This trip is suitable for you who have a limited budget but still want to experience Sri Lanka’s nature, culture and wonderful beaches. You get memories for life when you live in temples and can explore the tropical nature on a hike at Horton Plains.
Explore Sri Lanka backpacker style. You stay in a nice hostel, cozy guesthouse and in a spartan temple. Local transport is carried out by tuk-tuk, train and longer distances by car. The trip is tailored so you can explore Colombo by bike, hike in nature, meditate in a temple, see the mountains in the highlands from the train and relax on a lovely beach.
Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia
With the backpack packed, it carries off to Sri Lanka. One or two stopovers will be added to the trip, depending on which airline you travel with.
Day 2: Arrival in Sri Lanka and transfer to Colombo
Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and driven to Colombo. The city is expanding rapidly with new construction and skyscrapers, but these are mixed in an exciting way with charming older colonial buildings. You can find the bazaar and visit any Hindu or Buddhist temple.
Day 3: Bike ride in Colombo
After breakfast, it’s time to explore Colombo by bike. You meet your guide in Independence Square and from here you walk past the National Museum, one of the city’s largest parks, the old town hall and the area by the sea, where you can taste some locally produced delicacies. The journey ends at Pettah Bazar. ( F )
Day 4: By train to Nuwara Elia
After breakfast, you will be picked up by tuk-tuk and taken to the train station. You can enjoy the pleasant walk across the highlands, among lush green tea plantations. Arrival and transfer to your guesthouse. ( F )
Day 5: Day trip to Horton Plains
With breakfast unpacked before your ride, head to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is stunningly beautiful with waterfalls and wonderful scenery. You steer the steps towards the famous lookout point “End of the World”, where you can admire the tea plantations and on a clear day look all the way to the southern coast. ( F )
Day 6: Overnight in temple.
Today you will visit Bandarawela and spend the night in a temple. You sleep in simple conditions and the food you eat has been donated to the monks by the village. In the evening you participate in meditation led by the high priest. ( F )
Day 7: By train to Ella
The journey continues today by train to Ella. Once in Ella, you spend the rest of the day as you wish. If you are hungry for more experiences, we recommend a trip to the Ravana waterfall. Otherwise, the atmosphere in the city is really lovely and invites you to relax in one of the small cafes. ( F )
Day 8: On your own in Ella
Ella attracts with magical nature, ancient temples, excursions to caves, and perhaps a visit to Adam’s Peak. ( F )
Day 9: Transfer to the beach via Udawalawa National Park
You leave the mountains and drive via Udawalawa towards a center for injured elephants in Mirissa. ( F )
Day 10-12: On your own in Mirissa
For the next few days, relaxation is on the schedule in cozy Mirissa. For example, you can go on an excursion to Galle, which is Sri Lanka’s third largest city. Galle is a charming place with many memories from the country’s 450 years as first Portuguese, then Dutch and finally British colony. The old town center of the historic fortress is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Within the walls, the city offers art galleries, antique shops and pleasant alleys with shops, bars and restaurants. You can go whale watching or simply relax on the beach. ( F )
Day 13: Travel on your own or start your journey home
You can take the train back to Colombo and maybe continue the journey to the Maldives or go north and explore several Sri Lankan cultural treasures. Just let us know and we at Winberg Travel will help you book the rest of your adventure.
Overnight stays
Six nights in a hostel in a dormitory room
One night in a temple
Four nights in a guesthouse
