Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Mirissa between temples, panoramic trains, and breathtaking beaches. Head to the most authentic Sri Lanka, the one that smells of curry and freedom. Warning to WeRoaders: it’s addictive and will make you want to stay forever!

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Itinerary

This itinerary has 2 versions

A summer and a winter one. If you are looking for the departure dates forSri Lanka 360° Summer: Sigiriya, Scenic Train to Ella & East Coast Beaches, click here!

This tour of Sri Lanka, often called "the teardrop of India", starts in the picturesque fishing village of Negombo, just 8km from Colombo, the capital city, and crosses the entire island: cultural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches and mesmerizing seas. We climb Sigiriya's Lion’s Rock, the eighth wonder of the world, and explore Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and the Tooth Temple of Kandy.

Then comes rafting in Kitulgala, sunrise on Adam’s Peak, tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, the train to Ella, a safari in Yala National Park and the beaches of Mirissa, Unawatuna and Bentota. Along the way, an extraordinary gastronomic culture and profound religious experiences. The most cherished memories go beyond just capturing perfect Instagram shots: they will find a special place in your heart.

Travel route map of Sri Lanka with a circular itinerary starting and ending in Negombo.
A WeRoad group trip posing for a photo on a rocky viewpoint overlooking a vast green landscape with a prominent rock formation in the distance.

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 start in Negombo, a fishing village 30 minutes from the capital, and immediately immerse ourselves in the culture and traditions of this welcoming country.

  • First dinner together: in the evening, we get to know each other over a tasty typical dinner.

A person with a WeRoad backpack sits on brick ruins overlooking a vast, forested valley from a high viewpoint.

The Cultural Triangle

Super early wake-up call today: we're off to our first stop, Anuradhapura, one of the cities of the so-called Cultural Triangle. More than a city, it's a giant historical park dotted with ancient ruins.

  • Barefoot among sacred sites: our local guide reveals the secrets of this magical place, while we take off our shoes and walk barefoot around the sacred Buddhist sites.

Temple of the Sacred Tree

Pilgrims dressed in white gather here for their prayers, around what is considered the oldest tree in the world.

  • Short hike to the temple: to reach the temple we hike a short distance, surrounded by little monkeys!

Ruwanwelisaya, the great white Dagoba

The Ruwanwelisaya is a huge, majestic white Dagoba (sanctuary), the biggest in the country. Tradition dictates it is repainted white every year.

  • From the outside only: we can only admire it from the outside, because the inside is empty, which is why the building doesn't have any windows.

A WeRoad group trip stands barefoot looking at the camera in front of a giant white seated Buddha statue.

1800 steps, a local village and a sunset hike

Good morning, WeRoaders! After breakfast we head to Mihintale, a small village with a lot of character, considered by many the cradle of Buddhism.

  • Up the 1800 steps: we climb a small peak to reach two different Stupa and a refectory where the old monks of the monastery used to share their meals and thoughts.

  • The white Buddha: at the top, an amazing view of the giant statue of the white Buddha, standing tall in the middle of the green jungle.

  • Lunch in a local village: next, we're guided through a local village to experience the lives of locals and watch the culinary techniques used to prepare our lunch.

  • Sunset on Pidurangala Rock: to walk off the food, we hike up Pidurangala Rock for a great view and a beautiful sunset.

A WeRoad group trip walks along a path through ancient ruins towards a large rock fortress surrounded by a forest.

Lion’s Claws, Polonnaruwa and a cooking class

Today we wake up in Sigiriya to admire the famous Lion’s Rock, considered by many the Eighth Wonder of the World.

  • Up the 1200 steps: another climb, but totally worth it: a photo in front of the famous Lion’s Claws, the beautiful fresco paintings and a breathtaking view of the island from the summit.

  • Polonnaruwa by bike: after lunch we're off to Polonnaruwa, an archaeological site dotted with ancient temples and monuments, best explored on a hired bike.

  • Palace, Quadrangle and Gal Viharaya: the must-sees are the Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle and Gal Viharaya, a wonderful spot to catch the sunset.

  • Cooking class: tonight, aprons on for a cooking class of traditional Sinhalese cuisine: what we cook will be our dinner!

A wide view of vibrant green tea plantations covering terraced hills under a hazy, blue sky.

Caves, spices and the evening ceremony

First thing in the morning we visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, not far from our accommodation, before setting off to Kandy. Watch out for the cheeky little monkeys: they'll try to steal what they can, even your sunglasses!

  • The Dambulla caves: five extremely well preserved, finely decorated caves with multiple Buddhist statues and scenic views over the green jungle.

  • Spice stop in Matale: after about an hour's journey, a brief stop in Matale, on the Spice Gardens’ route, among local shops and the secrets of traditional medicine. The food is truly amazing: plenty of vegetables, rice and noodles, chicken and fish.

  • Time for a massage? We can relax with a massage and breathe in the scent of natural essential oils.

  • Ceremony of the Tooth: in Kandy we take part in the nightly Ceremony of the Tooth inside the temple, where believers honour the relic of Buddha's sacred tooth with music, incense, prayers, lanterns, drums and dancing.

A person with a WeRoad backpack sits on a rock looking at a large reclining Buddha statue carved into a cliff face.

Rafting on the Kelani river

Today an adrenaline-pumping activity awaits us on the way to Nuwara Eliya!

  • Rafting on the Kelani: helmet, oars and jacket in hand, in Kitulgala we take on the Kelani river waterfalls. Time for rafting!

Climbing to the summit by night

Get ready: we're spending the night on Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain to four different religions. It means either a wake-up call around 2am or staying up all night!

