Šrilanka
In the first part of the journey, we visit all the main attractions and ancient capitals of the island, explore the Sinhalese and Buddhist roots of the island, and their relevance in today’s life. Upon arrival at Colombo airport, we head to Dambulla to visit the Golden Temple, the largest cave Buddhist temple on the island. It houses countless statues and paintings dedicated to Buddha and his life in four caves. In the afternoon, we move to Sigiriya to climb the rock fortress that has become an icon of Sri Lanka. From a height of 200 meters, we will enjoy the magnificent view of the surroundings. The atmosphere at the top and the view of the valley at sunset is one of the island’s most beautiful sights! We then drive through the stunning landscape to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of the island’s empire. We explore the Buddhist and Hindu temples, the royal palace, and admire Buddha in various sizes and postures. Next, we head to the third island capital, Kandy. Nestled in a remote highland, Kandy is known as the most beautiful town on the island. Here, we visit the market and the vibrant city center. In the evening, optionally, we can watch a folklore performance by Kandy dancers and magicians, and visit the famous temple housing the island’s greatest treasure – Buddha’s tooth. From Kandy, we also visit an elephant sanctuary (where we’ll wash elephants to make them shine), and if lucky, we may witness a mass bathing session. We’ll also visit the botanical garden and nearby Pinnawela to see the island’s medicinal plants.
In the central part of the journey, we focus on experiencing nature and tradition. We embark on a two-day trek through the Knuckles Range, among tea plantations, rice fields, and waterfalls. The trek is not overly strenuous (a small challenge for us Slovenians). We visit villages, one of the local schools, and learn about the local way of life! We will spend the night camping in tents.
Next, we take a train ride, renowned as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! From Kandy, we travel to Nuwara Eliya. We are treated to the island’s most stunning scenes – rolling tea hills with tea pickers, the blue expanse of lake waters, and scattered Tamil villages. Amidst the beautiful views, we ascend towards Nuwara Eliya, almost 2,000 meters high. Then, we move to Ella, where we encounter a “backpacker” scene with great food, a pleasant atmosphere, and incredible nature. We visit a tea plantation and hike up the magnificent Ella Rock. The effort will be rewarded with a fantastic view.
Following this, we visit the most famous wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka – Yala National Park. On the way, we also visit Buduruwagala, an ancient Buddhist temple. In the national park, we embark on a two-hour safari in off-road vehicles to observe exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. With some luck, we might see elephants, deer, buffaloes, crocodiles, a variety of colorful birds, and other animals.
The final part of the trip is more focused on relaxation. We descend to the lowland southern part of the island in Tangalle. Here, we witness the fascinating sight of nighttime turtle egg-laying, which is a real experience. The beautiful beaches of southern Sri Lanka will enchant us. In Mirissa, we enjoy seafood and, with luck, might spot whales, which are quite common here. We will organize a surfing school. Along the coast, we will visit the colonial Galle, the island’s most beautiful coastal town. The relaxed conclusion of the trip will be in Hikkaduwa, a place where you can admire surfers in the waves with a cold beer, enjoy affordable massages, and good food. Every day will feature various activities, otherwise, it will be all about beer, sunbathing, swimming, and good food. Relaxation at its best.
Maldives to conclude. An extension to the Maldives is possible (individually) as flights from Sri Lanka are very affordable! A true paradise on earth to end a wonderful trip! You can extend for a few days or the entire term/package for 7 nights.
Highlights of the Journey
Dambulla: A complex of Buddhist cave temples, an idyllic town, and the Golden Buddha Temple.
Sigiriya: A spectacular rock fortress rising 200 meters above the landscape.
Polonnaruwa: An ancient royal city with Buddhist and Hindu temples, explored by bike.
Kandy: A sacred city for Buddhists with parks, dances, and the temple housing Buddha’s tooth.
Pinnawala Elephants: Visit to an elephant sanctuary, elephant bathing, and botanical gardens.
Knuckles Range Trek: Stunning trek through tea plantations, rice fields, and waterfalls.
Train to Nuwara Eliya: The most beautiful train journey in the world, with breathtaking views.
Tea Plantations: Endless green landscapes, tea pickers, fantastic teas, and tastings.
