Sri Lanka Uncovered

Sri Lanka Uncovered

1,137 Views
10 Days From

$1395

$1046

Sri Lanka Uncovered

10 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Unawatuna

Visiting: Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe, Unawatuna

Tour operator:

TruTravels

Tour code:

25330

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Rail Excursion, Walking

From: $1395 $1046 Barrhead discount: -$349 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Our 10 day trip exploring the beautiful country of Sri Lanka; home to exotic animals, stunning scenery and beaches, ancient history and culture, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Begin in Negombo, then head out to Sigiriya Rock for the epic views of the surrounding countryside. Visit a tea plantation, and enjoy learning about Sri Lankan cuisine at a local cooking school. Ride on the famous blue train, then set off on Safari in search of the local wildlife including elephants, buffalos and flamingos.

Highlights

  • Explore Sigiriya Rock

  • Scenic train ride to Ella

  • Hike Little Adams Peak

  • Elephant Safari

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

  • See the Golden Buddha Temple

  • Enjoy a local farming village dinner

  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth

  • Explore a Tea Plantation

  • Participate in a Cooking Class

Show all

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Airport Pick Up

Location: Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka! We’ll be there at the Colombo airport waiting to pick you up and bring you back to our boutique hotel in Negombo. We’ll have a beachfront welcome dinner and drinks at sunset, the perfect start to your adventure.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Day 2: Temples

Location: Negombo

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Today we’ll head into the centre of Sri Lanka, where we’ll learn about the country’s history and culture. Our first stop is the Dambulla Cave Temple, a temple carved deep into the rock face. Next up is the Golden Buddha, a giant statue on a hill top looking down onto the town below. In the evening, we'll check in to our accommodation with views of Sigiriya Rock which we will be climbing in the morning.

TRANSPORT: It's bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.

ACTIVITY:

Day 3: Climb Sigiriya Rock

Location: Sigiriya

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, DINNER

It’s an early start today, as we’ll make our way to the top of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks - Lion Rock (known locally as Sigiriya Rock). A UNESCO World Heritage site, a giant rock formation standing nearly 700ft tall, an ancient fortress, with mind-blowing views from the top; well worth the trek up. We’ll come back to our hotel for breakfast afterwards, before exploring the town in the afternoon. In the evening we’ll visit a local farming village for a truly authentic Sri Lankan meal around a bonfire, cooked by the villagers.

ACTIVITY:

Day 4: Temple Of The Tooth & Kandy View Point

Location: Sigiriya

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

We travel to Kandy today to visit the Temple of the Tooth It is located in the royal palace complex and since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. We learn about this amazing story before watching an amazing sunset of Kandy lake from our hotel on the mountain side.

TRANSPORT: It's bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.

ACTIVITY:

Day 5: Tea Plantation, Cooking Class & Train Journey

Location: Kandy

Meals Included: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

We drive past the beautiful town of Nuwara Elia and spend the morning at a local tea plantation where we’ll learn all about the tea brewing process, from leaf to cup. We’ll then spend some time at a local family-run cooking school, where we’ll be taught how to cook some of Sri Lanka’s best dishes. It’s then time to board ‘the most scenic train journey’ - and you’ll quickly see why. We’ll board the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to the chilled town of Ella. The scenery we pass on the way is seriously out of this world; keep an eye out for waterfalls, wildlife and friendly locals.

TRANSPORT: It's bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

TRANSPORT: It's bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.

Day 6: Little Adams Peak & Nine Arch Bridge

Location: Ella

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Early morning start as we climb Little Adams Peak, for a stunning view of Ella Gap - a gorge full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning backdrops. We’ll have lunch in Ella town, before stopping off at Nine Arch Bridge, where we’ll walk the tracks and watch the train pass through.

