Sri Lanka: Leopard Safaris, Tea Highlands & Ancient Temples
About Sri Lanka - From $2,999.00 USD
Sri Lanka rarely does one thing at a time. In Yala, leopards move through the undergrowth as if daring you to look away, while up in Ella and Nuwara Eliya, tea terraces climb into the mist and the pace slows to a crawl. Ancient temples, sun-warmed coastal towns, and home-cooked curry round out an island that somehow fits several countries' worth of character into one.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
Your G for Good Moment: Reed Weaving Community Project, Dambulla
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting & Dinner - Meet your CEO and Group, Colombo. Madu River boat safari through mangroves and village waterways in Ambalangoda. Traditional mask-making workshop and cultural visit in Ambalangoda. Authentic home-style cooking experience with a local family in Tissamaharama. Visit to the sacred Kataragama Shrine and evening devotional ceremony. Leopard safari and wildlife game drives in Yala National Park. Scenic stop at Ravana Falls and journey through Sri Lanka’s southern highlands. Walk across Nine Arch Bridge and tea country viewpoints in Ella. Trek through Horton Plains National Park to World’s End. Tea factory visit and colonial town exploration in Nuwara Eliya. Cultural exploration and Temple of the Tooth visit in Kandy. Community craft experience and village lunch in Kandy region. Village coconut experience and rural artisan visit in Naula. Climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and exploration of ancient royal ruins. Cycling through Dambulla countryside villages and farmland. Cave temple visit in Dambulla. Arrival and departure transfers. All transportation included between activities. All tips except for CEO and porterage.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Track leopards through Yala National Park's dense wilderness, Climb into Ella and Nuwara Eliya's misty tea-covered highlands, Step inside ancient temples and fortresses at UNESCO sites, Wander sun-warmed coastal towns along Sri Lanka's southern shore, Cook and share a traditional meal during a village visit
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 15, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, safari vehicle, walking, cycling.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (10 nts)
Itinerary
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Arrival in Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your tour begins at the Colombo airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and CEO to learn more about the trip ahead, then enjoy a welcome dinner together.
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Southern Sri Lanka
Depart Colombo and travel south to Ambalangoda, enjoying views of Sri Lanka’s scenic coastline along the way. Enjoy a boat ride through peaceful mangrove waterways, including visits to traditional coir rope-making communities. Continue to the Tukkawadu Mask Museum and Conservation Centre to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich mask-making heritage and participate in a hands-on mask painting experience. Travel to the historic city of Galle and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, with time to wander its charming streets, boutiques, and cafés at your own pace.
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Journey to Yala
Travel to Tissamaharama, a gateway to Yala National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration followed by a freshly prepared lunch. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy some free time to relax before an evening visit to Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the temple during the evening pooja ceremony, offering a fascinating insight into the island’s spiritual traditions.
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Your OMG Day
Today is your OMG Day! Choose how you'd like to experience Sri Lanka's remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes this morning by opting in for an early safari in Yala National Park or enjoy a guided nature walk around Debarawewa, featuring birdwatching, a village visit, and a short tuk-tuk ride through the countryside. Return to the hotel to relax and make the most of the property's facilities before heading out for an afternoon safari in Yala National Park.
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Travel to Nuwara Eliya
Journey through Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country to Ella, stopping along the way to admire the cascading Ravana Falls. Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, where a scenic nature walk offers spectacular views of one of the country's most photographed landmarks, surrounded by lush tea plantations and jungle-covered hills. After free time for lunch, transfer to your hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace before dinner at the hotel in the evening.
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Horton Plains Trek
Set out early for Horton Plains National Park and enjoy a guided trek through one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular highland landscapes. Home to dramatic escarpments, cloud forests, and sweeping grasslands, the park offers breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife.
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Tea Country Journey to Kandy
Travel to Kandy, stopping en route to visit a local tea factory and learn about Sri Lanka’s famous black tea production process. On arrival in Kandy, visit the Sthree Craft Centre, a G Adventures supported project, followed by lunch and a brief panoramic drive through the city. Continue to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural and religious sites. Afterward, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
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Naula Village & Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Depart for the Cultural Triangle, stopping in Naula Village for an immersive coconut experience with a local family, including demonstrations of traditional coir-making, toddy tapping, and coconut crafts. Continue to Sigiriya for lunch and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress before heading to Dambulla/Kandalama for hotel check-in.
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Dambulla
Begin the day with a village cycling tour in Dambulla, offering an immersive look at rural life over peaceful countryside trails. Continue to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO-listed site known for its ancient rock temples and impressive Buddhist murals and statues. In the afternoon, opt in for a safari at Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large elephant gatherings, followed by a guided game drive through the park.
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Dambulla/Negombo
Depart for a visit to a G Adventures supported project and learn about the traditional craft of reed weaving from local artisans. Continue to Kurunegala for free time for lunch before travelling to the coastal town of Waikkal. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure. This evening, come together for a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of your Sri Lankan adventure.
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Departure Day
Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for your onward flight, bringing your Sri Lankan journey to a close.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
