Discover Sri Lanka

Name: Discover Sri Lanka
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (204 reviews)

Expert Local Guides

Award Winning Adventures

Nature First Adventures

Support Local Communities

15 Days from

16 Days from

USD 3,149

incl. Taxes

4.7/5 from

Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

4 - 18

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AIL

Spend two weeks exploring the delights of this diverse, inspiring island

Lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a natural paradise of verdant mountains, rainforests, paddy fields, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping gorges. From ancient Buddhist temples, the fortress of Sigiriya, the hill country towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, the wildlife of Yala National Park (home to one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world) to the palm-fringed beaches of the south coast, this small island offers incredible variety, made extra special by a laid-back atmosphere and hospitable people.

Highlights

Visit the magnificent cave temples at Dambulla
Cycle through paddy fields
Search for leopards in Yala National Park
Climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya for breath-taking views

Key Information

14 nights in comfortable hotels
Travel by private bus
Additional travel by train, bicycle and jeep
Some long drives

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

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
All of the hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this benefits the community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
This tour actively encourages guests to talk to local people, visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts. We stop for local delicacies while cycling and visit the Kalu family farmhouse for lunch, this enables us to support smaller businesses on the trip.
We have financially co-sponsored a local tsunami relief project, which has enabled 25 families to be rehoused and for two schools to be equipped with toilets, running water and outdoor swings.
In collaboration with a German operator and the village temple, we have helped towards 10 large water tanks and an eye clinic in a remote village with a donation of 200 pairs of glasses.
We also assisted a principal agent of Unicef in development of day care and education of school children of the estate sector labourers in the hill country.
While visiting the Back to Life project, we stay at a hotel rebuilt by our local operator after the original building was demolished by the tsunami.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We visit important national parks, ruins and museums, where our entrance fees contribute to their upkeep. For example, our game drives in Yala National Park promote animal welfare and financially contributes to conservation projects in the area.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
The Exodus Travels Foundation has launched the Community Kickstart Project to help our destination communities recover and rebuild following the impact of Covid-19. In Sri Lanka, we’ve contributed to the Yala Park Driver Support initiative, more details can be found here.
Some departures of this trip provide the opportunity for you to collect water samples for the international eBioAtlas initiative, which collects vital DNA information to assist in essential conservation initiatives.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us and the eBioAtlas.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the majority of accommodations and restaurants.
This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Please be aware there are a large number of stray dogs in Sri Lanka, and you may encounter some during your trip. Our local operators are aware of this and we are monitoring any animal-welfare concerns.
Cultural respect:
- One should not touch someone’s head as this is considered disrespectful.
- It's polite to use your right hand when shaking hands or handing money and small objects to someone else.
- It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering someone’s home.
- Men’s and women’s clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee, especially when visiting temples.

This is Our Sri Lanka

Travellers may come for Sri Lanka’s endless amount of dazzling white beaches, timeless ruins and lush greenery, but they stay for the country’s charming hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine.

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Exodus People - Kalus Farmhouse

Cultural and activity leader Roshan shows us why he is so passionate for his job and his country.

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Exodus People - Dambulla

Cultural and activity leader Roshan takes us round the ancient temple of Dambulla and shows us why he is so passionate for his job and his country.

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Exodus People - Roshan's story

Cultural and activity leader Roshan shows us why he is so passionate for his job and his country.

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Sri Lankan Highlights

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Itinerary

The adventure begins in Veyangoda, around a 30-minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Check in and make use of the hotel facilities. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, in which we'll get to know each other a little better and you can ask any questions you may have.

Accommodation: The Covanro (or similar)

We depart after breakfast for the drive (approximately four hours) among coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations through Kurunegala to Dambulla. Here, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, well-preserved paintings and Buddha statues inside the caves, which date to the first century BCE. After lunch, we continue to Sigiriya (Lion Rock). From our hotel, we can see the giant rock fortress rising from the plains (occasionally we may stay nearer to Dambulla due to hotel availability).

Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sigiriya is, perhaps, the standout attraction in Sri Lanka with the ruins of a fifth-century palace crowning an imposing granite peak. This morning, 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.

