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Multi-dayAdventureCultural

Sri Lanka Experience, 12 Days Negombo to Mirissa

Climb Sigiriya, ride the Ella train, see wild elephants at sunrise, then surf the south coast.

Sigiriya rock fortress, tea picking and the famous train to Ella, a sunrise elephant safari and learn-to-surf days on the south coast, Sri Lanka's whole highlight reel in twelve days.

⭑ 4.9 575 Trustpilot reviews 📍 Sri Lanka ⏱ 12 days · 11 nights · Negombo → Mirissa 👥 Group tour with leader 🔥 Active 🎂 Ages 18 to 40s

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4.9 from 575 Trustpilot reviews

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Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    Sigiriya rock fortress viewpoint

  2. 2

    Tea plantation picking with locals

  3. 3

    The famous Ella scenic train

  4. 4

    Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arches Bridge

  5. 5

    Sunrise wildlife safari (wild elephants)

  6. 6

    Learn to surf at Weligama Beach

Day-by-day itinerary

INDIAN OCEAN Negombo Days 1–2 Sigiriya Day 3 Kandy Day 4 Ella Days 5–7 Udawalawe Day 8 Talalla Day 9 Mirissa Days 10–12
Your route, day by day
1 Day 1 · Arrive in Negombo

Arrive in Negombo and meet your group and your tour leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.

2 Day 2 · Tuk tuk tour

This morning you'll jump into tuk tuks to explore the pretty seaside town of Negombo, stopping off to visit the local markets. You'll then head to the town of Sigiriya, where you'll check in to the lush hotel, with comfy beds, aircon, WiFi and ensuites!

3 Day 3 · Sigiriya & local villages

Today you'll take in views of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress as you climb the towering rock adjacent, with 360 degrees views from the top. You'll then head to a local village to understand how small rural communities live, before hopping on some unique, local transportation. You'll then be treated to a cooking demonstration (and eating, of course) courtesy of the local village ladies.

4 Day 4 · Spice garden & Temple of the Tooth

It's goodbye Sigiriya and hello Kandy today as you head south to the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, stopping en route to visit a spice garden. Once in Kandy, you'll head out to visit the fascinating Temple of the Tooth. You will head out for dinner and drinks tonight.

5 Day 5 · Tea picking & scenic train to Ella

Your southern journey continues today, surrounded by lush and green tea plantations stretching in every direction. You'll be stopping to get a closer look and learn the art of tea picking (and brewing) from local pickers. You'll then hop on board a train for one of the 'world's most scenic train journeys' (no biggie) bound for beautiful and serene Ella. Finally, you'll enjoy dinner at a must-visit spot in Ella, before hitting the town for a fun night out.

6 Day 6 · Hike to Little Adam's Peak

You'll be grateful for a later start this morning, as you lace up your trainers for a hike to Little Adam's Peak, where the views are seriously something else. This afternoon you'll have time to yourself to chill and explore the pretty town of Ella. Maybe treat yourself to a traditional massage, or curl up with a book and cuppa.

7 Day 7 · Nine Arches Bridge

Get those cameras at the ready as this morning you'll be making a stop at Nine Arches Bridge, one of the most Insta famous places in all of Sri Lanka. You'll then continue south to Udawalawe National Park, where you'll check in to the laid back and beautiful hotel perched right on the edge of the park.

8 Day 8 · Sunrise safari

Travelling by jeep at sunrise you'll be keeping your eyes peeled for the free roaming wild elephants, plus other species like crocodiles, buffalo and bird life on safari. You'll then head to the beachside oasis of Hiriketiya for a chilled afternoon. Later you'll arrive at the beachfront eco retreat in gorgeous Talalla, where you'll finish the day watching the sunset.

9 Day 9 · Beachside yoga & chilling

The aim of today is to do as little or as much as you want. Take a deep breath and feel the peace and calm wash over you at this beautiful retreat. Participate in the included yoga session, read a book on the loungers by the pool, book an ayurvedic massage, or just snooze under a palm tree whilst soaking in one of the best kept secret beaches of the south.

