Backpacking Sri Lanka: Express Adventure is a 12-day small-group trip through 7 stops, from $1,655 per person with a $350 deposit. The Dambulla temples, the Sigiriya Rock climb, the tea-country train and beach days in Mirissa. For solo travellers aged 20-45, in groups of 6-20, with 12 activities and 15 meals. Departures run from 9 November 2026.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour a few weeks before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have. You can also join the General Discussion Board on Facebook!
You will get to sample the best of Sri Lankan food... and it is so, so tasty. Breakfasts are typically Western dishes that you would expect to find back home. Sometimes you will have a buffet-style breakfast, and in other locations, you will have simple eggs on toast with fruit. We get that if you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour. As the tour explores different areas of Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to taste the various cuisine styles from around the country. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will also be provided.
We recommend arriving before 4pm on day 1 of your tour. Check in at the hotel on day 1 is at 2 pm with early check in available subject to hotel vacancy. You are free to use the hotel facilities - including the pool - and leave your bags in a secure place if you arrive early before checking in. On departure, we suggest leaving after 12pm in order to enjoy a final breakfast with everyone but if you can find a cheaper flight early in the day, that's no problem at all! Just let us know your flight details in the ‘Login’ area. If your flight arrives before the starting date, we can arrange extra accommodation which includes hotel transfer and breakfast. Please let us know if you want us to arrange this for you.
Your airport pick-up on day 1 is included. Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at any time that day, add your flight details under Flight Details in your account, and someone from our team will meet you and take you to the hotel.
The drop-off at the end is not included. The trip finishes in Colombo after breakfast on day 12, and your guide will help you arrange a taxi to the airport.
The tour finishes in Colombo after breakfast on day 12. An airport drop-off is not included, but your guide will help you book a taxi to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), or plan your onward travel if you are staying on in Sri Lanka.
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Some tours also have an upper age limit, which you'll see in the tour's details at the top of its page. While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.
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