Current as of: May 8, 2024 - 20:55
Sri Lanka: Wild Family Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Family Group, Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Sri Lanka
- Programmes: Family
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 12 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 9+
- Trip Code: FIA
- Carbon Footprint: 314.4kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean with your loved ones on a fun-for-all getaway
Explore Sri Lanka, where enchanting wildlife, ancient ruins and mystical landscapes make for an unforgettable family trip. This activity-packed adventure uncovers the country’s many treasures: we climb the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya, spot elephants on safari and raft down the Kelani Ganga river. And that’s just the start. We also take a train ride through the tea hills, enjoy an authentic cooking class, and visit the Elephant Transit Home to learn about their vital conservation work. Finally, we head to the palm-fringed beaches of the south coast, an idyllic end to a trip that will be talked about for years to come.
At a Glance
- 11 nights in comfortable hotels and one night in a simple lodge
- Hotels with swimming pools (not available in Kitulgala or Colombo)
- Travel by private air-conditioned bus and one train journey
- Some long journeys by private bus
- Suitable for children aged nine and above
Highlights
- Climb to the top of the ancient city fortress of Sigiriya
- Cycle through rural villages and lush paddy fields
- See elephants in their natural habitat
- Raft down the Kelani Ganga river
- Take a train ride through the tea hills
- Spend two days relaxing on palm-fringed tropical beaches
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). It is designed for nine to 12-year-olds but is also suitable for 13 to 16-year-olds. If your child is in this secondary category, they may find it a little easier. Please see the Family Activity Levels on our website for further information.
When grading our trips, we consider multiple factors, including: the pace, how busy an itinerary is, the level of activity involved, travel time, and the weather.
Drives: Although this is not a particularly demanding trip, three of the drives are long (up to three hours with one drive up to five hours) and some are on windy mountain roads that can be affected by the rains, which occasionally cause short delays. The longer drives are broken up with many stops for a view or refreshing drink.
Weather: Temperatures can be hot on the plains and moderately chilly in the hills, but because we use an air-conditioned bus, this is not normally a problem.
Sigiriya: The final ascent at the Sigiriya rock fortress is on open metal stairs fixed against the rock side. There are handrails on either side but those with a strong fear of heights may prefer to stay on the lower level, where the lion ‘paws’ are.
Mini Adam’s Peak: This trek is generally moderate and taken at a leisurely pace but the last 10 to 15 minutes of ascent is mostly by concrete steps and some short, rougher narrow paths. We recommend you wear walking shoes or trainers (sneakers) and carry water, a hat and sunscreen.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April departures)
The new year national festival known as Avurudu in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil is not celebrated by any other nation. The festivities are observed by both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus across Sri Lanka for two days (13-14 April 2025). If you are travelling in Sri Lanka over these dates, expect to see religious ceremonies, family activities, traditional foods, colourful decorations and a general feeling of goodwill toward neighbours and friends. Parties can go into the night and it can be quite loud during this period. Your leader will happily show you some of the activities where your itinerary allows. During the new year public holiday, most shops, monuments and attractions are closed; however, your leader will modify the itinerary as required to ensure minimal disruption.
Group
Our Sri Lankan team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country.
Our family groups are designed to accommodate on average four to five families per trip with a mix of children aged nine to 12 years old but it’s not uncommon for older siblings (13 – 16 years old) travelling too.
Adult min age: 9
Min group size: 8
Max group size: 18
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Negombo
- End City: Colombo
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Flights usually depart London in the evening.
Start in Negombo
The adventure begins at our start hotel, which is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo. This evening, we have a welcome briefing and group dinner at the hotel – a great chance to meet your travel companions. The tour leader will advise on the time and location.
Accommodation: Amagi Aria Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Sigiriya; afternoon village cycle to stretch and enjoy fresh air after the long drive
We leave the coast and head to Sigiriya, the journey takes around 3hr 30min but there are breaks en route. Passing the impressive Elephant Rock in Kurunegala city, which rises 1,037ft (315m) from the plains, we stop at a nearby lake for a comfort break and to stretch our legs before continuing to our hotel.