In the afternoon, there is a chance to enjoy an optional game drive in either Minneriya or Kaudulla national parks or the Hurulu Eco Park to see elephants in their natural habitat. If you don't wish to join, take the opportunity to relax at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we have a short drive to Girithale where our usual hotel overlooks the scenic Girithale Tank. The early inhabitants here solved the dual problem of heat and lack of water in this dry area by constructing large tanks to act as reservoirs and cool the warm breeze. Now they provide an important habitat for bird life, particularly from August to April. Today, we take to bikes and cycle at a leisurely pace through a series of small villages and lakes – if you do not wish to cycle, you can hire a tuk tuk locally for around 4,500 Sri Lankan rupees (US$12.50). We should see plenty of bird life including egrets, brahmany kites, kingfishers and bulbuls. We stop for lunch in a traditional village to break up the journey and return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Girithale Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we take a short drive to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa, 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. We visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. After lunch, we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way, we stop at a spice garden near Matale, where we can see various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on massage oils, spices and Ayurvedic medicines. This is a long but fascinating day and we arrive at Kandy in the early evening.

Accommodation: Thilanka Hotel or Earl’s Regent Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kandy is by a small lake and we spend two full days in and around the town. On the first day, 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 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 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. Another highlight is the vast Peradeniya Botanical Garden with orchid species endemic to Sri Lanka. In the evening, we may have the chance to attend a dancing and fire walking performance.

The second day is free to explore this wonderful town. The surrounding hills are wonderful, offering fantastic views of the town below and there are many handicraft stores and antique shops to browse.

Accommodation: Thilanka Hotel or Earl’s Regent Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Kandy early, we have a spectacular drive through the countryside on the way to Kitulgala. Here, we have the opportunity of going on a walk through the jungle or local villages followed by an optional white-water rafting excursion. The rafting costs extra (see the Optional Excursions section), lasts a maximum of 1hr 30min and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade III rapids) depending on your preference. If you do not wish to go rafting, freshen up and relax by the water until the rafters return for lunch. After, we drive to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Please note, it is possible to climb Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) from the full moon day of December to the full moon day of May. This is optional and you need to be very fit to attempt this. You would leave Nuwara Eliya around midnight on Day 8 and drive for approximately two hours to the base of the peak. From here, it is a strenuous four-hour climb to the top in time for sunrise. We then return to Nuwara Eliya to join the group for lunch on Day 9.

Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we have free time to explore the beautiful town of 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. Following lunch, we visit a nearby tea factory and learn about the process of tea production.

Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have an early start this morning and take a 19mi (30km) drive south to Horton Plains, a large plateau more than 6,560ft (2,000m) high, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and the best way to explore is on foot. We take a guided walk through the rolling grasslands, where we hope to see monkeys. We also visit World's End, where the ground drops 3,445ft (1,050m) to the plains.

Following this, we catch a train from the highest railway station in the country – within 90 minutes we drop from 6,198ft (1,889m) to 3,599ft (1,097m). The train travels through cloud forest into tea plantations, with breath-taking views of the lush valley below.

We get off at Bandarawela, a town relatively untouched by tourism.

Accommodation: Orient Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we continue on to Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 3,280ft (1,000m) below. Almost the entire southern part of the island is in view and (on a particularly clear day) the shimmering Indian Ocean is visible. Heading south out of the hills, we travel to Kataragama on the plains; this is our base for visiting the best-known national park in Sri Lanka, Yala, home to elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles and wild boars. The park, which is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and freshwater lagoons, has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. (Please note, the sanctuary may be closed for four to six weeks from September to October, allowing park authorities to check the welfare of the animals. We therefore go to a nearby alternative, usually Udawalawe National Park).

Accommodation: Mandara Rosen (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we leave for the coast, with its beautiful palm-fringed bays. We stop on the way at Tissamaharama, where we walk to a farm house where you'll be offered tea in a coconut shell along with a local snack. We will mix with real Sri Lankan life and take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games, returning to our bus in tractors used by the farmers. Continuing to Ahangama, we arrive at our coastal hotel in the afternoon and you can relax for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool. There are also optional activities including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation or, from November to April, you can go whale watching off Dondra Head, one of the best places in the world for seeing blue and sperm whales. Huge dolphin pods often play alongside the boats.

Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century, and now a Unesco World Heritage site. On the way, we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set among beautiful gardens. We continue along the expressway to Colombo, reaching our hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel Mirage (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 joining our post-trip getaway to the Maldives. Alternatively, if you'd like to explore Sri Lanka a little more, you can book an extension to your hotel stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Post-trip Extensions

Maldives

If you are keen to end your holiday on a relaxed note, we can arrange a visit to the Maldives for you.

The flight from Colombo is around one hour and upon arrival you will be transferred by speedboat (approximately 20 minutes) to the Paradise Island four-star resort. Paradise Island is a beautiful coral island, covered with tropical vegetation and palm trees, surrounded by a wide sandy beach and an azure lagoon.

You can choose to add as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure for you to do as you wish. The accommodation has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, room service and all rooms are air conditioned and have en suite facilities. There is also access to scuba diving and snorkelling or the chance to swim in the wonderful, calm waters. Either way, it is a veritable paradise and a memorable end to the trip.

If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, we can arrange flights for you to Malé and book the hotel and speedboat transfer to the island. Please be advised, all accommodation booked at the Paradise Island four-star resort is based on a half-board basis.

Galle Beach

How about slowing the pace down and extending your stay a night or few? Before finishing your trip in Colombo take a detour and head just south of Galle to the fishing village Ahangama. There you can relax on the beautiful beach front of your hotel or wander through the village watching the locals go about their daily lives. A perfect wind-down before it’s time to fly home.

Essential Info

Visa

Sri Lanka

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. 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.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/sri-lanka
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SriLanka.html

Travellers from most countries can obtain a visa (ETA) before travel through http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. It costs US$50 per applicant. We strongly recommend you obtain your visa (ETA) online prior to travel to avoid any complications and delays on arrival.

You should also 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.

Vaccination

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.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and one lunch are included.

We suggest allowing about 8,750-9,850 Sri Lankan rupees (US$24-US$27) per day for all other meals. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is 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 poppadums – 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 and 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.

Weather

Generally, you should 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 and especially at Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains where daytime temperatures are 10C-15C (50F-59F) and night temperatures will be about 8C (46F) minimum. You will need a warmish jacket.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

This is not a demanding trip, although there are a few long drives on bumpy, twisty mountain roads. The buses we use are comfortable and air conditioned. Temperatures can vary between the tropical heat of the coast to the cool of the mountains.

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.

Martin S

Reviewed March 2023

Sri Lanka

The trip involved truly discovering the wildlife, geography, culture, history, religion and entertainment of Sri Lanka and its people. We saw temples, religious ceremonies, games, wildlife, markets, spice farms, tea plantations and dancing; we tasted some wonderful local food; we heard their amazing morning bird choruses, as well as amazing tales by Roshan, our guide; we travelled by bus, boat, tuktuk, bicycle and train, and stayed in some amazing hotels. Travelling with Exodus and having a local guide made the whole experience easy – everything is organised for you. The balance of activity and rest is really well thought out so it keeps you busy, but with rest breaks to enjoy the sun, the pool or simply explore a little more. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Joining in the pilgrimage to the top of Adam's Peak, a 1000m climb of 5,500 steps over 7km done overnight to reach Sri Lanka's fourth highest peak for sunrise. It was superb to experience what the locals put themselves through, with everyone from infants to the elderly making their way up past all the tea houses. It is really strenuous, but a great personal achievement too. The wildlife park at Yala, the Sri Lankan games, bicycle ride and farmer's lunch, and cinnamon farm were other highlights among many.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was great - attentive to all our needs, ensuring we were looked after well and keeping us organised; he has great skills in providing story-like tales of the history, politics, religion and cultural habits, using wit and personal stories to bring it to life and keep it interesting. His English was excellent and he made liaising with locals so much easier.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have access to a good amount of cash, as the optional tours and activities all need payment in Rupees or Pounds. You can pay for meals and drinks in the hotels by cash, or simply use a card/mobile. All the hotels had English style sockets, so no adapters were needed. Be prepared for mosquitos - take repellent such as Aloe Vera or citronella. Be prepared for some early starts, but there's plenty of time to snooze on the bus. Water for drinking bottles is provided. Having a group tipping kitty saves a lot of hassle. Share photos on a WhatsApp group.

