Sri Lanka 360° Winter
The trip in a nutshell
Embark on an enchanting tour of Sri Lanka to uncover its cultural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and mesmerizing seas.
Join us on a captivating journey starting from the picturesque fishing village of Negombo, just 8km away from Colombo, the capital city. Our thoughtfully curated itinerary will lead you on a mesmerizing exploration across the entire island, revealing the eighth wonder of the world and the hidden gems that make this place truly enchanting. Often referred to as "the teardrop of India," Sri Lanka promises an unforgettable group tour, immersing you in an extraordinary gastronomic culture and profound religious experiences. This unique adventure will leave you with cherished memories that go beyond just capturing perfect Instagram shots; instead, they will find a special place in your heart, etching an indelible mark on your soul.
Trip type
360º - it's our great classic that allows you to discover the destination in all its aspects. We recommend packing a backpack rather than a suitcase as there will be lots of moving around.
Physical rating
MODERATE - this itinerary may involve hiking or other activities that require a moderate amount of physical effort. Be prepared for some potential long transfers and early wake up calls!
Entry requirements
Please visit your country's official government website to find out the necessary requirements for entering the country of destination.
Arrival and departure
This trip starts and ends in Negombo. Aim to arrive on the first day by 5pm - on the last day you are free to leave whenever! Negombo is a 30-minute taxi ride from Colombo, the capital, so you'll need to purchase flights to this city.
What's included
11 nights accommodation in shared rooms
All breakfasts
Minivan with private driver from day 2 to day 11
Petrol for the minivan
Rafting in Kitulgala on day 6
Must see: a breathtaking journey on a local train, from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, surrounded by endless rice plantations (subject to availability)
Cooking class on day 8
Travel Coordinator services
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Itinerary
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Check-in: our adventure starts in Negombo
Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.
We are 30 minutes from the capital of the country. In this fishing village we immediately immerse ourselves in the culture and tradition of this welcoming country. In the evening, we get to know each other with a tasty typical dinner.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
Anuradhapura: in the historical park between spirituality and Buddhism
The cultural triangle
Today we are waking up super early to head to our first stop: Anuradhapura, one of the cities of the so-called Cultural Triangle. Anuradhapura is not exactly a city, but more of a giant historical park dotted with ancient ruins. Our local guide will tell us the secrets of this magical place: take off your shoes and walk barefoot around these sacred Buddhist sites.
Temple of the Sacred Tree
This incredible temple is where the pilgrims, all dressed in white, gather for their prayers and it features what is considered the oldest tree in the world; to reach the temple we will hike a short distance, surrounded by little monkeys!
Ruwanwelisaya
It’s a huge and majestic white Dagoba (sanctuary), the biggest in the country. Tradition dictates it is repainted white every year. You can only admire the outside structure because the inside is empty, and that is why the building doesn't have any windows.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
Discovering the cradle of Buddhism and typical cuisine: Mihintale
The heart of Buddhism
Good morning, WeRoaders! Are you ready for the day? After breakfast we are heading to Mihintale, a small village with a lot of character considered by many the cradle of Buddhism. We will be climbing a small peak (1800 steps!) to reach two different Stupa as well as a refectory in which the old monks of the monastery used to share their meals and their thoughts. Once we reach the top you won't be disappointed by the amazing view awaiting: the giant statue of the white Buddha, standing tall in the middle of the green jungle.
