Colombo (Sri Lanka) | Dambulla (Sri Lanka) | Galle (Sri Lanka) | Kandy (Sri Lanka) | Negombo (Sri Lanka) | Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka) | Yala National Park (Sri Lanka)
The following are Sri Lanka: Leopard Safaris, Tea Highlands & Ancient Temples tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your tour begins at the Colombo airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and CEO to learn more about the trip ahead, then enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Please arrive in Sri Lanka by 3:00 PM for the welcome meeting and included welcome dinner.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
This is an opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers while learning more about the journey ahead. Please check the notice in the hotel lobby, or speak with reception, for the confirmed time and location of the welcome meeting. Following the briefing, join the group for a welcome dinner and the chance to get acquainted before the adventure begins.
Depart Colombo and travel south to Ambalangoda, enjoying views of Sri Lanka's scenic coastline along the way. Enjoy a boat ride through peaceful mangrove waterways, including visits to traditional coir rope-making communities. Continue to the Tukkawadu Mask Museum and Conservation Centre to learn about Sri Lanka's rich mask-making heritage and participate in a hands-on mask painting experience. Travel to the historic city of Galle and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, with time to wander its charming streets, boutiques, and cafes at your own pace.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Embark on an Madu River boat ride, cruising through tranquil mangroves, traditional villages, and coir rope-making communities.
Visit the Tukkawadu Traditional Masks & Dance Conservation Center to discover the rich history and cultural significance of Sri Lanka's iconic masks. Then, take part in a hands-on mask painting experience, creating your own unique piece inspired by this centuries-old artistic tradition.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the Galle Fort, a 16th-century fort first built by the Portuguese, and later occupied by the Dutch. The ramparts are still standing even after being battered by Mother Nature, including the 2004 tsunami.
Travel to Tissamaharama, a gateway to Yala National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration followed by a freshly prepared lunch. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy some free time to relax before an evening visit to Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka's most revered pilgrimage sites. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the temple during the evening pooja ceremony, offering a fascinating insight into the island's spiritual traditions.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoyan authentic cooking demonstration with a local Sri Lankan family, followed by a traditional lunch. Discover regional ingredients, local cooking techniques, and the rich culinary heritage of southern Sri Lanka.
Enjoy a visit to this pilgrimage town and temple. People of varying religions visit Kataragama to pay their respects. Usually, you can spot men covered in ash and chanting sacred vows, and hear the music of drums and brass flutes.
Today is your OMG Day! Choose how you'd like to experience Sri Lanka's remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes this morning by opting in for an early safari in Yala National Park or enjoy a guided nature walk around Debarawewa, featuring birdwatching, a village visit, and a short tuk-tuk ride through the countryside. Return to the hotel to relax and make the most of the property's facilities before heading out for an afternoon safari in Yala National Park.
Option 1 - Embark on an exciting wildlife safari through Sri Lanka's most famous national park. Option 2 - Enjoy a guided nature walk around the scenic Debarawewa Lake, combining birdwatching, village interactions, and a short tuk-tuk ride through the local countryside, offering a glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life.
Head out on a safari in Yala National Park. Keep an eye out for leopards, elephants, jackals, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer, crocodiles, and more than 200 bird species. Learn about its diverse wildlife and the history of the park.
Journey through Sri Lanka's picturesque hill country to Ella, stopping along the way to admire the cascading Ravana Falls. Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, where a scenic nature walk offers spectacular views of one of the country's most photographed landmarks, surrounded by lush tea plantations and jungle-covered hills. After free time for lunch, transfer to your hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace before dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The iconic Nine Arch Bridge made of stone and cement is a viaduct connecting Ella and Demodara train stations. Don't look down, this 100 year old bridge, also referred to as the "Nine Skies Bridge", can be found almost 3100 feet above sea level. With train service still operating, check the train schedule and be sure to catch a glimpse of the bridge in action!
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Set out early for Horton Plains National Park and enjoy a guided trek through one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular highland landscapes. Home to dramatic escarpments, cloud forests, and sweeping grasslands, the park offers breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife.
Get close to nature and stunning scenery on this Horton Plains Trek. Hike 9km (6 mi) into the Horton Plains and walk through the clouds to discover a majestic drop that provides amazing views over the plains into the sea.
Travel to Kandy, stopping en route to visit a local tea factory and learn about Sri Lanka's famous black tea production process. On arrival in Kandy, visit the Sthree Craft Centre, a G Adventures supported project, followed by lunch and a brief panoramic drive through the city. Continue to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural and religious sites. Afterward, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The town of Nuwara Eliya produces the finest Orange Pekoe Ceylon tea, and is inhabited mainly by tea planters and plantation workers. Pay a visit to one of the factories to learn all about tea production.
