Sri Lankan Highlights

Name: Sri Lankan Highlights
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (13 reviews)

Offer :

Save 20% on all 2026 Trips. Book by October 27 and quote LEADTHEWAY26EUR at time of booking online or over the phone. Learn more.

9 Days Excluding Flights From

10 Days from

1 560 €

4.6/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Superior

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AIA

Carbon Footprint :

25kg CO2e per person per day

Spend an unforgettable week experiencing the best of the Island of Serendipity

With so much diversity, Sri Lanka has enough to keep even the most jaded traveller engrossed for several weeks. However, for those with less time, this trip visits the essential highlights. The island is packed with Buddhist cities, fragrant spice gardens, ancient fortresses and a multitude of temples all set among the verdant flora that only a tropical climate can produce. With a cycle ride and visits to historic cities and temples included, this is a busy itinerary but with enough time to unwind and enjoy some tropical sun.

Highlights

Climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya for breath-taking views
Discover the magnificent cave temple at Dambulla and the ruins at Polonnaruwa
Explore the beautiful lakeside town of Kandy
Visit the lush green region of Nuwara Eliya
Embark on a wonderfully scenic train ride into the misty tea hills

Key Information

Accommodation: 6 Superior nights (hotels), 2 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by private bus/minibus and train
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Sri Lanka beach extension and Maldives extension available

Countries visited: Sri Lanka

What's Included

All breakfasts and one lunch
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

AIA - Sri Lankan Highlights

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

21 Dec 2025 20 Dec 2025

Monday Monday

29 Dec 2025 29 Dec 2025

Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!

Land Only Trip Price 1 920 €

Optional Single Supplement +510 €

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

11 Jan 2026 10 Jan 2026

Monday Monday

19 Jan 2026 19 Jan 2026

Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 2 spaces left!

Land Only Trip Price 1 920 €

Optional Single Supplement +522 €

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

View Trip Notes

Monday Sunday

26 Jan 2026 25 Jan 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

03 Feb 2026 03 Feb 2026

Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 2 spaces left!

Land Only Trip Price 1 560 €

Optional Single Supplement +522 €

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

08 Feb 2026 07 Feb 2026

Monday Monday

16 Feb 2026 16 Feb 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price 1 560 €

Optional Single Supplement +522 €

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 Notes

Sunday Saturday

22 Feb 2026 21 Feb 2026

Monday Monday

02 Mar 2026 02 Mar 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit

Optional Single Supplement +522 €

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 Notes

Sunday Saturday

08 Mar 2026 07 Mar 2026

Monday Monday

16 Mar 2026 16 Mar 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 4 spaces left!

Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit

Optional Single Supplement +522 €

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

29 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026

Monday Monday

06 Apr 2026 06 Apr 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit

Optional Single Supplement +522 €

Availability

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Watalla Colombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival, those travelling on the group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer.

The adventure begins in coastal Wattala, a suburb of the capital Colombo. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel and settle into the trip.

Accommodation: Pegasus Reef Hotel (or similar)

Depart after breakfast for the drive (approximately four hours) among coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations to Sigiriya where we check into our hotel for the next few nights.

This afternoon we climb the Sigiriya rock fortress, also known as Lion Rock. Built as a safe haven from invaders, this impressive 5th century rock fortress rises 655ft (200m) from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside, giving far-reaching views. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens we ascend up a series of steep steps and gangways, passing overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit are the remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where we are rewarded with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.

The descent is much easier and you can cool off in the hotel pool at dusk.

Accommodation: Occidental Paradise (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we transfer (just over one hour) to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa. On arrival, we swap to two wheels for our cycle tour of the ancient capital of the Sinhalese.

There are many Buddhist relics and ruins here, dating from a 1,000 years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. The city flourished in the 12th century after the decision was made to move the capital from Anuradhapura, so it was further from incursions from southern India. The ruins are therefore younger and better preserved than those at Anuradhapura. At a leisurely pace, enjoying the cool breeze we visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures.

We stop for lunch in a rural village, which breaks up the journey and is a great opportunity to experience traditional Sri Lankan food.

In the afternoon, we visit Minneriya National Park where we take to 4x4s to explore and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Although there is generally a good chance to see elephants all year round, Minneriya is famous for the “Gathering” of wild elephants. A seasonal phenomenon between July and September, which draws hundreds of these majestic creatures to the reservoir, creating a remarkable wildlife spectacle.

