Name: Sri Lanka 12-Day Tour Highlights | Spice Gardens & Coasts
Brand: Zero Trace Tours
SKU: 44728706302128
Price: 2595.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

Start and Finish

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Fun Groups

Max 22 People

Distance

Upto 20km over 12 Days

Difficulty

Easy +

Climate +

200% Co2 Offset

Woman photographing scenic train ride through Sri Lanka's emerald hills on the 12-day tour of spice gardens and tropical coasts.

Icons of Sri Lanka | 12-Days of Spice Gardens, Emerald Hills & Tropic Coasts

Spice Gardens, Emerald Hills & Tropic Coasts | 12-Day Sri Lankan Exploration

Cave temples, tea trails, and palm-fringed bays—this 12-day circuit stitches Sri Lanka’s greatest hits into one elegant loop. Climb Pidurangala at sunset, summit Sigiriya at dawn, tuk-tuk through Kandy, ride the famous hill-country train to Ella, then trade mist for palms on the south coast. Expect elephants on safari, a bike-and-school visit near Galle, and a mellow river cruise to close. Big variety, low faff, max colour.

Quick Facts

Duration: 12 days
Style: Small-group “flashpacker” (social, comfort-leaning)
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate — stair climbs + hill walks; optional longer hikes
Start/Finish: Negombo → Colombo
Transport: Private vehicle/coach, scenic rail (Nuwara Eliya → Ella), tuk-tuks, boat (Madu River)
Stays: Handpicked hotels (twin/double) + 1 night safari glamping

Trip Highlights

Marvel at Dambulla Cave Temple; hike Pidurangala for a sunset panorama over Sigiriya.
Climb Sigiriya at first light—kingdom-in-the-clouds views.
Kandy by tuk-tuk, including the Temple of the Tooth.
Tour a tea estate, then ride the world-famous Ella train.
Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arch Bridge photo stops.
Udawalawe elephant safari with a night of jungle glamping.
Mirissa beach time & Coconut Tree Hill sunset.
Galle bike ride with a local school visit, explore Galle Fort.
Reflect at the Tsunami Memorial; drift the Madu River mangroves by boat.

Good to Know

Meals included: 11× breakfasts, 2× lunches, 2× dinners.
Age band: typically 18–45; max group size ~22.
Rooming: twin/double as standard; glamping night uses comfy, fixed tents.
Optional extras: extra safari, Ella hikes, surfing/massage time on the coast.
Pace: steady; early starts for key climbs keep crowds and heat down.

Booking Terms & Conditions

$350.00

RESERVE WITH DEPOSIT

Day 1: Negombo Arrival

Touch down, airport pickup, hotel check-in, then a relaxed welcome dinner with the crew. Easy first evening to reset after the flight and meet the group.

Day 2: Dambulla Caves & Pidurangala

Roll inland to the Dambulla Cave Temple (Buddha statues, painted ceilings), lunch stop, pool dip, then hike Pidurangala for a golden-hour panorama across to Sigiriya. Early night—tomorrow starts strong.

Day 3: Sigiriya Rock & Village Lunch

Climb the legendary Sigiriya at first light—frescoes, lion paws, sky-high views. Lunch with a local family; afternoon free for a massage or optional elephant safari.

Day 4: Spice Garden, Cooking Class & Kandy

Head for the hills: learn fragrant basics at a spice garden, roll sleeves up for a cooking class, then buzz through Kandy by tuk-tuk and visit the Temple of the Tooth.

Day 5: Tea Estate & Iconic Train

Tour a working tea estate (pluck, taste, appreciate), then board the famous Nuwara Eliya → Ella train—bridges, valleys, and the kind of scenery that slows conversations to “wow.”

Day 6: Ella Your Way

Choose your Ella: hike Ella Rock or Diyaluma Falls, hit a spa, café-hop, or drift by the pool. Low-effort, high-altitude bliss.

Day 7: Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch & Safari

Morning walk up Little Adam’s Peak, photo stop at the Nine Arch Bridge, then roll south for an Udawalawe jeep safari (elephants galore). Overnight glamping under canvas.

Day 8: Mirissa Beach Time

Trade jungle for palms. Settle into Mirissa; afternoon free for surfing, massages, or a sunset wander to Coconut Tree Hill.

Day 9: Mirissa Flex Day

Sleep in or chase the blue—whale-watching (Oct–Apr), surf lesson, café crawl. Your call.

Day 10: Galle Paddy-Fields Ride & Fort

Spin a 12 km cycle through paddy fields with a local school visit, then stroll Galle Fort for gelato, boutiques, and sea-wall sunsets.

