Sri Lanka Uncovered: Wildlife, serenity & cultureold - Novoto

Book now and save £128

£49 Deposit

Carefree Travel

Stay carefree and stop fussing about your safety. We got this. Right from adequate food and accommodation to your overall well-being, our priority is providing you with the best. So mate, leave all your worries to us and plan your kickass trip!

Flexible Booking

Stop having second doubts. With a £49 LIFETIME DEPOSIT, you can access options ranging from FREE DATE CHANGES to flexible payment plans. Even in case of a government travel ban, you’ll get 100% REFUND. View our full policy details and gear up!

Overview

Welcome to The Pearl of the Indian Ocean! This beautiful island provides you with everything that you want for your trip – beautiful peaks, majestic beaches, culturally rich monuments, and good places to relax. Appreciate the extensive bio-diversity that this country possesses as we take you through it. Moreover, you will get the opportunity to wholly and completely embrace this country’s culture. Volunteer for a day in a Buddhist Monastery, undertake a traditional cooking class with a local family, and participate in other such activities. This itinerary covers cities, towns and villages across the country, ranging from popular cities like Kandy to off-beat experiences; we travel through it all and give you a true sense of this incredible island in 12 days!

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 : 13 nights (1 overnight train)

Attractions & experiences: 21 included

Tour leader, 24X7 backup and pre-departure support

Meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 4 dinners

All domestic transport and transfer

Exclusions

Day 1: Arrive Negombo

Ayuban!

Ayuban! We warmly welcome you to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka. After your arrival, you will be picked up by your tour leader and be taken to the accommodation in Negombo. Once you have gathered up all your energy, you will take part in Meet Your Crew Session, a great opportunity to bond with your fellow travellers. Later on, we visit Negombo Fish Market, have delicious street food and witness Sri Lankan fishermen earning their livelihoods. Get a good night’s sleep as there is a lot to do in the next 12 days. Have a Crew Bonding Night Out as Negombo has some amazing options for nightlife.

NOTE – The trip starts with a full-day program early morning on Day 2. Make sure you arrive anytime on Day 1 latest. If you are arriving a day before please let us know in advance so that we can arrange your accommodation.

What’s included

  • Transfer from Airport
  • Meet Your Crew Session
  • Negombo Fish Market Visit with street food
  • Crew Bonding Night Out
  • Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation: Blue Bird

Impact inclusions

Get introduced to the unique Sri Lankan culture by visiting the fish market and indulging in some delicious street food

Day 2: Wilpattu

Things to do on the road

We hope you had enough sleep because the adventure has just begun! Have a delicious breakfast as we prepare to take you to Wilpattu National Park. On your way, you will visit a salt factory where you shall witness the salt making procedure and the historically significant Yapahuwa Rock Fortress. The latter is home to Sri Lanka’s first and only lion sculpture with Chinese features. On arrival at Wilpattu, check into your guesthouse and relax. The evening is free for you to enjoy the serene background. Overnight in Wilpattu.

What’s included

  • Visit to salt factory
  • Yapahuwa Rock Fortress Visit
  • Your Authentic Stay
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Triple Accommodation: Green Sapphire

Impact inclusions

You can’t miss the unique learning experience during the visit to the salt factory and seeing the alluring Yapahuwa Rock Fortress!

Day 3: Wilpattu

Wildlife high-life!

Start your day with an early morning safari at the Wilpattu National Park! It is the largest National park in Sri Lanka and famous for leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Also, the unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” -Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. It is also believed to be much calmer and quieter than the other parks and hence it will help you have a fuller experience. The rest of the day is available for independent activities. So, get going with your crew to enjoy the serene atmosphere.

What’s included

  • Wilpattu National Park Safari
  • Breakfast
  • Twin/Triple Accommodation: Green Sapphire

Impact inclusions

Visit one of the largest as well as oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka which is very popular for its leopard population

Day 4: Sigiriya

Instagram day!

Today, we make our way to Sigiriya. It is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province. Being famous for its palace ruins on top of a massive 200 meter high rock, it is surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. The rock itself is a lava plug left over from an ancient long extinct volcano!! You will also be passing the Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery with huge cultural significance. Legends say that it is the place where Sri Lanka first got introduced to Buddhism. Basically, get your cameras ready for your much awaited clicks!

What’s included

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress visit
  • Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery visit & hike
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Sun Shine Villa

Impact inclusions

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

Day 5: Sigiriya

As local as it gets!

Another day, another early morning activity. Today, you will hike up the Piduranga Rock and visit the Buddhist monastery on its way. On return to your accommodation, enjoy your breakfast and head on for some independent activities and 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, you will participate in a local village tour which will be topped off with a cooking class and delicious dinner. This will not only add on to your cooking skills but will also give a very close peek into the culture of Sri Lanka! Get the most of it and spend quality time with the locals to tick off the day!

What’s included

  • Explore With Your Crew
  • Your Rural Experience: Cooking with the locals
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Twin  Accommodation: Sigiriya Sun Shine Villa

Day 6: 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 can opt to visit the Dambulla Caves. This cave has unique wall art which can be only found in 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

  • Damulla Caves visit
  • Explore With Your Crew
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Mango Guest House

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 7: Kandy

The show is on!

