Up to 41% off!

Up to 41% off!

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.

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  • 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

£1399 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length12 Days
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities12
  • No. Of Meals15
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Starting PointNegombo
  • Ending PointColombo

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Map

Tour Itinerary

A modern hotel room featuring two beds, white bedding, and a large window with light curtains.
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
A group of smiling backpackers poses on Pidurangala rock, overlooking Sigiriya and a vast green landscape.
A person views a giant golden reclining Buddha statue inside the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple.
A beautiful hotel swimming pool glowing blue at night, surrounded by illuminated trees and lounge chairs.
Comfortable hotel room in Dambulla with a large bed, two chairs, and a bowl of fresh fruit.
Peaceful hotel veranda in Dambulla with a traditional cart and outdoor seating overlooking a green garden.
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
A group of backpackers rests on stone steps between the giant lion paws of Sigiriya rock.
People walk along a green pathway lined with ancient ruins towards the majestic Sigiriya Rock.
A happy group of backpackers posing in front of Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka, after a climb.
A beautiful hotel swimming pool glowing blue at night, surrounded by illuminated trees and lounge chairs.
Comfortable hotel room in Dambulla with a large bed, two chairs, and a bowl of fresh fruit.
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
Smiling tourists and local chefs in aprons during a Sri Lankan cooking class in Kandy.
Fresh ingredients like pumpkin, chicken, and lentils prepared for a Sri Lankan cooking class in Kandy.
An elegant, spacious interior of a historic hotel in Kandy with arched passages and wooden display cases.
A comfortable hotel bedroom in Kandy with a double bed, green canopy, and traditional decor.
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
A blue train crosses the iconic Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, surrounded by lush green Sri Lankan jungle.
A joyful traveler leans from a blue train window, waving through green tea plantations in Sri Lanka.
A joyful traveler with arms outstretched in a lush green tea estate in Sri Lanka.
A young woman with a basket on her back picks tea leaves at a tea estate in Sri Lanka.
Bright blue infinity pool with a hotel patio, yellow umbrella, and lush green hills in Ella.
A modern hotel room in Ella with two single beds, wooden furniture, and a wall-mounted TV.
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
Four happy women in swimsuits drink coconuts, laughing on a sunny day in Ella, Sri Lanka.
Joyful travelers in swimsuits pose on rocks by a beautiful cascading waterfall in Ella, Sri Lanka.
Bright blue infinity pool with a hotel patio, yellow umbrella, and lush green hills in Ella.
A comfortable hotel room in Ella with two beds, a desk, and a balcony overlooking lush greenery.
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
Travelers sit on the edge of the misty Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka, surrounded by green hills.
Two happy women with arms raised celebrating a hike on Little Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka.
Happy travelers enjoying a safari ride in a red jeep through the Udawalawe wilderness.
Smiling friends on a safari jeep driving through the lush green Udawalawe jungle.
A backpacker sits on Little Adam's Peak, contemplating the vast, lush green mountain landscape of Sri Lanka.
A smiling woman stands beside an elephant in a sunny, green safari landscape.
Elephants graze peacefully in a lush green field under a vibrant sunset sky in Udawalawe.
Friends relax with drinks on a lit lawn outside a modern lodge in Udawalawe at dusk.
A bright blue swimming pool in front of a two-story glamping resort in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka.
Comfortable tented room with three beds and a balcony overlooking a lush jungle in Udawalawe.
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
Happy backpackers pose on Coconut Tree Hill overlooking the ocean at dusk in Mirissa.
A modern white hotel with a swimming pool and lounge chairs under a sunny sky in Mirissa.
Two happy women toast drinks on a balcony overlooking a tropical bay in Mirissa.
A clean, modern hotel room with two single beds, blue accents, and wooden wall panels.
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
Tropical Mirissa beach in Sri Lanka with turquoise water, sandy shore, and a green island with a stupa.
Sunny Mirissa beach with golden sand, tall palm trees, thatched cabanas, and lounge chairs.
Two people walk along the sandy beach in Mirissa, Sri Lanka, carrying surfboards on a sunny day.
A modern white hotel with a swimming pool and lounge chairs under a sunny sky in Mirissa.
A clean, modern hotel room with two single beds, blue accents, and wooden wall panels.
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
Galle Fort's historic stone walls and clock tower overlook the vibrant turquoise ocean and town.
Tourists cycle on a dirt path through lush green Sri Lankan countryside with rice paddies.
People explore the historic Galle Fort and its iconic clock tower under a bright blue sky.
A modern white hotel with a swimming pool and lounge chairs under a sunny sky in Mirissa.
A clean, modern hotel room with two single beds, blue accents, and wooden wall panels.
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
Majestic golden Buddha statue stands tall amidst lush palm trees and reflective waters in Sri Lanka.
Vibrant sunset sky reflected in a resort swimming pool lined with palm trees in Colombo.
Modern hotel room in Colombo featuring two single beds with red bedding and a bright window.
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
Serene resort pool with blue lounge chairs, tall palm trees, and a glimpse of the ocean in Colombo.
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

Tour Dates

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