After such a spiritual journey to the top, we deserve to be spoiled by one of the greatest pleasures in life: food! During the afternoon get ready to tuck into many different dishes during our food tour through the restaurants of Sigiriya. As we walk through the colourful local markets, wrapped in the scent of exotic spices, we will be tasting typical dishes from Sri Lankan cuisine such as idiyappam and pol roti: a true journey through the flavours of the country.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
The Lion Rock in Sigiriya: the eighth wonder of the world
The Eighth Wonder of the World
Today we wake up in Sigiriya and head out to admire the famous Lion’s Rock, considered by many the Eighth Wonder of the World. It may sound like another day of hiking and climbing (1200 steps!) but we promise you, it’s totally worth it! Pose in front of the famous Lion’s Claws then head inside to admire the beautiful fresco paintings; finally, once you reach the summit, you will find a breathtaking view of the island, making this hike a truly unforgettable part of your trip. After lunch we are off to Polonnaruwa, an archaeological site dotted with ancient temples and monuments; the best way to enjoy the sights is to hire a bike or a tuk tuk in order to easily move from one area to the other, without missing out on all there is to see! Definitely a must are The Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle and Gal Viharaya, a wonderful spot to catch the sunset. Tonight we have one more night in Sigiriya, before heading out to the next stop on our trip.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
From the Golden Temple of Dambulla to the Tooth Temple of Kendy
Temples and markets
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is not very far from our accommodation, so we are heading there first thing in the morning, before setting off to Kandy. Dambulla is made up of five caves, extremely well preserved and finely decorated. The complex boasts multiple Buddhist statues and the path through the caves offers scenic views overlooking the green jungle below. A truly unmissable experience! Watch out for the cheeky little monkeys, though: they’ll try to steal what they can from you, even your sunglasses!
After about an hour's journey, we will make a brief stop in Matale, located on the Spice Gardens’ route. Explore the local shops and the secrets of traditional medicine; relax with a massage and breathe in the scent of the natural essential oils. The food is truly amazing, with dishes including plenty of vegetables, rice and noodles, as well as chicken and fish. Once we arrive in Kandy, we will take part in the extraordinary Ceremony of the Tooth, inside the temple. It happens every night and it is truly a must see! Believers pay their respects to the relic of Buddha's sacred tooth, through music, incense, prayers, lanterns, drums and dancing. Breathe in the spiritual devotion of the crowd and experience the ceremony like the locals do.
Included:overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
Rafting excursion and Adam's Peak
On the road
On our way to Nuwara Eliya we cannot help but stop at one of the tea plantations in the area. You will be able to sip a freshly made cup of tea right there at the factory where the tea leaves are picked and processed; you surely can’t get a better cuppa anywhere else! The whole area is one of astounding natural beauty and we can stop to visit as many places as we like, including the wonderful waterfalls of Ramboda Fall.
An adrenaline-pumping pit stop awaits us. Helmet, oars and jacket in hand, we embark on an adventurous descent of the Kelani river waterfalls in the town of Kitulgala: the time has come for rafting !
Adam’s Peak
Get ready, because we are spending the night on Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain to four different religions. After dinner we are setting off, together with lots of pilgrims, aiming to reach the monastery by sunrise. The journey is long but you’ll be able to find plenty of refreshments, blankets (it may get a little cold on the summit) and even massage studios on the way. Just imagine the spiritual awakening you will experience at sunrise!
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport, Kitulgala rafting activity
Money Pot: excursion to Adam's peak, any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
*The excursion is not guaranteed from mid-May to the end of November, the itinerary may be subject to change
The Plantations and the little England of Sri Lanka
Tea plantations
After witnessing an awe-inspiring sunrise and a spiritually powerful experience atop Adam's Peak, you'll probably feel a little tired. This is why this day will be totally dedicated to relaxation. This morning we head towards Nuwara Eliya and, during our journey, we cannot do without a visit to one of the unique tea plantations in the Kandy area. Tasting this drink directly from the artisanal factories - where the leaves are processed - is an unmissable experience. The drive is incredibly scenic.
Deserved relaxation
Finally we arrive in Nuwara Eliya. That is why we have a place booked for us, to rest throughout the day. For the tireless WeRoaders we have a few more adventures to enjoy: a cooking class to embrace the art and flavours of singhalese cuisine. Or why not take a stroll down the streets of Nuwara Eliya, to admire the colonial architecture of the buildings, from the red brick post office to the magnificent hotels, all the way to the central market square, where you will be able to buy some cute souvenirs.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
From Nuwara Eliya to Ella on the world's most spectacular train
Train travel
Have you ever heard of the most beautiful train ride ever? Well, you are about to experience it in all its glory. The train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella takes about two and half hours; this particular type of train rides on a narrow railway, through stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations and mountain views. Can’t contain your enthusiasm and want to do some more? Then get ready to walk the trail to Ella’s Rock, a one-and-a-half-hour hike which will guide you to the summit, where you can take in the wonderful view and breathe in the fresh air. Ella’s town centre is quite small but here you can find everything you need: a restaurant, a guesthouse, a market, tuk-tuk and a tea shop. This little mountain village is perfect for excursions to discover the natural landscapes the place has to offer, from rocky peaks to woodlands dotted with lakes and waterfalls, rivers and streams.