10 Day 10 · Learn to surf

From one sun drenched beach to the next, you'll be stopping off at Weligama Beach this morning for a private surf lesson. You'll later check into the beach front hotel in Mirissa, your home for the next two nights, followed by a visit to Coconut Tree Hill for it's beautiful views.

11 Day 11 · Buddhist Monastery visit

Saving one of the best experiences till last. Today you'll be heading to a Buddhist Monastery to take part in a cultural exchange with the local monk students who live there and gain a unique insight into Buddhist ways of life. Tonight, in celebration of your last evening together, you'll be treated to a farewell dinner on the beach.

12 Day 12 · Check out & onward travel

Your 12 day trip ends today. Those flying home today will jump in the bus back to Negombo to make their way to the airport, or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Sri Lanka with your tour leader's help and the new friends you've made.

What's included

✓ What's included

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 16 meals
  • Awesome group leader
  • Visit local markets
  • Ride in a tuk tuk
  • River boat ride
  • Local village experience
  • Sigiriya rock viewpoint
  • Spice garden
  • Temple of the tooth
  • Tea plantations
  • Ella train journey
  • Little Adam’s Peak
  • Nine Arches Bridge
  • Wildlife safari
  • Yoga
  • Learn to surf
  • Buddhist Monastery visit
  • All transport included

✕ Not included

  • ✕Flights
  • ✕Travel insurance (required by the operator)
  • ✕Visas
  • ✕Personal spending

Accommodation

Curated stays along the route, a mix of characterful hotels, traditional lodgings and social hostels, all with the essentials sorted.

Talalla retreat, accommodation on Sri Lanka Experience, 12 Days Negombo to Mirissa

Talalla retreat

2 nights in a beautiful beachfront eco resort. Twin/double/triple rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, laundry, swimming pool, restaurant & yoga classes.

Negombo hotel, accommodation on Sri Lanka Experience, 12 Days Negombo to Mirissa

Negombo hotel

1 night in a funky beachfront hotel. Twin/double rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, air con, laundry & swimming pool

Ella hotel, accommodation on Sri Lanka Experience, 12 Days Negombo to Mirissa

Ella hotel

2 nights in a great place set high in the mountains! Twin/double rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, air con, laundry, sun terrace & balcony.

Udawalawe hotel, accommodation on Sri Lanka Experience, 12 Days Negombo to Mirissa

Udawalawe hotel

1 night in a relaxed hotel on the border of the park. Twin/double rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, air con, laundry, poolside restaurant & bar.

Rooming is typically same-gender multi-share unless a private/twin upgrade is noted, ask us if you'd like a private room.

Common questions about this trip

  • Is the safari and train actually included?

    Yes, every experience on the itinerary is in the price. No pay-on-arrival surprises.
  • Do I need a visa?

    Most nationalities need Sri Lanka's ETA (electronic travel authorisation), apply online before you fly. Your responsibility, but it's quick.
  • What's the cancellation policy?

    Dates or tours can be changed free up to 30 days before departure, and changes inside 30 days may incur a fee. If you cancel 30 or more days out, you can keep 100% of your payment as credit, or take a refund of 75% of the tour value. Inside 30 days the operator retains the full amount. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf.

Got a question that's not here? Ask us or hit the chat, instant AI reply with a follow-up from the Wanderlust crew.

What travellers say

Reviews from real travellers

Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.

The operator's track record

4.9 on Google · 5 on Tripadvisor · 15,000+ five-star reviews · 20+ years operating
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Google
"Recently went on the 12 day tour of Sri Lanka which was amazing. The trip was well organised with a relaxed meet over dinner and drinks with the group on the first night and a good standard of accomodation with some spectacular views. …"
M

Mark Hutchinson

Google review · 2 months ago

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Google
"I just finished the 12 days Sri Lanka tour and have had the most amazing time. The tour is a good mix of nature, culture and chill days at the pool or beach. Our group leader Eline made everyone feel welcome from day one with her warm and kind energy. …"
S

Sofie Furuberg

Google review · 2 months ago

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Google
"Had an incredible time in Sri Lanka and our tour guide Maisie was amazing! We also had Eline on the tour as well and both of them mad the experience so much better. Would recommend an [tour name] tour to anyone!"
D

Daniel Kean

Google review · 5 months ago

Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.

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