Dilip Fernando
Expert Leader: Sri Lanka
Introducing Dilip
A two-time Leader of the Year contender, Dilip has been a firm favourite with Exodus travellers for years.
Sri Lankan Highlights
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Superior
Activity
Culture
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.
Key Information
- Trip Code
- AIA
- Ways to Travel
- Guided Group
- Countries
- Sri Lanka
- Carbon Footprint
- 25kg CO2e per person per day
What's Included
- All breakfasts and one lunch
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
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
- Embark on a wonderfully scenic train ride into the misty tea hills
Itinerary
- First Destination: Watalla
- Next Destination: Colombo
- Meals included:None
- Meals included:None
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- First Destination: Watalla
- Next Destination: Colombo
The group flight usually departs in the evening from London.
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)
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: Occidental Paradise (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
This morning, we transfer (just over one hour) to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa. 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 and September, which draws hundreds of these majestic creatures to the reservoir, creating a remarkable wildlife spectacle.
Accommodation: Occidental Paradise (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we head over to Dambulla, a 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 hand-tractor/land-master 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: Occidental Paradise (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
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)
- Meals included:Breakfast
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)
- Meals included:Breakfast
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: Araliya Red (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
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)
- Meals included:Breakfast
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.
- Meals included:Breakfast
Dates & Prices
-
Sunday 22 Feb 2026 to Monday 02 Mar 2026
- Availability
-
Guaranteed (On Request)
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
- Only 2 spaces left!
- Optional Single Supplement
- +£ 485
£ 1599 (excl. flights)
-
Sunday 08 Mar 2026 to Monday 16 Mar 2026
- Availability
-
Sold Out
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
- Optional Single Supplement
- +£ 485
Available upon Request
£ 1599 (excl. flights)
-
Sunday 29 Mar 2026 to Monday 06 Apr 2026
- Availability
-
Sold Out
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
- Optional Single Supplement
- +£ 485
Available upon Request
£ 1599 (excl. flights)
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Your Group, Your Adventure
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View DetailsAccommodation
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: Occidental Paradise (nights 2-4)
Near the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, Occidental Paradise is in the ideal location for our explorations. The resort has two restaurants, a large freshwater pool and a Balinese spa, while the two bars are a great place to get to know each other better. The Blue Elephant serves cocktails and premium spirits, while the pool bar is perfect for a post-dip drink.
Kandy: Hotel Topaz (nights 5-6)
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.
Post-trip Extensions
Exclusive Add-ons
Sri Lanka Beach Hotels
Recharge with a few relaxing nights by the beach and make your Sri Lankan adventure feel even more extraordinary. Think warm waves, swaying palms, and fresh seafood enjoyed with a coastal breeze. Here are a few of our favourite beach hotels to inspire your stay:
Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle: An iconic hotel celebrated for its unique architectural heritage near the historic trading post of Galle. Perched on a rocky headland with rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean, Jetwing Lighthouse offers exceptional service, multiple pools and elegant dining.
Heritance Ahungalla: Set in a tranquil coastal location, this five-star resort blends beachfront luxury with sweeping ocean views. Its prime position on a long stretch of sandy beach makes it perfect for travellers looking to unwind and soak up Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Jetwing Beach Hotel, Negombo: A stylish and comfortable base with direct access to Negombo’s golden sands and a beachfront pool. Spacious rooms, excellent dining and close proximity to the airport make it an ideal choice for unwinding before your journey home.
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.
Maldives Hotels
Why not end your adventure with a touch of luxury in the Maldives, just a one-hour flight from Sri Lanka?
Beautiful islands covered with tropical vegetation, surrounded by wide sandy beaches and azure waters. Spend your days diving, snorkelling or swimming in the warm, calm ocean. For an unforgettable stay pick an iconic Overwater Villa, where panoramic sea views and serene sunsets come as standard. With many properties offering all-inclusive options, the Maldives can offer an indulgent finale to your holiday. Here are a few of our favourites to inspire your stay:
Royal Island Resort, Baa Atoll: Set on a lush, palm-fringed island in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this peaceful retreat is known for its excellent diving/snorkelling, serene beaches and relaxed, natural atmosphere.
