Sri Lanka – New Years in Paradise: December 27th – January 5th 26/27
December 27th - January 5th 2026/2027
- 10 Days
- December 27th - January 5th 2026/2027
- 5 Destinations
- Min People: 10
- Max People: 16
- 12 Meals Included
- Twin-Sharing 3 Star Hotels
Join us as we explore the absolute best of Sri Lanka
Get ready to ring in the New Year on an unforgettable adventure through Sri Lanka!
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 in search of elephants, leopards and more. Along the way, get stuck into Sri Lankan culture with a cooking class, a homemade dinner with a local family and a cultural tour through Kandy.
And of course, we’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve together in the gorgeous mountain town of Ella in Sri Lanka, making this one seriously special way to finish the year and start the next.
The perfect mix of adventure, culture, wildlife, new friendships and some well-earned chill time along the way.
Arrival & Departure Location
Trip starts in Colombo
Trip ends in Mirissa
Visiting
Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala National Park & Mirissa
Accommodation
Twin sharing 3* hotels
Trip Highlights
- Celebrate New Years Eve in Ella
- Safari in Yala National Park (chance to see leopard)
- Authentic Sri Lankan Cooking Class with Local Family
- Famous Train Ride to Ella
- Hike Pidurangala Rock
- Visit 9 Arch Bridge
- Boat Wildlife & Culture Tour
- Sigiriya Cycling Tour
- Climb Little Adam's Peak
- Kandy Cultural Tour & Tooth Relic
- 9 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
- 9 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)
- Airport Transfers
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Sri Lanka
Arrive in Negombo and settle in before meeting the group. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and trip briefing together.
Day 2 – Beach Bound to Mirissa
Today we travel south to Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka’s best-loved beach towns. Spend the evening relaxing by the sea and watching the sunset.
Day 3 – Mangroves, Wildlife & Local Traditions
Explore the mangroves of Ambalangoda by boat, keeping an eye out for birdlife, monitor lizards and other wildlife. We’ll also support local conservation by planting mangrove saplings and visit traditional mask-making and cinnamon oil workshops.
Day 4 – Beach Morning & Journey to Yala
Enjoy a relaxed morning by the beach before travelling onwards to Yala. Settle in for the evening ahead of an early start tomorrow.
Day 5 – Yala Safari & New Year’s Eve in Ella
Start the day with an early morning Yala National Park safari, searching for elephants, leopards and other wildlife. Afterwards, we travel into the hills to Ella for our New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Day 6 – Nine Arch Bridge & Ella Adventures
Visit Ella’s iconic Nine Arch Bridge and enjoy some free time to explore. In the evening, you can optionally hike Little Adam’s Peak for beautiful views across the surrounding hills.
Day 7 – Scenic Train to Kandy
Hop aboard one of Sri Lanka’s most famous train journeys as we travel from Ella to Kandy through the tea-covered highlands. In the evening, experience some of Kandy’s local culture and traditions.
Day 8 – Sigiriya & Sri Lankan Cooking
Travel onwards to Sigiriya, surrounded by some of Sri Lanka’s most impressive landscapes and ancient sites. Later, get hands-on with a traditional Sri Lankan cooking class.
Day 9 – Cycling, Pidurangala & Farewell Dinner
Explore the Sigiriya countryside by bike before hiking Pidurangala Rock for an unforgettable sunset overlooking Sigiriya. Tonight, we’ll come together for our final group dinner and one last evening of Craic!
Day 10 - Goodbyes
Our Sri Lanka adventure comes to an end in Sigiriya. You can extend your stay here, continue your travels independently, or we can help organise a transfer back towards Negombo for your onward journey.
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:
Ready to Go?
Still sitting on the fence? Here’s the thing…the best time to book that trip was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, craving connection, or just ready for something different, we’ve got you covered. Our trips are designed for real people with big dreams.
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Summer 2023
Winter 2025
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