Sri Lanka Gateway

12 Day Group Trip

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Sri Lanka Experience is the absolute best of Sri Lanka in 12 days. You’ll discover fascinating local culture, stunning sunsets, the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, spice gardens, tea plantations, travel the world’s most scenic train journey, spot wild elephants on safari, relax on gorgeous white sandy beaches, learn to surf, enjoy a cultural exchange with Buddhist monks, experience local life and more! With an awesome group leader from the moment your trip starts, an instant group of friends to share your adventure, amazing accommodation and so much included. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

LOW DEPOSIT

FREE CHANGES

OPEN DATED BOOKINGS

100% CARBON NEUTRAL

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive and Meet the Group

We’ll pick you up from Colombo airport and take you to our beach front hotel in Negombo. You’ll then have plenty of time to chill out and meet everyone in your group.

Day 2: Tuk Tuk Tour

Discover the beachside town of Negombo by tuk tuk and visit the local fish markets, before heading to the beautiful town of Sigiriya. The next two nights we will stay in a hotel amidst lush tropical greenery.

Day 3: Sigiriya & Local Village

An amazing and diverse day starting with experiencing the stunning views of the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress by climbing Pidurangala Rock followed by an authentic local village experience. We’ll hop on some local transport and enjoy a cooking demonstration by the local village women and live and eat like the locals!

Day 4: Spice Garden & Temple of the Tooth

Today we’ll head south via a spice garden before arriving in the cultural centre of Sri Lanka – Kandy. We’ll visit the amazing Temple of the Tooth, before heading out for dinner and a few drinks.

Day 5: Tea Picking & Scenic Train Ride to Ella

We’ll continue south through stunning rolling green tea plantations, stopping to learn how to pick and make tea; Sri Lanka’s most famous export. Before boarding the ‘world’s most scenic train’ to the town of Ella. Once we arrive we’ll head into town for dinner and a night out!

Day 6: Little Adam's Peak

A free morning to relax and explore the beautiful little town of Ella. We’ll then hike the stunning Little Adam’s Peak and enjoy the spectacular views. After the little hike, feel free to treat yourself to a traditional massage, do some shopping, or just curl up with a book and cuppa.

Day 7: Nine Arches Bridge

This morning we’ll visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge before heading south to the amazing Udawalawe National Park.

Day 8: Sunrise Safari

A truly unforgettable day as we wake for sunrise and travel by jeep into the stunning Udawalawe National Park to spot herds of wild free roaming elephants, crocodiles and amazing bird life. We’ll then head to the beachside oasis of Hiriketiya for a chilled afternoon in paradise. Later we’ll arrive at our beachfront eco retreat in gorgeous Talalla, where we’ll finish the day watching the sunset.

Day 9: Eco Retreat

The aim of today is to do as little or as much as you want. Take a deep breath and feel the peace and calm wash over you at this beautiful retreat. Participate in the included yoga session, read a book on the loungers by the pool, book an ayuverdic massage, or just snooze under a palm tree whilst soaking in one of the best kept secret beaches of the south.

Day 10: Learn to Surf

This morning we’ll continue along the coast and stop for a private surf lesson on the super friendly and relaxed Welligama Beach. We’ll later check into our beachfront accommodation in Mirissa before visiting Coconut Tree Hill for its stunning view. 

Day 11: Buddhist Monastery Visit

Today we’ll have a truly special experience! We’ll head to a Buddhist Monastery to take part in a cultural exchange with the local monk students who live there and gain a unique insight into Buddhist ways of life. Tonight and in celebration of our last evening together, we’ll be treating you to a farewell dinner on the beach.

Day 12: Check Out & Onward Travel

Your epic adventure comes to an end today. Your group leader will help organise your onward travel.

TRIP DETAILS

Duration

Enjoy 12 days / 11 nights of epic activities!

Group Size

Group sizes are a maximum of 16 people with an age range of 18-40.

Transport

During the trip you'll travel by minibus, train and tuk tuk, which is all included!

Meals

Included meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners. Your group leader will let you know which meals are included each day!

 

During your trip you'll have options to try delicious Sri Lanka cuisine or western dishes. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know before you arrive.

Accommodation

11 nights of beautiful upgraded accommodation is included in the trip!

  • 1  Night Negombo – Twin/Double Share Rooms 
  • 2 Nights Sigiriya – Twin/Double Share Rooms 
  • 1 Night Kandy  – Twin/Double Share Rooms 
  • 2 Nights Ella – Twin/Double Share Rooms 
  • 1 Night Udawalawe – Twin/Double Share Rooms 
  • 2 Nights Talalla – Twin/Double/Triple Share Rooms 
  • 2 Nights Mirissa – Twin/Double Share Rooms 

If you'd like to arrive early or stay extra nights after your trip, we can book pre or post night accommodation for you - just drop us an email to request the dates! Private rooms in most accmmodation can also be requested for an extra cost - subject to availability.

Inclusions

Included:

  • Airport pickup
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 16 meals - 11 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner
  • Internal trip transport
  • Epic activities including: visit local markets, ride in a tuk tuk, lake boat ride, local village experience, Sigiriya Rock viewpoint, spice garden, Temple of the Tooth, tea plantations, Ella train journey, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, wildlife safari, yoga, learn to surf, Buddhist monastery visit.
  • Onward Travel Help & Planning
  • 24/7 support after the trip finishes.

Not Included:

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Some meals
  • Airport drop off

Arrival Information

There’s no activities on the first day, so you can arrive at any time. If you do arrive early, we’ll still pick you up from the airport and will book you into our Negombo accommodation from the day you arrive. Extra nights can also be booked with us on request.

 

It’s also recommended to have onward travel booked out of Sri Lanka before travelling there, as you may get asked for proof of this before boarding your flight to Sri Lanka.

Requirements

Travel insurance for Sri Lanka is compulsory to join the trip. Your group leader will ask for proof of this on the first day of the trip.

 

Most nationalities require a visa or ETA (electronic travel authority) to enter Sri Lanka. This visa is typically for 30 days and can generally be done on arrival at the airport or online http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. If you’re unsure of your visa requirements or need any help please just contact us!

 

Please also let us know if you have any medical or dietary requirements so we can ensure everything is in place for you before you arrive!

After your Trip

Sri Lanka Gateway finishes in Mirissa. You can choose to stay on longer in Mirissa, continue your travels in Sri Lanka or make your way back to the airport. The airport is an approx. 3 hour drive from your Mirissa accommodation and transfer costs start at approx. £60 / $75 USD / $110 AUD.

 

For those departing Sri Lanka on day 12, our private bus will be departing Mirissa between 8-10.30am on day 12. This bus is free of charge and will take you to Hote J in Negombo, arriving at approx. 12-2pm. You are welcome to use the hotel’s facilities until you are ready to make your way to the airport.

 

It is then a 20-25 min taxi to Colombo airport that costs approx. £10 / $20. Your group leader can organise this all for you and will ensure you’re comfortable with all parts of your onward travel.

Secure your spot for only £49!

12 DAYS FROM ONLY £1299

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