Hotel Riu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll: A modern, all-inclusive resort offering overwater suites, beachfront rooms and a selection of dining options on Maafushi island. With great snorkelling, it’s perfect for those who want convenience and activities.
Taj Coral Reef Resort, North Malé Atoll: A stylish boutique island retreat, renowned for its vibrant marine life and exceptional diving. With elegant villas and personalised service, it offers an intimate and luxurious escape.
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.
Essential Information
Trip Expert
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
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.
April Departures, Sinhala and Tamil New Year: A unique celebration to the people of Sri Lanka, this important New Year national festival, known as Avurudu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil, is not celebrated by any other nation. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities are observed by both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus across Sri Lanka for two days in April. If you are travelling in Sri Lanka over these dates you can expect to see religious ceremonies, family activities, traditional foods, and a general feeling of good will toward neighbours and friends. Parties can go on into the night and it can be quite loud during this period. Your tour leader will be happy to show you some of the activities where your itinerary allows. Please note, during the New Year public holiday, there will be heavy traffic and busy places at times, but your tour leader can modify the itinerary as required to ensure minimal disruption.
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.
Sri Lanka
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Travellers from most countries can obtain a 30-day ETA (US$50) at www.eta.gov.lk. We strongly recommend that you do this prior to travel to avoid any complications and delays on arrival. 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
Local customs and laws: You should 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.
All breakfasts and one lunch 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. Your leader can also help recommend some good places to eat.
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.
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.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Reviews
Add new reviewSri Lanka
Our trip Sri Lankan Highlights was in September 2025. We learnt so much about Sri Lanka and its lovely people. There was a good mix of culture and wildlife - we saw lots of elephants, bats, jackal, monkeys, birds, crocodiles, reptiles. Our guide Mahen with co-pilot and driver kept us...
Most Inspirational Moment
my favourite day was the early start with Sigiriya sunrise with village tour with traditional snacks, lake boat ride, tuk tuk and tractor ride finishing off with Ayurvedic Massage at Ashram - a full day expertly crafted by Mahen.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mahen was fantastic and a great ambassador for his county - he knew all the right places and kept us well informed on what was happening. He tailored the trip to fit in places we all wanted to see and the right shops to stop at.
Advice for Potential Travellers
in September it was really hot - some of the temples required you to take your shoes off so take some socks. An umbrella is handy for rain showers as well as a sun shade (when not too windy). Insect repellent is a must. Binoculars come in handy. We ended our trip with a beach add on which made a perfect end to an enjoyable busy trip.
100 Elephants and Misty Tea Hills: A Magical Sri Lanka Trip
My trip to Sri Lanka was truly magical. Not only did we see over 100 elephants while on safari, but we also spent three hours gazing out of a train window at the misty tea hills of Nuwara Eliya. This trip was the perfect mix of sightseeing and activities -...
Most Inspirational Moment
Witnessing so many elephants gather around a watering hole with their babies whilst in Kaudulla National Park - just magical!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mahen was charming, hilarious, and absolutely in love with his home. His knowledge of Sri Lanka was incredible, and there wasn’t a quiet moment on the trip when he wasn’t sharing a fascinating fact, piece of history, or story. Mahen adjusted the itinerary to suit our group’s needs and made sure we visited busier spots, such as Lion’s Rock and Kaudulla National Park, during quieter hours - we often felt like we had the attractions all to ourselves. Mahen’s co-pilot was equally wonderful and kind. He always greeted us with flowers when we boarded the coach, handed us umbrellas when it rained, and treated our luggage with such care. Thank you, Mahen and your co-pilot, for taking our trip above and beyond!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take clothing for all types of weather. I visited in September, and Nuwara Eliya was very chilly, Kandy was very wet, and Colombo and Wattala were super hot! Be sure to bring plenty of suncream, cover-ups for temples, and a rain jacket.
