Sri Lanka on a Shoestring

Introduction

Get yourself to a destination that's long been a culture-loving backpacker's dream, on this affordable 12-day whirlwind tour of central and southern Sri Lanka. Discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and then chill out on Hikkaduwa Beach. Explore Sri Lanka with a group of new friends and you'll never want to travel solo again.

Duration: 12 days

Start/Finish City: Negombo to Hikkaduwa

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

NOTE: Accommodations vary per departure and are subject to change until tour start date; they are not final and should be used as examples only.

Day 1Negombo

Arrive at any time.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Meet Your CEO and Group 1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Optional Activities Welcome Dinner

You've arrived! Why not share a meal and a drink with your new travel mates?

Accommodation Sea Horse Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 2Negombo/Sigiriya

Transfer to UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Private Vehicle Negombo – Sigiriya4h30m156km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time Sigiriya

Head out to discover the area.

Optional Activities Dambulla Cave Temple Visit Sigiriya1h-1h30m 12USD per person

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.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit Sigiriya2h-3h 15-20km 30USD per person

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.

Accommodation Pelwehera Village Resort Dambulla (or similar) Resort

Day 3Sigiriya Enjoy a free day to explore more of the region. Opt to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Temple, Minneriya National Park or Anurhadhapura historical site.

Free Time Sigiriya

Get out and explore.

Optional Activities Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit Sigiriya2h-3h 15-20km 30USD per person

Dambulla Cave Temple Visit Sigiriya1h-1h30m 12USD per person

Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital Visit Sigiriya1h30m-2h 60-70km 25USD per person

Visit Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital city (for three centuries), and home to many well- preserved ruins of palaces and monasteries. Don't feel like walking around? Opt to rent a bike and cycle through the ruins instead.

Accommodation Pelwehera Village Resort Dambulla (or similar) Resort

Day 4Sigiriya/Digana(Lunch | Dinner)

Visit a spice garden en route to a homestay in Digana near Kandy. Arrive at Tamarind Gardens Farm for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a jewellery maker who handcrafts delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn to make Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.

Accommodations at Tamarind Gardens Farm homestay are simple and authentic. Rooming will be in twin and triple-share rooms. Private Vehicle Sigiriya – DiganaMorning

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Spice Garden Visit Kandy

Visit a herbal centre where students of Ayurveda learn the traditional medicinal uses of various spices for massages and treatments. Enjoy demonstrations and learning about the different plants and their uses.

Digana Guided Village Walk DiganaAfternoon

Get a crash course in local life with a village walk through Digana. Learn about some of the essential local industries like it's milk collection point and dolomite mine. Meet with a local jeweller creating handicrafts from copper sheets and precious stones then take home personally crafted incense after a lesson in incense production by a local woman. Employing other women from the community, watch as oils and resins are mixed to craft the perfectly scented incense!

Accommodation Tamarind Gardens Homestay (or similar) Homestay

Day 5Digana/Kandy(Breakfast)

Enjoy a free day of exploration. Opt for an early wake up call helping the Tamarind hosts feed the farm animals. In the afternoon, transfer to Kandy and opt to visit the Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or watch a cricket match.

Early birds can opt to get a productive start to the day and join their Tamarind hosts for their morning routines. Join Ayesha and Nalin at 6:00 am for first-hand experience with farm life. Get up close with the farm animals, feeding the cows and chickens.

Enjoy breakfast at Tamarind Gardens and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy.

Have an afternoon of free time to explore the stunning city that is Kandy, opting to visit a cultural dance, the Temple of the Tooth, or a cricket match.

Private Vehicle Digana – KandyAfternoon

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time KandyFull Day

Explore Kandy with a full free day. Optional Activities Temple of the Sacred Tooth Tour Kandy 1km 10USD per person

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.

Kandyan Cultural Dance Kandy45m-1h 1-3km 3-5USD per person

Be swept away by an entertaining performance that will provide insight into the local culture in Kandy.

Tamarind Farm Duties Digana

Ever wondered what it was like to live on a domestic farm? Get up close with the farm animals at Tamarind and help feed the cows and poultry their morning meals.

Royal Botanical Gardens Visit Kandy2h-3h 10-12km 10USD per person

Enjoy a leisurely walk in the colourful Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. See 300 varieties of orchids of Sri Lanka as well as a range of other plants.

Day 6Kandy/Nuwara Eliya(Breakfast)

Stop for breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel to stunning Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the nearby hills on foot.

Tea Plantation Visit Nuwara Eliya1h-1h30m 26km

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.

Private Vehicle Kandy – Nuwara Eliya3h80km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation Royal Hills Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 7Nuwara Eliya/Ella Opt to trek the trails of Horton Plains National Park in the early morning. In the afternoon, travel to Ella and enjoy a free evening. Choose to relax and explore Ella or participate in a traditional cooking class.

