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Journeys: Discover Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was known by early Arab traders as “Serendib,” a name which gave rise to the English word “serendipity.” Set out on an adventure through this serendipitous Indian Ocean isle, exploring stunning palaces, ancient cities, and intricately decorated Buddhist temples. Take a stroll through fragrant spice gardens and lush tea plantations, tasting world-renowned Ceylon tea right at the source, and look out for elephants and leopards on safari in two celebrated national parks.

On Sale
12 DaysColombo to Negombo
Valid on May 5 2026Trip Code: ASING
From $2699.1 USDIncluding taxes and fees

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Age requirements: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Journeys: Discover Sri Lanka - Itinerary

Trip Start: ColomboTrip End: Negombo

DAY 1

Colombo

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Sofia Colombo City Hotel:
Sofia Colombo City Hotel

Journeys: Discover Sri Lanka - Itinerary

Trip Start: ColomboTrip End: Negombo
DAY 1
Colombo

DAY 1

Colombo

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Sofia Colombo City Hotel:
Sofia Colombo City Hotel

DAY 2
Colombo/Wilpattu National Park
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DAY 3
Wilpattu National Park/Anuradhapura
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DAY 4
ANURADHAPURA/HABARANA/DAMBULLA
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DAY 5
Dambulla
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DAY 6
Dambulla/Kandy
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DAY 7
Kandy
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DAY 8
Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
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DAY 9
NUWARA ELIYA/HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK/UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
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DAY 10
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
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DAY 11
Udawalawe/Negombo
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DAY 12
Negombo
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What’s Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wilpattu Safari and Conservation Talk, Wilpattu National Park
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Agricultural Village Experience, Habarana
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: High Tea and Handicrafts, Kandy
  • Your G for Good Moment: Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
  • Your Hands-On Moment: Visit a Coconut Plantation, Colombo
  • Your Foodie Moment: Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration, Udawalawe
  • Arrival transfer
  • Tour of Anuradhapura ruins
  • Tour the Sigiriya rock fortress
  • Dambulla cave temple visit
  • Visit a Matale spice garden
  • Tour the Temple of the Tooth
  • Cultural show
  • Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Tour Nuwara Eliya area and a Ceylon tea plantation
  • Hike in Horton Plains National Park
  • Safari drive in Udawalawe National Park
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
  • Hotel/lodges – 8 nts, tented camp – 3 nts.
Meals
  • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transportation
  • Private vehicle, boat, 4x4, walking.
Staff & experts
  • National Geographic Expedition Leader

Journeys: Discover Sri Lanka Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Mon, Feb 23 2026Fri, Mar 06 2026Open (10)$2,999.65 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Mon, Mar 02 2026Fri, Mar 13 2026Open (6)$3,369 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Mon, Jul 27 2026Fri, Aug 07 2026Open (11)$2,999 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Mon, Nov 30 2026Fri, Dec 11 2026Open (14)$3,369 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Mon, Dec 14 2026Fri, Dec 25 2026Open (15)$3,529 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wilpattu Safari and Conservation Talk, Wilpattu National Park
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Agricultural Village Experience, Habarana
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: High Tea and Handicrafts, Kandy
Your G for Good Moment: Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your Hands-On Moment: Visit a Coconut Plantation, Colombo
Your Foodie Moment: Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration, Udawalawe. Arrival transfer. Tour of Anuradhapura ruins. Tour the Sigiriya rock fortress. Dambulla cave temple visit. Visit a Matale spice garden. Tour the Temple of the Tooth. Cultural show. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Tour Nuwara Eliya area and a Ceylon tea plantation. Hike in Horton Plains National Park. Safari drive in Udawalawe National Park. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Explore ruins and archaeological sites with local experts, take in a lecture on elephant conservation, search out leopards at Wilpattu National Park, enjoy a taste of tea at its source, learn about local ingredients and flavours during a cooking demonstration

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

1. Some culturally significant sights in Sri Lanka may not allow entry to people wearing hats or hijabs, or to those with covered faces. Examples of cultural sites with such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree section or the Anuradhapura Cultural Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple and Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

2. Displaying body art or wearing clothing that includes an image of the Buddha is illegal; please be culturally sensitive and respect the law and should you have any such tattoos, keep them covered at all times.

3. Traveling by road in Sri Lanka is certainly not what people are use to in Western countries. Many road ways are single lane, rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, and overtake in seemingly dangerous situations. Although their are some improvements in the works to the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result, some of the roads are poorly maintained, and this gets even more pronounced during and after the monsoon. As a result, travel time covering relatively short distances is very long in comparison to Western countries.

4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

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