- The magnificent cave temples at Dambulla
- Cycle through rice paddy fields
- Search leopard in Yala National Park
- Climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya for breathtaking views

Discover Sri Lanka - In Comfort
Reviews
Add your own reviewExcellent
Without going into the interesting detail of the trip notes, this tour was well lead by Sujan who was very funny and knowledgeable. Compared to other Exodus holidays it is quite laid back with more time off on most days and reflects the laid back feel of Sri Lanka. The elephant safaris were wonderful and we saw 60 elephants in all…..a bit of excitement!!! had when one rammed the jeep in front, whale watching was fabulous too with 17 sightings of Blue Whale and some mating turtles. The cycling was very relaxed seeing plenty of interesting village life along the river. The hotels were mostly luxurious, always a welcome drink, barely had to move a suitcase as porters dealt with them all, most with pools and a feast for breakfast. Although it was very often only an omelette and fries or club sandwich option for lunch. Most evenings the dinners were in the hotels so this meant you could eat and go to bed when you felt like it. In Late March with 38 degrees and great humidity it was boiling but the air conditioned coach helped tremendously and there were no mosquitos. Do take an umbrella for sightseeing to keep out the sun as a hat didn’t feel enough. Drives that were set to be three hours turned out to be interesting stop and start drives as things were pointed out along the way, A trip I can recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
The elephant safaris.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabulous.
Advice for Potential Travellers
In late March we saw no mosquitos whatsoever so you could safely wear shorts and short sleeves to keep cool. Do take a light coloured umbrella to keep at bay the sun, like the locals, a must for sightseeing.
Another great holiday by Exodus
Following Exodus’s usual formula of maximising a tour around a country to experience its cultural and history with the added benefit of premium hotels throughout (well one had and enchanting feel of colonial days but that was just one night) I experienced a fab time.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were a few moments but it was a personal one of climbing Adam's Peak with my condition of OSA and seeing a beautiful sunrise.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suniel had an extensive knowledge of Sri Lanka which he delivered in an amenable way with a gentle Sri Lankan manner that we experienced from the locals throughout the tour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I needed my waterproofs for the wind at the top of Adam's Peak even though I did not need them the rest of the holiday.
Brilliant holiday.
The trip was very well organised & the tour leader was efficient & knowledgeable. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, I would definitely return.
Although this was advertised as a ‘premium’ trip a few of the hotels we went to were nowhere near what I’d describe as premium. (Although the majority of the hotels were very good).
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed Kandy, the tea plantations, the safari in Yala national park and the beach resort
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sujan was excellent, knowledgeable, well organised & efficient.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring plenty of changes of clothes, as you may get hot & sweaty doing some activities.
Suggestions
I think some of the hotels, like the Deer Park hotel & especially the hotel in Bandarawela should not be used. (Ella is really near & we could have stayed at a nicer hotel there).
Discover Sri Lanka
An excellent trip, made by a wonderful leader. A really good variety of visits and activities. We gained a very good impression of Sri Lankan life, history, culture, natural history and politics.
Most Inspirational Moment
Perhaps visiting the Tooth Temple in Kandy, but the variety of visits and activities was so diverse, it's difficult to select just one.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The best ever. Thoroughly caring, and a brilliant organizer. It was always clear that he was keen to give use a very good impression of his country.
Amazing trip - a real ‘Pearl’ in the Indian Ocean
2 weeks of ‘Heaven’ – a full on and busy trip with ‘free’ time if needed – the trip included a bit of everything – temples, Buddhist sculptures, tea plantations, ancient cities, history, religion, hiking, wildlife and amazing scenery etc.
I loved meeting the tsunami victims and the local farmers and I loved the variety of transport – coach, jeeps, tuk tuks, cycles, tractor, train and ferry.
The hotels were outstanding although the Bandarawela Hotel did not reach anywhere near the standard you would expect on a Premium trip – it was a very dated, tired hotel – luckily we only stayed there for one night.