Day 11: Coast Reflections & River Drift

Morning beach time, a stop at the 2004 Tsunami Memorial, then a peaceful Madu River mangrove cruise. Continue to Colombo for the finale.

Day 12: Depart Sri Lanka

Breakfast, goodbyes, onward travel. Expect full hearts and full camera rolls.

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Be Staying & What You’ll Be Eating

Where You’ll Be Staying

Handpicked hotels (twin/double): Comfortable, clean, and well-located—think pool dips after temple days and breezy balconies in the hill country.
Safari glamping (1 night, Udawalawe): A fixed-camp “under-canvas” experience with real beds and creature comforts—perfect after elephant-spotting.
Rooming: Twin/double as standard. Expect modern amenities in city/coastal hotels; simpler, nature-forward vibes at the glamping camp.
The feel: A good balance of style and sense—close to the action in Sigiriya/Kandy/Ella, relaxed by the coast in Mirissa, and a memorable night near the park. Earplugs and a light sleep mask = pro move.

What You’ll Be Eating

Included meals: 11 × breakfasts, 2 × lunches, 2 × dinners. Kick off with a Sri Lankan welcome dinner; later, enjoy a cooking-class lunch and a hearty safari-day spread.
Cuisine highlights (own expense beyond the inclusions):Cultural Triangle & Kandy: rice and curry spreads, hoppers (egg or plain), pol sambol, kottu roti.Hill Country: tea tastings, short eats (savoury snacks), warming dhal after rail days.South Coast: fresh seafood, fruit shakes, ginger beer, beach-side grills at sunset.
Dietaries: Vegetarian and many other preferences are widely accommodated with notice. Street-food is tempting—follow guide tips and stick to busy spots.
Hydration & heat: It’s tropical. Carry a reusable bottle; choose sealed water/treated refills, and keep electrolytes handy on hotter days.

Good to Know

Early starts for Pidurangala/Sigiriya and the train day help dodge crowds and heat—light breakfasts are common before big climbs.
Coastal days skew casual: sandals, sarongs, and seafood. Hill-country mornings can be crisp—tea first, questions later.

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

Dambulla Cave Temple visit; Pidurangala sunset walk with views to Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock climb (dawn start) + local family lunch
Spice garden visit & hands-on Sri Lankan cooking class
Kandy by tuk-tuk incl. Temple of the Tooth
Tea estate tour & tastings; scenic hill-country train (Nuwara Eliya → Ella)
Little Adam’s Peak walk & Nine Arch Bridge photo stop
Udawalawe open-jeep elephant safari + overnight glamping
Mirissa beach time; Galle 12 km countryside bike ride with school visit; wander Galle Fort
Tsunami Memorial stop; Madu River mangrove cruise

Guides

Professional One Life Adventures tour leader throughout, plus local Sri Lankan specialists and drivers where they add depth and safety.

Accommodation

11 nights handpicked hotels (twin/double) + 1 night safari glamping (fixed tents with real beds).

Meals

11 × breakfasts, 2 × lunches, 2 × dinners (including welcome dinner and cooking-class lunch).

Transport

All on-tour transport Day 1–11: private coach/vehicle, scenic rail, tuk-tuks, and boat (Madu River), plus airport arrival transfer on Day 1.

Equipment & Support

Entry fees for listed included activities; route briefings, safety guidance, and logistics support. Trekking here is non-technical—sturdy shoes and a daypack do the job.

Fees & Impact

National park and site entry where part of the inclusions.
200% Counter-Impact: funding applied to restore landscapes equivalent to twice the estimated trip footprint (methodology shown on the Impact page).

🚫 What’s Not Included

Before / After Travel

International flights to Negombo/Colombo and from Colombo
Pre/post-tour accommodation and departure transfer

Admin & Essentials

Visas, passport costs, travel insurance (required—bring proof), vaccinations/medicals as advised

Meals & Activities

Any meals/drinks not listed above; optional extras (e.g., Ella hikes beyond the standard, whale-watching in season, massages, additional safaris)

Personal Costs

Tips for guides/drivers, laundry, souvenirs, personal gear, and single-room upgrades (if offered)

Good to Know

Early starts for Pidurangala/Sigiriya and the train help dodge heat and crowds.
Luggage: soft duffel/backpack plays nicer with station stairs and hotel layouts than hard suitcases.
Group size typically up to ~22; traveller age band generally 18–45.

Weather Expectations (by region + season)

Sri Lanka is two monsoons and a thousand micro-climates packed into one island. Your 12-day circuit hits four main zones—here’s what they actually feel like on the ground.

