Sri Lanka Itinerary 2 weeks - Backpacking Tours Sri Lanka
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Lanka Loop - 12 Days

Negombo to Unawatuna

5 star review 213 Reviews

Lanka Loop - 12 Days Lanka Loop - 12 Days
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Lanka Loop - 12 Days

Negombo to Unawatuna

5 star review 213 Reviews

£1 deposit
Save upto £200
From £1199£999
Almost Everything Included
Awesome Accommodation (2 per room)
Perfect for Solo Travellers
Book Now Schedule a Call Back
£1 deposit
Save upto £200
From £1199£999
Almost Everything Included
Awesome Accommodation (2 per room)
Perfect for Solo Travellers
Book Now Schedule a Call Back

Trip Highlights

Experience the very best of travelling Sri Lanka in just under 2 weeks. This 12 Day backpacking adventure really does capture everything Sri Lanka has to offer. Think safari’s with wild elephants, lush green tea plantations, golden sandy beaches and super friendly locals. This 2 week trip covers all of your Sri Lanka bucket list spots with local village experiences, temples, surfing, the famous train to Ella and much much more!

What’s Included

Accommodation? Check! Activities? Yep. Guides? Of course! Meals? We threw in a bunch to keep you going!

We’ve got you covered 😉

Itinerary

Negombo: Day 1

We’ll pick you up from the airport, get you checked in and introduce you to your new travel family. Why not take a wander down to the beach or squeeze in a cheeky nap before we head out for dinner and drinks on our first evening together. The following morning, there is no better way to start exploring the diversity of Sri Lanka’s culture than jumping into Tuk Tuks for a local tour around Negombo!

Dambulla: Day 2-3

Time to hit the road and make our way to Dambulla. Here we’ll explore the ancient golden cave temple and take in the most incredible 360 degree views of the iconic Lions Rock, Sigiriya. Let us show you the real Sri Lanka as we cruise further into the countryside for an authentic village experience. We’ll introduce you to our local friends and finish the day with a secret evening experience that we don’t plan to share with anyone other than you guys.

Kandy: Day 4

Wake up, and say goodbye to our beautiful Dambulla mango orchard retreat and let’s head to Kandy. We stop for lunch in one of our favourite spots before enjoying some free time to explore Sri Lanka’s second largest city. We’ll finish the day visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth for the evening ceremony before heading out for dinner & drinks!

Ella: Day 5-6

Ready for an adventure in the breathtaking mountains of Sri Lanka? We’ll be learning how to pick and make our very own tea before catching the famous blue train to the spectacular hill town of Ella, sharing the experience with fellow travellers and locals. Enjoy free time during the day and let’s grab a beer or two in the evening, but maybe not too many…we have a couple of epic walks up our sleeves with views that never fail to impress, including the incredible Little Adam’s Peak!

Udawalawe National Park: Day 7

At the top of everyone's bucket list is observing some of this planet's most incredible animals. So how does a safari through the jungle searching for hundreds of free roaming elephants sound? After spending the night in our beautiful glamping style bungalows in the heart of Udawalawe National Park, we’ll hop into open top jeeps and go on the lookout not only for elephants, but crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes and many more animals wandering wild in the National Park.

Mirissa & Weligama: Day 8-9

You’ve experienced the culture, you’ve explored the mountains and now it’s time for you to kick back and embrace the chilled out beach vibes of the south. Spend your morning sipping coffee and soaking up the sun on Mirissa beach before we take a short trip along the coast to Weligama for our surf lesson. Whether it’s your first time or not, our super cool local friends will have you riding on the waves in no time!

Unawatuna & Galle: 10-12

From one beautiful beach town to another, it’s time to head further down the coast and explore the local area of Unawatuna. We’ll go snorkelling in the shallow waters with giant sea turtles and swing from palm trees for that perfect Instagram shot. Leave before introducing you to Galle? No chance! Let's wander the quirky streets of this Dutch Fortress, pick up those last minute souvenirs and get involved with the locals playing cricket. It’s the perfect place to enjoy our final sunset together and end an epic trip with dinner and drinks!

Sri Lanka Lanka Loop - 12 Days Map

Where We Stay

The accommodation in Sri lanka is something we do better than anyone else! From our glamping style bungalows in the heart of Udawalawe National Park to watching the sunset over the ocean from our infinity pool in Mirissa. When we’re not out having an awesome time, you’re relaxing in our unique & comfortable accommodation.