Accommodation: Occidental Paradise (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we head over to Dambulla, a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Here, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, considered among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. A complex of five caves adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues, showcasing remarkable cultural and spiritual significance, which date to the first century BCE.

From Dambulla, another short drives takes us to the Habarana village of Hiriwaduna. Amid lush landscapes, we’ll experience genuine hospitality from the local villagers, joining them in daily activities such as a hand-tractor/land-master ride, learning traditional fishing techniques and strolling through the paddy fields. A wonderful glimpse into rural life’s simplicity and charm.

After, we transfer back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Occidental Paradise (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way, we stop at a spice garden near Matale, where we learn about various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on fresh spices, massage oils and Ayurvedic medicines.

Kandy itself is on a small lake and after a couple of adventurous days in Sigiriya, you have time this afternoon to relax and slow the pace down at the hotel or take a wander into the town to explore the market stalls or visit the lake.

Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning we head out to explore Kandy city and the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Renowned for its collection of orchids endemic to Sri Lanka, as well as over 4000 different plant species the botanical garden sits close to the Mahaweli River and covers over 147-acres (60-hectares).

In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the 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 July/August, the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Some of our summer departures should coincide with the Kandy Perahera festival, but the exact dates, decided by priests, are not known until approximately five months prior to the event.

After our visit, we drive to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge Buddha, and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction.
In the evening, we have the option to attend a performance of the athletic Kandyan Dancing and fire walking.

Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we travel by train, taking the scenic rail ride into the misty tea hills (approximately a three hour journey).

Our destination is Nuwara Eliya or Little England, which was a favoured cool escape for the British. At 6,128ft (1,868m) above sea level, this town is in the area of Sri Lanka most famous for tea production. On arrival, we visit a tea plantation and factory where we enjoy the taste of a pure cup of “Ceylon Tea” and experience the process of turning the raw green leaf into the final product.

There is time to explore the town with its Colonial era bungalows and Tudor-style hotels. The area is very picturesque with lush green hillsides and a lake.

Accommodation: Araliya Red (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we depart for Kitulgala, a small town located in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and the Kelani River, which offers various water-based activities.

Arriving in Kitulgala, we visit the remains of a bridge, considered a historical landmark that gained international fame after being featured in the 1957 epic war film “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” directed by David Lean. Although set in Thailand, it was actually filmed in Sri Lanka, with the Kitulgala bridge playing a significant role in the film’s story.

While in Kitulgala you will also have the option to go white water rafting. The rafting is a supplement cost and requires minimum 4 people (see the Optional Excursions section of the trip notes), the activity lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade III rapids) depending on your preference. Please note, occasionally due to water levels rafting may not always be possible.

Late afternoon, we drive to our hotel in Colombo.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Red Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. It’s been a culture-packed adventure, so if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about booking a beach extension to either Weligama or Hikkaduwa to prolong your stay on the teardrop island or going a bit further and taking our Maldives extension.

Meals included: Breakfast

Post-trip Extensions

Beach Extension in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Highlights
Why not slow things down and end your Sri Lankan adventure with a few nights by the beach?

Before finishing in Colombo, take a detour and head south to one of the many beach resorts. For a luxurious escape, opt for a secluded beachfront hotel with spa facilities near the iconic stilt fishermen. Alternatively, consider spending your final nights in Negombo. With its coastal charm and convenient access to Colombo’s airport, it’s the perfect place to wind down before your journey home.

Speak to your sales representative who can handle all of the arrangements for you.

Maldives Beach Extension

Sri Lankan Highlights

Did you know the Maldives is just a one-hour flight from Sri Lanka?

Beautiful islands covered with tropical vegetation and palm trees, 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 one of the iconic Overwater Villas, where panoramic sea views and serene sunsets come as standard. The Maldives makes for an indulgent extension to any Sri Lankan holiday, with many resorts offering full-board packages and all-inclusive upgrades.

Speak to your sales representative who can handle all of the arrangements for you.

