13 Days Unique Sri Lanka Trip in April: Celebrating the Sinhalese New Year

The 13-day off the beaten path Sri Lanka trip, from wildlife safaris to Sinhalese New Year, to hiking in the hill country, to palm-fringed beaches and more!

Duration

13 days, 12 nights

Group Size

Min 4-Max 12

Min Age

12+

Start/End

Colombo Airport

Join our epic Sri Lanka trip in 2025 to celebrate Sinhala & Tamil New Year!

Sri Lanka, an enchanting island nation, boasts a rich heritage and culture. Visiting this destination is enjoyable throughout the year, but April stands out as an especially favorable time. The climate is warm and sunny, and you’ll encounter fewer tourists compared to the high season. Besides, it’s the month of Sinhala & Tamil New Year!

We at MAHO on Earth are advocates of enriching vacations with unforgettable experiences, not just typical trips. That’s why we’ve curated ANOTHER one-of-a-kind itinerary to explore the hidden gems of Sri Lanka (Also check out our flagship tour Kandy Esela Perahera Festival edition in August).

  • Remember, we also organize bespoke trips that suits your schedule and interests, simply get in touch with us! 

On our epic Sri Lanka Tour Sinhalese New Year Edition you’ll have the privilege of immersing yourself in Sri Lanka’s one of the most important and captivating festivals, the Sinhala & Tamil New Year, delve deep into its fascinating colonial history, as well as you will be able to visit Sri Lanka’s evocative archaeological sites, its magnificent temples and monuments, go on wildlife safaris, nature hikes, and of course enjoy palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs and more.

Sri Lanka Tour Package Sinhalese New Year Edition Highlights

  • Get ready to involve in fascinating traditions during the Sinhala & Tamil New Year celebrations, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and grandest festivals!
  • Hiking in the beautiful Hill Country, tea plantations, waterfalls, mind-blowing views.
  • Delve into UNESCO sites: Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Anuradhapura.
  • Encounter elephant herds, leopards and other wildlife on a full day safari in Wilpattu National Park.
  • Beach time in Arugam Bay, optional surfing!
  • Mihintale Rock temple complex, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
  • Ella -Nuwara Eliya train ride!
  • Boat safari in Gal Oya National Park to witness the elephants swimming!
  • Veddah Cultural Show, offering a profound glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the island’s indigenous people.
  • Local village visits, delicious food and a lot more…

 

Sinhala and Tamil New Year

Often referred to as the sun festival, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a ceremony held to pay tribute to the God of Sun for countless generations. With such a rich history, the festival represents the ideal time to immerse oneself in Sri Lanka’s foundational traditions and customs, while also enjoying entertaining activities and traditional games unique to this celebration.

The Sinhalese and Tamil New Year holds significant importance in Sri Lanka, surpassing even the grandeur of any Christmas celebration we have encountered. This festive occasion is marked by numerous rituals and family gatherings throughout the country. It is a time when people experience immense joy, and following the initial ceremonies characterized by the rhythmic sounds of the rabana, a traditional one-sided drum, and the harmonious tunes produced by the koel, a stringed instrument, they focus on enjoying themselves.

You can’t talk about the Sinhalese New Year without mentioning food. Thus, trying out new year sweets is an essential part of your April holiday in Sri Lanka, as well as participating in the “Avurudu Sports Festivals” that take place nationwide featuring a variety of entertaining events, fancy dress competitions, all of which provide ample enjoyment.

Our exceptionally professional local team will ensure you get to experience this utterly authentic festival to the fullest.

Join us and collect unforgettable memories over the span of two weeks in Sri Lanka!

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and lifestyle of Sri Lanka by experiencing the New Year celebrations firsthand, and explore remote, off-the-beaten-path corners of Sri Lanka with us!

Secure your spot now on this extraordinarily enriching Sri Lanka tour with MAHO on Earth!

Early Bird Offer – First 3 spots available at 5% off!

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • 12 nights of accommodation
  • 12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 4 Dinners (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
  • All in country transport according to the itinerary
  • Local English speaking guide and driver throughout the trip
  • Pre-departure information pack
  • German and Turkish language support (on call)
  • Sinhala New Year Celebrations with locals
  • Hiking Little Adam's Peak, Tea Plantations
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rocks
  • Sigiriya Village visit with lunch
  • Gal Oya Boat Safari
  • Veddah Cultural Show
  • Ella-Nuwara Eliya train ride
  • Mihintale Temple Complex visit
  • Wilpattu NP full day safari
  • Airfares
  • Sri Lankan visa fee ($50 USD)
  • Medications, vaccinations, personal expenses
  • Travel/health insurance (recommended)
  • Meals other than specified
  • Tips for local guides (optional)
  • Optional activities and anything else not specified as included in the itinerary
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • All entrance fees other than specified (total ca. $125 USD)

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival - Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

You'll be picked up from Colombo International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Negombo, where your fantastic Sri Lankan off-beat adventure starts.

