Starts From
A gorgeous Southeast Asian Nation lying so close to us, the Sri Lanka trip is surely a backpacker’s hub. With its varied topography from hills to beaches, warm friendly people with smiling faces, historical and cultural attractions, numerous festivities taking place throughout the year, herds of elephants roaming around in the wild and much more – Sri Lanka has been rightly named as ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, because of its richness and uniqueness. While the beachgoers usually tend to hang out in the island’s coastal belt, which is home to thriving cafés and surfing culture, the ancient towns of central and northern Sri Lanka keep the history buffs infatuated by their charm.
The country, as a matter of fact, still holds on to the old world charm and the adversities of commercialized tourism haven’t hit it hard yet. In case you are looking to experience the difference and dive into the adventure pool, then now is the right time to head towards Sri Lanka.
Explore the places where Buddhism bloomed in the earliest of times and walk down the UNESCO Heritage Sites, hike up the lush green hills and relax by the golden beaches while savoring the grilled seafood platter, get into the mud with the elephants and play for endless hours, meet the Sinhalese communities and live your best moments while traveling across the country with Plan The Unplanned!
Note: Just in case you are a group of 5 or more, we can offer you customized trips on your preferable dates. For more details, contact us!
per person
Day 1: Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo
Day 2: Negombo-Dambulla-Sigiriya
Day 3: Sigiriya-Trincomalee-Sigiriya
Day 4: Sigiriya-Kandy-Nuwara Eliya
Day 5: Explore Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya- Ella (Local Train Ride)
Day 6: Adventurous Day Out at Ella
Day 7: Ella-Tangalle-Mirissa
Day 8: Mirissa (Whale Watching, Surfing ) Weligama
Day 9: Mirissa-Unawatuna-Galle-Hikkaduwa
Day 10: Explore Madu River via Boat Safari ( Optional )
Details
You’ll kick start your backpacking journey today, in Sri Lanka. Check-in to your hotel and we shall have our Outdoor Leader break the ice! Why not take a wander down the beach or grab a nap before we head out for dinner & drinks in the evening!
Overnight Stay at Hotel at Negombo.
Details
Time to hit the roads and make our way to Dambulla, home to the famous golden cave temple, filled with ancient Buddhist statues & rock carvings made by the monks, some thousands of years ago. On the way, you will get to enjoy the experience of climbing 1,200 steps that lead to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Evening 4×4 Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
Tip: Make sure you wear clothing that covers your legs and shoulders while visiting temples in Sri Lanka. Carry a sarong or a scarf for the same if needed. You need to dress moderately while in Sri Lanka.
Overnight Stay at Sigiriya.
Details
Today you’ll travel to Trincomalee, around 90 minutes away on the east coast of Sri Lanka, where you’ll enjoy white sand beaches and clear blue seas. A popular attraction in Trincomalee is Pigeon Island, just a ten-minute boat ride offshore. This rocky islet makes for a great day trip, with snorkeling and diving, and shallow rock pools to explore. This protected area is home to nesting rock pigeons and is also the subject of various conservation efforts aimed at preserving its reefs.
For a touch of history – visit Fort Frederick, which was used by Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial forces. Sunset at Swami Rock: Swami Rock is full of myth and legend – near the temple is “Lover’s Leap”, where a Dutch general’s daughter once attempted suicide after her paramour returned to Europe. She survived the fall and the location is famous not just for its sheer drop but for the sunset views it offers across the waters.
Head back to Sigiriya for the night.
Details
You could begin your day with a Sunrise hike to Pidurangala Rock (optional).
Come to Kandy and visit the most iconic place, the Sacred Temple of Tooth Republic. We would also spend the day at leisure exploring the Kandy Market. We would have lunch at our favorite restaurant, Balaji Dosai before heading to Mini England (Nuwara Eliya).
Take a relaxing walk at Gregory Lake. Overnight stay in the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya.
Details
After a delicious breakfast, we shall head off to visit the famous Seetha Amman Temple. A short hike to the lesser-known falls around Nuwara Eliya Lover’s Leap and Bomburuella Falls. We shall arrive at sharp 3:55 PM at Nanu Oya station to experience one of the world’s most scenic train ride to Ella!
Overnight stay at Ella.
Details
Today we will explore the spectacular green hill town of Ella.
We will walk along the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, an amazing piece of British architecture that is hidden amongst the blooming forest and tea leaves, before taking a hike to the top of Little Adam’s Peak. Explore hidden waterfalls close to Ella and relax for the day by exploring the best of the gastropubs at Ella.
Overnight stay at Ella.
Details
Today will be a day of exploring the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Explore one of the most gorgeous waterfalls before you head to the beachside drive. Revealed as the “perfect beach”, Tangalle is where you’ll find the picturesque, skinny coconut palms scattered along the shoreline and the scent of plumeria blowing in the wind.
Overnight Stay at Mirissa
Details
You’ll start your day on an adventurous note, heading off for whale watching. Then we’ll also catch the main attractions which include Parrot Rock Bridge, Coconut Tree Hill, and of course, the Secret Beach of Mirissa!
Overnight stay at Mirissa
Details
Let’s head further down the coast to the beautiful city of Galle. Often found online for its incredible beauty, Galle is a perfect place to grab that IG Snap! Spend the afternoon wandering through the Dutch fortress before we make our way to our final beach destination, Hikkaduwa. Tonight we head out for dinner, find a party and dance like nobody is watching!
Overnight Stay at Hikkaduwa
Details
The Madu Ganga is a complex coastal wetland ecosystem consisting of rivers, lakes, mangroves, and islands. With an inlet from the ocean, the estuary is home to over 300 species of plants and 250 species of vertebrate animals. It is said to be one of the last, pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka! You can take a boat tour to the highlights along the Madu like Cinnamon Island where you can see how locals harvest cinnamon to make items like cinnamon oil, sticks, rope, and more.
Today is check-out day and the end of your amazing trip to Sri Lanka. We’ll help you sort out your onward travel, giving you ideas on where to go next on your travels with your new mates or simply helping you get back to the airport for your flight.
Make sure to book the returning flights after 5:00 PM.
Image Credits: Recal Media, Yves Alarie, Aakankshaa Melkot, Egle Sidaraviciute, Tomáš Malík, Darya Dyachenko
per person
From us to your inbox weekly.