Not The Exodus I Remember
Sri Lanka is beautiful and worth traveling too. Would I recommend doing it with Exodus? Not for me - their tour was too overly structured, and the local tour operator doesn't follow the ethos of traveling small and local. Our group was only 15 but our experience was no different...
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving in Dumballa cave temples
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dulip - He was endearing but there were many instances of troubling, unprofessional behavior. He gossiped about us to other guests, took guests to massage at a notoriously bad spa that was reputed to pay kickbacks to guides, made up stories about his family to boost sympathy at tip time, and had generally poor delivery of information about Sri Lanka and the sights we were seeing. I do not recommend him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travel with a private guide or a smaller group that is truly dedicated to local travel.
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank Hannah for her review, although we are regretful to learn that her tour in Sri Lanka missed the mark for her in several areas. We always endeavour to deliver authentic experiences in all the countries we visit and we were saddened to hear that Sri Lankan Highlights felt overly structured and not particularly “Exodus”. We were most concerned to read Hannah’s comments about her tour leader’s behaviour and are in direct contact with her to discuss this.
Action-packed tour in beautiful Sri Lanka
This tour is the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka - a great balance of historical landmarks, cultural insights, stunning scenery and amazing wildlife (with a few opportunities for retail therapy thrown in). Our days were pretty full and varied, with something for everyone - no drive was longer than two...
Most Inspirational Moment
I feel that I should say the elephant safari or the white-water rafting (which were both thrilling), or the iconic train ride through the tea plantations, but my favourite experiences were when we seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, with hardly any other tourists around, enjoying the birdsong and the beauty of the landscape.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mahen was great - he was always smiling and doing his best to make the tour as enjoyable as possible (even if that meant moving the schedule around in view of weather conditions and people's personal preferences). He clearly loves his country and wanted us to love it too - his enthusiasm was infectious.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack a decent breathable waterproof and sliders/crocs, whatever the season! We went in what should have been dry season but got thoroughly soaked on more than one occasion. Most people on our tour wore trainers, which were fine but sometimes took over a day to dry out and weren't easy to take on and off when entering temples (especially when wet). Although it is not a physically demanding tour, it is busy and we were glad to have extended our trip by three days on the coast (near Galle). With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had tacked on an extra day before the tour to rest (having not got much sleep on our overnight flight from London) and acclimatise to the heat.
Love love love Sri Lanka!
Definitely an incredible experience! This trip is a fantastic introduction to Sri Lanka, covering all the must-sees in the regions visited, but at a good pace with some down time to explore in between. Accommodation is good, staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. Local food is absolutely delicious, with loads...
Most Inspirational Moment
The visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples and close the encounters with wild elephants.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and in his words, he loved 'adding colour' with little stops and extras along the way
Love Sri Lanka!
Hotels, meals all very good. You can tell the country is still developing their tourism business, but they are doing a great job. Unfortunately the bombings will have put a stop on travel there, however I have fallen in love with this country and will be quick to recommend it....
Most Inspirational Moment
Lion Rock Fortress
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was very knowledgeable, however I found that he tended to poke "fun" at certain people a little more than was necessary. I felt a bit more history and explanations of sites could have been provided "on-site". Most tours were a bit rushed, fine for those in excellent physical condition, difficult for those who were not. I would have rather it was a bit more leisurely when out on site.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a battery pack/charger -- you will want to take alot of pictures and sometimes your camera/phone will not make it through the day. Tip well to all those that help with your journey.
Amazing Sri Lanka!
From the private pick up at the airport in Colombo to drop off at the airport things could not have gone more smoothly. The pace of the tour was excellent given its short duration. Accommodations were very good-clean, comfortable and well located. Sri Lanka is a stunning country with friendly...
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing to the top of Lion Rock (Sigiriya) to view the remnants of the ruined palace and the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from 200 metres above. Magical!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Suresh was excellent. Very well organised, knowledgeable of his home country, it's history and different cultures which he imparted to us in an interesting and fun manner. I appreciated his somewhat sarcastic sense of humor as well. Schedules were well kept and adjusted as necessary based on the group consensus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take part in all of the included sightseeing and activities, especially the bike tour through the villages where you will be warmly greeted by the local children as you cycle by.