Twin/Double Share

Twin/Double Share

Travel in Style

Travel in Style

Private Room Upgrades

Private Room Upgrades

Trip Details

What’s Included

Start: Negombo Finish: Unawatuna
Tour Length: 12 days
Travel Style: Fully Guided
Avg Group Size: 12 - 16
Age Range: 18 - 39
No. of Activities: 15+
No. of Included Meals: 15
Tour Price: From £999 per person

What’s included for the price:

  • All activities & local experiences
  • Secret spots along the way
  • Twin/double share accommodation
  • Local Guides & a Western Group Leader
  • Airport pickup on arrival
  • Private WhatsApp group
  • No Hidden Costs!
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas & Vaccinations
  • Flights to/from Sri Lanka

Included Activities & Experiences

  • Local Tour of Negombo by Tuk Tuk
  • Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
  • Local Village Visit by Boat
  • Secret Evening Local Experience
  • Traditional Cooking Demonstration
  • Pidurangala & View of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Sacred Temple of the Tooth Ceremony
  • Visit a Tea Plantation & Learn to Make Tea
  • Famous Train Ride to Ell
  • Visit 9 Arches Bridge
  • Trek to the summit of Little Adams Peak
  • Open Jeep Wildlife Safari
  • Afternoon at Hiriketiya Beach
  • Pre Surf Yoga Session
  • Learn to Surf in Weligama
  • Beach Vibes & Nights Out
  • Snorkel with Turtles in Unawatuna
  • Afternoon Exploring the Galle Fort

Trip Preparation

Do I need a visa?

For most travellers, Sri Lanka is an easy country to visit with a simple ‘Visa on Arrival’ process. This visa is issued for a duration of 30 days and can be arranged by applying online here. It’s important that you apply for this prior to travel as you may be asked at check-in when arriving at the airport.

There is an FAQ section on the official Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) website, click here to take a read!

Do I need a visa?

For most travellers, Sri Lanka is a very easy country to visit with a simple ‘Visa on Arrival’ process. This includes a long list of different countries* including; the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia and most of Europe. The ‘Visa on Arrival’ allows you 30 days when entering Sri Lanka by air. If you don’t qualify for the ‘Visa on Arrival’, you can apply for a visa here.
*You must check your visa eligibility as we are not visa experts. The information above is general in nature. Here’s a blog that we put together to help; ‘An Unofficial Visa Guide to Asia & Australia’.

What vaccinations do I need?

Similar to visas, we are not medical professionals and would hate to give you false or misleading information. We recommend you book an appointment with your doctor or local pharmacy to discuss your travel plans and what precautions you need to be aware of. They will provide up-to-date official guidance and will no doubt have your vaccination and immunisation history on file. All destinations and areas we travel to are generally low risk but best to be on the safe side. Click here for a useful resource provided by the UK NHS website.

What about COVID-19 travel restrictions in Sri Lanka?

It's always a good idea to check whether your destination or airline requires you to be COVID-19 vaccinated or tested to travel. It's your responsibility to stay up-to-date and ensure you join us on the Sri Lanka tour without any issues. Click here for a useful resource provided by the UK government.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Travel insurance is an essential part of your trip preparation. It’s not only a smart idea to get covered, but it will also give your loved ones peace of mind. We actually require all customers to show proof of coverage at the beginning of the tour. We’ll need to see your name, area of cover and dates that the insurance is valid. It’s a good idea to get this sorted ASAP to ensure you’re covered for all eventualities.

Will I receive a packing list?

You sure will, once your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a bunch of useful information, including an ‘Arrival Guide’. Within this guide, you’ll find a packing list, safety and cultural information and some useful tips to prepare for your trip.

Should I bring a backpack or a suitcase?

Most people do prefer travelling with a backpack, and it’s generally easier when moving around, but it’s not uncommon for some travellers to bring a suitcase. We suggest bringing something you are comfortable with carrying and lugging around. It’s also important to bring a small day bag that can hold enough for an overnight trip or those travel essentials. Click here to read a blog we wrote on this, ‘Backpack vs Suitcase - What is best for travelling?’

Is there a limit to my luggage weight?