Negombo is only a short drive away from the airport and your comfortable hotel is the perfect place to relax by the pool after a long flight, get an Ayurveda massage, and munch on delicious Sri Lankan food.

Depending on the arrival time of your flight, our local guide will organize some activities for those of you who need action, such as a visit to the local market or a boat trip through the mangroves at sunset.

  • Included meals: None
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo
Day 02 Transfer to Wilpattu

Today after breakfast, we leave for Wilpattu National Park.

The Wilpattu National Park is one of the most important elephant habitats in the country and is also a great place to observe the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and the sloth bear.

This park has a denser forest cover unlike many other National Parks in Sri Lanka. WNPs landscape comprises of dry zone forests and thorny scrub interspersed with extensive open plains, sand dunes and the unique Villu wetlands. Bare reddish cliffs rising abruptly from narrow beaches of the Portugal Bay and Dutch Bay are another striking feature of its landscape.

After arriving at our accommodation near the national park, we will have free time until dinner. If you wish, you can take a boat trip in the Kalipinya/Puttalam lagoon accompanied by birdsongs (approx. 2 hours) at sunset and enjoy the mystical atmosphere as you glide past the various lagoon islands.

  • Included meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: None

Note: If your flight arrives in the early morning hours, you may join the tour on this day without staying overnight in Negombo. There will be one group transfer to Wilpattu. Private transfer is available upon request at an extra fee. 

Day 03 Wilpattu National Park Full Day Safari

Today is an exciting day as we will go on a full day safari in Wilpattu National Park, the largest nature reserve in the country. Departure is at 5 am, so set your alarm clock early.

Exploring the wilderness in an open off-road vehicle may provide the fortunate opportunity to encounter leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. The park, characterized by over 40 lakes, expansive grasslands devoid of trees, and lush forests, presents an ideal and varied environment for wildlife observation. Enjoy a serene picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the park.

After the safari we will transfer to Anuradhapura, some 35 km away from the park. We will enjoy a group dinner by the pool.

  • Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
  • Accommodation:  Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Wilpattu NP Full Day Safari (entrance fee extra ca. 45 USD)
Day 04 Mihintale Sunrise - Habarana

This morning we will visit the Mihintale mountain and temple for sunrise, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

We will return to our hotel for breakfast before we set off to the so-called Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, Habarana.

The remainder of the day (late afternoon) is free at your leisure. For those who are still in need of action, we can recommend Pidurangala Rock to enjoy the sunset and the best view of Sigiriya Rock. Our guide and driver will be at your service to help you arrange the sunset climb to Pidurangala (entrance fee ca. 3 USD).

Overnight at an eco hotel with pool. Psst: we usually pick a tree house for overnight in this area!

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation:  Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Mihintale sunrise visit (entrance fee extra ca. $3 USD)
Day 05 Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Local Village Visit

Today in the early morning, another famous landmark Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress is on agenda. We will leave by 5 am to be able to beat the crowds and heat, and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the top.

The 5th century rock fortress, Lion Rock is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. To visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway, one need to climb 1200 stairs.

After admiring the King's exquisite taste, we will return to our accommodation for breakfast and have about 1-2 hours to rest before we set off to visit a local village at around 11 am. We will cook and enjoy a traditional lunch together.

The afternoon will be free at your leisure. For those bitten by safari bug, we could arrange a half day safari in Minneriya National Park (ca. $65-75 USD pp). Another option would be guided (bike) tour of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 (ca. $50 USD pp including entrance fee).

  • Included meals: B, L
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Local village visit, Sigiriya Rock Fortress (entrance fee extra ca. $35 USD)
Day 06 Dambulla to Gal Oya National Park

After breakfast, we will proceed to Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site that is focused on a series of five cave shrines. Inhabited by forest-dwelling Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE, these natural caves have been transformed continuously throughout the historical period into one of the largest and most outstanding Buddhist complexes in the Southern and Southeastern Asian region, showcasing innovative approaches to interior layout and decoration.

After the temple visit, we will continue to the little-known but absolutely gorgeous Gal Oya National Park on a scenic route, where, with a little luck, we may spot wild elephants.

Overnight stay in a comfortable tent camp where you can't get enough of the beauty surrounding you.

