Sri Lanka Uncovered - 10 Day Trip
From elephant safaris to sleeping under the stars in the jungle and more! Sri Lanka is a 10/10 bucket-list ticking group trip
The ultimate 10-day Sri Lanka adventure!
Up to 30% off Sri Lanka Uncovered! GO GO GO! Don't miss out!
This tour has everything you could want! You'll experience the best tastes, views, communities and traditions across this amazing country! From staying in an epic glamping spot moments away from the famous Udawalawe National Park to an early morning hike to one of the best viewpoints in the world this tour is one of our best. I know we shouldn't have favourites but this might just be one of ours...👀 Sri Lanka is a must-visit spot in Asia and this tour is the perfect combination of adventure, nature, culture and insane food! Whether this is your first trip away or your 10th travelling adventure trust us - this trip will BLOW. YOUR. MIND!
Travel Style
When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle. Built for backpackers by backpackers.
What's Included
Your Trip Planner
Sri Lanka Uncovered
10 Days
negombo - unawatuna
Map
Bucket List
Itinerary
welcome to sri lanka!
You made it! Just like long lost relatives, we’ll be waiting, waving at the Colombo airport to collect you and drive you to our little home from home, a boutique hotel in Negombo. To give you a taste that we don’t do things by halves, we’ll be having a beachfront welcome dinner and drinks at sunset, the perfect start to your adventure. Then hey, get your head down. You’ve got an enormous 9 days ahead of you.
it's time for some temples
Keeping things local, we’re heading into the heart of Sri Lanka to explore the local culture, history and heritage. We’ll take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred temple carved deep into the rock face, then up to the Golden Buddha, a giant (aptly named), majestic, golden statue on a picturesque hilltop. After a fair bit of walking (- you’re doing great btw), we’ll head to our next accommodation stop in the evening, check-in and scope the spectacular views of Sigiriya Rock. Best get eyeing up your route as we’ll be climbing the face of it in the morning. Yep! Night!
let's climb sigiriya rock
So it’s your first early start. Are you ready for this? Pack your bag and get a wiggle on, as this morning we’re heading to the top of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks - Lion Rock (known locally as Sigiriya Rock). This proper beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so we best be on our best behaviour. A giant rock formation standing nearly 700ft tall (that’s enormous, FYI), an ancient fortress, with mind-blowing views from the top; well worth the trek up. Now we know you’ve been up since the crack of dawn and you haven’t had your Weetabix yet but RELAX. We told you we’d look after you. Once we’ve scaled our way back down, it’s time for a feast back at the hotel before heading back out to explore the town. There ain’t no rest for the wicked, hun. Now, we promised you some wholesome activity and we weren’t lying. As night falls, we’re heading to a beautiful, authentic, local farming village to be spoiled rotten and have our dinner cooked by the loveliest villagers. Enjoy a mouth-watering, authentic meal around a crackling bonfire with our locals as they welcome you too, into their homes and our community. Big #blessed vibes.
temple of the tooth & kandy view point
Who fancies a spy of our royalty? Today we’re getting another taste of the rich history of Sri Lanka as we travel to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, located in the Royal Palace complex. Note the significance of the royal temple, which bears great ancient political power and the famous relic which is believed to hold the governance of the country. Finally, we’ll enjoy the evening view of Kandy city and Lake, with a few beers (FINALLY) from a restaurant or our hotel on the mountainside.
tea plantation, sri lankan cooking & train journey
Today we are up bright and early to drive through the beautiful town of Nuwara Elia to spend the morning at a local tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the tea brewing process, from leaf to cup. We’ll then spend some time at a local family-run cooking school, where we’ll learn about some of Sri Lanka’s best dishes and get to try some of the delicious food that this amazing country is famous for! Then it’s time to board ‘the most scenic train journey in Asia’ - and it really is as epic as it sounds. We’ll board the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to the chilled town of Ella. Keep an eye out for cascading waterfalls, roaming wildlife and another glimpse at the locals.
nine arch bridge & little adams peak
Today we are headed to some of the most iconic and beautiful spots in Ella. We'll start with a morning at the famous Nine Arch Bridge - if we're lucky we might even see a train or two pass through. This bridge is a perfect photo opportunity. After snapping a few photos and taking in the amazing structure we'll have some lunch before heading over towards Little Adams Peak. We'll climb up, for a stunning view of Ella Gap - a gorge full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning backdrops. Get ready to have your breath taken away by this epic view!
waterfalls, safari & glamping
Another scorcher of a day, as per. So we’re starting things off with a visit to the neighbouring waterfalls ahead of a day at Udawalawe National Park. Now that’s how to start a day. The bucket list moments don't stop there because our next activity is a Safari! This isn’t the trip of a lifetime for nothing. Scope out Elephants, Monkeys and Buffalos to mention just a few. After that incredible experience we’ll check into our glamping tents for the evening, with some more wholesome activities and some questionable behaviour will commence. Don’t forget to look up as the stars are pretty spectacular.
exploring the dutch fort and unawatuna
After a jam packed day of waterfalls and animals yesterday today it's only right that today we through in a bit of history too! The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest living forts in the world. There's so much to discover here with a blend of modern and historic sites so get ready to explore the day away. In the afternoon we will head back to the hotel, to chill, maybe play some cards and process the tour so far with the Trufam!
jungle beach day
You’ve done so good, so wake when you like today. Graze, laze, take it as you like. Then once the team is awake and refreshed, we’re walking through the jungle to the stunning golden sands of the beach on the other side. Soak up some Vitamin D, have a swim in the sea and enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of the shore. What a life! Once you’re all sun-kissed, we’ll head back to the hotel for our farewell dinner. We hope you’ve still got those tissues. It’s been magic.
chilled check out
So you’ve extended your family, it’s Tru. We’ll be over to kiss your Nan on Christmas Day, but for now, it’s time to say goodbye. What a ride. We’re here to help plan the next steps of your adventure, whether it’s onwards, homebound or back to bed for a week of catching up on those early starts. We’ve loved having you and can’t wait to hear what’s next. Big love!
WHERE WE STAY
Reviews
FAQs
WHICH AIRPORT DO I NEED TO FLY INTO?
You will need to fly in to Colombo Airport (Bandaranaike International Airport) CMB.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO THE END DESTINATION?
The closest airport to the end destination is Colombo Airport (Bandaranaike International Airport) CMB.
HOW DO I GET BACK TO THE START DESTINATION AND IS THIS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? IF NOT, HOW MUCH IS IT?
If you want to get back to Colombo you can take a taxi which takes around 2-3 hours. This can be done with the help of your tour leader during your tour!
Will I need a VISA?
Although it depends on your nationality, the chances are you will need a VISA to enter Sri Lanka. These are easy to obtain so don't worry!
We recommend looking at your government's travel advice page to get the correct information.
If you have any more questions about VISAs or travelling to Sri Lanka please contact the sales team on info@trutravels.com :)
ARE THERE ANY MEALS INCLUDED ON THIS TOUR?
All your breakfasts are included on this trip! We'll also have lunch included after learning how to cook some of the amazing local dishes! Food in Sri Lanka is cheap and you can usually pick up a meal for less than £7 in most restaurants.
WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION IS INCLUDED ON THIS TRIP?
The majority of the accommodation on this trip is twin share although we do use triples rooms on occasion.
HOW MUCH IS A PRE NIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION?
Please contact the sales team to find out about booking a pre-night! Our email is info@trutravels.com :)
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
The currency in Sri Lanka is Sri Lanka Ruppee (LKR)
Is my money protected?
Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.