ACTIVITY:

Day 7: Waterfalls & Glamping

Location: Ella

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

In the morning, we’ll visit a waterfall for a refreshing dip, before heading down to Udawalawe National Park. Here we’ll check into our glamping tents for the evening, where plenty of activities are available to enjoy. Then we’ll jump in Tuk Tuks to the Elephant Orphanage, where we’ll witness first-hand how they’re looking after the wild elephants in the area.

TRANSPORT: It's bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.

ACTIVITY:

Day 8: Safari

Location: Udawalawe

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

As the sun rises, we hop into our Safari jeeps where we’ll see plenty of the local wildlife, including Elephants, Monkeys, Buffalos, Flamingos, to mention just a few. We’ll have breakfast by the river, before making our way to our final stop, the beachside town of Unawatuna.

TRANSPORT: Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

ACTIVITY:

TRANSPORT: It's bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.

Day 9: Jungle Beach Day

Location: Unawatuna

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Wake any time today, it’s all about relaxing. Chill by the pool, then join us as we walk through the jungle to the beach on the other side. We’ll head back to the hotel to freshen up, before hitting the beach one more time for our farewell dinner.

ACTIVITY:

Day 10: Unawatuna

Location: Unawatuna

Meals Included: BREAKFAST

Check out any time today, or opt to stay on a little while longer. Whichever you decide, our guides will be on hand to help out.

ACTIVITY: Your trusty travel ninja is on hand to assist you.

What's Included

  • Activities

    Explore Sigiriya Rock, take a scenic train ride to Ella, hike Little Adams Peak, go on an Elephant Safari, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, see the Golden Buddha Temple, enjoy a local farming village dinner, visit the Temple of the Tooth, explore a Tea Plantation, participate in a Cooking Class, see the Nine Arch Bridge, and discover Galle Fort.

  • Airport Pickup

    Complimentary airport pickup is provided for those arriving within 48 hours before the tour starts or on the day of the tour, if the pre-nights are booked directly with TruTravels at the start hotel.

  • Travel Ninja

    Benefit from the expertise of a guide, ensuring a well-organized and insightful travel experience.

  • Transport

    All transport between destinations is included, featuring private van transfers and the scenic Ella train ride.

  • Accommodation

    Enjoy 9 nights of accommodation including glamping, beachside hotels, and twin-share rooms.

  • Tru Exclusives

    Experience a traditional meal with a local village, offering a deep dive into Sri Lankan culture and cuisine.

  • Meals

    Meals included are 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.

  • Dambulla Cave Temple

  • Golden Buddha Temple

  • Local Farming Village Dinner

show more

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included and must be arranged by travelers.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers but is not included in the tour price.

  • Visa Fees

    Any applicable visa fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not included in the itinerary are to be covered by the traveler.

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.

Meals Included

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation

Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with stays in 3 and 4-star hotels, a responsible luxury eco campsite, and twin-share rooms. From modern amenities and outdoor pools to unique glamping near wildlife, each location offers a unique way to unwind and connect with Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with all transport included, featuring private van transfers for a comfortable journey between destinations. The highlight is the scenic Ella train ride, offering breathtaking views of Sri Lanka's countryside, making every transfer an integral part of your adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • Meals Included

    9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

  • Is airport pickup available for this tour?

    Yes, airport pickup is available. If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup. Airport pickup is also available if you are arriving on the day of the tour.

  • What type of activities are included in the Sri Lanka Uncovered - 10 Day Trip?

    The trip includes a variety of activities such as visiting Sigiriya Rock, a train ride to Ella, exploring Little Adams Peak, an Elephant Safari, visiting Dambulla Cave Temple and the Golden Buddha Temple, enjoying a local farming village dinner, visiting the Temple of the Tooth, exploring a Tea Plantation, participating in a Cooking Class, seeing the Nine Arch Bridge, exploring Galle Fort, and having a Jungle Beach Day.

  • Minimum Age

    Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

  • Packing List

    Health & Safety: • Hand sanitizer (required) • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.