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

This is not a demanding trip although there are some long drives on bumpy and twisty mountain roads plus some busy days; this is an itinerary where we attempt to show you as much as possible in your short time in Sri Lanka. Temperatures can vary between the tropical heat of the coast to the cooler hill country. All the hotels have swimming pools. There are a few long drives, but the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned and the trip is generally relaxed and undemanding.

Please note, when visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) the final ascent to the top is on metal open stairs fixed against the side of the rock. There are handrails on either side but those with a strong fear of heights may prefer to stay on the lower level (where the lion “paws” are) and not continue to the rock plateau.

April Departures, Sinhala and Tamil New Year: A unique celebration to the people of Sri Lanka, this important New Year national festival, known as Avurudu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil, is not celebrated by any other nation. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities are observed by both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus across Sri Lanka for two days in April. If you are travelling in Sri Lanka over these dates you can expect to see religious ceremonies, family activities, traditional foods, and a general feeling of good will toward neighbours and friends. Parties can go on into the night and it can be quite loud during this period. Your tour leader will be happy to show you some of the activities where your itinerary allows. Please note, during the New Year public holiday, there will be heavy traffic and busy places at times, but your tour leader can modify the itinerary as required to ensure minimal disruption.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Pegasus Reef Hotel, Palliyawatha, Wattala, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 049 600
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Watalla
Location end: Colombo

Vaccinations and Health

Sri Lanka

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

For detailed health and vaccination advice, visit:

UK: The Travel Health Pro website
US: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
Canada: ⁠The Canadian government’s travel health page

Visa

Sri Lanka

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Travellers from most countries can obtain a 30-day ETA (US$50) at www.eta.gov.lk. We strongly recommend that you do this prior to travel to avoid any complications and delays on arrival. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Local customs and laws: You should be aware of local laws and customs in Sri Lanka (see: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/local-laws-and-customs). The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is an offence; please note, people have been refused entry to Sri Lanka because of visible tattoos of Buddha.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and one lunch are included.

We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner.
You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Your leader can also help recommend some good places to eat.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic.

Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this – you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food.

Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Weather

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons or monsoons. The southwest monsoon brings rain to that area of the island between May and August. The northeast monsoon takes place from October to January and only really affects the north and east coastal regions. Generally, expect rain at some time but with plenty of sunshine. On the plains, day- and night-time temperatures are warm to hot with Colombo having an average daytime temperature of 30C (86F). The temperatures drop as we go higher into the hills.

TRIP

AIA - Sri Lankan Highlights

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Three- and four-star hotels

During this cultural exploration of Sri Lanka, we stay in a mixture of three- and four-star hotels (locally rated). These typically offer local hospitality in small to mid-size properties and are near the attractions or towns we’re visiting. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the notable places we stay.

Sigiriya: Occidental Paradise (nights 2-4)

Sri Lankan Highlights

Near the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, Occidental Paradise is in the ideal location for our explorations. The resort has two restaurants, a large freshwater pool and a Balinese spa, while the two bars are a great place to get to know each other better. The Blue Elephant serves cocktails and premium spirits, while the pool bar is perfect for a post-dip drink.

Kandy: Hotel Topaz (nights 5-6)

Sri Lankan Highlights

Hotel Topaz is perched on the highest point of Sri Lanka’s hill capital and provides comfort and tranquility amid the bustling city. The bedrooms offer panoramic hillside views and facilities include a swimming pool, spa and restaurants. In just a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride, you reach the heart of Kandy, where you can explore the market and shops or wander around the lake.

Worth knowing

Please note, paying the single supplement may not mean you receive a double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from hotel to hotel and, on some nights, a smaller one-person room may be allocated.

TRIP

AIA - Sri Lankan Highlights

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Angela Holmes

Reviewed October 2025

Sri Lanka

Our trip Sri Lankan Highlights was in September 2025. We learnt so much about Sri Lanka and its lovely people. There was a good mix of culture and wildlife – we saw lots of elephants, bats, jackal, monkeys, birds, crocodiles, reptiles. Our guide Mahen with co-pilot and driver kept us safe and entertained for the whole trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

my favourite day was the early start with Sigiriya sunrise with village tour with traditional snacks, lake boat ride, tuk tuk and tractor ride finishing off with Ayurvedic Massage at Ashram - a full day expertly crafted by Mahen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mahen was fantastic and a great ambassador for his county - he knew all the right places and kept us well informed on what was happening. He tailored the trip to fit in places we all wanted to see and the right shops to stop at.

