Marie Koldal in Sri Lanka
12 Day Exclusive Tour
DEPARTS
19th
February
2027
FROM
AUD: $2,899
Euro: € 1,745
GBP: £ 1,445
USD: $1,999
Route
Negombo > Colombo
DEPARTS
19th February 2027
Route
Negombo > Colombo
Trip Rating
FROM
AUD: $2,899
Euro: € 1,745
GBP: £ 1,445
USD: $1,999
About MArie Koldal
Hi, I’m Marie!
I’m a full-time travel creator from Norway with a passion for adventure, nature, and meaningful travel experiences. Three years ago, I fell in love with backpacking, and since then I’ve been inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones and experience the world. So far, I’ve explored 33 countries and have no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Hosting group trips has quickly become my favourite way to travel. I’ve now hosted six group trips across three different continents, and nothing beats bringing together like-minded people who may have started as strangers but leave with unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.
Whether it’s spotting incredible wildlife, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, trying local food, or simply watching the sunset after an adventurous day, my goal is to create trips that are fun, welcoming, and full of unforgettable moments. I want everyone to feel comfortable, supported, and excited to embrace new experiences together.
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Sri Lanka but don’t want to do it alone, I’d love for you to join me on this adventure. I can’t wait to explore this incredible country with you! 🤍
Sri Lanka is Calling
Some countries you visit. Sri Lanka gets under your skin, the mountains, the pace, the people who wave you over for tea like you’re already one of theirs. Twelve days, one small group, zero solo overthinking. This is the trip you’ll be telling stories about long after you’re home.
Group
Maximum group size 21 people (excl. host)
Health & Safety
Deposit
Secure your spot with a deposit 90+ days before your tour
Route
Negombo to Colombo
Stays
11 nights accommodation
Meals
11x Breakfasts, 2x Lunches, 2x Dinners
Transport
All transport
Airport pickup included
Crew
Your highly trained tour guide, your drivers & your local activity guides
Activities
- Sigiriya Climb
- Elephant Safari
- Train to Ella
- Tea Plantation Visit & Tea Picking
- Cooking Class
- Temple Visits
- National Park Glamping Experience
- Galle Fort Visit
- Bike Ride Through Local Villages
- Tuk Tuk Tour Around Kandy
- Whale Watching
- Pidurangala Monastery Climb
- Madu River Boat Excursion
Free Time Suggestions: Hot Air Balloon, Massages, Surf Lesson, 2nd Elephant Safari, Scuba Diving
Route
Negombo to Colombo
Stays
11 nights accommodation
Meals
11x Breakfasts, 2x Lunches, 2x Dinners
Transport
All transport
Airport pickup included
Crew
Your highly trained tour guide, your drivers & your local activity guides
Activities
- Sigiriya Climb
- Elephant Safari
- Train to Ella
- Tea Plantation Visit & Tea Picking
- Cooking Class
- Temple Visits
- National Park Glamping Experience
- Galle Fort Visit
- Bike Ride Through Local Villages
- Tuk Tuk Tour Around Kandy
- Whale Watching
- Pidurangala Monastery Climb
- Madu River Boat Excursion
Free Time Suggestions: Hot Air Balloon, Massages, Surf Lesson, 2nd Elephant Safari, Scuba Diving
Sri Lanka Tour Highlights
Climb Sigiriya Rock for a breath-taking view
Go of an Elephant Safari in an open top jeep
Sit on the grand Nine Arch Bridge and take in the beautiful scenery around you
Do the Pidurangala Hike with your OLA besties
Enjoy being in true paradise with coconut trees and crystal clear waters
Explore luscious paddy fields and local villages on a bike tour
Tour a working Tea estate, pick tea and taste the finest Ceylon Tea
Indulge the senses in a cooking class and learn about Sri Lankan cuisine
Board the scenic train from Ambewela to Ella to experience worldclass views
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Touch down in Colombo anytime on Day 1, and we’ve got you covered. A friendly face from our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a Sri Lankan Welcome Meal – your first taste of the island’s amazing cuisine and the perfect start to your journey!
