Pure Sri Lanka Reunion
Pure Sri Lanka Reunion
Pure Sri Lanka Reunion
11 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo
Visiting: Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Unawatuna, Galle, Colombo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
OVSLCO25
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 24
Age range:
35-45
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Photography, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Pure Sri Lanka Reunion" tour, an exclusive adventure for Contiki Alumni and their friends aged 35-45. This journey begins in the coastal town of Negombo and takes you through the heart of Sri Lanka, exploring ancient rock fortresses in Sigiriya, the vibrant cultural scene in Kandy, and the lush tea plantations of Ella. Experience the thrill of a safari in Udawalawe National Park, unwind on the beaches of Unawatuna, and delve into the bustling city life of Colombo. With highlights including traditional Sri Lankan meals, scenic train rides, and encounters with wildlife, this tour promises an unforgettable reunion with nature and culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Camelot Beach Hotel (or similar)
Here we are, Contiki Alumni and friends**. Our Sri Lankan adventure begins in Negombo. Find your feet in this diverse & laid-back town with coastal beaches, local fish markets and a working Dutch-style canal system. This evening you'll meet up with your Trip Manager and your 35-45s crew for a full brief of the travels about to unfold, before heading out for the first taste of some local delicacies.
**Please note this trip is available exclusively to Contiki Past Passengers, or those travelling with a Contiki Past Passenger, aged 35-45.
Day 2: Negombo To Sigiriya
Location: Negombo, Sigiriya
Accommodation Name: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll drive inland to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress town in the Matale District. Home to palace ruins set on a giant ancient lava rock, and surrounded by ancient relics of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is a hotspot of historical significance here in Sri Lanka. After checking in to our accommodation, we'll begin our explorations with a guided visit to Hiriwadunna village, a spiritually important site where Prince Siddhartha was said to have attained Buddhahood. We'll sit down for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch here at the village, surrounded by greenery and wildlife. After waving goodbye to Hiriwadunna, we'll head back to our hotel where we'll join together for an included dinner tonight.
Day 3: Sigiriya
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation Name: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We couldn't visit Sigiriya without exploring the incredible Sigiriya Rock Fortress that's been dominating the skyline ever since we've arrived, and morning is the best time to visit. After our included breakfast we'll take a trip to the fortress to check out the UNESCO-listed 'Lion's Rock', with it's 5th-century buildings, painted rock frescoes and massive pair of lion paws at the entrance. We're back on the road, this time to visit the nearby town of Dambulla where you'll have the chance to find your own lunch. Here we'll find another World Heritage Site, the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka complete with five inner sanctuaries, 150 gilded Buddha statues, and Buddhist murals.
Day 4: Sigiriya To Kandy
Location: Sigiriya, Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Queen's Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Feel like a morning adventure? You'll have the opportunity to explore the Pidurangala Rock –a rite of passage for Sigiriya first-timers – on a sunrise trek. Otherwise, catch some extra sleep and save your energy for later. Awed by our time brushing with the ancient world in Sigiriya, it's time to move on to the vibrant cultural scene in Kandy.
Today we're gathering to watch history and mythology explode into colour & rhythm at a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show. Then tonight, you can choose to tuck into some local street food on a tuk-tuk food tour. Ever tried a 'Hopper'? We promise you've never eaten a curry like this before, and you haven't really tried Sri Lankan street food until now.
Day 5: Kandy To Ella
Location: Kandy, Ella
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we head further into the hill country on the train, passing lush green hills & waterfalls en route to Nuwara Eliya. This small town is found in the heart of Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea industry, so it'd be rude not to visit a tea plantation (& sample some of the best) before continuing on to our next destination of Ella.
We've arrived at Ella where new adventures await!
Day 6: Ella
Location: Ella
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to explore the beautiful countryside and laid-back backpacker hub of Ella, nestled among green cloud forests and tea plantations. In the early morning, feel free to head to Horton Plains National Park and walk to "World's End", one of the highlights here. Or spend the day in Ella doing the local walks that show off the incredibly insta-worthy views down through the Ella Gap, including the cascading waterfalls this small town is famous for. If you're lucky, you might even get to meet one of the locals: the leaf-eating Langur monkey.