Mark Boddy

Reviewed December 2022

Discover Sri Lanka November 2022

A well oiled but flexible trip around central and southern Sri Lanka. Especially enjoyed the rail journey, cycling and meeting the local people. We got to see most of the animal highlights and enjoyed the beach hotel. The additional excursions means that it is a full on tour. Suggest adding on an additional two or three days to wind down.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure what inspirational moments were on the trip as it was exciting and informative . Meeting and moving amongst the locals was great. It reminds us what we have and what you really do need. The only real inspiration was to make sure that we repeat the holiday trips regularly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was great, he got to know us and allowed the trip to develop, it never feeling too much of a rush or exercise to be completed. His talks on the general history were pitched just right and were informative and interesting. The issues and political landscape since independence were well explained and informative. He made an effort to understand and nurture the group

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring plenty of insect repellant. Clothes can be laundered at a reasonable cost at the hotels so not some may clothes need be brought resulting in a lower weight suitcase to lug around.

Suggestions

We felt totally safe on the road although it was great to observe the antics of the general road user. The white water trip was good for the grade three. The other trip was basically a flat paddle, not anywhere near as enjoyable as the former.. Hotels were great, I wouldn’t consider using higher grade ones as it would increase the remoteness and isolation from the local community and culture

Lorna Frier

Reviewed April 2022

Sri Lankan selection box!

Firstly just to say how amazing it was to travel long haul again! Every day was a highlight!
It was great to use the first day on arrival to chill and get to know the group round the pool of the hotel then the next day we were off on our adventure.
The Cave temples were fascinating then we were climbing Lion’s rock, looking for elephants and cycling. Not a dull moment! Lots of interesting UNESCO heritage sites to visit .Even the long drives were punctuated with interesting stops eg Spice garden
The Sri Lankan food and hospitality was excellent and there was a good variety of Western food for a change if you wanted it. Loved the fresh pineapple and the bananas.
A well balanced trip with culture, nature and activities but enough time to chill by the pool or book a massage in the hotel spa. Loved seeing the tea plantations and getting a really good cuppa on holiday!
A holiday full of experiences!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from. I loved cycling through the villages stopping for coconut water ( I didn’t even know I liked it!) and then having a delicious home cooked lunch at a family home. Seeing lots of healthy wild elephants roaming the Nature reserves with their young and having a leopard cross the track in front of our jeep at Yala. The white water river rafting was such fun and I definitely recommend doing that option.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan provided us with great commentary throughout the tour especially on the bus. He had fabulous organisational skills and made sure our tour continued to plan despite the civil unrest and diesel shortage. He didn’t let those troubles get in the way of our holiday. By the second week we had all bonded into a lovely group which he was very much part of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take socks for the temple visits- you could fry an egg on the ground. UK sockets are in all the hotels we stayed in so no need to bring adaptors. It’s colder in the tea plantations area so take long Pajama bottoms if you feel the cold ( or just put the heater on!) and a fleece for evening. Definitely take a waterproof! I took a small over body bag when cycling that fitted my phone so I could take photos. You can pay optional trips in £ so I’d take extra for that other than the £150 to change into SR at the airport. I paid hotel bills with credit cards. On your free day in Nuwara Eliya I recommend afternoon tea at “The Grand” at 2.30pm . It’s about £6. Also beforehand go for a tour of “The Hill Club” . It’s 200SR to be a member for the day ( 50p) and have drinks on the lawn. Take insect repellent and a torch and a plastic bag to put your wet clothes in after rafting ( you will get wet) Good idea to wear the clothes you went cycling in with swimwear underneath and change after. Swim in the Indian Ocean at the beach resort. The water is warm and the swimming pool is like a hot bath. The group kitty idea is much easier and it’s one less thing to think about!