  • Optional Activities

    No optional activities

  • How will we be traveling between destinations during the tour?

    All transport is included, featuring private van transfers for comfortable journeys between destinations. A highlight is the scenic Ella train ride, offering breathtaking views of Sri Lanka's countryside.

  • What's Included

    Dambulla Cave Temple. Golden Buddha Temple. Local Farming Village Dinner. Sigiriya Rock. Temple of the Tooth. Tea Plantation. Cooking Class. Train to Ella. Little Adams Peak. Nine Arch Bridge. Elephant Transit Home. Safari, Jungle Beach Day

  • Will there be a guide with us during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a 'Travel Ninja' who acts as your guide, ensuring you have a knowledgeable and friendly companion who knows the destinations well.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Accommodation includes a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels, a responsible luxury eco campsite, and twin-share rooms. These accommodations offer modern amenities, outdoor pools, and unique glamping experiences near wildlife.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    No problem! You can change the date of your trip once free of charge as long as you do so more than 60 days prior to departure.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2012!

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We have a 'my own room' option which can be added on at additional cost.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will send you out a pre departure pack 30 days prior to travel containing everything you need to know, and your joining instructions.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    We plant 10 trees for every trip sold!

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The majority of our travellers are in their 20's / 30's however we aim to accept anyone of any age. Please do not be offended if we discuss the make-up of the trip with you prior to booking just to ensure you will be comfortable with the average age range that is already booked to travel.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It may be possible in certain destinations, however it would be your responsibility to get yourself to where the group currently is.

  • Do you have age limits for your tours?

    Most of the people that join us on tour are 18 to thirtysomethings. We have no strict upper age limit on our tours but all of our tours are specifically designed for those of this age group which is worth noting. Please do not be offended if we discuss the make-up of the trip with you prior to booking just to ensure you will be comfortable with the average age range that is already booked to travel.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Mhairi  

This tour packed so many activities and…

Aug 2023

This tour packed so many activities and experiences into our time, making the most of our time in Sri Lanka! Accommodation and travel was top tier! Our tour guide, V went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly and nothing we asked of him was too much hassle! He had such great knowledge of Sri Lanka that kept us entertained and I interested to learn more. Overall an amazing experience, that will not be forgotten! Mhairi - Aug 2023

Jonty  

Best Tour with The Best Guide!

Aug 2023

Where do I start? Firstly, Vajira our tour guide is the most whole hearted, genuine & caring person I have met. The tour itself was brilliant, but with the added bonus of sharing it with Vajira it was taken to a new level. We enjoyed every minute of it, the itinerary was full on but brought so many memories, moments of laughter and enabling some friendships to be made for life. On the tour, you get to see and experience a full flavour of Sri Lanka, from hiking up Sigiriya Rock, visiting the iconic temple in Kandy, cooking classes, visiting tea plantations, hopping on the train to Ella & Elephant safari. We throughly enjoyed every single activity and were more than informed throughout through Vajara’s thorough knowledge. There was not a single question that he could not answer, and went above and beyond to inform, care & enhance the tour experience. On a personal note, it was my birthday during the tour and on the day the bus had been decorated with balloons / banners. The guys also organised a cake and celebrations at the hotel, which just goes to show it is not a job for them, but true caring people. Because of all of the above, we cannot recommend this tour enough. I cannot put into words how good of a tour it was, and would like to say this was all down to the carefully designed itinerary, Silva / Lucky our drivers and finally Vajira, the best tour guide we have ever had. Jonty - Aug 2023

Lauren Huff  

Our tour guide-Dillip Fernando was…

Aug 2023

Our tour guide-Dillip Fernando was absolutely amazing! We learnt so much about the history and culture of Sri Lanka. He even included some extra things we wanted to do including visiting the turtle hatchery and swimming with turtles in the local reef! Whatever we wanted to do, Dillip made it Possible. A highlight of mine was having a meal cooked by a local family in the jungle! Something you wouldn’t be able to do as a tourist. The hikes were amazing with beautiful views. If you love animals, wildlife and nature this is the best tour for it. Lauren Huff - Aug 2023