Tonight's dinner will be a real challenge, putting our culinary skills to the test. We put on our aprons - we are ready for a cooking class of traditional Sinhalese cuisine. We will prepare a proper five-course menu and of course we have to commit: it will be our dinner.
Another exciting part of Sri Lanka to explore!
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, train journey (subject to availability), cooking class with dinner
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: other food and drinks
Finally the Sea: Mirissa Beach and Unawatuna Beach
On the road
We’re setting off in the morning and heading to the seaside, to Mirissa and Unawatuna beaches; they are so spectacular we couldn't just pick one and that’s why we are visiting both! We’ll only be stopping for a quick lunch in one of the fishermen’s villages on the way.
Mirissa
This is Sri Lanka’s most popular beach, famous for its clean, fine sand and surrounded by rocks and tall palm trees. Keep an eye out and try to spot the whales in the distance, as well as turtle eggs hatching in the sand. This is also an ideal spot for water sports like surfing, if the waves are tall enough, or snorkelling.
Unawatuna
A strip of white sand with many wooden huts along the beach, in which you can unwind with an ayurvedic massage: so relaxing! This beach is also the perfect spot to enjoy a dreamlike sunset, with the view of the buddhist temple peeking from the cliffs. We will have dinner in one of the many typical restaurants on the beach and enjoy a memorable night of dancing barefoot on the sand!
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
Relaxing by the sea among the Bentota turtles at sunset
Vitamin Sea
Are you ready for another fun day at the beach? Let's start with a hearty breakfast and a stroll around the streets of Galle, a fascinating colonial town. After that, our first stop of the day is Induruwa, a wild paradise on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Later on, we’ll be heading to Bentota, a huge, deserted stretch of beach where you can bask in the peace and breathe in the tranquillity of this tropical paradise. Here, we will be able to visit a turtle sanctuary, where turtles are monitored and taken care of, especially when the eggs are hatching. As soon as the baby turtles are born, they are transferred to special pools where researchers can observe and protect them; holding one of them in your hands will surely be one of the highlights of your WeRoad experience!
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
Last day in Negombo
Let's enjoy the last day
It’s the last morning in this beautiful paradise, catching the last rays of sunshine and basking in the heat. In the afternoon, we are heading back to Negombo. In the evening we are meeting up all together for our farewell dinner, sharing some delicious food, as well as stories about our last two weeks together and celebrating the end of our wonderful adventure. It's our last night in Sri Lanka so let’s make it one we won’t forget!
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, transport
Money Pot: any entrance fees
Not included: food and drinks
Goodbye Sri Lanka
Check-out and goodbyes
Time to say goodbye ): Until our next WeRoad Adventure!
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
End of services. The itinerary may undergo some variations that differ from what is stated above. These variations may be unforeseen or beyond WeRoad’s control, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.

The travel coordinators
Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before
From mid-May to late November, the Adam's Peak hike is off-season. Given windy and cloudy conditions it is often not possible to see the mountain. During these months the itinerary for days 6-8 will vary. Day 6 will be spent in Nuwara Eliya and day 7 and 8 will be spent in Ella. Your Travel Coordinator will have stellar activity options for your group to choose from! If you're looking to travel during the summer months, click here!
Info to know
Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
Available dates
11 people interested
11 people interested
Travel coordinator
Joseph
Group
7 WeRoaders
Travel coordinator
Joseph
Group
7 WeRoaders
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Round-trip flights are not included in any of our trips because we like to give you autonomy and flexibility: you can choose the airline you want to fly with, the departure airport that suits you best, and how many and which stops you want to make.
Since flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: if possible, you can arrive at your destination a few days earlier or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
This is the question of all questions, and here’s the answer, broken down into points!