Most Inspirational Moment
Adams Peak climb and reaching the top was amazing! Visiting Lions Rock with its wonderful views of the surrounding area.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ruwan was an outstanding group leader! He was knowledgeable, super organised, professional, helpful, friendly, approachable, was always smiling and he even had an ‘English’ sense of humour! He is clearly passionate about his country and his job. Every day he gave an excellent history lesson of Sri Lanka which we all found extremely interesting! Our bus driver, Roshan, was an excellent driver and made us feel safe on the hectic, busy Sri Lankan roads.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with an open mind - be prepared for some early starts and if possible, do everything that is on offer - you won’t be disappointed!
Good Trip With Lots To See With A Good Guide
Great trip with a busy itinerary. But also a few hours free to do what you want also. Well balanced trip.
Weather was very hot some days and the 5 mile bike ride was too hot for some. Jungle walk was also very humid. Luckily Sigiri Rock was cool that am, but if it had been high 90s weather that am, then that would also be a tough climb for some. Whale watching was an optional extra but it was absolutely brilliant, we saw lots of whales. Being a bird watcher, I counted 83 different species throughout the holiday. Along with 100+ elephants in Kaudula National Park and the whales, the trip had lots of wildlife for people like me to see and enjoy. All in all, a great trip, but if you don’t like the heat, then be aware, that Sri Lanka is a hot country. There are a few early am wake up calls, but was always worth it.
Lastly, the guide Sujeeva, was absolutely brilliant. He took us to some amazing restaurants (and family homes) to eat every evening. The Red Snapper on the beach was absolutely stunning. I would recommend this holiday for anyone thinking of going to Sri Lanka.
Most Inspirational Moment
The whale watching. An early am start but worth it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely brilliant!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware of the heat.
Suggestions
Only that the drive down through the Ella Gap was absolutely stunning and we could have probably stopped for a walk to a really good view point as we thought the drive down through the mountains was stunning.
Discover Sri Lanka
My overall experience of the holiday was fantastic and I was most impressed with Exodus as a company and will certainly be using them again. All members of the group of 16 were included in all activities and no-one was left out. It is a great way for singles to go on holiday and be assured of good company.
Most Inspirational Moment
We were lucky on both safaris to see many elephants, two leopards, birds and many other animals. Loved having the opportunity to have lunch in many different situations such as with farmers, locals and tsunami victims. Really enjoyed the cultural show , in the front row! Loved the variety of transport, coach, jeep, tractor, cycles and ferry. Cycling through villages was a great experience as well.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Nalica was exceptional. he had a wide knowledge of facts, was very caring and professional at all times and was always smiling. He was a joy. Having tickets bought for us, restaurants booked and tips given took all the stress away.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Great variety of activities, be prepared for some early starts, warm clothing is require on a couple of occasions when on higher ground.
Suggestions
While I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, i do have two complaints. 1) Several hotels were not at premium standard, I encountered three cockroaches The Tamarind Tree Hotel and felt it was a very dated, tired establishment. The Mirage in Colombo was equally of a disappointing standard. Hotel Sigiriya, , Deer Park Hotel, st Andrews and Rosen were all delightful. It is good to stay a couple of nights in hotels as long as they are good ones. 2) Enjoyed the idea of the train ride but as premium customers I would have expected a reserved seat. As it was, we had to stand for over an hour absolutely packed together in great heat and couldn't see the scenery. The experience was extremely unpleasant.
Discover Sri Lanka - just do it.
If you think India might be too much but really want to discover a different culture, this is the perfect trip to do.
Full on and busy every day but with “free time” just when you need it.
So many experiences in 2 short weeks, cultural, home based, incredible climbs, bike rides, white water rafting, incredible views, ancient cities, spice garden tour with an expert, turtle hatchery, visiting a tea factory, and that is just to mention a few of the things we did.
Our guide was so knowledgeable and soon became part of our group of 16, the bus driver was brilliant as was his support, we felt safe every time we went anywhere, Our Guide Nalaka was charming and always available to us and answered our numerous questions with charm and knowledge.
All the hotels were of a high standard, only two were not that good but for one night they were fine, but throughout the tour we were given 5* treatment and courtesy.