Ella: A village at 1,100 meters altitude with a great scene, excellent food, and spectacular views.
Yala National Park: Safari in a wildlife haven, with the chance to see a variety of animals if luck permits.
Tangalle: A town in the south with a beautiful, long beach, turtle watching, and egg-laying.
Mirissa: The most beautiful beach in southern Sri Lanka, known for its great seafood and surfing.
Galle: A port town with a colonial appearance and the historic Galle Fort.
Turtle Hatchery: Learn about turtle conservation from hatchling to adulthood.
Hikkaduwa: Relax with beer, food, surfing, massages, and swimming. A perfect place to unwind.
Where We Stay on the Journey?
Our hotels in Sri Lanka are carefully selected. We choose accommodations that are beautiful, authentic, friendly, and offer good service. We use double and triple rooms with private showers and toilets. Where there are no hotels, we stay in guesthouses or bungalows. On the trek, we camp in tents. Accommodations vary in category, but we always seek authentic hotels with good locations. The goal is to be centrally located, either close to the beach or on the beach itself. From the hotels, the main attractions in each area are accessible on foot.
Hotels on the way
Why Travel with Us?
We strive to give you the best value for your money. We mainly travel by hired bus, as local transport can be unreliable. Our trip combines adventure and beaches, showcasing Sri Lanka’s most beautiful spots. The island offers all the elements of an intriguing destination – majestic remnants of past empires, attractive tea plantations in the central highlands, national parks, and beautiful beaches on the southern coast. We immerse ourselves in lush tropical greenery, Buddhism, and thousands of pagodas that accompany us every step of the way. Sri Lanka is a small but incredibly diverse island. The distances are not vast, and the tourist infrastructure is well-developed. There are no large cities, only endless tranquility and green nature! Everywhere we feel the blend of tropical present and colonial past. We are constantly met with the bright eyes of the locals… Will you join us?
About the Country
Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is a maritime country and strategically significant maritime link between Western and Southeastern Asia. Sri Lanka is shaped like a large tear falling from the southern end of the vast Indian subcontinent. It is separated from India by the 50-kilometer-wide Palk Strait. The chain of coral islands known as Adam’s Bridge almost forms a natural bridge between the two countries. The island is 350 kilometers long and 180 kilometers wide. The southern half of the island features beautiful and rugged hilly terrain, while the northern half consists of a large plateau stretching from the end of the hill country to the Jaffna Peninsula. The highest mountain is Mt. Pidurutalagala at 2,524 meters. The best beaches are on the southwest, south, and southeast coasts. Sri Lanka has a population of 19 million, with a density of 270 people per square kilometer, making it one of the highest population densities in Asia.
Since the early days of these religions, Sri Lanka has been a center for Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, the island is multi-religious, with Buddhism being predominant, and also includes Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Buddhism is the official religion for 70% of the population and holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. The official languages are English, Sinhalese, and Tamil. The majority of the population is Sinhalese (about 74%), with Tamils being the largest ethnic minority, mostly residing in the north and east of the island. Other groups include Moors, Malays, and Burghers, descendants of Western European colonists.
Folk theater is a combination of dance, mask plays, drumming, and ritualistic performances that vividly present Sri Lankan folklore. Carving, weaving, pottery, and metalwork are highly developed crafts, and Sri Lanka is particularly known for its pearls.
Visa and Vaccinations
Slovenians need a visa, which can be obtained online at www.eta.gov.lk (cost 50usd) or upon arrival at Colombo airport (cost: 60 USD). A passport valid for at least 6 months is required for obtaining a visa..
For information on necessary vaccinations for visiting Sri Lanka, please refer to: www.zdravinapot.si
Group and Tour Leader
The group size is up to 21 travelers. If there are 12 or fewer travelers, there is an additional organization fee: 70 EUR for 9-12 travelers and 100 EUR for 6-8 travelers. The group will be led by Andrej. The trip requires 16-18 days.
Before the trip, we have a mandatory meeting with all participants to avoid issues and ensure everyone is informed.
When to Travel?
Sri Lanka is a typical monsoon country with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The Yala monsoon, which lasts from May to August, brings moisture to the southern, central, and western parts of the island. The Maha monsoon affects the northern and eastern regions from October to January. Temperatures in the lower coastal regions are high year-round but drop with altitude in the hill country, where it feels like perpetual spring.