We suggest not going crazy with the packing and keeping it simple. Try and bring loose/floaty clothing that isn’t too thick or heavy. No need to bring heels or walking boots. Bring a few warm layers during Dec and Feb, as it can get a little chilly in the north. We limit the luggage to 20kg per person. Best to leave the kitchen sink at home 🤣

Are there laundry services on tour?

There will be a few opportunities to do laundry throughout the trip, but we always suggest bringing enough underwear and essentials for the full trip. Your Group Leader will let you know the best time to do laundry, but this usually doesn’t happen until 4 or 5 days into the tour.

Do I need to bring a towel?

There are towels provided for showering and freshening up at all the hotels we stay at. We suggest buying a microfibre towel or large sarong as they are small and dry fast for use on the beach and swimming.

How much spending money do I need?

Once you've booked your flights, paid off your trip and got some solid travel insurance, you'll be all set for that Sri Lanka adventure. We suggest bringing no less than £300/$400, but this should be the bare minimum. We suggest working from an average of £400-500/$500-700 over 2 weeks, this will cover things like shopping, drinks, extra meals and anything else you fancy treating yourself to... maybe a few massages!?

What's the best way to manage my money?

We always recommend having a few different options when managing your money while on the road. Having your everyday bank/ATM card with you as a backup is always a good idea, but we strongly suggest signing up for a travel/currency card. Most of these cards can be managed through an easy, easy-to-use app. There are ATMs throughout the trip, and we suggest grabbing some local currency when you arrive at the airport.

Will there be a Whatsapp group?

You’ll receive a final email with useful information to help with your arrival approximately 2 weeks before the trip. This includes a link to a private Whatsapp group for the tour date that you’ll be travelling on. It’s a great place to chat with the rest of the people on the tour and your Group Leader. If you’ve not already, click this link and join the ‘Feel Free Family’ Facebook Group. The FB community is ideal for discussing how things work with past and future travellers. Add yourself to the group and make a post asking who else has booked or thinking about booking the same date as you.

Your Arrival

When should I arrive on Day 1?

We suggest aiming to arrive during the middle of the 1st day, it’s not essential, but it will give you time to freshen up before we head out for dinner and drinks. You’ll be grateful for that little extra time to relax, soak up some afternoon sun or just go for a wander and explore the local area.

Can I arrive a day or 2 early?

Absolutely! We actually recommend arriving a day or 2 early to give you more time to recharge and enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ before the tour begins. There might be experiences on your bucket list that we don’t include on the trip, this is the perfect time to fit them in.

Will I get an airport pickup?

Anyone arriving on Day 1 or who decides to book pre-tour accommodation with us will be picked up by our trusted drivers when they land. They’ll be standing waiting at the airport with a Feel Free Travel sign, so you’ll have no issues finding them 🙌🏼

Which airport should I choose in Colombo?

You’ll be glad to know there is only 1 big international airport in Colombo and it’s ‘Bandaranaike International Airport’. The airport itself is much closer to Negombo where we start the tour than it is Colombo.

How do I know where to meet at the airport?

We’ll email everyone up-to-date arrival instructions 2 weeks before the trip with exactly where to meet the driver. Once you get picked up, we’ll get you back to the hotel and check-in. If your flight is running late, don’t worry, we’ll be tracking your progress on Google and will be waiting for you to arrive.

What’s the plan for Day 1?

The first day is the ‘Arrival Day’, there isn’t a huge amount planned. It’s the perfect day to relax, catch some sun and get your bearings. In the evening, it’s time to meet your new travel family, as we’ll be taking you all out to one of our favourite spots for dinner and chilled drinks.

After the Trip

What time does the tour finish?

All our tours finish on the morning of the final day, this will give you plenty of time to get back to the airport ready for that flight home or onto your next destination.

What happens after my tour?

It really depends from group to group… sometimes we’ll have a whole bunch of people hanging out once the tour has finished, travelling for days, weeks or even months together. But in others, you’ll have many people going their separate ways. As the trip unfolds, you’ll soon learn about each other's travel plans and share ideas for what adventures lie ahead. The hardest part is saying your goodbyes and giving your last big hugs to the people leaving straight after the trip ends.

Can I get help with return airport transfers?

