Shape your adventure: With Extensions, every beginning and ending is yours to create. Learn More.
Designed with families in mind, this adventure reveals the real riches of Sri Lanka. Guided by an experienced local tour leader, we balance well-known highlights with engaging, age-appropriate activities that bring the country to life. We climb the Sigiriya rock fortress in the cooler hours of the morning, head out on safari in search of elephants, and cycle quiet backroads through rural villages where daily life unfolds around us. Shared meals introduce us to Sri Lanka’s varied cuisine, before the journey ends in coastal Negombo, an easy place to relax together or extend your stay by the sea.
Highlights
Key Information
What's Included
What's Not Included
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Sunday Sunday
09 Aug 2026 09 Aug 2026
Sunday Sunday
16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesBegin your adventure in Colombo, the energetic capital of Sri Lanka.
At 3.30pm, say ayubowan to your tour leader and fellow travellers at our hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. That’s followed by an orientation tour around the city.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Sri Lankan welcome by arranging dinner and cocktails at the historic Galle Face Hotel, where we can watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Want to explore Colombo further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Ramada Colombo (or similar)
Bid farewell to Colombo and transfer (4hr 20min) to Sigiriya this morning, an essential stop on any tour of Sri Lanka.
After dropping off our bags at the hotel, head into Minneriya National Park this afternoon. Riding in open-sided 4x4s, we search for the park’s large elephant herds, while also keeping an eye out for sambar deer, wild buffalo, sloth bears and more.
Alternatively, if your tour leader’s intel reveals the safari is better in Hurulu Eco Park or Kaudulla National Park, we go there instead – ensuring the best safari possible based on where the elephants are gathered.
End the day at Hotel Sigiriya, which has an excellent view of the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress from the pool area.
Overnight: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
We’re off to the small city of Girithale this morning, a 55-minute drive away, where we hop on bikes for a leisurely cycle through small villages and past lakes, which should take around two hours. If you’d prefer not to cycle, you can hire a tuk tuk (approximately 6,000 rupees/US$20) and follow the group.
Along the way, we see the local people going about their daily routine – expect smiles and waves as we go! We should also spot plenty of bird life, including egrets, brahminy kites, kingfishers and bulbuls. Breaking up the journey, we stop for lunch in a traditional village before returning to our hotel in Sigiriya by late afternoon with time to enjoy a post-ride dip in the pool.
Overnight: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Rise early this morning to climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, before the strongest heat of the day. Probably the standout attraction in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya comprises the ruins of a fifth-century palace, which crowns an imposing granite peak. We drive to the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens. We then take the route to the top, via a series of steep steps and gangways, ascending 655ft (200m) and passing an overhanging rock, under which portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. On the flat-topped summit are extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace.
Returning to the hotel for breakfast, we then set off to Dambulla, where we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, taking the back entrance, where there are fewer steps. Among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka, it is home to colourful, well-preserved paintings and Buddha statues, which date to the first century BCE.
Finally, we transfer (2hr 40min) to Kandy, where we stay for the next two nights.
Overnight: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Upgrade to a room with a balcony today – speak to your sales representative for more details
We visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from his funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in August the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Some of our August trips should coincide with the Kandy festival, but the exact dates, decided by priests, are not known until five months before the event.
Later, we take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and taking in views of the city and hills.
Overnight: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Upgrade to a room with a balcony today – speak to your sales representative for more details
After breakfast, we leave Kandy and transfer (approximately 2hr 30min to 3hr) to Nuwara Eliya, a popular hill station during the British era, situated in the cool highland air. Known locally as Little England, it is dotted with British-style houses and parks and features a golf club and racecourse.
Here, we visit a tea factory to discover the fascinating process of tea production, from plucking fresh tea leaves to processing and packaging. Enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed tea and enjoy a tasting session to experience the rich flavours of Ceylon tea.
After, we enjoy a scenic drive through Nuwara Eliya, admiring the lush tea plantations, beautifully manicured gardens and rolling hills.
Overnight: Galway Heights (or similar)
Leave the tea hills and transfer (4hr 50min) to the coastal city of Negombo, a short drive north of Colombo.
There, you can relax at our beachside hotel, either in the pool or on the sands. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Kitulgala for a white-water rafting adventure (see the Optional Excursions section of the Trip Notes for more details).
In the evening, our tour leader will arrange a group dinner, where we can share our favourite moments from the trip.
Overnight: Jetwing Blue Negombo (or similar)
The adventure ends in Negombo today, and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively,speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Negombo and enjoying some downtime by the beach.
Recharge with a few relaxing nights by the beach and make your Sri Lankan adventure feel even more extraordinary. Think warm waves, swaying palms, and fresh seafood enjoyed with a coastal breeze. Here are a few of our favourite beach hotels to inspire your stay:
Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle: An iconic hotel celebrated for its unique architectural heritage near the historic trading post of Galle. Perched on a rocky headland with rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean, Jetwing Lighthouse offers exceptional service, multiple pools and elegant dining.
Heritance Ahungalla: Set in a tranquil coastal location, this five-star resort blends beachfront luxury with sweeping ocean views. Its prime position on a long stretch of sandy beach makes it perfect for travellers looking to unwind and soak up Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Jetwing Beach Hotel, Negombo: A stylish and comfortable base with direct access to Negombo’s golden sands and a beachfront pool. Spacious rooms, excellent dining and close proximity to the airport make it an ideal choice for unwinding before your journey home.
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.
Why not end your adventure with a touch of luxury in the Maldives, just a one-hour flight from Sri Lanka?
Beautiful islands covered with tropical vegetation, surrounded by wide sandy beaches and azure waters. Spend your days diving, snorkelling or swimming in the warm, calm ocean. For an unforgettable stay pick an iconic Overwater Villa, where panoramic sea views and serene sunsets come as standard. With many properties offering all-inclusive options, the Maldives can offer an indulgent finale to your holiday. Here are a few of our favourites to inspire your stay:
Royal Island Resort, Baa Atoll: Set on a lush, palm-fringed island in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this peaceful retreat is known for its excellent diving/snorkelling, serene beaches and relaxed, natural atmosphere.
Hotel Riu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll: A modern, all-inclusive resort offering overwater suites, beachfront rooms and a selection of dining options on Maafushi island. With great snorkelling, it’s perfect for those who want convenience and activities.
Taj Coral Reef Resort, North Malé Atoll: A stylish boutique island retreat, renowned for its vibrant marine life and exceptional diving. With elegant villas and personalised service, it offers an intimate and luxurious escape.
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Upgrade to a room with a balcony on Day 4 and 5 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.
