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Next: 21 JunThe adventure
Now's the time to explore Sri Lanka on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Want to load up on culture on a backpacker's budget? This whirlwind 12-day tour of central and southern Sri Lanka is just the ticket. 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 like-minded travellers and you'll head home with some new friends and new perspectives.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Sri Lanka
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time and welcome to Negombo, know for its lazy beach, wandering canals, and fresh seafood markets. Get to know your fellow travellers over optional dinner and drinks at a favourite local restaurant. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you're introduced to Sri Lankan delicacies, and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Arrive at any time and welcome to Negombo, know for its lazy beach, wandering canals, and fresh seafood markets. Get to know your fellow travellers over optional dinner and drinks at a favourite local restaurant. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you're introduced to Sri Lankan delicacies, and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Day 2Travel to the centre of the island…
Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress or view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park.
Day 3Spend the day freely exploring more of this…
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.
Day 4Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana
Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk to gain insight into Sri Lankan rural daily life. Discover unique local experiences, from visiting a working cattle and goat farm to enjoying refreshing herbal drinks at a local woman's cottage. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan curries infused with authentic local spices while helping out with dinner.
Day 5Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views…
Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.
Day 6Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women…
Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.
Day 7If you want to experience morning mist flowing…
If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.
Day 8Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak…
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.
Day 9Set off towards the southern coast stopping en…Hikkaduwa
HikkaduwaSet off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.
Day 10Enjoy a free day to bliss out…
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.
Day 11Another day in paradise to recover from last…
Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creatures, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.
Day 12Wow! What a trip
Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.
Discover Sri Lanka
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
Last Minute 30% off ASNC260608 · ends 2026-06-08 · auto-applied
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