Sri Lanka Uncovered

This small group Sri Lanka tour, designed for 18-35s, has everything you could want from 10 days in this amazing country! TruTravels' Sri Lanka Tours offer the best tastes, views, communities, and traditions jam-packed into 10 days. 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... know we shouldn't have favourites but this might just be one of ours...👀

classic

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

Activities
Sigiriya Rock Train to Ella Little Adams Peak Elephant Safari Dambulla Cave Temple Golden Buddha Temple Local Farming Village Dinner Temple of the Tooth Tea Plantation Cooking Demonstration Nine Arch Bridge Galle Fort Jungle Beach Day

Tru Leader
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best friends & one of them happens to know where they're going!

Transport
All Transport Included Private Van Transfers Ella Train Ride

Accommodation
9 Nights Accommodation Glamping Beachside Hotel Twin-share rooms

Tru Exclusives
Traditional meal with local village This isn’t just any village experience, this really is THE TRUFAM village exclusive, Our TruFamily is worldwide baby! We take you deep into Sri Lankan culture as we spend the evening with a traditional local farming village. Friends of ours, they teach us all about farm life and the local techniques used to harvest and produce ingredients used in everyday Sri Lankan life. Is there any food better than home cooked? No, no I don’t think so. Our Sri Lankan TruFam cook up a storm serving a traditional meal for us all before we jump on a quick barge to cross the river for sunset. Perfection. As the sun goes down, the bonfire soars. Is there any better time to have a beer or 7? Probably not.. Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture and Sri Lankan beer. Win Win.

Meals
9 X Breakfasts 1 X Lunch 1 X Dinner
WHERE WE STAY
NEGOMBO
SIGIRIYA
KANDY
ELLA
UDAWALAWE
UNAWATUNA
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Our 3-star hotel in Negombo is a nice and stylish place in a great location, a few minutes walk to Negombo beach. If hangin' by the pool is more your thanggg though, no problem as the hotel has an outdoor pool and a great sun terrace where you can lay out and start working on that tan. There's free WiFi in public areas.

The rooms are modern and have a flat-screen TV, air-con, and en-suite bathrooms.

Our hotel in Sigiriya is located near some great restaurants and it's also super close to the Pidurangala Rock (the famous Sigiriya landmark) so it's the perfect base for our TruTravellers.

The rooms are air-conditioned and come with free WiFi.

Next up, we head to Kandy! Our hotel has an impressive terrace, where you can have breakfast and enjoy views of the mountains and is located just a few minutes walk to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - the main reason that tourists go to Kandy!

Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Some rooms even have views of the lake or city!

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Our 4-star hotel in our next stop, Ella, is perfectly situated next to Little Adam's peak and has panoramic mountain views... dreamy right!?

Rooms have a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a spacious private balcony, so you can enjoy the beautiful views. There's also free WiFi in all the public areas.

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Talk about being close to nature...in Udawalawe we stay somewhere a little different. We stay at a responsible luxury eco campsite! One of the most exciting ways to sleep, next to the Rakwana River, listening to the sounds of the animals! It's an amazing place to relax and spend the day too, watching the birds and wild animals is incredible!

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Last but certainly not least, our hotel in Unawatuna is a modern and stylish place, which is just a 10-minute walk from the beach. It also has an outdoor pool so whether you're more of a beach goer or you prefer lounging by the pool (we know this can be the easier option if you've had a few too many the night before!), then we've got you covered! The hotel has a barbecue and sun terrace, so you can lounge and chill all day. There's Free WiFi so you can upload all your Insta pics and make everyone at home jealous of the amazing last 10 days you've had.

Each room is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV.

Bucket List
Ella Blue Train
Sigiriya Rock at Sunrise
Elephant Safari
Glamping in Udawalawe

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10
Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

You made it! Arrive, catch up on some sleep or head to the beach! 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.

Negombo
Day 2

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!

Sigiriya
Dambulla Cave Temples, Golden Buddha.
1x Breakfast
Exclusive! Itinerary Star Icon Day 3

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.

Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock & Local Farming Village
1 x Breakfast, 1 x Dinner
Traditional meal with local village
Day 4

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.

Kandy
Temple of the Tooth & Kandy View Point
1 x Breakfast
Day 5

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.

Ella
Cooking Demonstration & Train Journey
1 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch
Day 6

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!

Ella
Nine Arch Bridge & Little Adams Peak
1 x Breakfast
Day 7

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.

Udawalawe
Waterfall, Safari and Glamping
1 x Breakfast
Day 8

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!

Unawatuna
Exploring Galle Fort
1 x Breakfast
Day 9

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.

Unawatuna
Jungle Beach Day
1x Breakfast
Day 10

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!

HELP WITH ONWARD TRAVEL
1 x Breakfast

Trip Departure Dates

Dates START - ENDAvailability REMAINING SPOTSPrice PER PERSON
April 2026
DATE: START - END20 Apr 2026 - 29 Apr 2026 priceU$1,250.00

FAQS

WHICH AIRPORT DO I NEED TO FLY INTO?

You will need to fly in to Colombo Airport (Bandaranaike International Airport) CMB.

Are airport transfers included in the price of the tour?

Airport transfers are not included in the price of the tour.

However, you can book a transfer up to 30 days before your tour, in one of two ways:

-Through your online account area
-Through our Sales team, you can contact them through info@trutravels.com for more information!

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.

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