Get 10% off all tours with code SUMMER10

Get 10% off all tours with code SUMMER10

Backpacking Sri Lanka: Express Adventure

From ancient temples to misty tea fields, wildlife safaris to golden beaches, this 12-day Sri Lanka tour is packed with adventure, culture and chill time. You’ll hike famous peaks, ride the iconic Ella train, explore sacred sites, and unwind on the coast. Whether it’s your first trip to South Asia or your latest tropical escape, Sri Lanka will steal your heart.

  • 15 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • All Accommodation
  • Airport Pick Up
  • No Hidden Charges
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance

Great tour. Visited some spectacular places with some awesome people. A great diversity of locations and travel time was never too long. Guide, Sameera, was exceedingly passionate about his country. Incredible accommodation and comfortable travel.

Charles, Tourradar

Backpacking Sri Lanka: Express Adventure

£1295 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length12 Days
  • Avg. Age18 - 45
  • No. Of Activities12
  • No. Of Meals15
  • Avg. Group Size5 - 22
  • OperatorTrusted Partner
  • Starting PointNegombo
  • Ending PointColombo

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Tour Dates

Tour 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.

  • Meals IncludedDinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedWelcome Dinner
DAY 2

Dambulla Temples & Sunset Hike

Today the journey really begins. We drive to Dambulla and visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple to marvel at ancient carvings and statues. Then we stop for lunch before checking into our hotel. In the afternoon, we head to Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery for incredible panoramic views of Sigiriya at sunset.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedDambulla Cave Temple, Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery
DAY 3

Sigiriya Rock Climb

Start the morning by climbing Sigiriya, known as the eighth wonder of the world. It’s a steep hike, but the views from the top are unbeatable. Later, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch with a local family. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, book a massage or opt for an elephant safari.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSigiriya Rock Climb
DAY 4

Cooking & Temple Tour

We journey into the Knuckle Mountain Range, stopping at a spice garden to learn about local ingredients. Then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking class. In the afternoon, explore Kandy by tuk tuk before visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedSpice Garden, Cooking Class, Tuk Tuk Tour, Temple of the Tooth
DAY 5

Tea & Train Journey

This morning we tour a tea estate, picking and tasting some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea. After lunch, hop on the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, often rated as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedTea Estate Visit, Train Journey
DAY 6

Free Day in Ella

Today is all yours. Hike to Ella Rock or Diyaluma Falls, stretch out in a yoga class, treat yourself to a massage or just relax poolside. Ella is laid-back and beautiful, so take it at your own pace.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
DAY 7

Peaks & Safari

We start the day hiking Little Adam’s Peak and visiting the world-famous Nine Arch Bridge. Then we travel to Udawalawe for an unforgettable elephant safari. Bring an overnight bag for this jungle stay.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedGuided Ella Hikes, Elephant Safari
DAY 8

South to Mirissa

Wake up to jungle sounds before heading south to Mirissa. This chilled beach town is perfect for an afternoon swim, some beach lounging or renting a surfboard. End the day watching sunset from Coconut Tree Hill.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
DAY 9

Beach Day in Mirissa

You’ve got the full day to do whatever you fancy. Go whale watching if the season is right, join a surf lesson, or unwind with a massage. Prefer a slower pace? Lounge on the beach with a fresh coconut and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you're feeling active or laid-back, today is yours to enjoy however you like.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
DAY 10

Galle Ride & Fort Walk

Cycle through the countryside and past rice paddies, stopping to visit a local school. Then head into Galle to explore its historic Dutch Fort and browse shops and cafes. Relax for the rest of the day or enjoy the beach.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedGalle Fort, Galle Bike Ride, Visit a Local School
DAY 11

Mangroves & Colombo

Spend a relaxed morning on the beach before visiting the 2004 Tsunami Memorial. Afterward, cruise through the mangrove forests of Madu River where you might spot birds and fishing villages along the way. We then continue to Colombo for our final night together.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedTsunami Memorial, Madu River Boat Excursion
DAY 12

Final Goodbyes

After one final breakfast together, it’s time to say goodbye. Check out and head off for your flight or continue your travels. If you need help arranging anything, your guide will be there to support you. Thanks for making unforgettable memories with us in Sri Lanka.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast

Optional Extras

£70
£55
£220

All This Included & More!

  • 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