Sri Lanka: Buddhism-Inspired Cultural Adventure
16 Days Of Warm Welcomes, Aromatic Feasts & Raw Landscapes
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
It wouldn’t be a trip to Sri Lanka without climbing aboard the legendary trains. You’ll travel the most famous route in the country, between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and a couple of less-frequented stretches of track, too!
Sure, you’ll see the tried-and-tested must-sees, like Sigiriya and the Dambulla Caves, but what about the barely-visited north? It wouldn’t be a Fencox trip if you didn’t make time for both!
From sweet coconut sambal to fiery curries and crispy hoppers, Sri Lanka is heaven for those who love to eat.
Elephants, monkeys and crocodiles! Oh my! Safari isn’t just for Africa, Sri Lanka does spotting wildlife with the best of them. If you’re lucky, you just might see a leopard.
From smiling tuk-tuk drivers to your seatmate on a local train, Sri Lankans are generous with hospitality and warm with their welcomes.
Trip Details
Trip Breakdown
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Length
16 days / 15 nights
Details
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private room – no sharing required
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Arrival
Jetwing Sea Hotel, Negombo
Departure
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Group Size
12
Included
- Meals: 15 breakfasts, 8 lunches + 2 lunch boxes and 10 dinners
- Private group vehicle throughout, and some trains
- 15 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not Included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa (See FAQs for more information)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Accommodation
Your Fencox accommodation means having a private room, all to yourself, every single time.
Accommodation Preview
Ekho Safari Tissa, Tissamaharama
Le Grand, Galle
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Welcome to Sri Lanka! One of our team’s friendly faces will be there to greet you with a hearty “Ayubowan!” – that’s “Hello!” in Sri Lankan. Arriving in a new country hassle-free, now that’s comfort! While everyone else is clamouring for a taxi, you’ll already be halfway to your hotel.
If you’re landing early, seize the chance to spend the afternoon sun-worshipping at the beach, or make a beeline to your hotel to freshen up. You’ll hit the town tonight as a group, meeting your fellow Fencox crew and bonding over a welcome dinner that’s bursting with flavours you didn’t even know existed. Your love affair with Sri Lankan food has just begun, and so has the adventure.
Accommodation: Jetwing Sea (or similar), Negombo
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Anuradhapura
There’s no time to lose on this whirlwind adventure, and you’ll get the party started ASAP, but not before your first Sri Lankan breakfast. Dig into favourites like hoppers, crispy bowl-shaped pancakes, and kiribath, milk rice, to fuel up before hitting the road to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It’s all crumbling monasteries, temples and palaces from here!
You’ll visit the legendary Bo Tree, a sacred symbol of Buddhism’s origins in Sri Lanka. Buddhists believe that offerings made to the tree can bring about positive changes in life, so why not make one and see what happens?
Rest your head tonight at the Lake Forest Hotel, with to-die-for views overlooking Tissa Wewa, a reservoir built more than 2,000 years ago, and the Anuradhapura stupas in the distance. It’ll be hard to tear yourself away from the scenery – or the pool!
Accommodation: The Lake Forest Hotel (or similar), Anuradhapura
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Jaffna
Pack your bags because today you’re heading to Sri Lanka’s barely-visited north! The ultimate destination? Jaffna, a coastal town that was inaccessible for years due to the Sri Lankan Civil War. Only a lucky few get to visit this relatively undiscovered area of the country – and you’ll get to count yourself among them. The city is four hours away, so spend the morning glued to your window as your train rattles through small-town stations dotted amongst rice fields.
Jaffna welcomes explorers with open arms, so let’s get started. Get the lowdown on the city’s culture and tumultuous history while you check out the area’s best bits. From the country’s northernmost tip, Point Pedro, to a few other secret spots, it all feels like one big highlight reel!
Accommodation: Thinnai Hotel (or similar), Jaffna
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Jaffna
What’s better than one glorious day in Jaffna? Two! Today’s standout landmark includes the Mughal-designed-and-restored (think Taj-Mahal-ish) Jaffna Public Library that stands gloriously in defiance of an arson attack.
