Sri Lanka Wildlife and Culture Tours | Novoto

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£49 Deposit

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What to Expect on this Sri Lanka Guided Tour

Sri Lanka is known as ‘the pearl of the Indian Ocean’. We can tell you from experience that it more than lives up to this label!

This tropical island paradise has all the ingredients that make group tours unforgettable: majestic mountain peaks, beautiful beaches, perfect spots for relaxing, and monuments rich in history and cultural significance.

You can rest assured that all the above feature in your Sri Lanka tour itinerary!

The stops on our Sri Lanka guided tours allow you to marvel at this country’s extensive biodiversity, volunteer in a Buddhist Monastery, join traditional cooking classes with local families, and so much more.

By the time our Sri Lanka wildlife and culture tours finish, it’s hard to believe that everything fits into 12 days!

In line with our values and regenerative travel revolution, this Sri Lanka tour itinerary provides plenty of opportunities to give back to host communities. Your trip through the country helps places that have suffered and been left behind to focus on sustainable growth and a brighter, more stable future.

Do you have any pre-booking questions about our Sri Lanka guided tours? Schedule a call with a member of our team. We’re always on hand to answer any questions about who we are and what we do.

Trip Highlights

Witness exotic wildlife at Wilpattu National Park
Take part in an Elephant walk experience
Learn how to make an authentic Sri Lankan cuisine
Witness an authentic Kandyan dance performance
Learn the traditional lifestyle of Sri-Lankan fishermen

What’s Included?

Accommodation : 11 nights

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Attractions & experiences: 23 included

Tour leader, 24X7 backup and pre-departure support

Meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners

All domestic transport and transfer

  • 12 days, 6 stops
  • Is this for you?
  • Max group size: 12
  • Difficulty Level: Light
  • Age Requirement: Designed for 18-35s

Where does your money go?

Read More..

Exclusions

Flights to Sri Lanka

SL Tourist visa

Travel insurance

Tips and gratuity

Personal expenses

Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Negombo

Ayuban!

Welcome aboard! After your arrival, you’ll be taken to your accommodation by your tour leader. After getting settled, take part in the Meet Your Crew Session, a great opportunity to bond with your fellow travelers. Later, visit the Negombo Fish Market, enjoy delicious street food, and witness Sri Lankan fishermen earning their livelihoods. Get ready for the next 12 amazing days but with your Crew Bonding Night Out!

What’s included
  • Transfer from Airport
  • Meet Your Crew Session
  • Negombo Fish Market Visit with street food
  • Crew Bonding Night Out
  • Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation
Impact inclusions

Get introduced to the unique Sri Lankan culture with a visit to Negombo fish market.

Day 2: Sigiriya

Instagram day!

Today, we made our way to Sigiriya, home to the ancient rock fortress. The rock itself is a lava plug left over from an ancient long extinct volcano! Legends say that it is the place where Sri Lanka first got introduced to Buddhism. Take your cameras out cause this is the day you all have been waiting for! On your way to Sigiriya, you will visit the historically significant Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, home to Sri Lanka’s first and only lion sculpture with Chinese features. Basically, get your cameras ready for your much-awaited clicks!

What’s included
  • Yapahuwa Rock Fortress visit
  • Sigiriya rock fort witness
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation
Impact inclusions

When in Sri Lanka, the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a must for your cameras and your eyes.

Day 3: Sigiriya

As local as it gets!

Wake up to hike the Pidurangala Rock and visit the Buddhist monastery on its way. You will then have free time in the morning to Explore With Your Crew. You can opt to go for a fishing trip or opt to hire out bicycles and explore some of the attractions yourselves. In the evening, participate in Your Rural Experience on a village tour which will be topped off with an authentic cooking class and delicious dinner.

What’s included
  • Explore with your crew
  • Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery visit & hike
  • Your Rural Experience with cooking class
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation
Impact inclusions

Immerse in Lankan culture on a village tour followed by a home cooked meal.

Day 4: Kandy

Enter the caves!

Today, we leave for one of the most popular cities in Sri Lanka – Kandy. Enjoy your breakfast, and pack your bags! On the way, you will visit the Dambulla Caves. This cave has unique wall art which can be only found here. On arrival in Kandy, check-in your accommodation and relax. The rest of the day is free for independent activities with your gang!

What’s included
  • Dambulla caves visit
  • Explore with your crew
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Sun Shine Villa
Impact inclusions

Dambulla caves are a unique tourist spot. It is home to the World’s most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings of vivid colors and shapes!

Day 5: Kandy

Make some giant friends!

