Route
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Days
Route
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Trip Overview
Deposit AU$350
Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour
Group
Maximum group size 22 people*
Health & Safety
Standards & Protocols
Deposit AU$350
Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour
Route
Stays
Meals
Transport
Activities
Crew
Route
Stays
Meals
Transport
Activities
Crew
Sri Lanka is the rising star of Asia, and trust us, it’s got it all! Our 12-day group tour itinerary show’s you the best of this green and luscious gem of the Indian Ocean. Head up to the misty mountain tops to hike the hill country and explore tea plantations before travelling down to the sun drenched beaches and national parks where we’ll search for wild elephants. Spot dolphins, visit ancient temples, play cricket on the beach and have the adventure of a lifetime with your new One Life travel family. The smells of spices, tea and traditional foods will bring your senses alive as you adventure through this island nation.
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
Visit a local school to play and chat with the children
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 ?Impact Moment
Free Time Suggestion: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 3 – Sigiriya: Rock Climb Experience
Start the morning by climbing Sigiriya, considered by locals to be the eighth wonder of the world. Over 1500 years of history in one place! We’ll then stop for a fantastic Sri Lankan lunch with a local family. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool, book a massage or opt for an elephant safari!
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Kashapa Lion Rock (or similar)
Activities: Sigiriya Rock Climb
Free Time Suggestion: 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 ?Impact Moment
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: Free Time
Today is your day to savor and indulge in the beauty of Mirissa.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Randiya Beach Hotel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestion: Surf Lesson, Whale Watching (Oct-Apr)
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: NA
Day 10 - Mirissa: Galle Bike Tour with Local School Visit & Galle Fort
Start the day with a 12km cycle through the lush southern Paddy Fields, stopping at a local school en-route. 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: Cycle through Galle & visit a local school ?Purpose Moment
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 ?Purpose Moment
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
Inclusions
This journey is led by experienced local leaders who know Sri Lanka far beyond the guidebook. From navigating hidden corners to sharing cultural insights along the way, they’re there to keep things seamless, fun, and deeply immersive, making sure every day flows effortlessly from one highlight to the next.
The route has been carefully designed to maximise experiences, not rush them. Every place you stay, how you move between regions, and the meals included along the way have been hand-selected and quality-checked to ensure comfort, authenticity, and value so you can focus on the adventure, the connections, and the moments that matter.
Stays
Jump to more details
Transport
From our arrival airport pickup, plus large and comfy, air-conditioned coaches, to a breathtaking train journey. You will ride the famous Sri Lankan tuk-tuks and more. *Please note transport on Day 12 ins’t included.
Meals
Crew
Learn About Our 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
- Pidurangala Monastery Climb
- Madu River Boat Excursion
Optional Activities: Massages, Surf Lessons, Blue Whale Watching (Seasonal), 2nd Elephant Safari, Scuba Diving
Health & Safety
The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are our top priority. Here at One Life Adventures, we ensure:
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All guides are trained in First Aid, CPR, and key safety protocols.
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Guides complete ongoing Health & Safety training to uphold top safety standards.
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An on-the-ground and office support for emergencies and guest health is maintained.
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Guides carry local clinic contacts and know the medical network along each route.
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Practical advice to help you stay safe while travelling is provided.
See our Health & Safety processes and considerations
Night Stays
From post-safari glamping to hotels nestled in small mountain towns – we’ve curated the perfect blend of accommodation. We commit to only staying in places we have personally loved, so you can relax and recharge knowing you’re in the best spot.
After an amazing encounter with elephants on safari, you obviously need somewhere just as epic to reflect on the experience. On this night 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!
From the hotel room of Sigiriya with gorgeous lake views, to beachfront access and a pool in the surf town of Mirissa – you’ll spend your nights in twin share rooms of comfort.
Twin/Double Rooms
Safari Glamping
Handpicked Hotels
Customer Reviews
Sri Lanka Classic – 12 Days with One Life Adventures
From AU$2595
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 96 Lewis Pl. 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 Beacon Beach Hotel 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.
I love the sound of the itinerary, but I’m going to go further South afterwards so would like to leave the tour early instead of going back up to Colombo - is this okay?
Absolutely, you can finish the tour wherever you like! Just bear in mind that you’ll miss out on some of the activities and accommodation and there won’t be a refund for those.
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.
Visas & General FAQs
For more information about your visa requirements as well as the answers to more general frequently asked questions, visit Visas & General FAQs
*Group Size Disclaimer: Our standard maximum group size is 22 people for an optimal tour experience. However, on very rare occasions, we may accept up to 24 people due to logistical considerations.
Secure your place now and pay later
Reserve your spot with a deposit when booking 60+ days out from your departure date.
Not quite ready to book yet?
Request via Whatsapp to secure your spot on the tour for the next 48 hours while you finalise plans, check flights, or chat with friends.
We’ve Got You
Not sure where to start? Our team’s always here to help plan your trip and answer any questions along the way. Book a free call with a travel specialist. Just part of what we do - no commitments required.
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