The colourful Hindu temple, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, is also on the docket, devoted to the god of war, love and beauty. While its kaleidoscope of colours will make you want to whip out those cameras, its intricate patterns and Dravidian pyramidal shape will really leave a lasting impression. Pitstop at the Jaffna Market before heading back, home to a mind-boggling assortment of goodies and open-air stands overflowing with fruit and veg. We dare you to try and resist the quirky souvenirs you’ll find here!
Tonight’s menu is a bit of DIY, at a local family’s home where you’ll cook up some traditional Jaffna cuisine. Whether you’re a Michelin-star chef or can barely chop an onion, you’ll have a blast slicing, sautéing and simmering with your fun-loving group and local hosts. Bon Appétit!
Accommodation: Thinnai Hotel (or similar), Jaffna
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Habarana
It’s an early wake-up today, but you’ll get the business of reaching your next destination and checking into your hotel out of the way, lickity split! After stopping for a local lunch, you’ll rumble into Habarana. Surrounded by national parks, the city itself is fine, but something extra special is in store for you here.
Instead of safaris and sanctuaries, you’ll be welcomed inside a traditional local home, made from mud and surrounded by fields. Warm smiles and the soothing melodies of a flautist will be there to greet you. Take turns testing out the folk instruments and get to know your hosts over high tea and local snacks – they no doubt have a few stories to tell. It hasn’t even been a week and you’re already well off-the-beaten track in Sri Lanka!
Accommodation: Pelwehera Village Resort (or similar), Dambulla
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Habarana
Muster up your early morning energy because you’re about to witness some of the most celebrated views in Sri Lanka!
Come prepared with sturdy shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water and the camaraderie of your fellow Fencoxers, because not only are you hopping on bicycles and riding to the great rock – there’s that challenging stair climb waiting for you too! Once you make it to the top, don’t forget to really breathe the moment in, feeling like you’re on top of the world and imprinting those horizon-stretching views into your memories.
That much exercise isn’t your cup of tea, no matter how impressive the views? No problem! You’re welcome to opt for a sleep-in instead and meet the exercise junkies back at the hotel over breakfast once all the activity is done and dusted!
This afternoon we have a treat in store. Let’s just say, have your binoculars ready!
Accommodation: Pelwehera Village Resort (or similar), Dambulla
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Kandy
It’s another day, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and we pinky promise that this one is a must-see too! Go inside the Dambulla Cave Temple, spread across five caverns and filled with 150 statues and paintings of Buddha. It’s unlike any other monastery in Asia!
After a morning’s exploring, it’s time to start heading for Kandy. It’d be a shame to just drive right through Sri Lanka’s rural countryside without stopping, though – so you will! Stretch your legs with a local guide on the Sudu Ganga Trek, a short hike through villages, plantations brimming with coffee, cocoa and pepper trees, and the peaceful river as the burbling backdrop.
Ready for tonight in Kandy? It’s filled with welcoming home visits – and one that will definitely chase away any residual hunger pains.
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar), Kandy
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Kandy
Rise and shine! Your first moments will be spent doing as the locals do, visiting Kandy Dalada Maligawa for sunrise worship. One of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines, this isn’t just any temple. It’s meant to house a tooth relic from the Lord Buddha, which is kind of a BIG deal!
You’re in for a unique treat this afternoon, diving into artisan craftsmanship and cultural heritage in the heart of Kandy. Watch as raw wood becomes an intricately carved masterpiece and see artists at work on the centuries-old practice of writing Ola leaf manuscripts. There are a few more surprises up our sleeves this evening but rest assured that you’ll go to sleep with full bellies yet again, after dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz (or similar), Kandy
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya
This morning, you’ll be heading on to Nuwara Eliya. As the Sri Lankan countryside moves by outside your window, you’ll feel a thrum of excitement. You’re only just over halfway through the adventure with endless possibilities of making more fabulous memories!
Nuwara Eliya is famous for its emerald-hued tea estates, so you can expect to visit one of the very best. In fact, today’s entire theme is tea, tea and more tea! Keep it going at The Grand Hotel where it’s pinkies up for a British High Tea fit for royalty. Don’t you know… calories don’t count when you’re traveling? So go ahead and dine like the Kings and Queens you are.
Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage (or similar), Nuwara Eliya
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Ella
If you thought yesterday’s train journey was amazing, today will really blow your socks off! This time, you’re heading to Ella – and this isn’t just any train journey. Crossing tea plantations, swooping through clouds and zig-zagging through mountain tunnels, you’ll soon understand why this journey is the most mind-bogglingly gorgeous train ride in Sri Lanka, and maybe even the world!
From one unforgettable experience to the next, as soon as you step off the train it’s time to head for Ella Rock. You’ll feel like you’re trekking up to the sky, standing suspended over the patchwork of dense forests and bubbling waterfalls down below. Not in the mood for a strenuous walk? The view from the hotel pool isn’t completely terrible either!
Accommodation: Oak Ray Ella Gap (or similar), Ella
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Ella
It wouldn’t be a morning in Sri Lanka without sipping a steaming cup of tea, so this morning’s introduction to local handcrafted teas will go down a treat. After this cultural appetiser, it’s on to a handloom factory in a small nearby village. If you’ve been scratching your head as to how the bold and beautiful fabrics, rugs and throws you’ve seen all over the country are made, you’re about to find out!
Like many creative industries, it’s women who keep textile fabrication in Sri Lanka alive and kicking! As you explore the factory today, check out the intricate work that goes into each and every design. These ladies are not messing around – they have serious talent.
Accommodation: Oak Ray Ella Gap (or similar), Ella
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Yala National Park
It’s time to say goodbye to Ella and hello to Yala, but not before paying a visit to Sri Lanka’s famous Nine Arch Bridge. You might recognise it from your train journey a few days ago and we just couldn’t resist the chance to break up the journey at this super special spot!
This evening, Yala National Park will wow you as you head out on a 4×4 safari through its grasslands. You’ll have the chance to spot animals like crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, buffaloes and more – with your eagle-eyed guide leading the way, there’s no telling what amazing wildlife you’ll come across. And if you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a leopard. As one of the best places in the world to see these elusive creatures, the odds are in your favour.
Accommodation: Ekho Safari Tissa (or similar), Tissamaharama
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Galle
Kick off the day by trying a local delicacy that will test even your adventurous limits. This is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular sweets, but the main ingredient probably won’t be something you’re used to. By the time the syrupy-sweet flavour invades your tastebuds, you won’t care what it’s made from!
Leave behind the monsoon forests and grasslands of Yala as you motor towards Sri Lanka’s swoon-worthy coast. We’ve kept you waiting, but the moment is finally here: it’s time to sample another Sri Lankan favourite, their famous biryani, at your lunch stop in beachside Mirissa!
Tonight you’ll be snoozing with a view of the Galle Fort! This fabulously preserved Dutch colonial town is nestled inside its walls, a gold mine of ancient religious sites, boutiques, cafes, museums and restaurants. We know you’re itching to get out and see the sights and your guide will be waiting to whisk you off to do just that.
Accommodation: Le Grand (or similar), Galle
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Galle
Today is all about soaking in Sri Lanka and taking a breather after two solid weeks of adventure. Wake up slowly and savour traditional breakfast favourites over a cup of coffee. There’s just one thing on the itinerary today – a cooking class – so that you can sear (literally!) those mouth-tingling curry and roti recipes into your memory for impressing your loved ones back home.
You’ll roll up to a mudbrick home in a tuk tuk (something that could only happen here!) and get started chopping, sauteing, and, of course, sampling your hard work. Head back to your seaside paradise this evening for a well-deserved nap or a dip in the pool. This is the life! Although if you’d rather keep exploring, the colonial alleys of Old Galle are calling just outside your door.
Accommodation: Le Grand (or similar), Galle
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Colombo
Leave Galle in the rear-view mirror this morning because it’s high time you got to know Sri Lanka’s fun and funky capital, Colombo. You didn’t have much time to explore on arrival, so let’s make up for it today. Your guide will be waiting to lead you through the city’s happily-haywire streets and mesmerising sights, including the candy-cane-coloured Red Mosque and Pettah Fruit & Vegetable Market. The chaos here is intoxicating!