Advice for Potential Travellers

in September it was really hot - some of the temples required you to take your shoes off so take some socks. An umbrella is handy for rain showers as well as a sun shade (when not too windy). Insect repellent is a must. Binoculars come in handy. We ended our trip with a beach add on which made a perfect end to an enjoyable busy trip.

Mia Harper

Reviewed October 2025

100 Elephants and Misty Tea Hills: A Magical Sri Lanka Trip

My trip to Sri Lanka was truly magical. Not only did we see over 100 elephants while on safari, but we also spent three hours gazing out of a train window at the misty tea hills of Nuwara Eliya. This trip was the perfect mix of sightseeing and activities – we travelled by boat, tuk-tuk, train, 4×4, and even on foot during a hike up Sigiriya! I travelled in September, so we had quite a bit of rain in Kandy, but it only added to the lush, tropical scenery, which was absolutely beautiful. Sri Lanka should be experienced by everyone!

Most Inspirational Moment

Witnessing so many elephants gather around a watering hole with their babies whilst in Kaudulla National Park - just magical!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mahen was charming, hilarious, and absolutely in love with his home. His knowledge of Sri Lanka was incredible, and there wasn’t a quiet moment on the trip when he wasn’t sharing a fascinating fact, piece of history, or story. Mahen adjusted the itinerary to suit our group’s needs and made sure we visited busier spots, such as Lion’s Rock and Kaudulla National Park, during quieter hours - we often felt like we had the attractions all to ourselves. Mahen’s co-pilot was equally wonderful and kind. He always greeted us with flowers when we boarded the coach, handed us umbrellas when it rained, and treated our luggage with such care. Thank you, Mahen and your co-pilot, for taking our trip above and beyond!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothing for all types of weather. I visited in September, and Nuwara Eliya was very chilly, Kandy was very wet, and Colombo and Wattala were super hot! Be sure to bring plenty of suncream, cover-ups for temples, and a rain jacket.

Hannah Devine

Reviewed April 2025

Not The Exodus I Remember

Sri Lanka is beautiful and worth traveling too. Would I recommend doing it with Exodus? Not for me – their tour was too overly structured, and the local tour operator doesn’t follow the ethos of traveling small and local. Our group was only 15 but our experience was no different than if we had been on a motorcoach with 50 tourists. We were always one of dozens of other coaches packing lunch and coffee stops, nothing unique about it. We thought we’d be able to have lunches and dinners on our own, as they are not included in the tour, but actually there was never another option besides the big-tour stops chosen by our guide, and the hotels were too remote to walk to anyplace else. The tour included a number of “cultural” stops that were really just high-pressure shopping opportunities, again filled with other tour buses, as if they were all in on it. We saw and did a lot in Sri Lanka but it could have been a more authentic experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Dumballa cave temples

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dulip - He was endearing but there were many instances of troubling, unprofessional behavior. He gossiped about us to other guests, took guests to massage at a notoriously bad spa that was reputed to pay kickbacks to guides, made up stories about his family to boost sympathy at tip time, and had generally poor delivery of information about Sri Lanka and the sights we were seeing. I do not recommend him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel with a private guide or a smaller group that is truly dedicated to local travel.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Hannah for her review, although we are regretful to learn that her tour in Sri Lanka missed the mark for her in several areas. We always endeavour to deliver authentic experiences in all the countries we visit and we were saddened to hear that Sri Lankan Highlights felt overly structured and not particularly “Exodus”. We were most concerned to read Hannah’s comments about her tour leader’s behaviour and are in direct contact with her to discuss this.

Elizabeth Lash

Reviewed March 2025

Action-packed tour in beautiful Sri Lanka

This tour is the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka – a great balance of historical landmarks, cultural insights, stunning scenery and amazing wildlife (with a few opportunities for retail therapy thrown in). Our days were pretty full and varied, with something for everyone – no drive was longer than two hours, other than on our last day (going back to Colombo). The bus was comfortable and big enough for everyone to have a window seat if they wanted.
Our hotels were pleasant and well situated but some were a little tired around the edges, but I felt that was fair, given the reasonable price of the tour. The food was delicious throughout – we ate mainly in our hotels, with a few meals in local restaurants recommended by our guide, Mahen.