Private Vehicle Nuwara Eliya – Ella1h30m-2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time EllaAfternoon

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore.

Optional Activities Horton Plains Trek Horton Plains Nature Reserve – Negombo4h-4h30m 9km 25USD per person 35USD per group

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.

Spice Garden Cooking Class Ella2h-3h 2500LKR per person

Take a tour of the spice garden, then learn some of Sri Lanka's culinary traditions with this authentic cooking class.

Accommodation Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 8Ella

Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak. Later, enjoy some free time in scenic Ella. Opt to trek to Ella Rock or take a local cooking class.

Free Time EllaFull Day

Get outside and explore scenic Ella.

Little Adam's Peak Trek Ella2h-3h

Enjoy a hike up Little Adam's peak to catch stunning views of the town below. Optional Activities Trek to Ella Rock Ella4h-5h

Set off on a trek to Ella Rock, passing through the lush surrounds and forest of rubber trees. Take in scenic views of the surrounding green valleys and plains from the peak.

Spice Garden Cooking Class Ella2h-3h 2500LKR per person

Take a tour of the spice garden, then learn some of Sri Lanka's culinary traditions with this authentic cooking class.

Accommodation Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 9Ella/Hikkaduwa

Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route for a walking tour of Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the beaches of Hikkaduwa.

Private Vehicle Ella – Galle4h30m-5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Galle Fort Tour Galle – Hikkaduwa

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.

Private Vehicle Galle – Hikkaduwa30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa (or similar) Hotel

Day 10Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach or go on a whale or dolphin watching tour.

Free Time Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like. Optional Activities Dolphin Watching Tour Unawatuna

Set off on a tour to spot these playful creatures.

Accommodation Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa (or similar) Hotel

Day 11Hikkaduwa

Opt to relax on the beach or enjoy exploring this bustling beach town.

Free Time HikkaduwaFull Day

Don't waste a single second. Whether it's on the beach or throughout the town, get out and explore!

Optional Activities Dolphin Watching Tour Unawatuna

Set off on a tour to spot these playful creatures.

Accommodation Coral Rock by Bansei Hikkaduwa (or similar) Hotel

Day 12Hikkaduwa

Depart at any time.

The Colombo airport can be reached by private taxi or bus. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Tamarind Gardens Farm, Digana Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy. Sri Lankan lunch at a local village. Spice garden visit. Tea plantation tour. Little Adam's Peak Tour. Galle Fort tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights Trek through luscious green hills, journey amongst Sri Lanka's most breath-taking scenery, sample local cuisine at a village meal, inhale local flavours at a spice garden, explore southern Sri Lankan beaches

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. Displaying body art or wearing clothing that includes an image of the Buddha is illegal; please be culturally sensitive and respect the law and should you have any such tattoos, keep them covered at all times.

2. Traveling by road in Sri Lanka is certainly not what people are use to in Western countries. Many road ways are single lane, rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, and overtake in seemingly dangerous situations. Although their are some improvements in the works to the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result, some of the roads are poorly maintained, and this gets even more pronounced during and after the monsoon. As a result, travel time covering relatively short distances is very long in comparison to Western countries.

Group Leader Description

All 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.

Group Size Notes

Max 18, avg 12.

Meals Included

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with us 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 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.

Transport

Private vehicle, walking.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotels/guest houses (10 nts), homestay (1 nt).

My Own Room Exceptions

Night 4

What to Take

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.

Packing List Conservative Dress: • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders) • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials: • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • 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) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable) • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket

Smart Dress: • Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Train Travel (Optional): • Slip-on shoes • Small container with lid • Travel cutlery • Travel or camp cup

Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear

Note: During the months of May-Jul is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non- polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Most nationalities will require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The fee is approximately $35 USD and an E-Visa can be obtained at the following website: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in Asia 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 USD1-2 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. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD20-30 per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities Negombo - Welcome Dinner

Sigiriya - Dambulla Cave Temple Visit (12USD per person) - Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit (30USD per person) - Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital Visit (25USD per person)

Kandy - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Tour (10USD per person) - Kandyan Cultural Dance (3-5USD per person) - Royal Botanical Gardens Visit (10USD per person)

Digana - Tamarind Farm Duties

Horton Plains Nature Reserve - Horton Plains Trek (25USD per person, 35USD per group)

Ella - Spice Garden Cooking Class (2500LKR per person) - Trek to Ella Rock

Unawatuna - Dolphin Watching Tour

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia, pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. The Tour Operator reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they engage in any form of paid sex work.

Travel Insurance

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. 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.

Local Dress

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.

Sri Lanka is conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential.

Beach attire is appropriate when on the beach.

NB: During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country etc.

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.