Most Inspirational Moment
It would be difficult to say which particular moment was any more inspirational than another. The whole tour was inspirational. I would have to say that the least inspirational for me personally was on day 12 where we had tea in a coconut shell and played Sri Lankan games. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the novelty and played the games, it was not inspirational in any way.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding. Knowledgeable. Concerned. Made sure we were safe and happy. Ensured we were given the right amount of information. Excellent communication skills. Friendly and welcoming right from the start. I cannot speak highly enough of Nalaka.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the notes given by Exodus, as they are accurate. Just go with an open mind, take in all the experiences. Take mosquito repellant with you, it is really necessary. Remember to get your ETA on line Things can be bit pricey but take cash in £'s and US$.
Suggestions
No, just do it. We had a great group of people, good age selection, eclectic and we worked well together the whole trip, I would have liked a couple of days in Galle, the atmosphere was lovely and there is so much to see there.
DIscover Sri Lanka
Two weeks of absolute bliss. A group of 15 gelled magnificently considering age range was between 28- 72! Starting in the capitol, Columbo we ventured north to Dambulla + Sigiriya taking in Cave temples and climbing the impressive Lion Rock- what views! Something we would get used to over the course of the fortnight, each different view offering us an awesome insight to the lush, green island before us. Game parks – herds of elephants- not the odd one or two – dozens. Along with multitudinal birds of all colours , shapes, sizes and other animals( although the Leopard did not make an appearance this time )- Sri Lanka is a nature lovers paradise. Temples, architecture, stupas, sculptures in abundance enough to satisfy the cultural aspect of the trip. Cycling through paddy fields, white water rafting , whale watching all achieved and even if you were not athletically inclined the majority of luxurious hotels had a pool to lounge by and an informal game of cricket on the beach caught the imagination of even the most non sporting amongst us. Trips to a gem factory , woodcarving store, spice garden were also on the itinerary. There was something for everyone. Food was delicious – curry and rice but other ‘western’ food available. Beer relatively cheap. shopping in Kandy was a must – this definitely the place to get any souvenir or just to treat yourself. Can’t believe we did so much and saw so much – the time flew by – even the ‘free days’. Thoroughly recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the white water rafting and floating down the river kept afloat by life jacket. Swimming in Indian ocean also high on hit list
Thoughts on Group Leader
Neelaka has the broadest grin ever. He was so knowledgeable about all sorts, plants, animals, birds, temples, history, religion, geography- like many guides has a repertoire of anecdotes. He had time for everyone, no 'problem' was too small and was sorted immediately. Definitely made the holiday - a good group leader, one of best I have encountered
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a prepaid card for money. ATMs available and cash can be exchanged at airport. Buy goods in Kandy - best prices here. Laundry available in some hotels - you do not need to take loads of clothes. Try all the food - even curry for breakfast - has to be done Be aware the train may be mega crowded
Suggestions
One of the most enjoyable trips I have been on with Exodus. Try everything - even eating your food with fingers! Take lots of photos- you will do sooooooo much you will not remember - oh don't forget the tuk tuk transport
Discover Sri Lanka Premium
Beautiful and varied country with a lovely laid back and fascinating culture. The trip manages to combine a good mix of scenery, culture and history in a relaxed manner with outstanding food if you like moderately spicy curry. The logistics and transport were excellent. The hotels were superb except for one which we understand Exodus will not use in future.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sigirya rock was both fascinating and visually impressive, helped by the fact that our tour leader organised for us to see it first thing in the morning before the crowds arrived. Candy and the temple of the Tooth were also impressive but then again so was the bike ride along the river and travelling through the tea plantations. Each day was different and interesting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roshan was outstanding. He was calm, assured, organised, approachable, knowledgeable, sociable, with an English sense of humour. He brought the trip to life not only explaining the history but also never afraid to discuss the challenges facing modern Sri Lanka. It was no surprise to learn is in the Exodus Hall of fame.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Watch out for small leeches on the jungle walk if it's been raining. they are harmless but it's a bit unpleasant.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
15 Oct 2023 14 Oct 2023
Sunday Sunday
29 Oct 2023 29 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 4,475
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,349
Discover Sri Lanka - Premium
Discover Sri Lanka - Premium
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.