After dinner, you will witness the mesmerizing Kiri Koraha, a sacred dance ritual practiced by the Adivasi group, offering you a profound glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the Veddah community. the island’s indigenous people.

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: Glamping tent (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Dambulla Cave Temple (entrance fee ca. $7 USD), Veddah Cultural Show
Day 07 Gal Oya Boat Safari to Arugam Bay

Gal Oya’s Swimming Elephants is a unique wildlife experience in Sri Lanka offering a different perspective as you cruise through the country's largest lake, the Senanayake Samudra.

Observing the elephants from the lake as they gather close to the water to drink and if you’re lucky even swim from island to island- a truly unique sight! The reservoir is also home to abundant birdlife, crocodiles, deer and more which can be spotted during the 2-hour boat safari.

We will raise early for this unforgettable experience (5am) and we will be stopping for snack and tea/coffee with a lovely panorama before returning to our fabulous glamping camp at around 9:30 am.

Until the late check-out time at 2 pm, you are free to enjoy a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation, or participate in a farm tour for a great insight into local farming techniques, or chef-led cooking demos for a farm-to-table journey. For those of you who are more active , you may want to take part in a jungle walk with Veddah, go on a guided bike tour in the village, or go on a walk around the lake. Although the options are countless, rest assured that you will enjoy every moment no matter what you choose.

Just in time for sunset, we will arrive at our accommodation in Arugam Bay. You now deserve a tropical vacation!

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Gal Oya Boat Safari
Day 08 Arugam Bay - Beach Time

Today is a free day in beautiful Arugam Bay to simply enjoy the beach, sand, and sun.

If you wish you can try your hand at surfing or go on a 2-hour lagoon safari in the beautiful untouched lagoons of Kottukal or Urani where you can spot crocodiles, elephants, and other wildlife. How about climbing up the Elephant Rock for a great view of the whole area, where you may even spot wild elephants?

Our local team will be happy to help you plan your day exactly as you wish.

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: None
Day 09 Arugam Bay to Ella

Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Ella, a small but touristic town. Of course, we will not be missing out on visiting the most famous spots such as Nine Arches Bridge.

We will be hiking to the Little Adam's Peak for sunset to enjoy the stunning views.

In the evening, you can either rest at our hotel with a wonderful view or explore the city with the guidance of your guide or on your own.

  • Included meals: B, L
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Nine Arches Bridge, Ella town tour, Little Adam's Peak Hike
Day 10 Ella to Nuwara Eliya Train Ride

Today is the day for that famous train journey! If there is no delay, we will arrive in Nuwara Eliya following a 4-hour train ride.

Nuwara Eliya, also known as “little England",  offers a classic English environment with its green valleys and Tea Fields on the slopes of the hills, small streams and climate.

After checking in at our lovely hotel and freshening up, we will take a sunset tour around Gregory Lake.

  • Included meals: B, L
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Train ride, Nuware Eliya Tour
Day 11 Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

After a hearty breakfast, we will proceed to Kandy, where we will be joining New Year Celebrations today and tomorrow. The schedule of the days will depend on the events taking place in the villages around. Our local team will ensure you have an authentic experience over the course of these two days.

Along the way, we will visit a tea field and factory to learn about tea picking and processing.

  • Included meals: B, L, D
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Tea factory visit, Kandy sightseeing/New Year Celebrations
Day 12 Kandy - Sinhala New Year

Today is the first day of Sinhala New Year and the events will continue on the streets. Depending on the festivities, which are not published anywhere but known only to the locals, our passionate professional local team will organize the day accordingly.

Our local guide will be with us throughout and throw in visits to nearby attractions like Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple visit, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and ensure you have an authentic experience.

  • Included meals: B, L, D
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Kandy sightseeing, New Year Celebrations
Day 13 Departure or Extension

Sadly it's time to bid farewell to those departing today to mark the end of our epic Sri Lanka trip.

You will be transferred to the Colombo airport latest at noon (approx. 3hrs transfer time). However if you can, why not to linger a few nights longer? If you are into hiking, the legendary Pekoe Trail starts near Kandy for instance. Simply chat with us for your personalized options!

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: None
  • Included activities: Transfer to Colombo Airport

Please note: There will be one group transfer back to Colombo/Negombo. Private transfers available upon request at an extra fee. If you need any support with you pre-/post-tour arrangements, please get in touch with us. 

Tour Essentials

In the following sections, you'll find the essential information for Sri Lanka Tour Sinhala & Tamil New Year Edition:

Accommodation

The accommodation on this trip is a mixture of 3-4* good quality hotels and lovely establishments specially chosen for their location, uniqueness, value for money, or excellent facilities. All rooms have private ensuite bathroom, sometimes a shared pool is also available.

All rooms on all trips are shared with two people in each room. You'll have the option of a double bed or two single beds. Rooms may vary slightly by layout and view and will be assigned based on booking order.

Solo travelers will be paired up with another participant.

Please note that in Sri Lanka, one cannot expect the western standards in the places visited. Especially with respect to service, expect a lovely "laid back, unhurried" environment.

Meals

Breakfasts will be taken at the dining facilities of the accommodation. Some lunches and dinners are included in the tour price. Otherwise, we'll have the freedom of trying out different restaurant options. Our guides will be happy to recommend good restaurants on the days when lunch or/and dinner are not included. 

Vegetarians can be catered for if you inform us upon booking. For other dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.), please contact us to discuss the best course of action for you.

Transport

We'll use a private vehicle with A/C depending on the group size. Our group size is limited to 12 guests on this trip. Safaris will be done by jeeps, and we will take public train between Ella and Nuwara Eliya.

Passports and Visas

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive in Sri Lanka and have at least three blank pages, two facing each other.

Holders of ordinary passports issued by most nations, including EU nationalities, the US, the UK, Turkey, need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, which can be obtained on arrival ($50 USD), or online prior to travel.

Please consult the Sri Lankan Embassy/Consulate in your country of origin for further information about visas. Should you have any questions, we will be happy to assist.

You must ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

Health/Vaccinations

Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional advice. We, at MAHO on Earth, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate, or error-free. 

As of the publishing date, there are no mandatory vaccinations to enter the country, and Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free by WHO in 2016.

We do highly recommend that you obtain professional travel health advice at your doctor or an institute of tropical medicine with respect to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition, and your intended itinerary. 

Physical Level

To join this trip, you'll need to have a reasonable level of fitness. While not too strenuous, the tour involves somewhat long journeys, a fair amount of walking, early-morning wake-up calls, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, cold nights/mornings, and other similar scenarios. 

Special requests

This trip may not be suitable for people with special needs such as reduced mobility due to local conditions and activities. If in doubt, please contact us. 

Please do not send sensitive information (such as health, accident or other highly personal information) through our contact form. You may want to get in touch with us directly via phone instead.

Insurance

We do strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as soon as you make your deposit to ensure the most coverage. Your travel insurance policy should at least cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, activities you intend to do, and repatriation in the event of an accident or illness. We will reach out and collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details shortly before the departure date. Your trip price with us does not include any travel insurance. Travel insurance policies are generally speaking more economical when taken out locally in your country of origin.

Cash & Co

While your trip with us cover most of the expenses, things such as some meals, entrance fees, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, visa fee, and tips are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your trip. Any optional activity is mentioned clearly so that you don't have to worry about hidden costs.

In Sri Lanka, cash is the king. We recommend carrying some cash and budgeting around $20 – $50 USD/EUR per day for incidental expenses. Entrance fees for touristic places ranges from $3 USD to $65 USD and can increase without prior notice. Our guests spend on average a total of $300-500 USD during this trip.

Further details and recommendations on what to pack will be provided prior to departure.

Travel Companions

We care about getting to know our fellow travellers, hence we keep our groups small and intimate. Our tours usually run with 12 or fewer participants and require a minimum of 6 participants to take place. This trip is a guaranteed departure with 4 bookings. It will be an international group and the main language will be English.

People from all walks of life and nationalities, singles, couples, friends, and families with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and an open heart can join our tours. We consider each trip as an opportunity to cultivate our travel persona with humility, curiosity, and respect, what we call a "Mindful Adventure". 

The Adventure with us

Designing a trip is engineering work, and this is not a cookie-cutter tour. Maho and Tom, founders and owners of MAHO on Earth, curated this itinerary to make the best use of your hard-earned bucks and vacation days with lots of wonderful handpicked activities and locations included! 

We want you to have the most rewarding experience possible. We take care of all the hassle of planning, and you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, not least because we support social projects and NGOs, and partner with the best local enterprises.

Join us on this Mindful Adventure, Highlands to Oceans! 

How to book your spot

To reserve your spot, please use our booking form!

Please note, the minimum age to participate in this tour is 12.(must be accompanied by an adult).

Should you need any support with your pre or post-tour travel arrangements, we are here to help.

Have a question?

Have we missed anything?

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your Sri Lanka dream a reality.

Can’t make this one? Then, simply sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens on future trips, and chat to us for bespoke itineraries.

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