Suggestions

A fabulous trip and pretty active. I bought loads of elephant trousers and luckily they did not take much room in my case. Going price approx £4 a pair! Great for gifts or wearing at night to avoid insect bites!

claire cogar

Reviewed December 2021

Most amazing trip to the Isle of Serendipity

I am so glad I decided to book this tour to Sri Lanka, I had the most amazing holiday! What a beautiful, wonderful, welcoming country this is, I cannot recommend it enough. I usually travel along, but decided to join a group for the first time so I didn’t have to organise everything myself, and the trip exceeded expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed everything, the variety of the different visits and activities was really appreciated. I loved learning more about the history of Sri Lanka and visiting archaeological sites and temples. Visiting caves that contained giant prehistoric Buddhas cut into the rock was mind blowing! Cycling along the canals (Sri Lankan canals are much more beautiful than British ones) and drinking freshly picked coconuts was also very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was a fantastic and very experienced, patient leader . He organised everything so we could focus on enjoyed the trip and activities and was as incredibly knowledgeable and supportive and kind to everybody in the group. He also took us to some great restaurants that we would never have found without his local knowledge. Roshan ensured the trip went without a hitch and made it a really special holiday for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The facilities were great, if you forget to take anything you won't have a problem. The hotels were all very accommodating. The bus we traveled on was very well kitted out (air conditioning, limitless water). I felt safe at all times as a female traveler. The food is absolutely incredible, the best cuisine I've had on a holiday by a long shot.

Suggestions

I cannot recommend this beautiful island enough, I am so glad I went on this trip. The wildlife is so diverse and absolutely incredible!!

Ruth Morgan

Reviewed February 2020

Stunning trip

I was well impressed with Sri Lanka – charming people, friendly and calm perhaps due to the widespread effect of Buddhism. Our well planned route took us inland, through the mountains and round the south coast with expert guide Nalaka, so we got a great overview of the island. Lovely hotels, most with pools, and superb food – buffets with the chance to try everything mixed with home cooking on banana leaves. We had the opportunity to travel in different ways – rafts, bikes, jeeps and trains; we saw wildlife close up, especially elephants of course, crocodiles, monkeys and a wide range of birds; and we explored some incredible historic sites. A very memorable and fun trip with a lovely group.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was particularly inspired by the view from the top of Sigiriya rock in the early morning mist, the folk museum and the life of Martin Wickramasinghe and the cheek of the monkeys!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nalaka was an excellent tour guide - charming, well organised, informative and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No real need for adaptors - most hotels have sockets which take UK plugs. Walking boots are pretty useful - the Horton Plains track in particular is rough. And 'temple clothes' are needed - even just a sarong which can cover the legs or shoulders and old socks to wear on the hot rocks.

Peter Woodward

Reviewed May 2019

Would I go again? Yes I would.

From tropical beaches, through steaming jungles to Scottish moorlands Sri Lanka has it all. Where else can you grow where they grow pineapples, coconuts and cashew nuts a few miles down the road from tea, potatoes and leeks? Fantastic scenery, great food and wonderful people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a 5ft water lizard at our first road side stop after leaving the airport. Just a taste of what was to come.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader had a great sense of humour and loved his country. Standard answer to any question was usually "90 minutes" and he wasn't far wrong.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the flow. Sri Lankans don't like to hurry and preparing fresh food takes time.

Suggestions

Not quite paradise but not far from it. If you have been you will know what I mean, if not then what are you waiting for?

tom jestico

Reviewed May 2019

We scratched the surface

We were a mixed bunch of travellers from mainly the UK, aged from 24 to 76, single and partnered. Roshan was our tour guide – he’d been doing it for over 10 years, so there was a certain repetition in his recommendations. Sometimes we were simply let loose to explore without guidance. We enjoyed his descriptions about social life in Sri Lanka and his take on politics but he was reticent about the current situation and we learned little about his private life. He was very helpful at all times.
Some days were full of activity and others were more relaxed. Sigirya was my favourite hotel. We were there over the New Year’s holiday so some activities such as the Tea factory visit, were not as illuminating as they would otherwise be.
The buffet food was excellent and the hotels left little to complain about.
Unfortunately our trip ended on Easter Sunday, when over 250 people were killed in Colombo. Exodus were very good at organising transport to the airport despite the curfew.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visit to the Tsunami house.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above. Roshan is, I felt, naturally reserved. Apart from learning our names, he seemed disinterested in who we were and where we had come from. He delivered his messages as required but I felt he was sometimes bored. He rarely asked us how we were and did not fully engage with us. (I went on an Exodus Rajasthan trip last year and had an excellent guide, Ayjay, so I had high expectations). Occasionally, towards the end of the trip, he spent more time with us at our evening meal. I foolishly left my camera behind at the Tea factory and he was very good at recovering it. I wish him well for the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax. Sri Lanka is not Europe. Go with the flow. Service can sometimes be slow and unresponsive. This was my third trip to Sri Lanka. The people you will meet are kind and helpful. Health and safety warnings can be excessive. I had no insect bites and was never exposed to danger. Lions Rock, Adams Peak and the walk to Worlds End can be hot and challenging.