  • Night climb with the pilgrims: after dinner we set off with lots of pilgrims, aiming to reach the monastery by sunrise. The climb is challenging, with a steep incline, but very special for locals, and if we're lucky, we'll witness a beautiful sunrise.

  • Stops along the way: the journey is long, but there are refreshments, blankets (it may get a little cold on the summit) and even massage studios.

  • Not up for the hike? Don't worry if you'd rather skip it: non-hikers can stay in bed and meet us for breakfast.

Tea tasting on the way

After the sunrise on Adam's Peak, we'll probably feel a little tired: today is all about relaxation.

  • Scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya: this morning we head towards Nuwara Eliya on an incredibly scenic drive.

  • Tea plantation visit: on the way, we visit one of the unique tea plantations in the Kandy area and taste the tea right in the artisanal factories where the leaves are processed.

Deserved relaxation

We finally arrive in Nuwara Eliya, where a place is booked for us to rest throughout the day. The rest is up to us:

  • Still full of energy? Join a cooking class to embrace the art and flavours of Sinhalese cuisine.

  • A stroll through town? We can admire the colonial architecture, from the red brick post office to the magnificent hotels, all the way to the central market square for some cute souvenirs.

A WeRoad group trip sits in the open doorways of a blue and red train traveling through a lush, green landscape.

Train ride and the hike to Ella’s Rock

Today we experience what many call the most beautiful train ride ever, in all its glory!

  • By train to Ella: the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella takes about two and a half hours on a narrow railway, through lush tea plantations and mountain views.

  • Want more? You can walk the trail to Ella’s Rock, a one-and-a-half-hour hike to the summit, where you can take in a wonderful view and fresh air.

Ella’s town centre is quite small, but here you can find everything we need: a restaurant, a guesthouse, a market, tuk-tuk and a tea shop. This little mountain village is perfect for excursions among rocky peaks, woodlands dotted with lakes and waterfalls, rivers and streams.

A WeRoad group trip of three people relaxing in an infinity pool, looking out at the ocean during a cloudy sunset.

Safari in Yala National Park

Sri Lanka is home to several beautiful National Parks, where safaris let us see incredible wild animals.

  • Ready for a safari? Today we visit Yala National Park, hoping to spot Indian elephants, sloth bears and maybe even some leopards!

Mirissa, Sri Lanka's most popular beach

After lunch it's time to head to the coast: Mirissa is Sri Lanka’s most popular beach, with clean, fine sand, rocks and tall palm trees.

  • Whales and turtles: keep an eye out for whales in the distance and turtle eggs hatching in the sand.

  • Surf or snorkel? It's ideal for water sports: surfing, if the waves are tall enough, or snorkelling.

Unawatuna, sunset and dancing on the sand

Unawatuna is a strip of white sand lined with wooden huts.

  • Fancy an ayurvedic massage? In the huts we can unwind with an ayurvedic massage: so relaxing!

  • Sunset by the cliffs: the perfect spot for a dreamlike sunset, with the Buddhist temple peeking from the cliffs.

  • Dinner and dancing: dinner in one of the many typical beach restaurants, then a memorable night dancing barefoot on the sand!

A large, red brick stupa stands in a grassy field next to a dirt road where a group of monkeys are gathered by a puddle under a blue sky.

Vitamin Sea

Another fun day at the beach starts with a hearty breakfast.

  • Stroll around Galle: we wander the streets of Galle, a fascinating colonial town.

  • Beach stop in Induruwa: first beach of the day, Induruwa is a wild paradise on the west coast of Sri Lanka.

  • On to Bentota: a huge, deserted stretch of beach where you can bask in the peace of this tropical paradise.

  • Meet the baby turtles? Here we can visit a turtle sanctuary: the eggs are monitored and the baby turtles are moved to special pools where researchers observe and protect them.

Holding one in your hands will surely be a highlight of your WeRoad experience!

Strings of colorful Buddhist prayer flags hang over a lush mountain valley as the sun rises on the horizon, illuminating the landscape.

Let's enjoy the last day

Last morning in this beautiful paradise: let's catch the last rays of sunshine!

  • Back to Negombo: in the afternoon we head back to Negombo.

  • Farewell dinner: in the evening, our farewell dinner, with delicious food, stories from our days together and a toast to the end of our wonderful adventure.

Our last night in Sri Lanka: let's make it one we won't forget!

Check-out and goodbyes

Time to say goodbye: until our next WeRoad Adventure!

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages when not specified

  • Tips

  • Sigiriya + Polonnaruwa + Anuradhapura - approx. USD95

  • Pidurangala + Dambulla + Mihintale - approx. USD23

  • Guides for the point of interest you will visit - approx. USD1-5 per visit

  • All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Entrance fee and Jeep Safari at Yala National Park - approx. USD 86

  • Hiriwadunna local Village visit and lunch - approx. USD 14

  • Snorkelling in Hikkaduwa Beach - approx. USD 21

  • Jeep Safari at Yala National Park - approx. USD 59

    Entrance fee approx. USD 31

  • Snorkelling in the Hikkaduwa Beach - approx. USD 20

  • Turtle Sanctuary - approx. USD 6

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    Small guest houses and traditional accommodation

    The private room option is not available for all tours. The first hotel will be shared with you at least 2 days before your departure by your Group Leader!

  • Transport

    Private minivan with driver and train (subject to availability)

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Group Leader 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 Group Leader.

  • Luggage

    Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalColombo (CMB)
ReturnColombo (CMB)
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Sri Lanka Winter

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