The highest temperatures are from March to June, while the coolest period is from November to January. The southern, southwestern, and central highland areas receive the most rainfall, while the northern and central-northern parts are very dry. The best time to visit is from December to March when there is the least amount of rain in tourist areas. The main dry season is from December to April. Departures with Huda Tura are in December, February, and April.
You can check the exact departure dates under the “PRICE” tab and on the right side of the page by clicking on “DEPARTURES.” The number of places is limited!!
PRICE
For the current price please visit the Slovenian page. (CLICK HERE)
The price includes:
- Accommodation in double rooms in 2-3* hotels with breakfast
- Transportation across Sri Lanka with a rented bus
- 2-day trekking in Knuckles Range National Park (all included, low difficulty level)
- Safari in Yala National Park with jeeps (entrance ticket not included)
- Slovenian tour leader/guide for the entire trip
- 3rd class train ride (experience, bus possible)
The price does not include:
- Meals outside the program; lunches, dinners (approx. €100-150)
- Health insurance and ZRO (optional insurances)
- Entrance fees (approx. €80) and additional excursions (elephants €25, turtle nesting observation €20, whales €30, Sinharaja Forest Reserve)
- Visa (USD 40)
- Airport transfer
- Tips for drivers and guides (€30)
Prices are approximate and may change. For personal expenses (excursions, shopping, food, drinks), we recommend bringing an additional €250-400.
Payment method:
Upon registration, a deposit of €100 and a registration fee of €10 per payment are required. The registration fee is non-refundable. By paying the deposit, you secure your place in the group. Departure is guaranteed with a minimum number of participants. If the number of registrations is lower, the trip may be canceled or the price may be proportionally increased to cover the costs of organization and guiding. With 6-8 registrations, the price increases by €100, and with 9-12 registrations, it increases by €70. An additional charge also applies for extensions. If you cancel the trip, the cancellation deadlines specified in the general terms and conditions apply. 60 days before the trip or before the invoice is issued, the amount paid can be used for any of our trips within one year. You can read more about the general terms and condition here. If the trip is canceled due to an insufficient number of registrations, we will refund your payment. Before departure, costs for the flight, escort, and trip preparation, insurance with assistance, and transfer to the airport must be settled. Everything else is paid locally, on-site.
The destinations are for travelers, and prices may change. There may be slight variations due to price or currency changes, so we can only guarantee the price for organization and the flight.
PHOTO MOMENTS
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Pozdravljeni. Potovanje zame je bilo doživeto, poživljajoče, zanimivo, zabavno, poučno, enkratno, všečno. Preveč deževno, pa kaj, ko se proti višji sili ne da prav nič. Težko bi kaj izpostavila, meni je všeč vse, kar je zelo drugačno in novo. Všeč so mi taki topli/vroči kraji s pogledom na ocean. Tudi skupinska energija je bila zelo pozitivna, vesela in sproščena, kar je imelo dodano vrednost.
Ničesar ne bi spreminjala, malo raztegnila še za kakšen ogled ali doživetje. Vodenje je bilo odlično in Andrej se je izkazal kot prijazen, kolegialen, ustrežljiv, umirjen, a zabaven ter hkrati resen in razgledan. Vse pohvale zanj, še bi šla z njim. Lp Martina
1. Kako se ti je zdelo potovanje nasploh in kaj ti je ostalo v najlepšem spominu?
Nasploh se mi je zdelo potovane odlično in kot tako ostalo tudi v najlepšem spominu. Sicer pa Sigirya rock s freskami, Polonnaruwa in kolesarjene med templji, Gale, pijavke 😛 … in seveda super skupina.
2. Je bilo vodenje in organizacija v redu ali bi kaj lahko dodali? Vodenje je bilo ok, organizacija tudi. Kaj dodati … hmmm … morda dan več za relax oz. opcijske aktivnosti na plaži na koncu
3. A je bil Andrej v redu vodnik? Kako bi ga ocenil od 1-5? Andrej je bil dober vodnik. Veliko je vedel povedati o državi, zgodovini, ljudeh, … Dobrovoljen, prijazen, zanesljiv, odgovoren, nasmejan, obetaven … 🙂 ma kaj … SUPER je, 5.
