Sri Lanka Odyssey – 12 Days

Tour Highlights

What's Included

Experience Overview

Embark on an unforgettable backpacker adventure tour of Sri Lanka, starting in Negombo and concluding in Colombo. This 12-day journey will lead you from misty mountain peaks to sun-drenched beaches, and through national parks in search of majestic elephants. Guided by one legendary One Life guide and a Sri Lankan cultural guide throughout the tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this Indian Ocean gem. Experience the tantalizing aromas of spices, tea, and traditional cuisine that will awaken your senses. With accommodations ranging from hotels to hostels, the tour also features the renowned train journey through stunning landscapes. Join One Life Adventures – Sri Lanka for an exploration of the heart and soul of this captivating island, complete with expert guidance, delicious meals, convenient transport, and more

Itinerary Plan

Day 01 | Welcome to the pearl of the South Seas. Sri Lanka!

Day 02 | Today the Adventure Really Begins

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel before we embark on our journey to Sigiriya aboard a private bus. Along the way, we'll make a captivating stop at the awe-inspiring Dambulla Caves. Here, every painted wall and stone Buddha statue emanates history and spirituality, leaving an indelible impression on your senses. Continuing our voyage, we'll arrive at our exquisite hotel in Sigiriya, the crown jewel of the Cultural Triangle. Our day culminates with a mesmerizing sunset ascent to the serene Buddhist monastery of Pidurangala, offering an uninterrupted view of the magnificent climb awaiting us in the morning!

Day 03 | Sigiriya Rock

Rise and shine early today as we lace up our hiking boots, grab our cameras, and set out to conquer the majestic Sigiriya Rock. Rising proudly from the earth, the remnants of a grand palace scattered across the grounds bear witness to Sri Lanka's tumultuous yet noble history. Admire the ancient wall paintings, decipher the inscriptions on the mirror wall, and pass by the colossal stone lion paws guarding the ascent to the summit. From the pinnacle, gaze upon unparalleled vistas, traversing through time as you explore the ancient ruins. This afternoon, you have the option to embark on an additional safari adventure in Minneriya National Park, where elephants roam freely. To satisfy your hunger, we'll visit a local family who will prepare a traditional feast for us, followed by a well-deserved rest on a lounger under the afternoon sun.

Day 04 | Let's Travel South. Kandy and Cooking Class

Today marks our farewell to Sigiriya as we embark on our journey southward towards Kandy, Sri Lanka's vibrant second-largest city. En route, we'll make a delightful stop at a spice garden to unravel the origins of our favorite spices. Here, amidst the fragrant foliage, we'll indulge in a cooking class where we'll uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect Sri Lankan curry. Under the guidance of our local chef, we'll master the art of preparing dhal and chicken curry, along with delectable sides like fried cashew coconut sambal and crispy poppadoms. Afterward, we'll resume our drive to Kandy, where we'll settle into our next accommodation before immersing ourselves in the bustling ambiance of the city with an exhilarating Tuk Tuk tour, soaking in its sights and sounds.

Day 05 | Temple of the Tooth and Train into the Mountains

Start your day with a picturesque breakfast overlooking the rolling hills of Kandy before we venture into town to visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, a sacred shrine believed to enshrine a relic of Buddha himself. Afterward, we hop on the bus and journey through the mountainous terrain of the hill country. The verdant hills are adorned with lush tea plantations, for which Sri Lanka is renowned. Our next stop is a working tea factory, where we'll delve into the fascinating process of tea production, discovering how the leaves transform from plant to your cup at home. Prepare to be amazed as we learn about the production of seven different types of tea from the same plant! No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without experiencing the iconic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, hailed as one of the best in the world. Marvel at the panoramic views of tea estates, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and quaint villages passing by as the train winds through the mountainside. Indulge in the sweet milk tea served onboard, strike up conversations with the amiable locals, and capture memorable snapshots to make your friends back home green with envy. After checking into our hotel, we'll head into Ella for a delightful dinner and drinks in this beloved mountain town.

Day 06 | Free Day in Ella

Today is a blank canvas for you to fill with your desires. In Ella, you'll discover some of Sri Lanka's finest Ayurveda massage parlors, where ancient techniques dating back a thousand years work wonders to soothe any aches or pains, or simply offer pure relaxation. Your tour guide will be on hand to suggest other activities available in the area, ensuring your day is filled with experiences tailored to your preferences. Whether it's exploring local trails, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature, the choice is yours to make.