Suggestions
This was a trip of a lifetime!
Sri Lanka fam
The trip was great. Short, but a good introduction to the country. I look forward to going back and seeing more.
Most Inspirational Moment
I enjoyed the day we spent cycling through local villages and meeting locals.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was great. He was diligent in assisting passengers whatever hour of the day/night and adjusted our itinerary to adapt to changing circumstances like weather and traffic. Taking hundreds of photos and sharing them with the group (even if some were shockingly unflattering) was a nice touch.
SRI LANKA - A SMALL COUNTRY THAT HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER.
GREAT HOTELS, SIGHTSEEING, FOOD, PEOPLE. SRI LANKA HAS ALL OF THIS. OUR TRIP WITH EXODUS TRAVELS WAS GREAT. WE HAVE SEEN SO MANY GREAT TEMPLES, CLIMBED THAT AMAZING SIGURIYA ROCK, OBSERVED MONKEYS AND ELEPHANTS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS, TASTED SO MANY YUMMY DISHES. OUR BUS DRIVER DARMAN WAS A VERY...
Most Inspirational Moment
VISITIG A BUDDHIST TEMPLE ON THE BUDDHIST NEW YEAR AND GETTING A SPECIAL BLESSING FROM A MONK WITH A THREAD TIED ONTO MY WRIST. AND ALSO STANDING ON TOP OF THE MIGHTY SIGURIYA ROCK AND FEELING PROUD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THERE, AS NOT EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO CLIMB IT.
Thoughts on Group Leader
SURESH WAS OUR AMAZING WISH MASTER! NOTHING WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO DO FOR US. I WISH EVERYONE TO ENCOUNTER SUCH A GREAT TOUR GUIDE. HE WAS VERY PASSIONATE AND PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY. HE MADE OUR JOURNEY A VERY PLEASANT ONE. HE ALSO SHOWED US HOW ONE SHOULD STAY IN SHAPE, AS HE WOULD TAKE US FOR MORNING WALKS AND WE COULD SEE HIM EXERCISING EVERY MORNING. HE ALSO HAS GIVEN US A HONEST ADVICE WHEN IT CAME TO SOME GREAT SHOPPING PLACES. I HOPE TO STAY FRIENDS WITH SURESH IN THE FUTURE AND ALSO HOPE THAT HE CAN VISIT US IN CANADA, NEXT YEAR, AS HE LOVES TO TRAVEL.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I WOULD SAY: LIVE YOU LIFE AND DO NOT GET SCARED OF SOME POTENTIAL TROUBLE IN ONE COUNTRY, OR THE OTHER. UNFORTUNATELY BAD PEOPLE ARE EVERYWHERE AND I REFUSE TO STOP TRAVELING, BECAUSE OF THEM. SRI LANK IS STILL A RELATIVELY SAFE DESTINATION AND IF YOU FEEL NERVOUS - JUST STICK TO THE SMALLER PLACES AND AWAY FROM THE BIG CITIES - AND YOU WILL BE OK. THERE ARE PLENTY OF THEM IN SRI LANKA.
Suggestions
THANKS EXODUS TRAVELS FOR ORGANISING SUCH AN UNFORGETABLE TRIP!
Fantastic way to get a taste!
This 8 Day journey gives you a very quick taste of Sri Lanka. There is so much more you will want to explore. Definitely an experience to remember. There is a reason that Sri Lanka is called ' The Pearl of the Indian Ocean' Full of Biodiversity! Breathtaking truly! The...
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temples... Really any temple in general. But the Cave temples were so beautiful and the detail was amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was great! He had the information everyone needed and he took care of us. he always made sure everyone was happy.
Suggestions
The only thing that wasn't up to the standards of the trip was the Cultural Evening in Kandy. I found it difficult to see some of the performances and we weren't sure which one was what based off the brochure we received. not sure If there is an alternative to the location we were at but it was very hot and uncomfortable. other then that! it was fantastic
9 Days
Excluding Flights
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