The Essential 2 Weeks Sri Lanka Group Tour [Monthly Departures]

The ultimate 14-day Sri Lanka Group Tour, from wildlife safaris to hiking in the hill country, to palm-fringed beaches and more!

Duration

14 days, 13 nights

Group Size

Min 4 - Max 12

Min Age

10+

Start/End

Colombo Airport

Join our Sri Lanka Group Tour to experience the country to the fullest!

Sri Lanka, an enchanting island nation, deserves a prominent place on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. The magical island of Sri Lanka possesses an undeniable charm that captivates visitors. This is hardly surprising, given its picturesque palm-lined beaches, lush jungles brimming with wildlife, and a wealth of ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visiting this remarkably varied destination is enjoyable throughout the year, and our 2-week essential Sri Lanka itinerary for first timers is simply an excerpt of what you can experience in Sri Lanka.  (Check out our flagship tours Sinhala & Tamil New Year edition in April and Kandy Esela Perahera Festival edition in August).

On our epic Sri Lanka Tour you’ll have the privilege of immersing yourself in Sri Lanka’s fascinating history, visit evocative archaeological sites, admire its magnificent temples and monuments, go on wildlife safaris, nature hikes, and of course enjoy palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs and more.

2-Week Sri Lanka Group Tour Highlights

  • Get ready to involve in fascinating traditions of Sri Lanka accompanied by a local team of passionate professionals!
  • Hiking in the beautiful Hill Country, tea plantations, waterfalls, mind-blowing views and more…
  • Delve into UNESCO sites: Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Polonnaruwa Ancient City.
  • Encounter elephant herds, leopards and other wildlife on a full day safari in Wilpattu National Park.
  • Beach time in Tangalle, optional snorkeling/diving/surfing and a chance to see whales (seasonal)!
  • Mihintale Rock temple complex, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
  • Mangrove & bird watching trip in Kalipinya/Puttalam or Negombo Lagoon by boat (depending on the season).
  • Cultural Dance Show in Kandy.
  • Local village visits, healthy & delicious food and a lot more…

 

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

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

Our tours are designed to spark a profound admiration for the stunning beauty of nature, the variety of wildlife, the abundance of delicious food, and the unparalleled warmth of the Sri Lankan people. Every trip is an opportunity to connect deeper and embrace the magic of the unexpected.

You will return home not only with cherished memories but also with your hearts brimming from the unique experiences.

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

Early Bird Offer – First 2 spots of each departure is available at 3% off!

Please note: While we think Sri Lanka deserves at least 2 weeks of your time, we will gladly help you join our scheduled tours for a duration of 9-10 days if you wish to skip some days. Please enquire about your personalized options.  

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • 13 nights of accommodation
  • 13 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 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)
  • Hiking Little Adam's Peak, Tea Plantations
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rocks
  • Sigiriya Village visit with lunch
  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City
  • Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex
  • Ella-Nuwara Eliya train ride
  • Mihintale Temple Complex visit
  • Wilpattu NP full day safari
  • Boat trip in the lagoon
  • Kandy Cultural Show
  • 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. $150 USD)

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival - Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

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

Negombo is only a short drive away from the airport and our 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 your accommodation near the national park, you will have free time until sunset, then you will take a boat trip in the lagoon accompanied by birdsongs (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy the mystical atmosphere as you glide past the various lagoon islands.

  • Included meals: Breakfast (B)
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Boat trip in the lagoon

Note: If your flight arrives in the early morning hours, you may join the tour on this day without staying overnight in Negombo. 

Day 03 Wilpattu National Park Full Day Safari

Today is an exciting day as you will go on a full day safari in Wilpattu National Park, the largest nature reserve in the country. Departure is at 5am, 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 you will be transferred to Anuradhapura, some 35 km away from the park. You will have 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 you will be visiting the Mihintale mountain and temple for sunrise, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

You will return to the 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).

  • 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).