Visit an elephant rescue center to take part in the Elephant walk experience while topping it off with a delicious lunch! Next, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka seat of Buddhism. Later on you will witness a high-energy cultural extravaganza – Kandyan dance. This performance is one of the defining experiences in Kandy. After dinner, you will head for a night walk exploring the streets and markets

What’s included
  • Elephant experience
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Kandiyan cultural dance
  • Kandy night walk
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation
Impact inclusions

Witness the Kandyan dance, a performance consisting of all types of dance routines and traditional costumes of the country.

Day 6: Ella

'Out if this world' train ride!

This day is one of our favorite days, and surely you will agree with us! Freshen up, as you leave for Ella by train. This is one of those Instagram moments of this trip as the train takes you through the majestic green landscape filled with tea estates. On arrival, check into your accommodation and Explore With Your Crew as this town has endless things to offer and many cool bars to get that booze in!

What’s included
    • Ella train ride
    • Explore With Your Crew
    • Breakfast
    • Twin accomdation
Impact inclusions

This train journey takes you through stunning landscapes of lush tea plantations and mountain views!

Day 7: Ella

A day full of "Adventures"!

Today, get ready to explore the scenic landscape around Ella. Start the day with a lip smacking authentic Sri Lanka breakfast. Later on, head with your gang to witness the majesty of the world famous Nine Arch Bridge. This is sure to give you that Harry Potter vibe! Later on, you will walk through the Lipton Tea Estate and learn some tea picking tricks. Following lunch, you will visit a school of special needs and engage in an educational discussion with the staff there. This is an experience which will be etched in your heart forever. We ensure you!

On arrival, hike up to the falls, the 2nd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, perfect for a full-day adventure. Later on, visit a school of special needs and engage in an educational discussion with the staff there. You can also opt to hike up Ella rock.

What’s included
  • Diyaluma falla hike
  • Your Responsible Activity: Sri Sudarshi School Visit
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Bunk Station
Impact inclusions

Travel can make us realize our privilege. Visit a special needs school and engage in meaningful discussion.

Day 8: Yala

It's Hike day!

Today you will make your way to Yala, one of the largest National parks in Sri Lanka. On the way there, we stop at Diyaluma falls, the 2nd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and a perfect spot for a refreshing adventure with your crew. Lunch will be provided by a local family who have a lot of inspiring stories to share. Arrive at Yala and get going with your crew to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the forest.

What’s included
  • Diyaluma falls hike
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Triple Accommodation
Impact inclusions

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch prepared by a local family and engage in meaningful cultural exchange with them, whose life has been shaped by Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war.

Day 9: Unawatuna

Safari Day!

  • Today, you will start the day with a much awaited thrilling safari in the National Park. Home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles, fingers crossed as these mighty creatures are not that easy to spot, but once they appear, it’s a sight you will never forget. It is also believed to be much calmer and quieter than the other parks and hence it will help you have a fuller experience. Later on, make your way to Unawatuna, known for its coral reef and palm-lined beach. The evening is free for independent activities for you to enjoy the amazing beach bars and clubs the town has to offer.

    What’s included
    • Yala National park safari
    • Breakfast
    • Twin Accommodation
    Impact inclusions

    Visit one of the largest as well as oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka which is very popular for its Asiatic leopard population. This is was ethical wildlife tourism is all about.

Day 10: Unawatuna

A bit of this and a bit of that

Wander around the coast and try spotting the sea turtles! The day is perfect for you to soak yourself in the blue waters of the Indian ocean. In the evening, head for a guided tour of Galle to explore the local buzz, the markets, the food, and the Galle fort! This is one of the most well preserved forts in Asia and one of the very few living forts in the world. Anyone who wants to do some shopping for your loved ones back home, here is your shot!

What’s included
    • Gale city guided tour
    • Breakfast
    • Twin Accommodation

Day 11: Unawatuna

Don't want this to end!

Post breakfast, take part in Your Impact Event, an interactive trip closure session to discuss the trip. At Novoto, we constantly strive to make sure our expeditions have a positive impact on both the host communities and our travelers. In the evening, participate in a fishing trip with local fishermen and enjoy a scrumptious goodbye dinner on the beach! Get ready for your End With A Bang Night which includes a dinner on the beach before hitting the amazing bars that this beach town has to offer. This is your last night!

What’s included
  • Your Impact Event
  • Fishing experiences
  • End With A Bang Night
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation
Impact inclusions

Go on a fishing trip with local fishermen and learn about their lifestyle while supporting them, topped off with a goodbye beach dinner to bless your bellies!

