The type of journeys we organize
If we had to capture the essence of our journeys, this is how we would define them in one sentence:
Responsible journeys all around Sri Lanka with a preference for nature immersion and lesser-known places, where travellers can discover local cultures and arts, and connect with local communities
Let’s explain a bit further the concepts at work here
Responsible journeys: it means the journeys that keep in mind and try to avoid as much as possible the negative consequences of travelling on the social, economic and environmental fabrics of a destination
Nature immersion: it means we prefer to accommodate our travellers in beautiful natural settings, which will inspire them to protect and conserve the nature and biodiversity of our luxuriant island
Lesser known places: Have you heard about Ratnapura, Mannar, Kegalle, Batticaloa, Balangoda, Bandarawela, Vavuniya, Maha Oya, etc.? Probably not as much as about Ella, Yala, or Mirissa, am i right? This might change if you travel with us, as we will definitely propose you to explore some of these off-the-beaten track locations and to keep you away from the areas experiencing overtourism
Discover local cultures and arts: Tangible and Intangible heritage, local handicraft and arts, religions, ways of life, life stories have a place of choice in our itineraries
Connect with local communities: Yes, the first gem of Sri Lanka is its population… During your journey with us, we’ll make sure you have plenty of encounters with the different communities living here, in their villages, at their working places, or at their homes
Travel Inspiration
Here are some itineraries we have created overtime for past travellers. They include different parts of the country, for various periods of time. Please make yourself a nice cup of Sri Lankan tea, and embark in their discovery. You will see that some very popular spots are not included… And at the same time, you will see in most of them that we will have planned the visit of an organic tea plantation in Ella, or a cooking class in Batticaloa… This is our identity… Our “must-see” activities might be different from most travel agencies, and rather be some “must-live” experiences that we love to recommend.
But please… take these itineraries only for what they are: examples… travel inspiration, before you decide to spend time with us on the phone so we can co-create your own journey… adapted to your desires, the duration of your stay in Sri Lanka and your available budget.
Here they are… Enjoy… And as our motto says: Embark and Experience…
10D/9N: Sri Lanka’s essentials on a shoestring
A low-cost trip to Sri Lanka, with a few essential sites, nature getaways and great encounters with its inhabitants! A touch of nature, a pinch of culture, and good times spent with the people of our smiling island… Here is the perfect recipe for a predictable favorite, with an unexpected and endearing taste, which could well encourage you to come back again and again to explore it further…
Highlights:
- 4 historical/archaeological sites
- Immersion in local life
- 9 nature activities
- Exploration of the East
- Train trip
- Tea plantations
- 3 days in the coastal area
- 1 snorkeling session
We recommend:
- 1 Night in Kandy
- 2 Nights in Ella
- 2 Nights in Batticaloa
- 2 Nights in Passikudah
- 1 Night in Maha Oya
- 1 Night in Habarana
14D/13N : Nature, Cultural Heritage and Local Life
A wonderful two-week trip suitable for families and small groups of friends, focusing on outdoor activities, some must-see sites and immersion in local life in the East! Ideal for travelers visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, between February and October, eager to discover the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, while visiting the tea plantations, and having a few relaxing days by the sea.
Highlights:
- Immersion in local life
- 12 activities in nature
- Exploring the East
- Some historical and archaeological sites
- Tea plantations
- 4 days in the coastal area
- 7 nights in ecolodges
- Hiking on the Pekoe Trail
We recommend:
- 2 Nights in Kandy
- 3 Nights in Ella
- 3 Nights in Batticaloa
- 2 Nights in Passikudah
- 1 Night in Maha Oya
- 2 Nights in Habarana
16D/15N: Eastern marvels, from the villages to the sea
With its hundreds of kilometers of unspoilt beaches, a myriad of authentic villages, friendly people from multiple communities, several little-known national parks, and magnificent lagoons all around, the Eastern province has so much to offer to the exploring travellers… Since we are based in the East – and love our environment – we can propose you some itineraries that focus ONLY on the Eastern part of Sri Lanka. Batticaloa, Passikudah, Ampara, Arugambay, Nilaveli, Trincomalee, Kudumbimalai, Maha Oya, etc… we do believe we have enough resources to amaze you for at least 16 days. If you are thrilled about living an E.E.E (Exclusively Eastern Experience), then this journey is definitely for you!
