Description
The Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day Tour offers a deep dive into the island nation’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and natural wonders. Over 12 days, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore ancient temples in Anuradhapura, and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches. From the hill country of Kandy to the wildlife-rich Yala National Park, this tour combines cultural heritage, adventure, and relaxation. Perfect for those who want to experience Sri Lanka’s vibrant history, lush landscapes, and welcoming people.
**Travel insurance is compulsory for all One Life tours **
Inclusions
- Activities – 18 included activities + 1 optional extra over 9 amazing locations
- Transport – We include all of your transport from day 1 to day 11. Transport in Asia can be chaotic; we’ll take the stress away with our comfortable vehicles, unbeatable playlists and bus games.
- Accommodation – You and your travel buddies will be throwing your slumber parties in twin share rooms, with 1 night in a boutique hostel dorm. From sleeping under the stars deep in a jungle glamping site, to funky hostels and luxury beachfront hotels, we’ve picked the ultimate places to recharge your batteries!
- Food – 11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 2 Dinners included. Sri Lanka is a foodie’s paradise and their hospitality is hard to beat. You will be treated to the most delicious cuisine everywhere you go – from an incredible homestay food tasting, to exploring spice gardens and learning the secret to a perfect Sri Lankan curry.
- Your Crew – You’ll get not only one of our famous One Life guides, but also a Local Legend Sri Lankan guide for your whole tour.
Not Included
- International Flights
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Some Meals
- Whale Watching (additional cost, pre-paid and booked through Hero)
- Extra Safari in Safari – Minneriya Safari is open land, customers are likely to see lots of elephants in the wild.
- Massage – Full Body Awurbeda, Sauna and Steam bath.
- Dog Care Clinic
Highlights
- Hike Sigiriya & Pidurangala
- Cooking class
- Temples and Shrines
- Train journey to Ella
- Udawalawe National Park Safari
- Glamping Experience
- Tea Plantations
- Bike Ride Tour
Your Travel Itinerary
Arrive in Colombo any time on Day 1. Your local guide or someone from our transport company will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening you and all the other guests will have a fantastic Sri Lankan Welcome Meal to introduce you to their delicious cuisine!
Today the journey really begins! We drive to Dambulla and stop by the famous Dambulla Cave Temple to marvel at ancient carvings and statues before heading to a local restaurant to sample the best food Sri Lanka has to offer & then check into our hotel. Have a quick dip in the pool before heading off to Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery for unparalleled 360 degree views of the local area and Sigiriya at sunset.
Start the morning by climbing Sigiriya, considered by locals to be the eighth wonder of the world. Over 1500 years of history in one place! We’ll then stop for a fantastic Sri Lankan lunch with a local family. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool, book a massage or opt for an elephant safari!
Today you have a day to yourself in the wonderful mountainous town of Ella! Try out many optional activities including hiking Ella Rock or Diyaluma Falls. Treat yourself to a massage or just using the downtime to chill out by the pool!
Start the day by making our way to the tea country! Tour a working Tea estate, pick tea and taste the finest Ceylon After lunch, jump on the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella – voted one of the world’s most scenic train rides in the world!
Today you have a day to yourself in the wonderful mountainous town of Ella! Try out many optional activities including hiking Ella Rock or Diyaluma Falls. Treat yourself to a massage or just using the downtime to chill out by the pool!
Hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit the world famous Nine Arch Bridge in the morning. Afterwards, we journey out of the mountains and grab lunch on the way to Udawalawe National Park to get up close and personal with the elephants!
Please bring an overnight bag with you for this night!
Leave the campsite and head down to the beach in Mirissa! You have a free afternoon to rent a surf board, or sit back and catch some rays before heading over to coconut tree hill for sunset!
Today is your day to savor and indulge in the beauty of Mirissa.
If you booked Whale Watching: Today we wake up early and head to the beautiful golden sand beach. We jump on board one of THE best boats in the area to view the largest animals in the world. Watch as blue whales, jump, swim and dive around you and be blown away by their size. After a morning on the boat, we head back to relax for a while before heading to our accommodation in Mirissa.
Start the day with a 12km cycle through the lush southern Paddy Fields, stopping at a local school en-route. In the afternoon, walk around the old Dutch Fort in Galle, buy some souvenirs and taste some of the best ice cream in Sri Lanka!
Spend the morning on the beach before heading to the memorial for the 2004 Tsunami. Afterwards, head over to the Turtle Sanctuary to see some super cute and freshly hatched turtles! We then drive to Colombo for our final night.
Today is where we say goodbye!
Your tour guide can help you arrange your onward travel if you’d like the assistance. All the best for your onward journey!
Important info before travel
- Sun cream
- Swimwear
- Camera
- Sun Glasses
- A bag to use as an overnight bag
- Closed trainers/sneakers for hikes
- Travel adaptor
- If you are arriving on day 1, you will be collected from the airport – please send your arrival details to enquiries@onelifeadventures.com ahead of time.
- You will need to bring temple wear for use at various points throughout the tour. You’ll need to cover your legs, shoulders & chest so for men remember to wear t-shirts rather than singlets and for women, sarongs are ideal to drape over your shoulders.