Day 12: Departure

Goodbye!

This is it! The last 12 days have been out of the world. You have made lifelong friends and memories. But it is time to bid adieu. It has been a pleasure to give you a first-hand experience of this amazing country and we hope to see you traveling with us again!

What’s included
  • Breakfast

Impact

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Enabling to make sustainable travel a regular practice

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Supporting local businesses dependant on tourism

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Promoting cultural exchange, via conversation with locals

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Catering to your personal growth as travelling can be your best teacher

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Supporting rural communities through your experiences

Orientation and Support

Be in touch 24x7

For any problems, we are available via our helpline number and social media

Friendly Staff

Our staff is very friendly, and are there to make your experience comfortable!

Authentic Service providers

We partner up with local accommodations and activity providers

Get the right information

From booking your tour to the end of your trip and beyond, we will be here to support you in every step

Efficient Safety and health facilities

Travelling to a new country can be daunting but don’t worry cause your health is our priority

Cultural Exchange

Homestays instead of hotels

Authentic homestays make up for most of your stay accommodations. Live the local way!

Interaction with local individuals

Nobody can provide you with an experience as authentic as the amicable locals. Through them, get to know a destination

Experienced personnel

Your tour guide and hosts are extremely experienced, having served travellers like you for a long time!

Visiting off-beat destinations

Besides the popular destinations like Wilpattu National Park; we also explore unique ventures like fishing trips, staying in monasteries, and attending special cooking classes and schools for special needs!

Try Local food

Whether it is Kottu Roti in Anuradhapura or parippu of Trincomalee; make sure that you try the local flavour. You’ve got travel experience, and so does your palate

A Usual Day on this Sri Lanka Culture and Wildlife Tour

Look forward to what the day has to offer. Enjoy the breakfast provided by the host family at 8:30 AM. Freshen up, and get ready. By 9:30, join your fellow travellers for an exciting day. Get greeted by Novoto executives, as they take you sight-seeing as per the daily itinerary.

At noon, we make a stop for lunch and refreshments. After lunch, we continue with the sight-seeing with regards to the schedule. Enjoy your day as you come across well-known and new destinations.

After 5 PM, the evening is kept free for a range of independent activities with fellow travellers. Occasionally, there shall be organised social events in the evening.

Finally, dinner is provided by the homestay. Rest and think about the fond memories created.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flights included in my trip?

International flights booked for arrival/ departure have not been included in our travel fee. It must be purchased separately.
However, in case of any inquiries, you can contact us.

What do I do about the visa?

You will be required to obtain either an Indian E-Visa (you can check your eligibility here – https://www.visahq.co.uk/) or apply in person at your nearest Indian Embassy prior to your travels.

What do I carry?

For a trip of 15 days, you would be better off by a light packing. Carry comfortable foot wears and light clothes. Make sure you carry the essentials- your passport, VISA, and Indian currency. Oh also, leave some room in your suitcases. You never know what you might like to buy here.

Is tipping included?

No, tipping has not been included in your travel plan. It’s up to you to decide the amount for the same. We totally respect your discretion.

Who are my travel companions?

We very much believe in privacy. Hence, we are sorry that we cannot reveal their names. However, we have a wide range of travellers from all over the world who you will meet on your first day.

How do I contact in case of an emergency?

No need to worry! We have our on-ground team for your assistance. Besides that, you can get in touch with us through our social media handles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can call us directly on our helpline.

Is there any minimum age requirement?

Although our trips are designed for 18-35s, we don’t believe in limiting it to them. So, as long as you’re 18+, feel free to be a part of the tours!

Does Novoto provide me a travel insurance?

Unfortunately, no. We leave that to your discretion to book travel insurance of your choice.

Will there be any showcase?

Definitely! Your entire experience would be well-documented in the form of videos, and also in other means as approved by the group.

What’s the weather like?

April to September is summer in India where temperatures are generally soaring around 40 C at most destinations in this tour. From October onwards the temperatures start going down averaging around 22 C during the day at most locations.

Booking Now Easier

STEP 1
Select Tour/Apply for Volunteering Role
STEP 2
Choose Your Preferred Departure Date
STEP 3
Put Down Your £49 LIFETIME DEPOSIT
STEP 4
Look Forward To One Hell Of An Adventure
STEP 3
Put Down Your £49 LIFETIME DEPOSIT
STEP 4
Look Forward To One Hell Of An Adventure
STEP 1
Select Tour/Apply for Volunteering Role
STEP 2
Choose Your Preferred Departure Date

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