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Rani Beach Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Welcome Dinner
Free Time Suggestion: N/A
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low
Day 2 – Sigiriya: Dambulla Cave Temple & Pidurangala Hike
Today the journey really begins! We drive to Dambulla and stop by the famous Dambulla Cave Temple to marvel at ancient carvings and statues before heading to a local restaurant to sample the best food Sri Lanka has to offer & then check into our hotel. Have a quick dip in the pool before heading off to Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery for unparalleled 360 degree views of the local area and Sigiriya at sunset.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Kashapa Lion Rock (or similar)
Activities: Dambulla Cave Temple & Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery
Free Time Suggestion: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 3 – Sigiriya: Rock Climb Experience
If you’ve opt in for the hot air balloon, start the morning early by enjoying one of the best views of Sigiriya. You’ll admire one of the most beautiful areas of Sri Lanka from the air! Next up, stop for a fantastic Sri Lankan lunch with a local family before you climb Sigiriya, which is considered to be the eighth wonder of the world by the locals. You’ll experience your first elephant safari to sweeten the day.
* Please note that activities may be reversed due to weather conditions on the day.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Kashapa Lion Rock (or similar)
Activities: Sigiriya Rock Climb
Free Time Suggestion: Hot Air Balloon, Extra Safari, Massage
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: High
Day 4 – To Kandy: Spice Garden, Cooking Class, Tuk Tuks & Temple
Today we embark into the Knuckle Mountain Range. We head to a spice garden where you will learn the secrets to Sri Lankan cooking before heading into the country’s second biggest city, Kandy. And what better way to see the city than in the back of some local transport, Tuk Tuks! Lastly we will visit the Temple of the tooth.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Queens Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Spice Garden Visit, Cooking Class, Tuk Tuk Tour & Temple of the Tooth
Free Time Suggestion: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Low/Medium
Day 5 - Ella: Tea Estate & Iconic Train Journey
Start the day by making our way to the tea country! Tour a working Tea estate, pick tea, and taste the finest Ceylon. After lunch, we’ll continue by bus before boarding the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella – Voted one of the most scenic train rides in the world!
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Oak Ray La Ella Breeze Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Tea Estate Visit, Iconic Train Journey
Free Time Suggestion: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 6 - Ella: Free Day to Explore & Relax
Today you have a day to yourself in the wonderful mountainous town of Ella! Try out many optional activities including hiking Ella Rock or Diyaluma Falls. Treat yourself to a massage or just using the downtime to chill out by the pool!
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Oak Ray La Ella Breeze Hotel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestion: Ella Rock Hike, Diyaluma Falls, Massage, Yoga
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A
Day 7 - Udawalawe: Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge & Elephant Safari
Hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit the world famous Nine Arch Bridge in the morning. Afterwards, we journey out of the mountains and grab lunch on the way to Udawalawe National Park to get up close and personal with the elephants!
Please bring an overnight bag with you for this night!
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Athgira River Camping (or similar)
Activities: Guided Ella Hikes & Elephant Safari
Free Time Suggestion: Massage
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 8 - Mirissa: Paradise Beach Time
Leave the campsite and head down to the beach in Mirissa! You have a free afternoon to rent a surf board, or sit back and catch some rays before heading over to coconut tree hill for sunset!
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Randiya Beach Hotel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestion: Surfing, Massage
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A
Day 9 - Mirissa: Whale Watching
Today you’ll head out for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the Blue Whales in action. Hop on a boat and spot the largest animal on Earth flicking its tail in the Indian Ocean. This is your time to take it all in and appreciate the beauty of these gentle giants swim through the waves. After the adventure, the rest of your day is yours to indulge in the beauty of Mirissa.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Randiya Beach Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Whale Watching
Free Time Suggestion: Surf Lesson
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: NA
Day 10 - Mirissa: Galle Bike Tour & Galle Fort
Start the day with a 12km cycle through the lush southern paddy fields.