Post breakfast, you will visit an Elephant Transit Home where you shall take part in the Elephant walk experience and top it off with a delicious lunch! Next, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which will be followed by a high energy cultural dance. With elaborate costumes, gyrating dance moves and show-stopping, fire breathing stunts, a Kandyan dance performance is one of the defining experiences in Kandy. After dinner, you will head for a night walk exploring the streets and markets to learn more about this amazing city.

What’s included

  • Elephant Experience
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Kandiyan cultural dance
  • Kandy Night walk
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Twin Accommodation: Mango Guest House

Impact inclusions

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

Day 8: Ella

'Out of this world' train ride!

This day is one of our favourite days, and we hope that you will agree with us! Freshen up, as you leave for Ella by train – considered one of the most beautiful train trips around the world. This is one of those Instagram moments of this trip as the train takes your through the majestic green landscape filled with tea estates. On arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day with some fun activities and Explore With Your Crew as this town has endless things to offer!

What’s included

  • Ella train ride
  • Explore With Your Crew
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Bunk Station

Impact inclusions

This train journey is considered to be one of the most alluring train trips. It takes you through stunning landscapes of lush tea plantations and mountain views!

Day 9: Ella

An educative afternoon!

In Sri Lanka and not been on a Tuk tuk? Leave early morning, with a breakfast takeaway, on tuk-tuk to Diyaluma Falls. You would surely love the scenery you cross in this 1-hour journey. Once you reach, it’s time for hiking! Diyaluma Falls is the 2nd biggest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is the perfect spot for a full-day adventure. There are multiple falls and natural pools throughout this hike in the Badulla region. Enjoy the beauty. Later on, you will visit a school of special needs and engage in an educative discussion with the staff there. You can also opt to hike up Ella rock. The evening is free for independent activities.

What’s included

  • Diyaluma falls hike
  • Your Responsible Activity: Sri Sudarshi School Visit
  • Breakfast
  • Twin Accommodation: Bunk Station

Impact inclusions

Travel can make us realise our privilege. So, make sure to learn from it. Visit a special need school and engage in meaningful discussion

Day 10: Unawatuna

A bit of this and a bit of that

Start your day by heading to Unawatuna which is known for its coral reef and palm-lined beaches. We will be passing the Nine Arch bridge, a must see. Also, visit the famous Lipton tea estate for a walk through the tea fields and maybe give a shot at tea picking. Later on, participate in a fishing trip with local fishermen and enjoy a scrumptious lunch! On arrival in Unawatuna, check into your accommodation and head for an orientation walk. It is a major tourist allure and a combination of culture as well as art. Wander around and try spotting the sea turtles! The rest of the day is free for independent activities.

What’s included

  • Nine Arch bridge
  • Lipton tea estate walk
  • Fishing trip
  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Twin Accommodation: Rawanaz

Impact inclusions

Go on a fishing trip with local fishermen and learn about their lifestyle, topped off with a lunch to bless your bellies!

Day 11: Unawatuna

Don't want this to end!

Nearing towards the end of this trip! But nothing to feel sad about as there’s still one amazing day to go! 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. Exchange ideas, provide insight, and let us know how we can make an even greater impact. Next, spend some quality time with your mates near the beach! Later in the afternoon, head for a guided tour of Galle where we explore the local buzz, the markets, the food and also visit the Galle fort! Make the most of this day and End With A Bang Night which includes a dinner on the beach followed by your and your crew hitting the amazing bars that this beach town has to offer.

What’s included

  • Your Impact Event
  • Galle city guided tour
  • End With A Bang Night
  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Twin Accommodation: Rawanaz

Day 12: Departure

Goodbye 🙁

This is it! The last 12 days have been out of the world. You have made life long 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 travelling with us again!

NOTE: Make sure you book your flights for later this day or next day so that it leaves you time to reach the nearest airport. You can also choose to spend a few extra days in this beautiful country! And if that is the case, please let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements accordingly.

What’s included

  • Breakfast
null

Enabling to make sustainable travel a regular practice

null

Supporting local businesses dependant on tourism

null

Promoting cultural exchange, via conversation with locals

null

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

null

Supporting rural communities through your experiences

null

Be in touch 24x7

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

Friendly Staff

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

Authentic Service providers

We partner up with local accommodations and activity providers in destinations you visit
null

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!
null

Efficient Safety and health facilities

Travelling to a new country can sometimes be daunting. Don’t worry cause your health and safety is our top-most priority!
null

Homestays instead of hotels

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

Interaction with local individuals

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

Experienced personnel

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

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!
null

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

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

Need answers? We got ’em.

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.

Which Flight should I take?

There are multiple flights arriving and departing from Negombo. Take your pick.

What do I do about the visa?

You will be required to obtain either an Sri Lankan 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 with a light packing. Carry comfortable footwear and light clothes. Make sure you carry the essentials- your passport, VISA, and Sri-Lankan 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 directly call us 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 Sri Lanka where temperatures are generally around 35 C at most destinations in this tour. From October onwards the temperatures start going down averaging around 25 C during the day at most locations

Group Travel

Select your currency
GBP Pound sterling
EUR Euro