Quick regional snapshot (typical ranges):

Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya/Dambulla): hot, often dry outside Oct–Dec — 30–34 °C days, warm nights.
Kandy (mid-hills): warm-humid city ringed by hills — 27–30 °C days, frequent showers Oct–Nov.
Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya → Ella): cooler with rapid changes — 18–24 °C days, 12–18 °C nights; mist and bursts of rain possible year-round.
South-west Coast (Mirissa/Galle) & Colombo/Negombo: tropically warm and humid — 28–32 °C days, sea breezes; short, sharp downpours in monsoon windows.

Season by season (what it means for this route)

Dec–Mar (Peak for your route)

Best overall balance for Cultural Triangle, Kandy, south-west coast and hill country.
Expect warm, mostly sunny days; hill mornings are crisp (light layer pays off).
Sea is generally calmer along the south-west; showers still pop up, but often pass fast.

Apr (Inter-monsoon 1)

Hotter afternoons and thundery downpours possible almost anywhere; still great for the coast and Cultural Triangle with early starts.
Humidity rises; plan climbs at first light (Sigiriya) and save pools for the PM.

May–Aug (South-west/Yala monsoon)

Coast & Colombo/Kandy/hills: more frequent showers, especially May–June; still plenty of blue-sky breaks.
Cultural Triangle: often drier than the coast—solid for Sigiriya/Dambulla.
Hill country flips between sun, mist, and quick rain—train views still ace, pack a shell.

Sep–Nov (Inter-monsoon 2 → North-east/Maha onset)

Oct–Nov brings the most unsettled weather for central hills (Kandy) with heavier showers and the odd storm.
South-west coast is mixed but improving by late Nov; heat eases a touch.
Great time for lush landscapes and fewer crowds—bring a real rain jacket and roll with flexible afternoons.

Practical takeaways

Early starts = cooler climbs (Pidurangala/Sigiriya) and clearer views.
Layers, not luggage: breathable sun tops + a legit rain shell + one warm layer for hill nights.
Rain style: tropical—hard, short, done. Keep a dry bag for phone/camera and you’re golden.
UV is punchy year-round; sunscreen and electrolytes earn their pack space.
Sea sense: south-west surf can mean rips—swim at lifeguarded spots and heed flags.

We had such an amazing experience! Camping overlooking the beautiful Ningaloo reef was a real highlight. The view from camp at sunset was stunning and the star gazing at night was spectacular. There was no one else around, it felt like we had the whole National park to ourselves. We spotted whales and many rock wallabies. A fantastic guide. He is very passionate and had so much knowledge of the area, the history and the flora and fauna. Ian has included so many thoughtful touches to the trek that really made it special. I would highly recommend this experience !

Kate Cranage via Google

2023

So awe inspiring to be in this pristine place paddling to the rhythm of the wind and tidal flow. Sam who had an huge level of competency was our exceptional guide. He was an unexpected bonus with a broad body of knowledge about country, marine life, tides, winds and good food and really made our trip. He was so chilled when dealing with a group of eight with different needs and wants. Exmouth Adventure company is very lucky to have him as a guide.

jf via Trip Advisor

31 July 2025

We had the most fantastic trip last week, kayaking during the day and camping on the beach each night. I was initially very nervous about the kayaking and the logistics of taking all our gear, keeping it dry etc. But it soon became very easy. Neri, our guide, was absolutely brilliant. She is extremely experienced, put us all at ease, kept us safe and happy, was very knowledgable and accommodating, cooked us delicious meals and worked extremely hard day and night to make it all run smoothly and seamlessly. We had a wonderful time and are very grateful.

Jo C via Trip Advisor

15 September 2024

The experience I had will forever be memorable of my time in Exmouth. Paddling the Cape Range and Ningaloo coastline was an insight into the vastness and abundance of flora and fauna of the area. Being able to hike through thousands of years of history with Ningaloo’s experienced guide Ian was a treat. He is passionate and a wealth of knowledge of the area, which ensures absolute safety for those of us on the overnight hike. Being able to camp comfortably overnight on top of Cape Range on day one is incredible for both a sunset and starry night with a cup of hot chocolate, and the morning sunrise. We saw countless rock wallabies and even enjoyed sightings of dolphins as we enjoyed our lunch. This is an incredible experience which is an absolutely must if you want to experience Exmouth!

