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Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides

12 days, Negombo to Hikkaduwa

Now's the time to explore Sri Lanka on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Want to load up on culture on a backpacker's budget? This whirlwind 12-day tour of central and southern Sri Lanka is just the ticket. Discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and then chill out on Hikkaduwa Beach. Explore Sri Lanka with a group of like-minded travellers and you'll head home with some new friends and new perspectives.

12 days

Negombo to Hikkaduwa

From$949USD
Valid on May 27 2024
Trip Code: ASNC

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Now's the time to explore Sri Lanka on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Want to load up on culture on a backpacker's budget? This whirlwind 12-day tour of central and southern Sri Lanka is just the ticket. Discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and then chill out on Hikkaduwa Beach. Explore Sri Lanka with a group of like-minded travellers and you'll head home with some new friends and new perspectives.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 24, avg 16.

Age requirement: 18-39

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.

View our Entry Requirements tool

12 days

Negombo to Hikkaduwa

From$949USD
Valid on May 27 2024
Trip Code: ASNC

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 12

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Map of the route for Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Negombo

Arrive at any time and welcome to Negombo, know for its lazy beach, wandering canals, and fresh seafood markets.

Get to know your fellow travellers over optional dinner and drinks at a favourite local restaurant. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you're introduced to Sri Lankan delicacies, and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Negombo/Sigiriya

Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Day 3Sigiriya

Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya national park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.

Day 4Sigiriya/Digana

Visit a medicinal spice garden en route to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk for insight into rural daily life. Maybe stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery or the cottage of a local woman making incense. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.

Meals included:

Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Digana/Kandy

Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Kandy/Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Nuwara Eliya/Ella

If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.

Day 8Ella

Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.

Day 9Ella/Hikkaduwa

Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.

Day 10Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town, enjoy a drink on us, and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment Hikkaduwa Beach Bar

Day 11Hikkaduwa

Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creators, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.

Day 12Hikkaduwa

Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Hikkaduwa Beach Bar, Hikkaduwa
  • Sri Lankan lunch at a local village
  • Spice garden visit
  • Tea plantation tour
  • Little Adam's Peak Tour
  • Galle Fort tour
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels/guest houses (11 nts).

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD215-280 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

My Own Room - From $899.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides

| 12 days - Negombo to Hikkaduwa - from $949 USD