Backpacking Sri Lanka (15 days)

Breakfast is included and then we're off to the Sri Lankan countryside! En route to Dambulla, we make a stop off at the lesser-known Elephant Rock for the first of many epic viewpoints. Then, check-in at the hotel before sunset explorations of the World Heritage Dambulla Cave - also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Scientists have dated remains found here back to the 1st century BCE!

Sirigiya Rock - also known as Lion Rock - is likely the most famous and well-known site in all of Sri Lanka! There once stood a sprawling palace and fortress at the summit, then a Buddhist monastery. Oh, and the summit towers 200 metres high. Today, we wind our way up the stairs to soak in the epic views and learn about the history of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site. The final trip of the day is at sunset -adjacent to Sirigiya Rock is Pidurangala Rock and a quick 25-minute walk to the summit provides some seriously breathtaking views... and photos!

We've prepared for you a unique experience in the local village of Sigiriya. Take a walk through the rustic rural community, experience conventional rice fields, vegetable farming, cultivation of native yams and other crops, poultry keeping, and much more. You're sure to be hungry by this point, so we have an authentic Sri Lankan curry with rice and roti too. At the end of the trip, you would have experienced true Sri Lankan hospitality immersed with warmth and genuine smiles.

Catch the sunrise over Kandy Lake (if you so please)! Today is a dedicated day for you to rest and do as you want. Kandy is a vibrant city, boasting a lively nightlife scene, bars clubs and endless restaurants for you to explore.

Let's go trekking! Start the day wandering through some of the most picturesque tea plantations of Sri Lanka, known as Little Adam's Peak. At the summit, you will be greeted but a dramatic 360-degree view that is straight out of a postcard. After today's trek, your specialised local guide for the afternoon will break down the entire tea production process from seedlings to that delicious cuppa that we love oh so much. Then some time to explore the lovely mountain town of Ella.

Cooking lessons are the best lessons! Now that your appetite is ready for a feast, we're off for a full-on Sri Lankan cooking class given by a welcoming family in their own home. A home tucked away in the mountains surrounding Ella and that provide some jaw-dropping views for the morning. After the cooking lesson and lunch, a quick walk to 9-Arch Bridge for one of the most famous viewpoints in all of Sri Lanka. By this point you will agree, it's hard to find a bad view in this country.

Diyaluma Falls soars 220 m (720 ft) high and is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. This makes for the perfect stop off as we head south from Ella to Udawalawe National Park. The trek to the top winds up to a big view and pools perfect for a cool-off dip. You can also take the plunge with a cliff jump into the many pools scattered here. Did we mention the views are epic? Then off for a night in Udalawalwe National Park.

Early pick-up from the specialised jeeps for the morning safari! This will likely be a top highlight of your Sri Lanka tour. A park guide will join each jeep to explain what you see, the history of the park, and to provide their years of insight into the many herds of elephants who call Udawalawe National Park home. You can expect to see wild herds of elephants - and also crocodiles, toque monkeys, water buffalo, Sambur deer, many bird species, and more. After an epic safari, we head to the coast and the coast of Weligama, a major tourist attraction of Sri Lanka known for its beach and corals.

Weligama Beach offers the ideal conditions for a surf lesson with soft, sandy bottoms, moderate swell, and great views. This is just a short skip up the coast and this is where you will spend the afternoon learning how to get up on that surfboard! The groups are broken down into small groups and this is definitely appropriate for first-timer surfers. After the surf lesson, we're off to the famous Coconut Hill for an epic sunset over Mirissa Beach. Sri Lanka sunsets never disappoint!

Soak up the sun by the pool, or check out the stunning beaches right next to your hotel! In the afternoon, we will visit turtle beach followed by sunset at the famous coconut hill.

Morning cycle tour to see why Unawatuna is Sri Lanka's best-kept secret adventure spot! Our local guides lead a winding route through the stunning tea plantations and along the dramatic coastline. Learn about the local way of life from the locals themselves, no better way. After, chill at the hotel pool, grab a beach cabana on Unawatuna Beach, and we must say the seafood here is top-notch. Treat yourself, you're on holiday! Another sunset on Unawatuna is a great option but you can elect to do as you please with the rest of this day.

Galle has been a bustling port town dating back to 125–150 AD when local Sinhalese merchants traded here with the Ancient Greeks. Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese. Then the Dutch took control and heavily fortified the fort during the 17th century. Sri Lanka has invested heavily to retain the integrity of the original buildings and fort structure where today we explore, and check out the famous lighthouse.

Soak in some morning rays on the beach, this is the last beach day and the final full day of the tour.. we're not crying, you're crying! Before we head to Colombo, we stop by the Honganji Vihara Tsunami Monument and Tsunami Photo Museum to learn about the devastating effects of the 2004 tsunami. The local communities here and spread throughout the country are still recovering to this day. Your entry ticket (included) to the photo museum supports the reconstruction of the local volunteers who manage the museum. Then off to Colombo for a farewell feast (also included) and a final evening with your travel mates.

Sri Lanka tour complete! Enjoy a final breakfast together and say your farewells and 'until-next-times' before catching your airport transfer (included) and flight home - or heading off to continue your travels. You've covered some serious ground over the last 15 days. If all goes to plan, this incredible country and everyone you met along the way will stick with you for a lifetime.