Lucy Grubb  

10 day Sri Lanka Tour

Aug 2023

I have done a few tours over the years and I can confidently say that V has been the best tour guide I have ever had! His knowledge on Sri Lanka is awe-inspiring and adds so much depth to the tour. V's professionalism is truly commendable, and his talent shines through in every aspect of the tour. He is one of the nicest human beings I have ever met and will do anything for anyone. V's kindness and willingness to help anyone is remarkable. He always prioritize the group's enjoyment and goes out of his way to accommodate everyone. V's kindness and helpfulness are unmatched, and his infectious smile never fades, even with limited sleep! If it was killing bugs in rooms, changing pick up times, recommending restaurants, calling embassies or calling his local friends around Sri Lanka to help us he ALWAYS went above and beyond. He always prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of the group, going above and beyond to ensure everyone has a fantastic experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had V as our guide, and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking an unforgettable tour experience! I had the best time with V over the 10 days in Sri Lanka and hopefully I can see him somewhere in the world again!!! It was also so nice to hear how amazing tru travels is and the positive impact on the world they are having. It’s also nice to see employees speaking so highly about their employers too! I can’t wait to do a tru travels tour again. Lucy Grubb - Aug 2023

Ash K  

Incredible Experience in Sri Lanka

Sep 2023

I had the best time on the Sri Lanka Tru Travels tour. It was an authentic cultural experience from the cooking class, to the elephant safari and the beautiful sandy beaches. Thank you to our leader Hasi who made this experience so memorable and fun! Ash K - Sep 2023

Louis Sykes  

Had an absolutely fantastic time in Sri…

Jul 2023

Had an absolutely fantastic time in Sri Lanka. The tru travels itinerary was a good mix of culture, nature and scenic landscapes. Our tour guide Dilip was incredible and went out of his way to ensure we had the best experience possible. He was full of information on pretty much any question regarding Sri Lanka or the place we were visting. He even went so far as to give us additional stops like the turtle sanctuary and the baby elephant feeding. I would absolutely recommend Sri Lanka, tru travels and Dilip to anyone who is remotely interested in travelling. Louis Sykes - Jul 2023

Taylor  

Sri Lanka Uncovered- Amazing!

Jul 2023

The Sri Lanka Uncovered tour was an incredible 10 days, a perfect way to see so much of this beautiful country. Dilip is so knowledgable and taught us so much about Sri Lankan culture and history. He added so many things to our itinerary to provide us with a truly local experience, and was so helpful in supporting me to plan my onward travel! Highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to explore Sri Lanka! Taylor - Jul 2023

Amy Beard  

Was a very well planned out itinerary…

Sep 2023

Was a very well planned out itinerary with a very helpful and informative tour guide Hasi. Amy Beard - Sep 2023

Lauren Wells  

What an adventure

Aug 2023

! Did the Sri Lanka uncovered tour with V as our tour guide and cannot recommend him enough. He has a wealth of knowledge and his smile is infectious, the trip wouldn’t be the same without him. Would recommend to anyone!!! Lauren Wells - Aug 2023

Read all 9 reviews

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Wednesday

Nov 25, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024
$1395 $1046

Barrhead discount: -$349

Monday - Wednesday

Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 15, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

May 26, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 23, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$1395

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Nov 24, 2025 - Dec 03, 2025
$1046

Monday - Wednesday

Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$1046

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Why book with Barrhead?

protected icon

Fully Protected

All our holidays are fully financially protected.


Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.

search icon

Range

Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.


We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.


Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.

award icon

Expert Knowledge

We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.


Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.

atal icon

Trusted Agent

Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.


Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.


We look after you every step of the way.


Similar Tours