Most Inspirational Moment

I feel that I should say the elephant safari or the white-water rafting (which were both thrilling), or the iconic train ride through the tea plantations, but my favourite experiences were when we seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, with hardly any other tourists around, enjoying the birdsong and the beauty of the landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mahen was great - he was always smiling and doing his best to make the tour as enjoyable as possible (even if that meant moving the schedule around in view of weather conditions and people's personal preferences). He clearly loves his country and wanted us to love it too - his enthusiasm was infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a decent breathable waterproof and sliders/crocs, whatever the season! We went in what should have been dry season but got thoroughly soaked on more than one occasion. Most people on our tour wore trainers, which were fine but sometimes took over a day to dry out and weren't easy to take on and off when entering temples (especially when wet). Although it is not a physically demanding tour, it is busy and we were glad to have extended our trip by three days on the coast (near Galle). With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had tacked on an extra day before the tour to rest (having not got much sleep on our overnight flight from London) and acclimatise to the heat.

Carmen Geyer

Reviewed December 2024

Love love love Sri Lanka!

Definitely an incredible experience! This trip is a fantastic introduction to Sri Lanka, covering all the must-sees in the regions visited, but at a good pace with some down time to explore in between.
Accommodation is good, staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. Local food is absolutely delicious, with loads of vegetarian and vegan options.
Can’t wait to visit again!

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples and close the encounters with wild elephants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and in his words, he loved 'adding colour' with little stops and extras along the way

Leslie Polidoro

Reviewed June 2019

Love Sri Lanka!

Hotels, meals all very good. You can tell the country is still developing their tourism business, but they are doing a great job. Unfortunately the bombings will have put a stop on travel there, however I have fallen in love with this country and will be quick to recommend it.
Excursions and tours were excellent, I felt like I had a good overall visit to Sri Lanka, yet not enough so I am keen to return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lion Rock Fortress

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgeable, however I found that he tended to poke "fun" at certain people a little more than was necessary. I felt a bit more history and explanations of sites could have been provided "on-site". Most tours were a bit rushed, fine for those in excellent physical condition, difficult for those who were not. I would have rather it was a bit more leisurely when out on site.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a battery pack/charger -- you will want to take alot of pictures and sometimes your camera/phone will not make it through the day. Tip well to all those that help with your journey.

Condon Corbett

Reviewed May 2019

Amazing Sri Lanka!

From the private pick up at the airport in Colombo to drop off at the airport things could not have gone more smoothly. The pace of the tour was excellent given its short duration. Accommodations were very good-clean, comfortable and well located. Sri Lanka is a stunning country with friendly people, beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the top of Lion Rock (Sigiriya) to view the remnants of the ruined palace and the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from 200 metres above. Magical!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Suresh was excellent. Very well organised, knowledgeable of his home country, it's history and different cultures which he imparted to us in an interesting and fun manner. I appreciated his somewhat sarcastic sense of humor as well. Schedules were well kept and adjusted as necessary based on the group consensus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take part in all of the included sightseeing and activities, especially the bike tour through the villages where you will be warmly greeted by the local children as you cycle by.

Penelope Hansen

Reviewed May 2019

Sri Lanka fam

The trip was great. Short, but a good introduction to the country. I look forward to going back and seeing more.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the day we spent cycling through local villages and meeting locals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was great. He was diligent in assisting passengers whatever hour of the day/night and adjusted our itinerary to adapt to changing circumstances like weather and traffic. Taking hundreds of photos and sharing them with the group (even if some were shockingly unflattering) was a nice touch.

ANITA MICHALCZEWSKI

Reviewed May 2019

SRI LANKA - A SMALL COUNTRY THAT HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER.