You sure can, our Group Leaders are available throughout the trip to chat about your onward travel plans. They will be there to offer help and assistance when it comes to booking flights, taxis, buses, and ferries. It’s always a good idea to get your flights booked before you arrive, including any internal flights after your tour.

Can I stay longer and extend my trip?

You sure can, we don’t offer the option to extend your stay, but our awesome Group Leaders are eager to help and support your onward travel plans. You’ll no doubt get ideas from other group members as the trip unfolds, so keep those ideas to yourself until you meet the group.

I’m doing more than 1 trip, how do I book my connecting flight?

We suggest booking those connecting flights soon after booking your big international flights. We’ve written a whole blog to help when planning flights, click here to read more.

Do I get help with onward travel?

Whether you’re on a short break from work or a slightly longer backpacking adventure, our Group Leaders will help with everything from return airport transfers to giving you a bunch of ideas for the rest of your time in South East Asia and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there Wifi on tour?

Almost all the places we stay on tour have free WIFI allowing you to stay connected with friends and family back home. There are certain places we visit that don’t, but we will always give you a heads up in advance so that you can prepare and let your loved ones know you may be unreachable at home.

Can I travel solo/come alone?

Absolutely! Our trips are built for solo travellers, and believe us… sharing new experiences with a group of new friends is one of the best things you can do. A large majority of the people that travel with us are 1st-time travellers doing it alone, so don’t worry, you’ll never be alone with us.

What’s the average age of people on these trips?

Our trips are specifically targeted towards individuals who are young at heart. If you’re between the ages of 18-39 and keen on a new adventure, you’re welcome to join us. We’ve found that the average age of our travellers is 22-32, we also get young travellers straight out of school as well as working professionals in their mid to late 30s.

How big are the group sizes?

We keep our group sizes small, with an average of 12-16 people per group, so that everyone gets to know each other and experience things at an enjoyable pace.

What’s included in the price?

We include most of the big ticket items like accommodation, activities, local experiences, secret stops, local guides, a western group leader and a bunch of meals. We also include an airport pickup on arrival!

What should I expect from the included meals?

You should expect almost all your breakfasts to be included to allow us to get the best out of each day. You’ll also get a few lunches on day trips and the odd dinner. We try and find a good balance between including meals and giving you the flexibility to eat what you fancy.

Do you cater for specific dietary/allergy requirements?

We make every effort to prepare for all dietary requirements and will do our best to support you during mealtime. Please provide clear information during the booking form and chat with your Group Leader during the first few days.

What’s not included?

You’ll just need to sort your international flights, travel insurance, visas and spending money 🙌🏼

Do we stay in hostels or hotels?

The accommodation on our trips is something we do better than anyone else, and our tours definitely wouldn’t be the same without the awesome places we stay. We’ve handpicked these places to give you the perfect balance of comfort, security and convenience. We really do love where we stay, and so do all our happy travellers 😍

Who will I share a room with?

All solo travellers will pair up with other travellers of the same sex… girls with girls & guys with guys. If you are travelling with a friend, let us know, and we can put you together… same if you are travelling as a couple, we will arrange a double room where possible. You can upgrade during the booking form if you’d like your own room.

Can I combine more than 1 trip together?

It’s common for our travellers to combine 2 or more of our trips. Our trips have been specifically programmed to allow you to do just that. You can often finish 1 trip on the same day another trip is just starting. After all, flight tickets are not cheap, you might as well maximise your experience if you have the time!

How do I book?

Booking your trip couldn’t be easier, find a trip that takes your fancy, pick a date, reserve your spot with a deposit and get that flight booked…

We always recommend reserving your spot before booking your flight. When our trips are full… unfortunately, they are FULL 😬 Check out our ’How it Works’ page for more information on booking your trip!!

This all seems too good to be true, how do I know it’s legit?

This is a question we recently added to our FAQs as we hear it time and time again, so we wanted to give you all a few ways to verify who we are;

Is This For You?

If spotting a wild elephant on safari is on your travel bucket list and the thought of learning how to surf gets you excited… then this 12 day Sri Lanka trip is definitely the one for you! Most people travel solo or others bring a friend, either way by the end of this adventure you’ll have a bunch of new buddies for life.

If you’re all set and can’t wait to come join us...click ‘Book Now’ below and reserve your spot for as little as £1.

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