Day 07 | Safari Time!

Get ready for an early start as we set out to uncover the hidden treasures of Ella, including the iconic 9 Arch Bridge and the enchanting Little Adam’s Peak. Following our exploration, we'll continue our journey southward and arrive at our extraordinary campsite, just a short 45-minute drive from the breathtaking Udawalawe National Park! Upon arrival, our hosts will extend a warm welcome with refreshing drinks and a delectable Sri Lankan buffet lunch. Once we've savored our meal, it's time to embark on an exhilarating safari adventure in jeeps, scouring the wilderness in search of majestic herds of elephants, along with buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles, hawks, peacocks, mongoose, and if luck is on our side, perhaps even glimpses of elusive leopards. This truly once-in-a-lifetime experience promises to leave an indelible mark on your memory. After an exhilarating drive through the park, we'll return to camp where our hosts will have a sumptuous BBQ dinner waiting for us, providing the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary day.

Day 08 | It's Time for the Beach!

Savor the tranquil morning at our campsite pool, basking in the serene surroundings while keeping an eye out for the occasional monkeys, elephants, and peacocks that roam the nearby fields. After a leisurely breakfast, we'll set off for the South West Coast, reaching the picturesque beachside town of Mirissa. Here, the world-class waves crash against the golden sands, turtles gracefully glide through the crystal-clear waters, and the beer is refreshingly ice-cold. After a week amidst the verdant hills, Mirissa offers the perfect antidote—a slice of paradise where you can unwind and rejuvenate by the sea.

Day 09 | Free Day in Mirissa

Enjoy a leisurely morning with the freedom to choose your adventure. Opt for an exhilarating surf lesson to ride the waves or, if it's Whale Season (October to April), embark on an optional Whale Watching tour. This thrilling excursion offers the chance to witness the awe-inspiring sight of the world's largest animal—the majestic Blue Whale—gracefully navigating the ocean depths. Whether you're riding the waves or marveling at marine giants, the choice is yours to make the most of this memorable day.

Day 10 | Bike Through Rice Paddies and Villages

Following breakfast by the beach, we kick off our day with a delightful bike ride through charming local villages and verdant rice fields. Along the way, we'll pause for a refreshing sip of fresh king coconut in a serene tropical garden, and for those interested, a visit to a dog care clinic awaits. Afterward, we'll provide some leisure time for you to capture the beauty of the surroundings through photographs or peruse the eclectic array of boutique stores for unique souvenirs. It's the perfect opportunity to jot down your adventures on a postcard and send it off with tales of your remarkable journey over the past 11 days. Later, we'll journey to the magnificent Galle Fort, a city enveloped within historic walls where Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture still stands tall. Meandering through the cobbled streets, we'll reach the shores where adventurous locals gracefully dive into the ocean, adding to the vibrant tapestry of experiences in this enchanting destination.

Day 11 | Turtle Sanctuary and Colombo

After breakfast, we'll gather our belongings for a scenic 2-hour drive along the captivating coastline to reach the vibrant capital city of Colombo. En route, we'll make a meaningful stop at a small turtle sanctuary, where adorable baby turtles take their first dip and injured adults receive care for eventual release into the wild. Just across the road, we'll visit the poignant 2004 Tsunami Memorial, where stories of survival are shared, and images of the event offer a somber reflection. Upon arriving in Colombo, we'll check into our splendid hotel. You'll have some free time to explore nearby attractions such as the national museum or art gallery, or perhaps venture into the bustling streets of the Pettah Markets via tuk-tuk for some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the evening, we'll reconvene for a final dinner together, sharing memories and bidding farewell to an unforgettable journey.

Day 12 | Time to Say Goodbye!

As our journey together draws to a close, it's time to bid farewell to the friends you've made during this unforgettable 12-day adventure. For some, the adventure continues with our enticing add-on package, offering the opportunity to bask in the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives' pristine beaches. For others, it's a return home or onward to new destinations. Wherever your path leads next, we hope this journey has left you enriched with insights into a country of boundless diversity and exploration. May it serve as inspiration to fuel your desire for further adventures and discoveries. Until we meet again, safe travels and may your adventures continue to be filled with wonder and joy.

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