4. Koliko denarja si cca porabil/a na Šri Lanki?Na Šrilanki sem porabila še cca. 300€ (vključno z vizo).
5. Kam bi v prihodnje najraje potoval/-a? Joooj, kje začnem naštevat … Nikaragua, Kostarika, Filipini, Peru, Bolivija, Vietnam, Laos, Kambodža, Namibija, JAR, Japonska, Malezija, Jemen & Sokotra, Madagaskar … pa še pa još :)))
6. Zakaj si se odločil/a za to potovanje in ali bi to potovanje priporočal/-a še komu? To potovanje bi vsekakor priporočila še komu, ker je super program. Lepo sklenjen krog. Je pa res, da je veliko odvisno od skupine sopotnikov in vodnika, ki naredijo ”tisti pravi feeling” ki ga je, glede na moj vtis, to potovanje definitivno imelo 🙂
Bojana
Živjo,
Andrej je mlad vodič ,perspektiven, umirjen , poln znanja..4 *++…
Zapravila sem cca 600,00 evrov za ayurvedske dodatke, hrano, pijačo in spominke.
Tajska je moja naslednja destinacija …Šri Lanko priporočam znancem z vami seveda !!
Lep vikend in uspešno delovanje !!
Danica
Bilo je res zelo super. Težko rečem, kaj je bila stvar, ki si jo bom najbolj zapomnila. Najverjetneje dobro družbo, prijazne ljudi, nevsiljive in vesele otroke, zelene plantaže čaja, bučanje in lomljenje valov ter mivko na stopalih, občutek ‘biti izgubljen’ v džungli. Pa še kaj se bo našlo.
No, to pa lahko naštevam v nedogled, zato jih napišem samo nekaj: Iran, Filipini, Gvatemala, Kostarika, ponovno Jemen nekega lepega dne, Uganda..
Ker sem si zaželela potovanja in od dveh, ki sem jih v tistem trenutku gledala, je usoda želela tega.:-) Sem tudi že priporočila.
Pozdravljeni!
Pošiljam feedback.
1. Kako se ti je zdelo potovanje nasploh?
Noro dobro. Eno najlepših doslej.
2. Kaj ti je ostalo v najlepšem spominu?
To, da je bila skupina – brez izjeme – tako zelo kompatibilna, da je bil prav vsak dan posebno doživetje. In pa smeh do solz od ranega jutra do poznega večera.
3. Kaj bi v programu spremenil/-a?
Prav ničesar.
4. Je bilo vodenje v redu?
Nad v redu.
5. Kako se je odrezal Andrej?
Vrhunsko.
In ja, potovanje bo definitivno ostalo v najlepšem spominu. Super ste!
Lp, Urška
Pozdravljeni,
moje izkušnje s Charom na Šrilanko so bile nepozabne .
Težko je izpostaviti eno stvar, ker je imel vsak dan nekaj posebnega, nepozabnega in posebnega.
Definitivno je poudarek na super ekipi, na odličnem vodenju.
Težko bi rekla, da bi kaj spremenila, ker kot sem že rekla vsaka stvar je imela svoj čar.
Glede vodenja nobenih pripomb Andrej se je odrezal odlično, vedno na razpolago, odgovori na vsa vprašanja tudi najbolj butasta😀.
Definitivno bom še potovala z vami če mi bo le čas dopuščal.
Želim vam veliko uspehov in hvala za tako čudovito izkušnjo.
Klavdija
Pozdravljeni,
moje izkušnje s Charom na Šrilanko so bile nepozabne .
Težko je izpostaviti eno stvar, ker je imel vsak dan nekaj posebnega, nepozabnega in posebnega.
Definitivno je poudarek na super ekipi, na odličnem vodenju.
Težko bi rekla, da bi kaj spremenila, ker kot sem že rekla vsaka stvar je imela svoj čar.
Glede vodenja nobenih pripomb Andrej se je odrezal odlično, vedno na razpolago, odgovori na vsa vprašanja tudi najbolj butasta😀.
Definitivno bom še potovala z vami če mi bo le čas dopuščal.
Želim vam veliko uspehov in hvala za tako čudovito izkušnjo.
Klavdija