Sri Lanka Active Backpacking Escape

On the first day of your Sri Lanka group tour, meet your Adventure Leader in the lobby of the Colombo hostel. You’ll drop off your luggage and have a pre-departure briefing, where you’ll discuss the itinerary and get to know your fellow travellers.  

After this, a city tour of Colombo! Hop on a coach and hit the streets on foot as you explore the history, culture and must-see spots of Sri Lanka’s buzzing capital.

Kick off your morning with an early trip to Negombo to check out the famous fish market, known locally as ‘Lellama.’ Located along Negombo beach, this vibrant market is the perfect spot to mingle with local fishermen and witness the lively daily fish auction – it’s a real slice of Sri Lankan life!

Next, you’ll transfer to the Sputnik Centre for a half-day of volunteer activities. Here, you’ll get a first-hand look at Sri Lanka’s inspiring efforts to engage its youth community. For over two decades, Sputnik has been offering language courses, community programs, and even table tennis classes, powered by passionate volunteers. It’s a heartwarming experience that’s bound to leave you feeling inspired.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! After Sputnik, you’ll head to Dambulla to explore the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple complex, one of Sri Lanka’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites. Step into history as you discover a series of ancient caves transformed into breathtaking temples nearly 2,000 years ago.

Wrap up your incredible day by checking into your hostel for a well-earned evening of relaxation.

After breakfast, head northeast to another of Sri Lanka’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites – the ancient city of Sigiriya. Here, you’ll climb the ancient rock fortress – home to ruins of the capital built by King Kashyapa I during the reign of 477 – 495 – and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding lowlands.

Spend the afternoon exploring Sigiriya at your leisure or join us on an optional visit to the old city of Polonnaruwa – another magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ruins of this medieval capital city by bicycle, taking in the beauty of its monuments, statues, royal palaces, temples, and pagodas.

After an active day, there is nothing left to be done other than wind down at your guesthouse in Dambulla for the evening with a glass of arrack – a traditional Sri Lankan spirit distilled from the sap of the coconut flour.

After breakfast, we’ll head south to the Knuckles Mountain Range – a geographical formation renowned for its unique recumbent folds and peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist. We’ll hike along the scenic Manigala Trail, taking in the rich diversity of flora and fauna in this cloud forest, before settling down for a packed lunch with some serious views.

Late afternoon, bid farewell to the mountains and head to Kandy – the hill capital and Sri Lanka’s second largest city. Take the rest of the day to explore the vibrant mix of both ancient and modern architecture that this city has to offer, before taking a visit to the local pub.

After breakfast, you have the option to start your day with a visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights: the Temple of the Tooth. Once the royal palace of Sri Lanka’s kings, it’s now the country’s most sacred temple, home to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha himself.

You can either spend your afternoon exploring the city some more under your own steam, or you can opt for a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Roughly 5.5km west of Kandy, these gardens make for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Keep your eyes peeled for its famous collection of orchids. 

In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Kitulgala for an adrenaline-packed white-water rafting adventure through the rainforest. After those thrills, settle in for a peaceful night surrounded by jungle vibes.

After an early breakfast, head to Nanu Oya railway station and hop on the iconic train to Ella. This journey is pure magic, taking you through rolling tea plantations, misty forests, and charming hilltop villages – it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world!

Once you arrive, take a short walk from the railway station to your hostel, where you can drop off your bags and enjoy some downtime to soak up Ella’s laid-back vibe. Later, lace up your shoes and set off on a hike to Little Adam’s Peak. The trail is an easy climb through lush tea fields and greenery, leading to sweeping views of Ella’s gorgeous hill country. It’s the perfect way to end the day!

Start your day early with a packed breakfast to fuel you for an epic hiking adventure along the 15th and 16th stages of the Pekoe Trail. Begin at the peaceful Makulella Buddhist Temple, perched above the Ambagaswatte Valley. Stage 15 takes you through eucalyptus forests, lush tea bushes, and jungle paths, leading to the summit of Ella Rock. Here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak before the trail winds back into Ella town.

Stage 16 continues the adventure, guiding you through the enchanting Ella Forest Reserve, past the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, and along scenic village roads. Along the way, you’ll pass picturesque tea estates like Newburgh and Demodara, finishing at the famous Demodara Railway Loop.

In the evening, wind down and explore Ella at your leisure. Whether it’s quirky shops, cosy pubs, or delicious restaurants, there’s plenty to enjoy in this charming town.

Start your day by diving into the flavours of Sri Lanka with a hands-on cooking class. Learn the secrets behind iconic local dishes as you stir and spice your way to a delicious feast. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

The afternoon is yours to explore Ella at your own pace. Whether you’re up for a relaxing yoga session, an adrenaline-pumping ride on the Flying Ravana Zipline, or simply wandering through this charming hill town, the choice is yours – all optional activities.

 After breakfast, head to Udawalawe, a region famous for its incredible wildlife. Along the way, visit the ancient Buduruwagala Temple, a serene Buddhist site nestled in a tranquil forest. Marvel at the seven intricate statues carved into the rock, including a towering standing Buddha surrounded by bodhisattvas and deities, dating back to the 10th century. The peaceful surroundings add to the site’s spiritual charm.

Later, arrive at your campsite on the edge of Udawalawe National Park. Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot wild elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, and an array of colourful birdlife as you settle into this haven.

Sri Lanka is widely known for its production of delicious tea, so it wouldn’t be right to leave without visiting a tea plantation. After breakfast, we’ll head 2 hours southwest to the Handunugoda Tea Estate where you’ll learn about the tea-making process – from field to cup. Then, pay a visit to the historic tea factory and museum, before settling down to enjoy a freshly made cup of tea at the end of the tour. 

From there, we’ll head 30 minutes along the stunning southern coastline to Unawatuna – one of the many world-class beach destinations. 

Today, it’s all sun, sand, sea, and surfing! Take some well-deserved, relaxing time on the beach, before taking to the waves for a surfing lesson. (NOTE: Sri Lanka’s surfing season is from December to April – we expect most surfing sessions to run as normal, but should the conditions not be deemed suitable, travellers will receive a full refund for this activity.)

The afternoon comes with the option to get creative! Try your hand at some mask painting – a traditional Sri Lankan craft which, once created, are thought to have healing and protective powers.

Today kicks off with a tuk-tuk ride to Galle – Sri Lanka’s busiest southern city and home to Galle Fort City, another captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, is a phenomenal historic feature that demonstrates the interaction between architectural styles and South Asian traditions. 

The fort ramparts, including a lighthouse, clock tower, houses, churches, and other various buildings are well-preserved – most now playing host to chic restaurants, private villas, boutiques, and guesthouses – without, of course, compromising on the authenticity of the fort.  

After exploring the city on foot, you and your fellow travellers will be able to enjoy the sunset on the fort’s ramparts, before heading back to Unawatuna. 

Today marks the final day of your Sri Lanka group tour package! We will start our journey back to Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, where you will bid farewell to your new friends and prepare to head home! 

On our way, we will stop by a temple where you will meet a Buddhist priest and take part in a pooja (blessing ritual) prior to the end of your journey.