In the afternoon, walk around the old Dutch Fort in Galle, buy some souvenirs and taste some of the best ice cream in Sri Lanka. The rest of the day is yours to relax.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Randiya Beach Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Galle Fort, Galle Bike Ride
Free Time Suggestion: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low
Day 11 - Mirissa: Tsunami Memorial & Madu River
Spend the morning on the beach before heading to the memorial for the 2004 Tsunami. Afterwards, head over to the Madu River and hop on a boat through the mangrove forests! Spot birds, fishing villages and experience a peaceful ride. We then drive to Colombo for our final night.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Pegasus Reef (or similar)
Activities: Tsunami Memorial & Madu River Boat Excursion
Free Time Suggestion: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low
Day 12 – Depart
Today is where we say goodbye!
Your tour guide can help you arrange your onward travel if you’d like the assistance. All the best for your onward journey!
Accommodation: N/A
Activities: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A
Night Stays
From post-safari glamping to hotels nestled in small mountain towns – we’ve curated the perfect blend of accommodation.
On Annis Travel Journal tours, you’ll stay in upgraded accommodations to ensure a relaxing rest after each full day of exploring.
After an amazing encounter with elephants on safari, you’ll sleep under the stars in a jungle camp deep inside national park territory in Udawalawe, in stylish and comfortable rooms with an epic pool too!
Twin/Double Rooms
Safari Glamping
Handpicked Hotels
Customer Reviews
Sri Lanka Classic – 12 Days with One Life Adventures
From AU$2,899
Check your dates and additional booking information
FAQs
Before you set out with us on the trip of a lifetime, we want to go over a few things. Sri Lanka is an amazing country with so much to offer, but like with most countries in Asia, things sometimes don’t go according to plan. This is why we may have to slightly alter the itinerary if we need to. One Life is committed to giving you the best possible experience, so if we need to change something we’ll make sure we’ll replace it with something equally awesome!
I am completing my visa application and it’s asking for the address on my first night, can you tell me what it is?
The address is 315 Lewis Place, Negombo Beach, Negombo 11500, Sri Lanka
How much spending money do you recommend for this tour?
We recommend a minimum of $400 AUD for the full twelve days, but it depends on what kind of spender you are. We include a spending guide in your welcome pack. You should bear in mind that tips are expected in Sri Lanka, they are not compulsory but there is very much a tipping culture for around 10% of the bill. On our trips we usually form a tipping kitty between everyone and split it between the restaurants and hotels that we visit.
Do I need to arrive at a certain time to get the airport pick up?
No, you can arrive whenever! As long as you arrive on day 1, we will arrange a pick up for you. Just let us know your arrival details once your flights are confirmed.
I am arriving a day early, can I still get an airport pick up?
Unfortunately not. Airport pickups are on day 1 of the tour only. We do however give you very simple instructions on how best to get from the airport to Camelot Beach Deluxe in your information pack so you shouldn’t have any trouble!
Do I need to bring temple wear?
Yes you will need to bring temple wear for use at various points throughout the tour. You’ll need to cover your legs, shoulders & chest so for men remember to wear t-shirts rather than singlets and for women, sarongs are ideal to drape over your shoulders.
Do I need to bring hiking gear?
Ideally yes, sandals and some trainers/running shoes would be fine.
Can I bring a 25kg suitcase?
While we really don’t recommend bringing such a large or heavy suitcase, we can make it work. It will be a bit awkward or uncomfortable at times but if it’s absolutely necessary for you to have it then we can make it work. Our recommendation is to bring a backpack no more than 20kg.
I’ve seen that you ride bikes on the Sri Lanka tour, can I skip this part as I can’t ride a bike?
Yes you can skip the bike ride if you prefer, you can actually join the group in a tuk tuk instead so you don’t miss out on the views or the school visit!
I’ve seen the tour starts in Negombo, but I can only fly into Colombo - is this okay?
Yes, Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport is actually located in Negombo, so as long as we have your flight details and you arrive on day 1, you will be picked up.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
Yes, we can cater for most dietary requirements. Please notify us prior to arriving on day 1 so we can arrange this for you.
What time can I fly out on the last day?
You can depart any time on the last day. Please allow 40 minutes to travel to the airport.
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Travel that counts.
Turns out strangers make the best travel companions. Small groups, real places, and the kind of trip that sends you home seeing things a little differently. Sustainable, cultural and fun travel for 18-35+.