In the afternoon, we hop on bikes for a gentle cycle through paddy fields, quiet villages and landscapes enveloped by the grandeur of the Sigiriya fortress. With the help of our tour leader, we can interact with local people along the way and learn about their daily routines and lifestyles.
If you prefer not to cycle, there’s no need to miss out. You can hire a tuk tuk to follow the group and explore the same sites by motor. The tuk tuk ride can be arranged through your leader for 4,000 rupees (US$13) per tuk tuk.
Accommodation: Sigiriya Village Hotel (or similar)
Climb to the top of the Sigiriya rock fortress; game drive to spot elephants
After an early breakfast, we climb up the rock fortress at Sigiriya, a giant ruin-topped granite peak high above the jungle. Now a UNESCO site, it was once used as a haven from invaders; crowning the flat summit are the extensive remains of the fifth-century Summer Palace, from where we can enjoy breath-taking views of the countryside.
The route to the top is via a series of steep steps and gangways. The descent is much easier and takes a lot less time.
Please make sure your children are always accompanied as there are some steep drops. It is, of course, optional and you may not wish to climb all the way to the top of the fortress itself.
This afternoon, we enjoy a family-favourite activity: spotting elephants on safari! To give us the best experience, we visit one of three parks: Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park. The park we visit is determined by our local knowledge of where the elephants are congregating, giving us the best chance of spotting big herds!
Accommodation: Sigiriya Village Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Kandy; visit the Temple of the Tooth
This morning, we leave Sigiriya and journey to Kandy, the former capital of Sri Lanka. The drive takes approximately three hours with a comfort stop along the way.
Kandy is a picturesque hill town on a lake and it’s home to the Temple of the Tooth, which holds the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka: the Tooth of Buddha. This was taken from his funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE.
The rest of the day is free to relax and cool off in the hotel pool. Alternatively, you could wander around Kandy, visit the Royal Botanical gardens, or take a taxi up to the surrounding hills for wonderful views over the town.
Accommodation: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Relaxed start to the day before driving to Kitulgala and the Kelani Ganga river
It’s a slow start this morning, so enjoy a lie-in or spend time by the pool. Later, we travel down to Kitulgala (approximately three hours’ drive). Nestled amid forested hills, Kitulgala is bordered by the Kelani Ganga, a river that provides a stunning backdrop and white-water rafting opportunities (which we take full advantage of tomorrow!).
Today, we may have time for an optional walk to Makul Ella waterfall in Makandawa, a lesser-known rainforest with a diverse range of plants and animals (some of the resident birds can only be found here). To get there, you can either cross the river using a bridge or take a hand-pulled ferry. The tour leader can advise on the best route and will accompany you on the walk. Please note, there is an entrance fee of 500 rupees (US$1.50) per person for the rainforest, payable locally.
Accommodation: Kitulgala Rest House (or similar)
Morning white-water rafting; afternoon, drive and train to Ella
After breakfast, we enjoy an exhilarating white-water rafting session. Navigate the scenic Kelani Ganga, conquering five major rapids and four minor ones – a thrilling adventure tailored for adrenaline enthusiasts. The experience includes safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive briefing from our expert white-water rafting instructors. You have the flexibility to choose a distance ranging from 1.25mi-3mi (2km-5km); however, there may be some limitations on the route for children based on height/weight. Once we’ve dried off and packed up, we drive (approximately one hour) to Watawala, where we board the train to Ella.
The journey takes approximately four hours. It’s not fast but it’ll be a ride to remember! During the journey, we enjoy a picnic lunch and breath-taking views of the remote hill country – you may want to bring additional snacks to keep you going along the way.
Arriving into Ella station, we are transferred to the hotel and then have free time to explore this little hill town. It comes to life in the evenings with shops and restaurants to suit all tastes.
Accommodation: Heaven’s Edge Hotel (or similar)
Mid-day cooking class; afternoon visit Nine Arch Bridge and hike up Mini Adam’s Peak
We have an easy start to the day, leaving the hotel late morning to visit a local village house for a Sri Lankan cooking class and lunch. Our host talks us through traditional cooking methods and shows us how to create authentic Sri Lankan food, while also discussing the family’s values and culture. We then feast on our creations! An excellent chance to sample new and unique flavours.
This afternoon, we visit the Nine Arch Bridge, an iconic construction also known as the Bridge in the Sky. The walk down to the tracks is approximately 30-minutes and if we’re lucky, we may even see a train roll over the arches and through the tunnel. Following that, we head to the trailhead for Mini Adam’s Peak (also known as Little Adam’s Peak) – named after the holy mountain Adam’s Peak (locally called Sripada) because of their similar shapes.
Our Mini Adam’s Peak route is a relatively easy hike (approximately 1.2mi/2km) but the final ascent includes about 10 to 15 minutes of steps – save energy for that! At the top, we can enjoy 360-degree views with clouds rolling in; on a clear day, you can almost see to the south coast.
The visit to Mini Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge will fill the afternoon – we return to Ella just before sunset; however, if you wish to skip the hike, you can relax at the hotel, enjoying the pool or just a little downtime.
For adrenaline fanatics, Ella also has the Flying Ravana, the first-ever zip line in Sri Lanka, located amid the tea estates. The two-wire line stretches for more than 1,640ft (500m), slides at 50mph (80kph) and offers a bird’s-eye view over the beautiful hills. This is an optional activity, close to Mini Adam’s Peak which can be arranged through your tour leader for an additional cost (details in the Trip Notes).
Accommodation: Heaven’s Edge Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to the coastal village of Ahangama via the Elephant Transit Home
This morning, we leave for the coast through Ella Gap, where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 3,280ft (1,000m) below. Almost the entire southern part of the island should be in view and, on a particularly clear day, the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible.
On the way, we stop off for lunch at a local restaurant before heading on to visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. Located on the outskirts of Udawalawe National Park, the transit home is run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and supported by the Born Free Foundation. It provides a safe environment for orphaned elephants, who are typically cared for at the home until they reach four or five years old, at which point they are released back into the wild. Our visit coincides with feeding time, where the juveniles are given bottled milk by park rangers and the noisy spectacle can be witnessed from the viewing platform.
From Udawalawe, we continue to Ahangama (approximately two hours’ drive), a small fishing village on the south coast with golden sandy beaches. Arriving early evening, we can relax for a few days on the beach, sinking toes into the sand and taking dips in the pool!
Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Visit to Weligama for optional surf lesson and snorkelling
Over the next two days, we have free time with a chance to do any one of numerous optional activities, which our tour leader can help arrange.
On Day 9, the tour leader will arrange a round-trip transfer to Weligama Beach, a great spot for surf lessons or snorkelling with plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants.
From November to April, there is also the opportunity to go whale watching but as public boats are not recommended, the more of you keen to go, the lower the cost for a private boat hire.
On Day 10, the tour leader will arrange a beach barbecue dinner (included) for the group. The perfect setting to gather and enjoy sundowner drinks and delicious Sri Lankan barbecue bites.
Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Drive to Colombo via Galle
We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After sightseeing and souvenir shopping in Pedler Street, we continued along the expressway to Colombo, reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. As our trip comes to a close, take a moment to savour the sights, sounds and flavours you and your family have experienced.
Accommodation: Fairway Colombo (or similar)
End Colombo
The adventure ends today and it’s time to begin your return journey home. It’s been a culture-packed adventure, so if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip getaway to the Maldives. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore Sri Lanka a little more, you can book an extension to your stay at the beach or in Colombo.
Post-trip Extensions
Insight Resort Beach Extension
How about slowing the pace down and extending your stay a night or two? Before finishing your trip in Colombo, take a detour and stay south of Galle in the fishing village of Ahangama. There you can relax on the beautiful beach at the hotel or wander through the village watching the local people go about their daily lives. A perfect wind-down before it’s time to fly home.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Maldives Extension
Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort
If you are keen to end your trip on a relaxed note, we can arrange a visit to the Maldives for you.
The flight from Colombo is around one hour and upon arrival you will be transferred by speedboat (approximately 20 minutes) to the Paradise Island four-star resort. Paradise Island is a beautiful coral island, covered with tropical vegetation and palm trees, surrounded by a wide sandy beach and an azure lagoon.
You can choose to add as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure for you to do as you wish. The accommodation has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, room service and all rooms are air conditioned. There is also access to scuba diving and snorkelling or the chance to swim in the wonderful, calm waters. Either way, it is a veritable paradise and a memorable end to the trip.
If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, we can arrange flights for you to Malé and book the hotel and speedboat transfer to the island. Please be advised, all accommodation booked at the Paradise Island four-star resort is based on minimum half-board basis but full-board and all-inclusive upgrades are available for a supplement.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Accommodation
Hotels and a lodge
On this family adventure, we spend 11 nights in comfortable hotels and one night in a simple lodge in Kitulgala. Most of the properties are in quiet village areas with limited local restaurants and shops, so many of your evening meals are in the hotels, typically buffets with a mix of international and local cuisines. Where possible, the tour leader can recommend local places to eat but often these will be small establishments where the service is relaxed. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay.
Sigiriya: Sigiriya Village Hotel (nights 2-3)
The hotel at Sigiriya is surrounded by lush jungle and commands stunning views of the magnificent rock fortress. It is styled in a traditional village theme and has a swimming pool and wellness centre for rest and relaxation after days out sightseeing.
Kitulgala: Kithulgala Rest House (night 5)
Kithulgala Rest House is a historic property on the Kelani River with a tropical backdrop. Rest houses have a long history in Sri Lanka, dating to the 18th century when they were introduced to host European traders and families. The guestrooms at our rest house are simply decorated with dark-wood furniture, clean, comfortable facilities, and private bathrooms. The area is also home to a bird sanctuary, where you can see a variety of rare birds.
Ahangama: Insight Resort (nights 8-10)
Insight Resort is right on the beach, where it is possible to swim in the sea most of the time. Spacious rooms offer sea views and the quiet fishing village is an easy walk for those wishing to explore the local community. We also offer the opportunity for a day trip to Weligama just down the coast, which is a great spot for snorkelling and well-known as a top surf spot for beginners. On the evening of Day 10, the hotel hosts a beach barbecue exclusively for our group, with sundowners and local cuisine cooked over the grill.
Worth knowing
- Almost all the hotels have swimming pools except the one-night stay in Kitulgala and the last night in Colombo.
- Triple rooms are available on request but may be limited in some locations.
- While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put.
- You can add a beach extension to your trip by staying on at Insight Resort in Ahangama for your chosen number of nights departing from the main group on Day 11 of the itinerary.
Single supplement from £ 395
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and three lunches and three dinners are included.
We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner.
You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Where suitable, your tour leader will be happy to arrange a shuttle transfer into the local town or, if you prefer to be more independent, take a tuk tuk or taxi. Your leader can help recommend some good places to eat.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this, you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food.
Mineral water is provided in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.
Transport
We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the party; vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we try to stop for comfort breaks as needed.
The train ride to Ella will be in the second-class carriage, an authentic experience and great chance for some fun local interactions. Due to the Sri Lanka rail booking system, all train tickets must be pre-booked no later than 30 days in advance and full passport information will be submitted to secure your ticket.
Please Note: Should you book your trip with Exodus within 30 days prior to travel, we will endeavour to secure train tickets from Watawala to Ella as per the itinerary, this may be as late as on the day purchasing from the station. If tickets are no longer available, you will travel by road to Ella railway station and then enjoy a train ride from Ella to Badulla which passes over the world famous Nine Arch bridge, and takes approximately one hour so you won’t miss out on experiencing the Sri Lankan train on this trip.
In the national park, we are normally split into two or three 4x4s depending on the size of the group.
Weather & Seasonality
Generally, expect rain at some time but with plenty of sunshine. On the plains, day- and night-time temperatures are warm to hot with Colombo having an average daytime temperature of 30C (86F). The temperatures drop as we go higher into the hills and especially at Ella where daytime temperatures are 10C-25C (50F-77F) and night-time temperatures in December could be chilly (about 10C-12C/50F-53F minimum).
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Amagi Aria Hotel, 640/82 Suhada Mawatha, Puttalam – Colombo Rd, Negombo 11500, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 312 238 385
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. For customers on land only packages, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Negombo
Location end: Colombo
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Small backpack
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle (per family member)
- Light casual clothing
- Light sweater/fleece (December departures)
- Sandals
- Trainers (sneakers)
- Light waterproof
- Swimwear
- Hand-washing gel
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Torch (flashlight)
- Insect repellent
Especially when visiting temples, clothing for men and women should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women should always dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not to cause offence; vests, tight-fitting trousers (pants), short skirts and short shorts are not recommended.
To improve your chances of seeing safari animals, neutral-coloured clothes are best as bright colours can scare the wildlife.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Pair of dark-coloured socks (for visiting temples as the ground is often hot)
- Umbrella
Practical Information
Visa
Sri Lanka
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Transition from ETA to eVisa: Sri Lanka has recently moved from the ETA system to a new eVisa scheme. If you currently hold a valid ETA for an upcoming trip to Sri Lanka, your ETA is still valid for use. However, all future visits will require an eVisa, which costs US$75 for a 30-day tourist visa, plus a US$18.50 service fee.
Find the eVisa application and more information here: www.srilankaevisa.lk. Further information can be found on the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/sri-lanka
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SriLanka.html
You should also be aware of local laws and customs in Sri Lanka (see: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/local-laws-and-customs). The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is an offence; please note, people have been refused entry to Sri Lanka because of visible tattoos of Buddha.
Vaccinations and Health
Sri Lanka
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
Sri Lanka's time zone: Asia/Colombo (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
Sri Lanka's electricity: Plug types D (three round pins) and G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz. The electricity supply is not 100 percent reliable but is usually only off for short periods.
Money
Sri Lanka's currency: All foreign passport holders can make payments for purchases in the local currency, Sri Lankan rupees (LKR). This is applicable to hotels, restaurants, shops and for any other services. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and most established shops. If you wish to exchange any cash upon arrival into Sri Lankan rupees, it is advisable to exchange British pounds, euros or US dollars upon arrival at Colombo Airport where authorised bank money exchanges are open 24-hours a day. Hotels can change money as well, but the rates will probably not be favourable. Your Tour Leader will be happy to direct you to the appropriate exchange services if you wish to change money during the trip. You are no longer required to produce your receipt of foreign exchange when making payments in Sri Lankan rupees, as was previously the case. However, we suggest you retain receipts of foreign exchange which will help should you wish to change back any unused rupees at the time of departure.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in many of the main towns in Sri Lanka with Visa, Mastercard and American Express widely accepted. There is often a 3%-4% fee on top of your withdrawals.
It’s worth informing your bank before departure that you are travelling to Sri Lanka and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they put a block on your card.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
For small purchases, particularly at local shops and markets, cash is generally preferred and easier for transactions than credit cards.
It is recommended that you allow at least 2,200 Sri Lankan rupees (US$6) for personal expenditures such as stamps, postcards and soft drinks. Some sites may charge a small fee for camera use. Shopping opportunities in Sri Lanka are endless and we suggest you take money for souvenirs, even if you are generally not a keen shopper, we have found most people succumb to the wide variety of handicrafts on offer.
All entrance fees and activities described in the itinerary are included with an exception for the optional activities mentioned on some days.
Optional excursions
Sigiriya
- Tuk-tuk alternative to cycling: 6,000 rupees (US$15) per tuk tuk
Kitulgala
- Rainforest entrance fee (waterfall walk): 650 rupees.
- Boat charges 200 (each way)
- The ranger charges Rs. 2500.
- If we are giving a village Tea + snack need to add 500 per person.
Ella
- Ravena zip-lining: 11,000 rupees (US$34) for adults (16 years and above) and 7,000 rupees (US$22) for children
Weligama
- Surfing: 15,000-17,000 rupees (US$45-US$50) per person (two-hour lesson, plus instructor and surfboard rental)
- Snorkelling: 11,000-13,000 rupees (US$32-US$39) per person (two-hour session, plus guide and snorkelling equipment rental)
Ahangama
- Boat ride on Koggala Lake visiting Cinnamon Island and temple: 5,000 rupees (US$16) per person
Whale watching (November to April)
- The whale-watching trip by private boat should cost about 32,500 rupees per person depending on the number of participants. Minimum 6 passengers required.
Below is the breakdown.
- Cost of Boat- 110000 to 140000 (Depending on the availability, Supply, and demand on the given day)
- Entry ticket – 8000 rupees
- Tuk Tuks – Rs. 1500 per person. (We cannot take the bus into the Harbor.)
- Tips – 500 to 1000 rupees per person.
- Approximate cost for 6 pax – 80 pounds per person
- Approximate cost for 10 pax – 65 pounds per person
- Approximate cost for 14 pax – 55 pounds per person
Please note, if you choose to enjoy this excursion on your free day, we strongly advise booking a private charter boat through your leader in advance as the boats are always subject to availability. The more members of the group who wish to join the charter the more cost-effective it will be. We do not recommend larger, commercial boats; they may be cheaper, but they do not always respect the welfare of the animals or operate in an environmentally responsible way. We have also had reports of overcrowding on the boats. Please ask your leader for further details on how to book a private charter.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in Sri Lanka. However, it can often be an awkward affair, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar country. As such, your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, local guides, bus drivers, and other support staff (optional excursions are not included in the group kitty).
Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually about 30,000 rupees (approximately US$92) total per family. At any time during the trip, your leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed.
Tips for the leader and transfer crew are not included in the kitty and are at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, our recommendation is as follows:
- Driver and assistant: 1,500-1,900 rupees (US$5-US$6) per family per day
- Leader: 2,600-3,300 rupees (US$8-US$10) per family per day
Where possible, please tip in the local currency.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
- We have financially co-sponsored a local tsunami relief project, which has enabled 25 families to be rehoused and for two schools to be equipped with toilets, running water and outdoor swings.
- In collaboration with a German operator and the village temple, we have previously helped towards 10 large water tanks and an eye clinic in a remote village with a donation of 200 pairs of glasses.
- We also assisted a principal agent of UNICEF in development of daycare and education of school children of the estate-sector labourers in the hill country.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- By visiting Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya rock fortress, rafting in Kitulgala and the Elephant Transit Home, our entrance fees directly contribute to their upkeep.
- Our game drives in Minneriya and visit to the Elephant Transit Home promote animal welfare and financially contribute to conservation projects in those areas.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The Exodus Travels Foundation has launched the Community Kickstart Project to help our destination communities recover and rebuild following the impact of COVID-19. In Sri Lanka, we’ve contributed to the Yala Park Driver Support initiative, more details can be found here.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most of the accommodations and restaurants.
- This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
- There is a large number of stray dogs in Sri Lanka and you may encounter some during your trip. Our local operators are aware of this and we are monitoring any animal-welfare concerns.
Cultural respect:
- You should not touch someone’s head as this is considered disrespectful.
- It’s polite to use your right hand when shaking hands or handing money and small objects to someone else.
- It is common practice to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
- Especially when visiting temples, clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Family trips
Our staff and leaders are there to ensure the trip runs as smoothly as possible. However, company policy states they cannot take care of children; it is your responsibility to look after your young ones throughout the trip. During free time or if you decide to opt out of part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that need to be made, though your leader will be happy to make recommendations.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.