Day 7: Ella To Udawalawe National Park
Location: Ella, Udawalawe National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Athgira River Camping (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey continues south, as we head down from the hill country into the southern plains where a rich abundance of wildlife awaits us. Our first stop is at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being released back into the wild. In this unmissable experience that's sure to pull a few heartstrings, we'll get to watch the babies at feeding time, while you try to restrain yourself from adopting one then and there. But tear yourself away, because next, we're heading to our Special Stay accommodation for the night: glamping alongside the Walawe riverbed in full Safari style, surrounded by the vibrant flora and fauna of the Sri Lankan jungle.
Day 8: Udawalawe National Park To Unawatuna Via Galle
Location: Udawalawe National Park, Unawatuna, Galle, Unawatuna
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Long Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to the wilderness, because today you're heading along the coast to the beachside town of Unawatuna. The South West coast of Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches, mangrove forests and picturesque colonial port towns set up in turn first by the Portuguese, secondly by the Dutch and finally the English, and Unawatuna is no exception. This afternoon we'll take a trip to explore the UNESCO-listed historic fort city of Galle, a must-see for its distinctly unique mishmash of European and South Asian traditional architecture. Check out the Portuguese Franciscan chapel, Dutch coat of arms and British Queen Victoria Jubilee Tower. Later this evening, you can opt to learn the ways of Sri Lankan cooking with our cooking demonstration and dinner.
Day 9: Unawatuna
Location: Unawatuna
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Long Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Southern tip of Sri Lanka is a favourite hangout spot for some of the most majestic creatures in the world: whales. We're heading to Mirissa, considered to be the best place to get a glimpse of the blue whale, sperm whale and dolphins, and this morning is your chance to head out whale-watching for an unmissable up-close encounter. After the morning's excitement, the afternoon is yours to unwind on the tropical palm-studded beach with clear turquoise waters, or opt in for a surf lesson at nearby Weligama Bay.
Day 10: Unawatuna To Colombo
Location: Unawatuna, Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairway Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll reach our final destination, the bustling capital city of Colombo. En route we'll make a stop to learn about the traditional art of balsa-wood mask painting, followed by a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation centre.
Once we hit Colombo, the best way to continue is with a sightseeing tour of this sprawling, richly multicultural city. Marvel at the atmospheric temples & showstopping mosques, check out the rose-tinted colonial buildings and, if you're brave enough, pick up some hot cobra chillies or souvenirs from the truly authentic (and famously chaotic) Pettah Bazaar. Tonight you can put on your party pants, because we've already sussed out the best rooftop bars and we're going out in style - the perfect way to cap off the last incredible 10 days with your Sri Lanka crew.
Day 11: End Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Contiki trip finishes this morning in Colombo. Hold back the happy tears as you say goodbye to your newest life-long friends & plan a meet up somewhere in the world soon.
What's Included
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Meals
Meals are included on various days of the tour, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Guided Visits
Guided visits to significant sites such as Hiriwadunna village, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Dambulla Cave Temple are included.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations, including a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella, is included.
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Safari Jeep Tour
A Safari Jeep tour in Udawalawe National Park is included.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences such as a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show and a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation centre are included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a tuk-tuk food tour in Kandy, whale watching in Mirissa, and surf lessons at Weligama Bay are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Sri Lanka are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Sri Lanka are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation between locations, including a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella, is included. Additionally, a Safari Jeep tour in Udawalawe National Park is part of the tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and campsites throughout the tour, including Camelot Beach Hotel, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Queen's Hotel, Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel, Athgira River Camping, The Long Beach Hotel, and Fairway Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and campsites throughout the tour, including Camelot Beach Hotel, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Queen's Hotel, Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel, Athgira River Camping, The Long Beach Hotel, and Fairway Hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are included on various days of the tour, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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What kind of guided visits are included in the tour?
Guided visits to significant sites such as Hiriwadunna village, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Dambulla Cave Temple are included.
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Is transportation between locations included in the tour?
Yes, transportation between locations, including a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella, is included.
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Is there a safari experience included in the tour?
Yes, a Safari Jeep tour in Udawalawe National Park is included.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
Cultural experiences such as a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show and a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation centre are included.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as a tuk-tuk food tour in Kandy, whale watching in Mirissa, and surf lessons at Weligama Bay are available but not included in the tour package.
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What personal expenses are not included in the tour?
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from Sri Lanka are not included.
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Are visa fees included in the tour package?
No, visa fees for entry into Sri Lanka are not included.
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What is the age requirement for this tour?
This trip is available exclusively to Contiki Past Passengers, or those travelling with a Contiki Past Passenger, aged 35-45.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Friday - Monday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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