  • Included meals: B, L
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Local village visit, Sigiriya Rock Fortress (entrance fee extra ca. 35 USD)
Day 06 Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Today after breakfast, we will head to Polonnaruwa Ancient City, the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993.

Polonnaruwa boasts well-preserved ruins set in a meticulously planned park. The compact layout makes it perfect for a leisurely exploration not only on foot but on a bicycle, too. Numerous temples, monuments, and stupas are conveniently located close to each other, linked by charming tree-lined streets. For those who are not keen on walking or biking, our van will be following us.

After the guided visit of Polonnaruwa, you will have lunch at a lovely place run by local ladies before heading back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

  • Included meals: B, L
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour (optional by bike, entrance fee extra ca. 30 USD)
Day 07 Dambulla Cave Temple to Kandy

Today 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 Kandy, where you will have time to explore the city and surroundings led by our professional guide.

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Dambulla Cave Temple (entrance fee ca. $7 USD), Kandy sightseeing
Day 08 Kandy

Our local professional guide will be with you throughout and throw in visits to nearby attractions like Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple visit, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Botanical Garden and expect some surprise off-piste visits.

In the evening, you will attend the Cultural Dance Show in Kandy.

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Kandy sightseeing, Cultural Show
Day 09 Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “little England”, which offers a classic English environment with its green valleys and Tea Fields on the slopes of the hills, small streams and climate. After taking enough photos, we will visit the tea field and factory to learn about tea picking and processing.

Along the way you will have the option to visit the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex and have lunch at a nearby village restaurant run by one of the most welcoming Sri Lankan family.

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: Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, Tea Plantation visit
Day 10 Nuwara Eliya to Ella Train Ride

Today is the day for that famous train journey! If there is no delay, you will arrive in Ella after a 4-hour train ride.

We will not end the day without taking photos at the bridge known as the Nine Arches Bridge.

Ella is a small but touristic town. In the evening, you can either rest at your hotel with a wonderful view or explore the city with the guidance of your guide or on your own.

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Train ride, Nine Arches Bridge, Ella town tour
Day 11 Ella to Tangalle

After breakfast this morning, we will enjoy the stunning views of Ella on Little Adam's Peak Hike and later head to Tangalle, a quaint town on the Indian Ocean.

You now deserve a tropical vacation! We will have group dinner at an oceanside restaurant to taste yummy seafood.

  • Included meals: B, D
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Little Adam's Peak Hike
Day 12-13 Tangalle - Beach time

Breakfast, then sea & sand & sun all day! The day is yours!

You can spend time in your hotel's pool and garden, go to the beach, and watch birds in the lagoon on a canoe, surf, dive and more.

When in season, another option is to get up very early in the morning and join a whale watching tour (boat tour is about $60 USD per person).

If you wish, you could visit Mirissa Coconut Hill, swim at Mirissa beach and watch the sunset there. Or how about surf lessons? Our local team will be happy to arrange any activities you wish.

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: None
Day 14 Departure or Extension

After breakfast, you will set off for Galle, the country's fourth largest city. You will take a break here for a city tour and lunch. The city, known to have been dominated by the Portuguese and the Dutch in its history, resembles a European town.

Depending on flight departure times, we can spend more time in Galle or return to Colombo to have your last group dinner in style.

You will be transferred to the airport latest around 1:00 am at night and will have come to the end of an epic Sri Lanka trip. However if you can, why not to linger a few nights longer? Simply chat with us to discuss your options!

  • Included meals: B
  • Accommodation: None
  • Included activities: Transfer to Airport via Galle

Tour Essentials

In the following sections, you'll find the essential information for our Sri Lanka Standard Tour:

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.

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. 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 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 per person during this trip.

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

The Experience with us

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.

How to book your trip

To customize your dream trip, please use our inquiry form and provide as many details as you can! We will first ensure we understand your desires and customize the itinerary according to your wishes.

Please note, the minimum age to participate in this tour is 10.(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.

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Tour price
2.600,00 2.681,00
Booking Form
Enquiry Form
Deposit 30% per person
Total: