Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 10:17
Sri Lankan Highlights Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Sri Lanka
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
- 10 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AIA
- Carbon Footprint: 25kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Spend an unforgettable week experiencing the best of the Island of Serendipity
With so much diversity, Sri Lanka has enough to keep even the most jaded traveller engrossed for several weeks. However, for those with less time, this trip visits the essential highlights. The island is packed with Buddhist cities, fragrant spice gardens, ancient fortresses and a multitude of temples all set among the verdant flora that only a tropical climate can produce. With a cycle ride and visits to historic cities and temples included, this is a busy itinerary but with enough time to unwind and enjoy some tropical sun.
At a Glance
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Travel by private bus/minibus and train
- Eight nights in comfortable hotels
- Sri Lanka beach extension available
- Maldives extension available
Highlights
- Climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya for breath-taking views
- Discover the magnificent cave temple at Dambulla and the ruins at Polonnaruwa
- Explore the beautiful lakeside town of Kandy
- Visit the lush green region of Nuwara Eliya
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
This is not a demanding trip although there are some long drives on bumpy and twisty mountain roads plus some busy days; this is an itinerary where we attempt to show you as much as possible in your short time in Sri Lanka. Temperatures can vary between the tropical heat of the coast to the cooler hill country. All the hotels have swimming pools. There are a few long drives, but the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned and the trip is generally relaxed and undemanding.
Please note, when visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) the final ascent to the top is on metal open stairs fixed against the side of the rock. 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) and not continue to the rock plateau.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April departures)
A unique celebration to the people of Sri Lanka, the new year national festival known as Avurudu in Sinhala and Puththandu 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 on 12-13 April 2024 and 13-14 April 2025 (may vary slightly year on year). 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. Please note, 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.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Watalla
- End City: Colombo
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
The group flight usually departs in the evening from London.
Start Wattala
Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival, those travelling on the group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer.
The adventure begins in coastal Wattala, a suburb of the capital Colombo. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel and settle into the trip.
Accommodation: Pegasus Reef Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to Sigiriya; Afternoon climb to Sigiriya rock fortress
We depart after breakfast for the drive (approximately four hours) among coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations to Sigiriya where we check into our hotel for the next few nights.
This afternoon we climb the Sigiriya rock fortress, also known as “Lion Rock”. Built as a safe haven from invaders, this impressive 5th century rock fortress rises 655ft (200m) from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside, giving far-reaching views. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens we ascend up a series of steep steps and gangways, passing overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit are the remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where we are rewarded with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.
The descent is much easier and you can cool off in the hotel pool at dusk.
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Morning cycle through the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa; afternoon game drive to see elephants in their natural environment
This morning we transfer across to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa. The drive is just over 1 hour and on arrival we swap to two wheels for our cycle tour of the ancient capital of the Sinhalese.
There are many Buddhist relics and ruins here, dating from a 1,000 years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. The city flourished in the 12th century after the decision was made to move the capital from Anuradhapura, so it was further from incursions from southern India. The ruins are therefore younger and better preserved than those at Anuradhapura. At a leisurely pace, enjoying the cool breeze we visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures.
We stop for lunch in a rural village, which breaks up the journey and is a great opportunity to experience traditional Sri Lankan food.
In the afternoon, we visit Minneriya National Park where we take to 4x4s to explore and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Although there is generally a good chance to see elephants all year round, Minneriya is famous for the “Gathering” of wild elephants. A seasonal phenomenon between July & September which draws hundreds of these majestic creatures to the reservoir, creating a remarkable wildlife spectacle.
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
Visit cave temples at Dambulla; afternoon in rural Habarana
Today we head over to Dambulla, a short 30 minute drive from the hotel. Here, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, considered among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. A complex of five caves adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues, showcasing remarkable cultural and spiritual significance, which date to the first century BCE.
From Dambulla, another short drives takes us to the Habarana village of Hiriwaduna. Amid lush landscapes, we’ll experience genuine hospitality from the local villagers, joining them in daily activities such as a bullock cart ride, learning traditional fishing techniques and strolling through the paddy fields. A wonderful glimpse into rural life’s simplicity and charm.
After, we transfer back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)
To Kandy via a Matale Spice Garden
Today we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way, we stop at a spice garden near Matale, where we learn about various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on fresh spices, massage oils and Ayurvedic medicines.
Kandy itself is on a small lake and after a couple of adventurous days in Sigiriya, you have time this afternoon to relax and slow the pace down at the hotel or take a wander into the town to explore the market stalls or visit the lake.
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)
Morning city tour and Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden; afternoon visit to the Temple of the Tooth
This morning we head out to explore Kandy city and the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Renowned for its collection of orchids endemic to Sri Lanka, as well as over 4000 different plant species the botanical garden sits close to the Mahaweli River and covers over 147-acres (60-hectares).
In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in July/August, the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Some of our summer departures should coincide with the Kandy Perahera festival, but the exact dates, decided by priests, are not known until approximately five months prior to the event.
After our visit, we drive to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge Buddha, and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction.
In the evening, we have the option to attend a performance of the athletic Kandyan Dancing and fire walking.
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar)
Train ride through misty tea country hills to Nuwara Eliya
This morning, we travel by train, taking the scenic rail ride into the misty tea hills (approximately a three hour journey).
Our destination is Nuwara Eliya or Little England, which was a favoured cool escape for the British. At 6,128ft (1,868m) above sea level, this town is in the area of Sri Lanka most famous for tea production. On arrival, we visit a tea plantation and factory where we enjoy the taste of a pure cup of “Ceylon Tea” and experience the process of turning the raw green leaf into the final product.
There is time to explore the town with its Colonial era bungalows and Tudor-style hotels. The area is very picturesque with lush green hillsides and a lake.
Accommodation: Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze Hotel (or similar)
To Colombo via Kitulgala; optional white water rafting
After breakfast, we depart for Kitulgala, a small town located in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and the Kelani River, which offers various water-based activities.
Arriving in Kitulgala, we visit the remains of a bridge, considered a historical landmark that gained international fame after being featured in the 1957 epic war film “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” directed by David Lean. Although set in Thailand, it was actually filmed in Sri Lanka, with the Kitulgala bridge playing a significant role in the film’s story.
While in Kitulgala you will also have the option to go white water rafting. The rafting is a supplement cost and requires minimum 4 people (see the Optional Excursions section of the trip notes), the activity lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade III rapids) depending on your preference. Please note, occasionally due to water levels rafting may not always be possible.
Late afternoon, we drive to our hotel in Colombo.
Accommodation: Cinnamon Red Hotel (or similar)
End in Colombo
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. It’s been a culture-packed adventure, so if you’re craving a little R&R, speak to your sales representative about booking a beach extension to either Weligama or Hikkaduwa to prolong your stay on the teardrop island or going a bit further and taking our Maldives extension.
Post-trip Extensions
Sri Lankan beach extension
How about slowing the pace down and extending your stay a night or few? Before finishing your trip in Colombo, take a detour and head just south to one of our beach resorts. There you can relax on the beautiful beachfront of your hotel or wander through the village watching the locals go about their daily lives. A perfect wind-down before it’s time to fly home.
There are two locations to choose from for your beach break:
Coral Sands Hotel, Hikkaduwa
Located in the popular beach resort of Hikkaduwa, the Coral Sands is a quality, three-star property with a prime beach front location. The hotel has a large pool overlooking the ocean, four private decks and lawn that stretches from one end of the hotel to another as well as spacious rooms, onsite restaurant and good local amenities nearby. This property is approximately a two hour transfer from Colombo/Airport and only a 30 minute drive from Galle for a day trip to the historic Dutch Fort.
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, Weligama
Upgrade your beach stay and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka’s coast while relishing in 5-star hotel amenities, beach front access and exceptional service. Take advantage of the beachfront swimming pool, fitness centre or just indulge yourself at the luxurious Quan Spa. Ideally situated in the centre of Weligama bay, with safe waters for swimming, snorkelling and surfing and plenty of beach bars and shops either side. The transfer to/from Colombo is approximately two and a half to three hours.
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
Three- and four-star hotels
During this cultural exploration of Sri Lanka, we stay in a mixture of three- and four-star hotels (locally rated). These typically offer local hospitality in small to mid-size properties and are near the attractions or towns we’re visiting. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the notable places we stay.
Sigiriya: Hotel Sigiriya (nights 2-4)
This comfortable four-star property surrounded by nature is the perfect base for exploring the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. With views of Sigiriya Rock from the freshwater pool and spacious rooms looking out to the gardens, you can relax and unwind in this idyllic haven.
Kandy: Hotel Topaz (nights 5-6)
The charming Hotel Topaz is perched on the highest point of Sri Lanka’s hill capital and provides comfort and tranquility amid the bustling city. The bedrooms offer panoramic hillside views and facilities include a swimming pool, spa and restaurants. In just a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride, you reach the heart of Kandy, where you can explore the market and shops or wander around the lake.
Worth knowing
- Please note, paying the single supplement may not mean you receive a double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from hotel to hotel and, on some nights, a smaller one-person room may be allocated.
Single supplement from £ 280
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and one lunch are included.
We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; 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 by our local operator 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 group however, please note vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we will try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. Jeeps in Minneriya National Park for the elephant safari.
Train journeys are in 2nd Class carriages for a more authentic local experience.
Weather & Seasonality
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons or monsoons. The southwest monsoon brings rain to that area of the island between May and August. The northeast monsoon takes place from October to January and only really affects the north and east coastal regions. 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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Pegasus Reef Hotel, Palliyawatha, Wattala, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 049 600
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 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
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: Watalla
Location end: Colombo
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Water bottle (ideally with a wide mouth)
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Light casual clothing
- Warm sweater/fleece
- Sandals
- Light waterproof
- Swimwear
- Hand-washing gel
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Small backpack for carrying valuable items during the day
Especially when visiting temples, clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially 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.
Practical Information
Visa
Sri Lanka
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Please note, 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.
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
Travellers from most countries can obtain a visa (ETA) before travel through http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. It costs US$50 per applicant. We strongly recommend you obtain your visa (ETA) online prior to travel to avoid any complications and delays on arrival.
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.
Allow at least 2,200 Sri Lankan rupees (US$6) for personal expenditures such as small souvenirs 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 except for the optional activities mentioned on some days.
Optional excursions
There are plenty of opportunities for local excursions and cultural experiences throughout this trip, which are detailed in the daily itinerary. Additional optional activities are as follows:
- White water rafting in Kitulgala: 9,800 rupees (US$30) per person
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 on the trip (optional excursions are not included in the group kitty).
Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, but it is usually about 12,000 rupees (approximately US$36) per person. 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 are not included in the kitty and are at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, around 1,300-1,800 rupees (US$4-US$5) per person per day would be appreciated.
Where possible, please try to 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.
- All the hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
- This tour actively encourages guests to talk to local people, visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.
- We visit rural villages, where we learn about village life and agricultural practices in the area as well as enjoying lunch cooked by a local family.
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.
- We support the responsible rehabilitation of elephants at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home when visiting with groups. Our local operator fosters a baby elephant at the Elephant Transit Home, currently supporting their second foster elephant since 2018. The first elephant calf was released to the wild after five years of foster parenting.
- By visiting national parks, ruins and museums, our entrance fees contribute to their upkeep. For example, our game drives in Minneriya National Park promotes animal welfare and financially contributes to conservation projects in the area.
- 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.
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 majority of accommodation 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
- One 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 one’s shoes before entering someone’s home.
- Especially when visiting temples, clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
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.