internal Transportation (private AC bus)
- All Highlighted Activities
- International Flights
- Optional Activities
- Personal Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Tips for Local Guides (Approx €30)
- Some Meals
- Visa Fees (if applicable)
Itinerary
Day 1 – Colombo Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Arrive into Colombo and settle in before meeting the group for a welcome briefing. In the evening, we’ll head out for our first dinner together and get to know one another properly before the adventure begins.
Day 2 – Colombo Tour, Sigiriya & Pidurangala Sunset
Explore Colombo on a guided city tour before travelling north to Sigiriya. In the evening, we’ll climb Pidurangala Rock for panoramic sunset views across the landscape, with Sigiriya Rock rising dramatically in the distance.
Day 3 – Sigiriya Cycling & Local Family Dinner
Start the morning with a cycling tour through rural villages and countryside around Sigiriya, offering a closer look at everyday life. The evening is free to relax, followed by a traditional home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Day 4 – Travel to Kandy & Cultural Highlights
Travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before attending a traditional cultural performance showcasing Kandyan dance and music.
Day 5 – Nuwara Eliya, Cooking Class & Town Tour
Drive into the cooler hill country to Nuwara Eliya, known for its colonial architecture and tea estates. Take part in a cooking class with a local family before exploring the town and its surrounding scenery.
Day 6 – Travel to Ella & Tea Plantation Visit
Journey to the laid-back mountain town of Ella. Along the way, visit a working tea plantation to learn about Sri Lanka’s most famous export from leaf to cup.
Day 7 – Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arch Bridge
Hike up Little Adam’s Peak in the morning for sweeping views over Ella’s famous hills. Later, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, one of the country’s most photographed landmarks.
Day 8 – Yala Safari
Travel to Yala National Park for an afternoon jeep safari. This is your chance to spot wildlife including elephants, crocodiles and, if we’re lucky, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Day 9 – Optional Safari & Beach Time
Chill morning or optional activity to enjoy another day of safari in Udawalawe National Park, well known for its large elephant population. Later, we’ll drive to the Mirissa and unwind by the beach.
Day 10 - Mangrove Boat Tour
Today we enjoy a scenic Mangrove Boat Tour in Ambalangoda. Witness a variety of bird species, monitor lizards, and other fascinating wildlife that thrive in this ecosystem.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to plant saplings on a small island, contributing to local mangrove conservation efforts. Visit home-based mask making and painting workshops to observe the traditional craft for which Ambalangoda is famous, and explore a traditional cinnamon oil–making house located on the island.
Day 11 - Mirissa Free Day
Surfing? Sunbathing? Last minute shopping? Today is your chance to rest and enjoy our last day at the beach. We’ll meet for our last dinner together as a group in the evening.
Day 12 - Goodbyes
Not a goodbye, but a see you later. We will help you organise your transfer to Colombo or maybe you want to stay at the beach a bit longer… Till next time!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age range for this trip?
The average age on many of our trips ranges from 21–35, but anyone 18+ with a sense of adventure is welcome! We recommend customers possess a reasonable level of fitness and adaptability to match the ‘active’ nature of our trips, as there’ll be numerous activities and frequent travelling to get to each location on the itinerary.
What sort of accommodation will there be?
Guests will primarily stay in twin rooms in comfortable 3-star hotels, sharing with their fellow guests from the trip. While we carefully select clean, well-maintained accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay, please remember that Craic On Travels specialises in budget-friendly adventure holidays, meaning accommodations may vary by location.
Is this trip for me?
Craic On Travels trips are active holidays, featuring a range of activities in different locations while also allowing time for rest and relaxation. As our itineraries are designed to maximise your experience, some trips include long travel days. We recommend that customers have a reasonable level of fitness and tolerance for travel to fully enjoy the journey.
If you’re looking for a holiday filled with activities, opportunities to explore, and a chance to step outside your comfort zone, this trip is for you!
Where do I fly into/out of?
Fly in and out of Colombo International Airport
Are flights included?
Craic On Travels does not organise flights for customers. It is the responsibility of the customer to organise their own flights. We make a group chat 60 days before the trip, giving people the opportunity to coordinate with each other around flight times.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our past legends had to say:
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What can I say? A group of 14 strangers at the start of our adventure quickly turned into lifelong friends. After only a few hours together, we were already making memories, sharing laughs, and eventually saying some very emotional goodbyes with plenty of promises to meet up again! Armeen was our tour guide and honestly, what a man! He was amazing from start to finish — the best craic, a brilliant singer, and an incredible photographer… he knows all the angles! He was so organised and made everyone feel comfortable and at ease right from the beginning. Ayla was ...
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This was my second trip with Craic On…
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26 Apr 2026
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24 Apr 2026
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I’ve just returned from the best trip to the Philippines with Craic on Travels. From the start Colin and Isabelle were so helpful with any questions I had. We had the best hosts, Roisin and Izzy. From the first day they made 18 strangers feel like best friends. Everything from start to finish was so well organised, plenty of activities but also lots of free time. Roisin and Izzy brought so much energy to the group. I am so glad I went on this trip and would highly recommend using Craic on Travels. It was such an incredible experience ...

24 Apr 2026
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19 Apr 2026
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I just got back from an unforgettable trip to Japan with Isabelle and our local guide, Taiga—and I’m still in awe of the experience they created. Every detail of the itinerary felt intentional, blending culture, adventure, and genuine connection in such a seamless way. What really stood out was the atmosphere they created: safe, welcoming, and full of kind, like-minded people. It felt like being part of something special. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. Can’t wait for my next adventure with Craic on Travels. - Maeve
18 Apr 2026
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My trip to Uganda was incredible. It was jam-packed with so many unique experiences from start to finish and I would highly recommend to anyone. Our tour lead (Robyn) and local guides (Chris, Ibrahim and Ivan) were outstanding. We had an amazing group and cannot wait to meet up again in the future.
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