Sri Lanka adventure holiday
Highlights
Negombo | Anuradhapura | Polonnaruwa | Dambulla | Kandy | Bandarawela | Udeweriya | Mirissa | Galle | ColomboDescription of Sri Lanka adventure holiday
This adventure holiday takes you to the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka, a country with a centuries’ old history and culture, which punches well above its weight when it comes to both natural and man-made beauty.Over the space of two weeks you’ll take in the country’s top highlights. History buffs will be delighted by the beautifully-preserved Polonnaruwa ruins, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, seaside Galle Fort and the dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, as well as the old colonial mansions that dot the country’s tea plantations.
Nature lovers are well catered for too. As well as trekking through the highlands of Hill Country and staying in a local guesthouse, you’ll spend time at the beachside retreat of Mirissa, where there’s ample time for swimming in the clear waters and biking around the surrounding countryside.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.comCheck dates, prices & availability
Small group adventure
What is a small group adventure?It's a great way to travel! Whether you are travelling on your own, with a partner or with friends, a small group trip is a fantastic way to see the world. You'll travel on a fixed itinerary that has been designed to help you discover the best of region. From the known highlights, the hidden gems that you won't find in the guidebooks.
Itineraries run on set departure dates, accompanied every step of the way by an English speaking local group leader. You chose the itinerary and the date that suits you best and you book on.
Why travel on a small group adventure?
Small groups allow us to explore where larger tour groups can't. Our maximum group size of 16 travellers allows us to use local transport to get from A to B, to visit rural villages, spend time with the locals and even stay at a local home overnight, and it allows us to give our travellers genuine, real life experiences of the countries we are visiting; what you'll be doing and how you'll travel depends entirely on your chosen itinerary.
Is an adventure right for me?
The word adventure means something different to everyone, and our range of trips reflects that. Whether you want to explore local markets, visit out of the way temples and meet local people or go on an early morning safari drive searching for the 'big five', we'll have a trip for you. If you are looking for a physical challenge such trekking the Kokoda Track or summiting Kilimanjaro, we can help with that too.
So what can I expect on this trip?
This is a classic style of small group adventure. You'll find your trip combines a good mix of included activities and free time, with some meals included as per your itinerary. We don't want you to feel chaperoned, it's your holiday not ours. Your group leader will be on hand to assist with organising anything you might wish to do in your free time, but how you spend it is up to you. Anything listed as included in your itinerary will be included in trip price; whereas anything listed as optional will be at an additional cost should you wish to take part.
These trips are great value, including things that you would struggle to organise independently, such as a night at a homestay in a remote village, or local guides around a remote place of interest. Transport will be a combination of private vehicle and public transport, whichever is the most appropriate for the route we are travelling; this might include train, plane, camel, tuk tuk, bicycle, boat…
On a majority of these trips you'll stay in 2-3 star accommodation, locally owned and reflective of the region you are travelling through. All solo travellers will be automatically roomed on a twin share basis with another group member of the same sex, unless you opt to pay for your own room at time of booking. There are no compulsory single supplements for solo travellers willing to share. Single rooms aren't available on camping trips, and you will be expected to help out with camp tasks such as setting up and breaking down your camp.
Can I book my flights with you?
Yes! We are a fully ATOL bonded tour operator meaning that we can book flights from the UK as part of your holiday package. Just ask us for a quote including flights when you make your enquiry.
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.

We visit the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city of Anuradhapura, starting our guided bicycle tour at the spiritually important sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The Bo tree was grown from a cutting of the original tree in Bodhgaya under which Buddha gained enlightenment.
The Impacts of this Trip
The tropical island of Sri Lanka is compact enough to allow us to put together all the major highlights in just 15 days and still allow plenty of time for relaxation and for you to do your own exploring. The itinerary, and out travel style, provides a culturally relevant opportunity to see some amazing sights and to mix with some of the friendliest people we know in the whole of Asia. . We learn about the country's culture and history in the magnificent ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and in the Tooth Temple situated in the heart of Kandy with its scenic lakeside setting. We visit historically important sites, observe local economic ventures, and see traditional crafts such as batik making. Our knowledgeable leaders will assist you to discover and appreciate cultural differences, to tread lightly and responsibly.
In Kandy we visit the octagonal Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) and may experience the drumming and chanting rituals of the white-clad pilgrims who come to worship at Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site. In the highlands of Bandawarela we have a lesson on Sri Lankan food and a cooking demonstration. This is yet another opportunity to "hang out" with the local people, learning about their culture, and having a laugh together.


We visit the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city of Anuradhapura, starting our guided bicycle tour at the spiritually important sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The Bo tree was grown from a cutting of the original tree in Bodhgaya under which Buddha gained enlightenment.

The Impacts of this Trip
The tropical island of Sri Lanka is compact enough to allow us to put together all the major highlights in just 15 days and still allow plenty of time for relaxation and for you to do your own exploring. The itinerary, and out travel style, provides a culturally relevant opportunity to see some amazing sights and to mix with some of the friendliest people we know in the whole of Asia. . We learn about the country's culture and history in the magnificent ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and in the Tooth Temple situated in the heart of Kandy with its scenic lakeside setting. We visit historically important sites, observe local economic ventures, and see traditional crafts such as batik making. Our knowledgeable leaders will assist you to discover and appreciate cultural differences, to tread lightly and responsibly.
In Kandy we visit the octagonal Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) and may experience the drumming and chanting rituals of the white-clad pilgrims who come to worship at Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site. In the highlands of Bandawarela we have a lesson on Sri Lankan food and a cooking demonstration. This is yet another opportunity to "hang out" with the local people, learning about their culture, and having a laugh together.

1 Reviews of Sri Lanka adventure holiday
Reviewed on 01 Apr 2019 by Gisela Charette
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Circle Sri Lanka was a fabulous experience....the sights sounds tastes experiences made for an incredible adventure. What has stayed with me and what I think about now is the beautiful food and flavours that Sri Lanka had to offer.....a party in my mouth every time ...how delightful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
When going here , go with an open mind. The people are kind and wonderful; the food is amazing; the sights are varied and the scenery stunning.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local contact we had was superb...we ate at farmers houses, we walked among their tea plantations, we mingled with restaurant owners.... the eco lodge was an added bonus and we could see first hand the benefi5 the lodg3 had to providing employment to the local village.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a great holiday...well planned with a good variety of activities. As the trip was winding down, we had some beautiful rest days on the sandy beaches of Mirissa....a great way to end.
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