As the sun sets on your final day in Sri Lanka, there’s only one thing left to do – indulge in one final, fiery farewell meal featuring all your favourite Sri Lankan dishes, shared with your new favourite people. Savour every bite, clink glasses and raise a toast. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 15 days! Haven’t you known your fellow travellers for decades? Sleep well tonight in your grand-old, seaside colonial hotel.
Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel Colombo (or similar), Colombo
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16: Farewell Friends!
All good things must come to an end, but what an adventure it’s been! After one last breakfast together, you and the Fencox crew will be going your separate ways, so swap emails and phone numbers before giving your final hugs goodbye. You’ll be dreaming of this trip for years to come!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is a significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.64 USD.
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Australians and New Zealanders need a 30-day tourist visa for arrival in Sri Lanka at a cost of $40 USD. We’ll be in touch with more information closer to your departure date.
Level 2
If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats.
Other activities to consider include:
- You may need to occasionally sit on the floor
- you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
- On Day 6 there’s a cycle ride and stair climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress planned, but you may choose to spend that time at the hotel instead.
Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Sri Lanka adventure, we ask your contribution be:
- 38,500 SL Rupee (equivalent to $206 AUD) which is given to your guide on Day 1.
The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, your driver & driver assistant and services.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
- 31,000 to 35,000 per person (equivalent to $165 – $190 AUD)
(Exchange Rate used – $1 AUD : 186.7 SL Rupee)
20kg
January
Sri Lanka is usually sunny and warm throughout January. Expect daytime temperatures to be humid and up to 30°C. However, in the mountain highlands, you should be prepared for cold snaps, so make sure you have a jacket handy. Overall, the island’s weather system is a complex story, so no matter what time of the year you visit Sri Lanka, always be prepared in case of rain.
October
In October, Sri Lanka experiences the inter-monsoon season, characterised by warm temperatures, increased humidity, and frequent rainfall across the island. Rain showers are often short-lived and typically occur in the afternoons or evenings. Generally, the weather can be a mix – there’s likely to be plenty of sunshine and the occasional rain shower, so pop a lightweight raincoat in your luggage. You’ll need a jumper for cooler mountain evenings too.
Your accommodation will be private; in other words, no room-sharing with anyone, throughout the entire trip.
Most Fencox travellers tend to be in their mid-50s to mid-70s.
Generally, we have no upper age limit for our trips. But, it’s important for you to know that our trips can be physically demanding and we will chat to you about your suitability. We’ll provide you with details of the health and fitness must-haves for our trips; however, we clearly are not medical experts. We will need you to obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months before you travel for the latest health requirements, vaccination advice and recommendations for your destination.
Age 75+
Guests over 75 years old at the time of travel, or those with pre-existing health conditions may need to have medical clearance to ensure safe travel, and must have a doctor complete a ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness to Travel’ within 30 days of booking confirmation.
Minimum age
While it doesn’t happen often, we do get younger guests joining our trips! As a general rule, the minimum age is 15 at the time of travel. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 appointed by their legal guardian.
International airfares are not included.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
The closest international airport to the start and finish locations of this trip is Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
There are direct flights to Sri Lanka from some Australian cities and several 1-stop flights from Australian and New Zealand cities. The arrival transfer to Negombo (the trip starting point) is included in the trip. So is the airport transfer at the end of the trip.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The official Sri Lankan currency is the Sri Lankan rupee, referred to as Rs or LKR.
In the unlikely event of a health or security-related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
Fencox was created because we had so many enquiries from men and women who had heard about our amazing Patch Adventures trips for women-only and wanted the opportunity to travel solo in the same way, only in a mixed group.
Fencox caters to both men and women who are solo travellers, have a genuine sense of adventure, are aged 55+, and are physically active and young at heart. Your fellow travel mates on a Fencox trip are inquisitive about the world and love exploring new travel destinations. Fencox travel mates love meeting new people, enjoy a good chat, and are happy to share a table with fellow travel mates for dinner.
If you’re travelling solo but don’t want to feel alone, this is your opportunity to share your travel experiences with other like-minded people. And best of all …. you’ll never pay a single supplement because everyone is guaranteed their own room!