GREAT HOTELS, SIGHTSEEING, FOOD, PEOPLE. SRI LANKA HAS ALL OF THIS.
OUR TRIP WITH EXODUS TRAVELS WAS GREAT. WE HAVE SEEN SO MANY GREAT TEMPLES, CLIMBED THAT AMAZING SIGURIYA ROCK, OBSERVED MONKEYS AND ELEPHANTS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS, TASTED SO MANY YUMMY DISHES. OUR BUS DRIVER DARMAN WAS A VERY SKILLED DRIVER (THAT YOU NEED SO MUCH IN SRI LANKA). HIS HELPER SAMAN WAS ALWAYS READY TO GREAT US WITH A SMILE AND ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT WE WERE WELL HYDRATED, AS HE SUPPLIED US WITH WATER THRUOUT OUR JOURNEY. THE HOTELS WERE ALL OF A VERY GOOD STANDARD AND SOME OF THEM DID OFFER A BREATHTAKING VISTAS. MY FAV. WAS THE HOTEL GIRITALE IN GIRITALE AND ALSO THE HOTEL TILANKA IN KANDY, AS THEY HAVE OFFERED MOST AMAZING VIEWS.

Most Inspirational Moment

VISITIG A BUDDHIST TEMPLE ON THE BUDDHIST NEW YEAR AND GETTING A SPECIAL BLESSING FROM A MONK WITH A THREAD TIED ONTO MY WRIST. AND ALSO STANDING ON TOP OF THE MIGHTY SIGURIYA ROCK AND FEELING PROUD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THERE, AS NOT EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO CLIMB IT.

Thoughts on Group Leader

SURESH WAS OUR AMAZING WISH MASTER! NOTHING WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO DO FOR US. I WISH EVERYONE TO ENCOUNTER SUCH A GREAT TOUR GUIDE. HE WAS VERY PASSIONATE AND PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY. HE MADE OUR JOURNEY A VERY PLEASANT ONE. HE ALSO SHOWED US HOW ONE SHOULD STAY IN SHAPE, AS HE WOULD TAKE US FOR MORNING WALKS AND WE COULD SEE HIM EXERCISING EVERY MORNING. HE ALSO HAS GIVEN US A HONEST ADVICE WHEN IT CAME TO SOME GREAT SHOPPING PLACES. I HOPE TO STAY FRIENDS WITH SURESH IN THE FUTURE AND ALSO HOPE THAT HE CAN VISIT US IN CANADA, NEXT YEAR, AS HE LOVES TO TRAVEL.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I WOULD SAY: LIVE YOU LIFE AND DO NOT GET SCARED OF SOME POTENTIAL TROUBLE IN ONE COUNTRY, OR THE OTHER. UNFORTUNATELY BAD PEOPLE ARE EVERYWHERE AND I REFUSE TO STOP TRAVELING, BECAUSE OF THEM. SRI LANK IS STILL A RELATIVELY SAFE DESTINATION AND IF YOU FEEL NERVOUS - JUST STICK TO THE SMALLER PLACES AND AWAY FROM THE BIG CITIES - AND YOU WILL BE OK. THERE ARE PLENTY OF THEM IN SRI LANKA.

Kathryn Walker

Reviewed May 2019

Fantastic way to get a taste!

This 8 Day journey gives you a very quick taste of Sri Lanka. There is so much more you will want to explore. Definitely an experience to remember. There is a reason that Sri Lanka is called ‘ The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ Full of Biodiversity! Breathtaking truly! The people are amazing, kind & full of pride for their country! I can not wait to go back and explore what else this hidden gem has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temples... Really any temple in general. But the Cave temples were so beautiful and the detail was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was great! He had the information everyone needed and he took care of us. he always made sure everyone was happy.

Read All Reviews

The Adventure Begins Here

Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.

Sri Lankan Highlights

4.6/5 from

9 Days Excluding Flights From

10 Days from

1 560 €

Sri Lankan Highlights

Spend an unforgettable week experiencing the best of the Island of Serendipity

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Our Big Gift to You!

Itinerary

Watalla Colombo

Post-trip Extensions

Beach Extension in Sri Lanka

Maldives Beach Extension

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Sri Lanka

Visa

Sri Lanka

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Three- and four-star hotels

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Dilip Fernando

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Sri Lanka

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

100 Elephants and Misty Tea Hills: A Magical Sri Lanka Trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not The Exodus I Remember

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reply from Exodus

Action-packed tour in beautiful Sri Lanka

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Love love love Sri Lanka!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Love Sri Lanka!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing Sri Lanka!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sri Lanka fam

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

SRI LANKA - A SMALL COUNTRY THAT HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fantastic way to get a taste!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

You may also like

Discover Sri Lanka

India's Golden Triangle

India Tiger Safari

The Adventure Begins Here

Sri Lankan Highlights