Stop for a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. This social enterprise offers opportunities for local women and youth living with disabilities, through handicraft and hospitality training.
Enjoy a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, which houses an important relic - a tooth of Lord Buddha kept in a well-preserved golden casket. Learn about the importance of this site from local guides.
Depart for the Cultural Triangle, stopping in Naula Village for an immersive coconut experience with a local family, including demonstrations of traditional coir-making, toddy tapping, and coconut crafts. Continue to Sigiriya for lunch and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress before heading to Dambulla/Kandalama for hotel check-in.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Arrive in Naula Village for an exclusive visit with a local family to explore Sri Lanka's traditional coconut-based industries. Watch demonstrations of coir-making, toddy tapping, and coconut product processing, and gain insight into the cultural importance of the "Tree of Life" in rural life.
Be mesmerized by this rock fortress, which captivates every visitor with its well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces adorned with beautiful wall motifs. Start at the water gardens and climb more than 1,200 steps to reach the top. Pass caves with frescoes and boulders to find the ruins of a palace on the flat surface of the old volcanic magma rock. The rock rests 370m (1,213 ft) above sea level with a shear drop on all sides.
Begin the day with a village cycling tour in Dambulla, offering an immersive look at rural life over peaceful countryside trails. Continue to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO-listed site known for its ancient rock temples and impressive Buddhist murals and statues. In the afternoon, opt in for a safari at Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large elephant gatherings, followed by a guided game drive through the park.
Set out on a guided village cycling tour through the scenic countryside of Dambulla. Cycle past traditional villages, lush farmland, and rural landscapes while experiencing the authentic charm of local Sri Lankan life.
Visit the ancient Dambulla cave temples at one of the most well-preserved temple and cave sites in Sri Lanka. See Buddhist mural paintings that line the walls of the seventh-century caves as well as a collection of hundreds of statues of Buddha in different poses.
Depart for a visit to a G Adventures supported project and learn about the traditional craft of reed weaving from local artisans. Continue to Kurunegala for free time for lunch before travelling to the coastal town of Waikkal. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure. This evening, come together for a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of your Sri Lankan adventure.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Interact with local artisans while learning about the cultural significance of reed weaving and its role in supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for your onward flight, bringing your Sri Lankan journey to a close.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Sri Lanka: Leopard Safaris, Tea Highlands & Ancient Temples tour:
36-38 Clifford Pl
Colombo, Sri Lanka-00400
The Paradise
Kubukkadanwala
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Hilltop Building, 30 Park Rd
80000
Galle, Sri Lanka-80000
Radisson Hotel, Kandy
31 Saranankara Rd, 20000
Kandy, Sri Lanka-20000
St. Sebastian Mawatha, Kammala, South
Waikkal 61110
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Tissamaharama - Kataragama Rd
Tissamaharama 82600, Yala
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Sri Lanka: Leopard Safaris, Tea Highlands & Ancient Temples tour:
Max 15, avg 12
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe, KandyYour G for Good Moment: Reed Weaving Community Project, DambullaYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting & Dinner - Meet your CEO and Group, Colombo. Madu River boat safari through mangroves and village waterways in Ambalangoda. Traditional mask-making workshop and cultural visit in Ambalangoda. Authentic home-style cooking experience with a local family in Tissamaharama. Visit to the sacred Kataragama Shrine and evening devotional ceremony. Leopard safari and wildlife game drives in Yala National Park. Scenic stop at Ravana Falls and journey through Sri Lanka's southern highlands. Walk across Nine Arch Bridge and tea country viewpoints in Ella. Trek through Horton Plains National Park to World's End. Tea factory visit and colonial town exploration in Nuwara Eliya. Cultural exploration and Temple of the Tooth visit in Kandy. Community craft experience and village lunch in Kandy region. Village coconut experience and rural artisan visit in Naula. Climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and exploration of ancient royal ruins. Cycling through Dambulla countryside villages and farmland. Cave temple visit in Dambulla. Arrival and departure transfers. All transportation included between activities. All tips except for CEO and porterage.
Track leopards through Yala National Park's dense wilderness, Climb into Ella and Nuwara Eliya's misty tea-covered highlands, Step inside ancient temples and fortresses at UNESCO sites, Wander sun-warmed coastal towns along Sri Lanka's southern shore, Cook and share a traditional meal during a village visit
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Kandy- Kandyan Cultural Dance (5-8USD per person)Sigiriya- Minneriya National Park Safari
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotels (10 nts)
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Private vehicle, safari vehicle, walking, cycling.
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.
Conservative Dress:o Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)o Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
It is customary in Sri Lanka to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $4-5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.