The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
It is used to streamline paymentsfor extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
You’ll find the amount of the money pot on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the money pot’ – how do you get there? Look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money pot? Click here’, and you’ll find the details.
The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
It is used exclusively for group expenses that ALL participants decide to take part in.
It is estimated based on the experiences of other groups but can vary depending on the needs of the group itself. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
If not all of the money pot is used, the difference will be returned to all participants at the end of the trip in equal amounts.
The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the money pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
If you pay in advance part of the money pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded in case of trip cancellation.
We offer several payment methods to meet all needs:
1. Credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
2. Installment payments for certain countries only
If you choose the deposit and balance option, you can pay the balance from your MyWeRoad Personal Area via bank transfer.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
In general, we always choose local accommodations, avoiding large hotel chains, because we love to experience the culture of the place and, whenever possible, contribute to the local economy. Typically, our accommodations are hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and hostels run by local entrepreneurs, with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
For our Collection trips, which are our premium category, the accommodations are always 4 or 5-star or carefully selected boutique hotels.
The list of accommodations for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator between 5 and 3 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
If you're wondering why WeRoad trips have a money pot, we’re assuming you already know what it is. If not, or if you have any doubts, we invite you to read all the information here!
Let’s quickly recap: The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator. It’s used to speed up payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
But let’s get to the point: why the money pot? First of all: it gives us a lot of flexibility. In all WeRoad trips you will have a bunch of Must See/Must Do activities already included - these are experiences, places or activities that simply cannot be missed! Any extra activities is decided by the group, why? Because each group is unique and may have particular wants or desires and the Money Pot allows each group to customise their trip to make it perfect for their requirements!
It also helps us speed up payments – imagine being in the subway in New York City, one by one purchasing the ticket...a nightmare right? Thanks to the Money Pot, the Travel Coordinator can simply purchase the tickets for everyone making the entire processes smoother! Any leftover money will be returned at the end of the trip and split equally amongst all participants.
In some destinations, buying goods or services on site is more economical as you are able to negotiate the price - places like Morocco, or South East Asia, bargaining is part of the culture. As such, our Travel Coordinators will be able to secure the best deal for all participants.
The amount of the money pot is specified in each trip – look for this button
which will take you to a detailed breakdown for each trip, like this:
WeRoad is not authorised to provide this information due to privacy reasons.
However, there is a solution - you can connect with your travel buddies by joining our Facebook group. Look for a post related to your trip, or ask the group admins for help in connecting with your future travel companions!
If a Travel Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you're interested in, you can easily find their introduction post in the group via the website: in the tour list, click on 'Ask the coordinator', or in the trip details page, in the coordinator section, click on 'Ask [coordinator's name] for information on this trip in our Facebook group'. For both cases, see the screenshots below!
Tour List
Trip details page
In all our groups, the Travel Coordinator and participants speak English – knowing how to speak and understand English is therefore a fundamental requirement to participate in our trips.
On average the groups are made up of 6-15 people, with a minimum of 3/4 participants and a maximum of 15.
All our travellers are in theirs 20s, 30s and 40s. If you're very curios to know the age range of the group for a tour you're interested in, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +447716573700
Regarding the male-female ratio, this is not guaranteed and varies trip by trip.
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller and will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will be available for any eventuality and will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary (transports, timings, accommodations, meeting points, etc.), so you can enjoy the trip without any worries!
You will have the chance to get to know them when the WhatsApp group is created approximately 2 weeks before departure - this will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking – their details will be specified in the schedule or on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your Personal Area, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, in all our trips you will share a room with other same-sex travellers, and the bathroom will either be private or shared only with fellow participants of the trip. The rooms we select can be doubles, triples, quadruples, or multi-bed (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
There are never dorms with people outside the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodations like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
During the booking process, you can also choose to opt for a mixed room: in this case, if needed, only those who have agreed to this option may share a room with travellers of a different sex. If you are booking for multiple people together and select this option, the room will not be exclusive to your group but may be shared with other travellers in the group.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'Once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you, even if you no longer travel with us.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. We can also meet up for a dinner or a trek together at one of the events organised by our coordinators around the world!