Small group trip · Sri Lanka · 12 days
Best of
Sri Lanka
From coastal villages to misty mountains, this trip reveals the best of southern and central Sri Lanka. Picture jungle hideaways, forest monasteries, surf beaches and everyday moments of connection.
You’ll wander ancient ruins and temples, share home-cooked meals with local families, and spot elephants where they actually belong. Our route avoids the busiest circuits, so instead of following tour buses, you’ll meet villagers, conservationists and fishermen who bring the country’s layered history and modern challenges to life.
Built forUnder 35s
Start and endColombo
Over 35, or rather go at your own pace? Try our DIY trip kit or bespoke trip planning, built from the same knowledge and contacts we have in the region
Highlights
- Sunrise over Sigiriya Rock from the top of Pidurangala
- One of the world’s most scenic train rides, through tea country to Ella
- Wild elephants around Habarana
- An ancient monastery hidden in the jungle, often with no one else there
- A home-cooked feast with a local family
- A surf lesson in the laid-back bay of Hiriketiya
Day by day
Route
- NegomboDay 1
- KandyDays 2–3
- HabaranaDays 4–6
- EllaDays 7–8
- TangalleDay 9
- HiriketiyaDay 10
- ColomboDays 11–12
Day 1 · Arrival and welcome dinner
Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive at your own pace and settle into the laid-back coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from the airport. Nothing is scheduled until our 7pm welcome dinner, so stroll the beach, watch the fishing boats come in with the day’s catch, or explore the countryside by bicycle.
Day 2 · Volunteering, then into the hills
Kandy
This morning you can volunteer with The Pearl Protectors, a respected marine conservation organisation, or explore Colombo’s lively streets and markets. In the afternoon we head into the hill country and on to Kandy.
Volunteer placements depend on the organisation’s needs and your background, and may include research, strategy work, turtle conservation, clean-ups or community outreach. The exact day may shift depending on where the project is based.
Day 3 · Kandy and a hilltop time capsule
Kandy
Breakfast overlooking the green ridgelines around Kandy, then a free day to explore the city. At sunset we visit a quirky, antique-filled hilltop home packed with stories, heirlooms and an unexpectedly colourful family history.
Day 4 · Into elephant country
Habarana
Head north to Habarana and settle into the jungle. This is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants in the wild: on an afternoon safari, by the roadside, or if you’re lucky, wandering nearby at dusk. The afternoon is yours to relax.
Day 5 · Pidurangala sunrise and a cooking class
Habarana
Rise early to hike Pidurangala, famous for its sunrise views over Sigiriya Rock and the jungle. In the afternoon, join a local family for a hands-on cooking class using local spices and fresh produce.
Day 6 · A monastery hidden in the jungle
Habarana
Explore an ancient Buddhist monastery deep in the jungle, a truly off-the-beaten-path site where you may have the centuries-old ruins to yourselves. Hungry for more? Continue in the afternoon to the cave temples of Dambulla or the rock fortress of Sigiriya.
Day 7 · The scenic train to Ella
Ella
Travel into the highlands by road to Nanuoya, then board one of the world’s most scenic train rides for the final stretch to Ella, past rolling tea fields, waterfalls and mountain views. Sunset over the hills and a relaxed evening in town.
Day 8 · Waterfalls and Nine Arch Bridge
Ella
Spend the morning climbing and swimming through natural rock pools and cascades in Ella’s lush valleys. In the afternoon, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge. If time allows, join a sunset meditation led by a nearby Buddhist monk, or relax in town.
Day 9 · Fishing harbour and a family feast
Tangalle
Arrive in Tangalle by midday, with free time to rest or wander down to the harbour and its brightly painted fishing boats.
Day 10 · Surf bay
Hiriketiya
Arrive at the laid-back surf bay of Hiriketiya. Depending on the waves, our group surf lesson is this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Otherwise, explore the cafés, swim in the sheltered bay or look for turtles near the shore.
Day 11 · Last surf, then Colombo
Colombo
If we didn’t surf yesterday, we’ll do it this morning before travelling to Colombo. You’re welcome to leave the trip here instead. Travelling on? We’re happy to suggest other places to explore in Sri Lanka.
Day 12 · Departure day
Colombo
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
The itinerary may shift due to weather, road conditions or local factors.
What’s included
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners, including welcome and goodbye dinners. Some travel days mean a lighter packed meal.
10 nights in hotels and guesthouses and 1 hostel night in a room shared only with our group. Shared rooms with individual beds, at places rated 8.5+.
Private transfers, taxis, local and tourist buses, and the scenic Nanuoya to Ella train.
ActivitiesSurf, cooking, hikes and the hill train
Surf lesson, cooking class, Pidurangala sunrise hike, Kandy historic home, Ritigala jungle monastery, waterfalls and Nine Arch Bridge.
An experienced leader on the ground with you the whole way, plus local guides and their tips.
Interested in leading? Tell us when you apply and we’ll assess you on the trip.
Pay on the day if you want them: Dambulla, Sigiriya and a safari (cost depends on group size). Not included: flights to and from Sri Lanka, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional add-ons beyond the group itinerary.
Dates and prices
Private rooms available for an extra cost, enquire after you sign up. Optional add-on: volunteering with The Pearl Protectors (+£100 donation). Can’t make these dates? Apply anyway and we’ll see what we can do, or register interest in future trips.
How joining works
Fill in the short application form so we can get to know you.
We’ll chat so you can ask questions and know exactly what to expect.
When you’re ready we send a link to secure your spot.
The rest is due a month before departure. We’ll send a reminder.
Why travel with OTW
Groups that make sense
Built for under 35s, group sizes no larger than 10, so you travel as new friends.
Access built on years of local knowledge and trusted contacts.
We work directly with communities and local organisations.
A community after the trip
Friendship and the chance to come back as a leader and travel free.
from £1,390
Departures November and December