SMALL GROUP TOUR • NEGOMBO TO COLOMBO
Essential Sri Lanka
Spot wildlife on safari, soak up beachside sun, and sip the finest Ceylon tea. On this 11-day adventure, travel through emerald tea plantations, friendly mountain villages, and ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, take the world-famous scenic train ride through the highlands to Ella, track wild elephants on a 4WD safari in Udawalawe National Park, and unwind on the golden shores of Hiriketiya.
Tour operator: Intrepid
Local tax: No local tax due
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit
Departure airport: Edinburgh (alternative regional airports available on request)
Other Departure Dates: September 2026 – December 2028
Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
Climb to the summit of the dramatic Sigiriya Lion Rock. Explore the ancient ruined palace on top, learn about royal history, and pass between the giant stone paws of the Lion’s Gate.
Udawalawe Wildlife Safari
Cruise in an open-top 4WD across Udawalawe National Park, searching for wild herds of Asian elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, elusive leopards, and colourful aquatic birdlife.
Scenic Train & Pekoe Trail
Ride the world-famous scenic mountain railway to Ella, hike sections of the lush Pekoe Trail past the Nine Arch Bridge, and feast on spicy home-cooked curry with a local family.
YOUR ISLAND ODYSSEY
Ancient wonders, misty highlands, and coastal paradise.
Take Sri Lanka, boil it like the tea leaves the country is famous for, and strain out all the best stuff. On this 11-day trip, you’ll journey through a tropical paradise of mist-shrouded mountain peaks, vibrant street markets, lush jungle sanctuaries, and palm-lined sandy beaches.
Wash down spicy curries with freshly brewed Ceylon tea, lounge on the idyllic shores of Hiriketiya with a cocktail in hand, and discover centuries of colonial history inside the ramparts of Galle Fort. Guided by an expert local leader, you’ll experience authentic Sri Lankan hospitality every step of the way.
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Your 11-day journey through Sri Lanka
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Arrive in coastal Negombo. Meet your trip leader and fellow travellers for an evening welcome meeting before relaxing by the water or sampling fresh local seafood.
Negombo to Sigiriya
Travel inland towards the Cultural Triangle. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure or opt to explore the ancient cave temples of Dambulla.
Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
Rise early to climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Pass between the massive carved lion paws, view ancient frescoes, and take in panoramic jungle views from the summit.
Sigiriya to Kandy
Journey south to the sacred city of Kandy. Visit a fragrant spice garden en route, explore the bustling lakeside city, and soak in the rich heritage of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
Kandy Scenic Train to Ella
Board the famous highland train from Kandy to Ella—widely regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, passing rolling emerald tea estates and dramatic waterfalls.
Ella, Pekoe Trail & Local Lunch
Hike along scenic sections of the Pekoe Trail to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Visit a local family home in the hills to feast on an authentic, spicy home-cooked Sri Lankan curry lunch.
Ella to Udawalawe National Park
Descend from the highlands to Udawalawe. Settle into your permanent tent camp and head out on an open-top 4WD safari to search for wild elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.
Udawalawe to Hiriketiya Beach
Drive south to the horseshoe-shaped bay of Hiriketiya. Settle into your beachside hotel and spend the afternoon swimming in warm turquoise waters or relaxing under palm trees.
Hiriketiya Beach (Free Day)
Enjoy a full day of free time on the south coast. Try your hand at surfing, unwind with an Ayurvedic massage, or sip chilled fresh king coconuts right on the sand.
Hiriketiya to Galle & Colombo
Travel along the coast to historic Galle for a walking tour of the 17th-century Dutch Fort. Continue north to Colombo for an orientation walk and guided local market tour.
Colombo
Your 11-day Sri Lankan adventure concludes after breakfast. Depart at any time to catch your return flight back to Edinburgh.
HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS
Your package highlights
10 nights’ accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Permanent Safari Tent with basic ensuite (1 night)
10 included meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Expert local leader guiding your small group throughout
Sigiriya – Lion Rock Fortress guided climb, ruins & Lion’s Gate
Kandy to Ella – Iconic scenic hill country train journey
Ella – Guided Pekoe Trail trek through tea estates & forest reserve
Ella – Visit to the world-famous colonial Nine Arch Bridge
Ella – Traditional home-cooked curry lunch with a local family
Udawalawe National Park – 4WD open-top wildlife safari game drive
Galle – Guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort
Colombo – Guided local street market tour & city orientation walk
All internal transport including scenic train, private minivans, and safari 4WDs
Full financial protection with ABTA & ATOL package holiday bonding
READY TO DISCOVER SRI LANKA?
Talk to our
Sri Lanka travel experts.
Secure your place with just a £1pp deposit. Contact our specialists today to secure your preferred departure date between September 2026 and December 2028.
Terms, conditions & important information
Pricing: From £2,029 per person based on twin/double share. Lead-in pricing based on 14th August 2027 departure from Edinburgh. Prices vary by seasonal departure date, flight class, and UK departure airport availability.
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit.
Departures: Flexible departure dates available from September 2026 through to December 2028. Departures from Edinburgh and major UK regional airports on request.
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel. ABTA & ATOL bonded package holiday.
Solo Travellers: Solo travellers have the option to share a room with a traveller of the same gender at no extra cost. Single room occupancy is available on request for an additional £335.
Accommodation: 9 nights hotel and 1 night in a permanent tented camp with basic ensuite facilities.
Standard Intrepid Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. E&OE.