Suggestions

Lynda Hoar

Reviewed April 2019

Amazing tour

A tour to be thoroughly recommended, covering all aspects of Sri Lanka and it’s lovely people. Busy, lots of early starts and some long journeys but so worth it. The trip notes were accurate and we were also able to see sights at their most opportune moments, I.e. climbing Lion Rock before breakfast and before the crowds, Temple of the Tooth while a ceremony with drumming was on, Horton Plains early before the heat and the mists descended. Having lunches cooked by villagers and our guide stopping and buying us bananas, watching curd (yogurt) making and tasting it, eating freshly sliced Jack fruit at the roadside. We enjoyed every minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing elephants and leopards (and other animals) close up from a jeep in Yala and Minneriya. The ceremony at The Temple of the Tooth. Climbing Lion Rock. On the cycling day we enjoyed seeing the countryside, wildlife, and the local people, also having an amazing collection of curries cooked on a farm for lunch. Paul and I don’t cycle but tuc tucs were hired for the non cyclists so that we could still enjoy the day to the full.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was an amazing tour leader. There are some long journeys on this trip but they didn’t seem long as he made them very interesting with his informative talks on the history and culture of Sri Lanka and by regular stops for treats like bananas and Jack fruit, view points and waterfalls. He was very calm and well organised, warm and friendly and a good sense of humour. We were always well informed on where we were going, timings and what to take etc. Nothing was too much trouble for Ruwan and it was a pleasure to have him as our tour guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light, the hotel laundry service was excellent, good value, and in most cases same day service. Leave some room in your suitcase for purchases, I.e. tea. It was very hot and humid during our stay (March) so you’ll need loose cool casual clothing. It’s probably best if you like curry, there’s the most amazing selection at the buffets, and a lot are vegetarian. However, it’s usually possible to order a la carte, just remember to do so at least half an hour in advance! Binoculars were useful, especially in the game parks. Walking trainers best for Horton Plains. We changed some money at the airport on arrival but all the hotels took credit cards.

David & Gill Jackson

Reviewed April 2019

One of the best

Deservedly one of the top selling trips to a country that prides itself in welcoming visitors.
The design of the trip includes much of the green and exciting scenery which highlights the Buddhist nature of the people. The simple act of picking up a caterpillar from the path to avoid killing it, simple but touching.
Excellent hotels chosen for their location were another great feature.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people. The demure attentive school parties studying their history. The simple delight of the toddlers waving at "funny people" wobbling past on bikes. The sheer scale of the monuments and the civil works built centuries ago. The cleanliness of a poor but proud community. The tolerance of the traffic simply weaving its way all over the roads even if they start from the left! Hardly a horn to be heard

Thoughts on Group Leader

Neelaka twice joint runner up in Exodus's leader poles was the finest guide we have experienced, absolutely on top of his job, and obviously enjoying it! Nothing left to chance based on years of experience and practice and a genuine love of people, fine ambassador for his country. Very touched to be introduced to his wife on the last night, a first for her and us, thank you!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and embrace this wonderful place, and do the optional extras too!

Suzanna Dell

Reviewed March 2019

Loved Every Minute

This holiday met my expectations and more,
It really does live up to its title of ‘Discover Sri Lanka’.
The itinerary is comprehensive and varied. In two weeks it looks at the culture and history of this truly beautiful island as well as there being many opportunities to observe its bird and wild life,
The hotels on this trip are comfortable and it was good to have a number of stays lasting more than one day.
Although I was unable to take part in some of the activities, thiose who did thoroughly enjoyed them.
The tour leader was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Polonnaruwa, the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum and the Game Drives. But it’s hard to close as I enjoyed the whole trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Neelaker, our group leader, was excellent. He is warm, caring, considerate and very knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that the walk on Day 10 on Horton Plain is approximately 9km.

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You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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Discover Sri Lanka November 2022

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Would I go again? Yes I would.

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We scratched the surface

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Amazing tour

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One of the best

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