Highlights:
- Immersion in local life
- Discovery of villages
- Stay with locals
- Hindu temple festival
- Discovery of Muslim culture
- Many water activities
- Snorkeling, scuba diving
- Fishing at sea and on the lagoon
- 3 safaris
We recommend:
- 2 Nights in Arugam bay
- 7 Nights in Batticaloa
- 3 Nights in Passikudah
- 1 Night in Maha Oya
- 2 Nights in Trincomalee
17D/16N: Heading East and North, History, Cultures and Local Life
This journey is an invitation to leave the main road and dive deep in rural Sri Lanka, to discover the ways of life of its various communities. This tour will be of particular interest to history lovers and repeat travellers who haven’t visited the North and East, previously affected by the civil war. It will also delight travellers in search of authentic multicultural encounters with Sri Lankan inhabitants in their living places.
Highlights:
- History of Sri Lanka
- Discovery of religions
- Multiculturalism
- Life stories
- Immersion in local life
- Exploration of the North and the East
- Historical and archaeological sites
- Tea plantations
- 8 days in coastal areas
We recommend:
- 1 Night in Kandy
- 3 Nights in Ella
- 4 Nights in Batticaloa
- 2 Nights in Nilaveli
- 3 Nights in Jaffna
- 2 Nights in Anuradhapura
- 1 Night in Habarana
19D/18N: Human adventures off-the-beaten-track
A trip to Sri Lanka that is truly off the beaten track, with local communities in rural areas, to explore the East and immerse yourself in the heart of different religions… This trip is not short of unexpected adventures, between the discovery of the beautiful Eastern Province, the laughter with the families who welcome you into their homes, the night in a national park… Beautiful moments of serenity also in a Buddhist monastery or relaxation in the king’s pool after an epic hike in the heart of the wild nature of authentic Sri Lanka… Are you ready, adventurers?
Highlights:
- Travel far off the beaten track
- Immersion in rural life
- Many days with locals
- Exploration of the East
- In-depth discovery of Buddhism
- Tea plantations
- 3 safaris and 1 night in a national park
- Camping in a cave
- Surfing and snorkelling
We recommend:
- 1 Night in Avissawella
- 2 Nights in Ratnapura
- 3 Nights in Ella
- 2 Nights in Arugam Bay
- 3 Nights in Batticaloa
- 3 Nights in Maha Oya
- 2 Nights in Trincomalee
- 2 Nights in Anuradhapura
21D/20N: Immersive journey for nature lovers
An immersion in the magnificent Sri Lankan nature, from South to East, from North to West, far from the crowds, close to local communities. From the tropical forest of the southern hinterland, to a preserved coral reef on the east coast, you are embarked on a journey focused on discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of the different Sri Lankan ecosystems. Historical and multicultural sites as well as many nights in homestays in different regions complete this journey to discover a luxuriant, local and exotic Sri Lanka.
Highlights:
- 19 nature activities
- Discover the South away from the crowds
- Immersion in local life
- Exploration of the East
- Historical and archaeological sites
- Tea plantations
- 6 days in coastal areas
- 5 nights in ecolodges
- 11 nights with locals
- 2 snorkeling sessions
We recommend:
- 1 Night in Galle
- 2 Nights in Deniyaya
- 2 Nights in Tangalle
- 3 Nights in Ella
- 4 Nights in Batticaloa
- 1 Night in Mahaoya
- 2 Nights in Habarana
- 3 Nights in Nilaveli
- 2 Nights in Anuradhapura
23D/22N – Searching for wildlife
A journey focusing on Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna, from national parks to rural areas, from fishing villages to sparkling lagoons. With a number of safaris in unspoilt environment, some trekking in remote villages, the discovery of the lesser known areas of North and East, and long walks on pristine sandy beaches, this journey explores the untamed and colourful wildlife of the incredible biodiversity hotspot that Sri Lanka remains, from North to South and from East to West. It also offers plenty of privileged encounters with its friendly inhabitants.
Highlights:
- Numerous encounters with fauna and flora
- Stay in coastal areas
- Exploration off the beaten track
- 6 nights in ecolodges
- Nature hikes
- Tea plantations
- 12 days in the North-East
- Immersion in local life
We recommend:
- 2 Nights in Digana
- 1 Night in Kandy
- 3 Nights in Ella
- 2 Nights in Arugam Bay
- 4 Nights in Batticaloa
- 1 Night in Maha Oya
- 2 Nights in Trincomalee
- 3 Nights in Jaffna
- 1 Night in Wilpattu
- 3 Nights in Kalpitiya
Some of your dream destinations are not included in these itineraries?
No problem… These itineraries are just examples. We definitely prefer building new itineraries according to the expectations of our guests than always beating the same tracks. So whatever the places you would like to discover in Sri Lanka, just tell us, we’ll do our best to build an itinerary accordingly. For this, please visit our page A La Carte Tours and tell us the ingredients of your dream tour of Sri Lanka! See you soon…
