Sri Lanka – Safari, Sea & Culture: April 3rd – 15th 2027
April 3rd - 15th 2027
- 12 Days
- April 3rd - 15th 2027
- 7 Destinations
- Min People: 8
- Max People: 18
- 14 Meals Included
- Twin-Sharing 3 & 4-Star 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 3/4* 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 4* 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 – 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. If you need organising onward travel to Colombo or beyond, let us know. 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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