Jasmine Grdosic via Google

2022

If I could give 10 out of 5 stars above, I would! The adventure is planned for a maximum of 12 people, but apparently there was a group cancellation, so our tour comprised of just three of us, with our amazing guide, photographer and chef extraordinaire, Neri. The kayaks are comfortable and easy to use ( at almost 70, and overweight, I was however unable to manage getting back into the kayaks in deep water, although Neri tried many techniques to try to help me); the snorkel spots were extraordinary; Neri's photos caught all of our excitement and some stunning marine friends; the camping spots were fabulous, except for the first night at North Kurrajong (ground was hard} but Neri assisted to get tent pegs in and from then on, at our request, guided us to some beaches where our group were the only campers ( extra points for Duggy!). Every night Neri whipped up a 5-star delicious and healthy meal - as well as healthy, tasty lunches, morning teas, afternoon teas and sundowner snacks!! Your will never starve on this trip! Neri's knowledge of the reef and environs provides an amazing potted history of the last 25 million years, deep appreciation of the extraordinary marine life and opportunity to meet some of its very endearing and wonderful characters. Cannot recommend this World Heritage experience highly enough! Will need to submit some photos and videos separately, once I have processed them.

Cruiser64687790809 via Trip Advisor

23 May 2024

Wife and myself did the 5 day kayaking and adventure tour. Wow , what a lovely place to see and go kayaking The guides , Haley and Catia really looked after us. They are a wealth of knowledge on the reef , the animals , fish as well skilled kayak operators . They cooked and prepared all the meals and I really enjoyed them. The camp site is the same each night so you don’t have to put up a tent , so we moved up the lagoon each day exploring the reef system and seeing heaps of aquatic life One day , due to strong winds/ high seas , we went inland for a walk through 2 gorges seeing the black faced wallaby’s, Osprey eagles and some amazing rock colours Great trip and really enjoyed the Exmouth , Cape Range, Ningaloo reef areas

Roland B via Trip Advisor

13 June 2023

What phenomenal trip this is! Such a unique opportunity and an experience completely unique in Exmouth and the Ningaloo region! The team were so knowledgable and accommodating, Cant wait to come bacK!

Michelle Lee Coates via Google

June, 2025

We have just finished a 5 day kayak and snorkel tour with this company and it was top class. Our guides, Katia and Hayley were fabulous. Very knowledgeable, capable, empathetic, fun, engaging and passionate people. They cooked up great healthy, tasty meals each night, and spoilt us with lovely lunches snacks, sunset platters. Our "on water" experience in this top class "nature's playground", in and around the Ningaloo reef was equally impressive. We got lots of opportunities to snorkel and the amount of marine life here is amazing. Highly recommend this company and this experience.

485mojo57 via Trip Advisor

9 June 2023

What to Pack

Pack light, breathe easy, look respectful. Sri Lanka is tropical and temple-rich, with one hill-country cool change and a safari night in the mix. Aim for a soft duffel + daypack setup that plays nice with trains, tuk-tuks and hotel stairs.

Bags & Daily Setup

Main bag: Soft duffel or backpack 50–70 L (hard cases are clunky).
Daypack: 20–25 L with bottle pockets.
Small lock for hotel lockers and glamping camp zips.
Dry bag (5–10 L) for rain bursts, boat day and beach runs.

Documents & Money

Passport (+ copies) and visa/ETA if required.
Travel insurance proof (required).
Cards + some USD/EUR cash to exchange.
Offline copies of key bookings + emergency contacts.

Footwear

Breathable walking shoes/trainers (for Sigiriya, Ella walks, fort walls).
Sandals/flip-flops (beach + hotel).
Closed-toe shoes for the Galle bike ride.
Temple socks (floors can be hot; shoes come off at sacred sites).

Clothing (tropical + modest-friendly)

4–5 quick-dry tops (mix of tees/loose long sleeves).
2 lightweight trousers (linen/tech fabric) + 1 pair shorts (knee-length best for towns/temples).
1 light dress/sarong option (great post-beach and for modesty).
1 light mid-layer (hill-country mornings can nip).
1 packable rain shell or compact umbrella.
Sleepwear; swimsuit.
Brimmed hat + polarised sunnies.
Optional: padded bike shorts (Galle ride), neutral safari shirt (less sun, less sweat, fewer bugs).

Swim, Sun & Heat Management

Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF) + SPF lip balm.
Electrolyte tabs—humidity’s best friend.
Lightweight buff/scarf for sun, dust, temples.

Day-Tour Kit

1–2 L water capacity (bottles or bladder).
Compact first-aid (plasters, blister care, pain relief, antihistamine).
Insect repellent (bring what your skin likes).
Small snacks you’ll actually eat (nuts, bars).
Headlamp (glamping, pre-dawn climbs).
Tissues/wet wipes (temples & travel days = handy).

Toiletries & Health

Travel-size basics; hand sanitiser.
Personal meds + copies of prescriptions.
Anti-diarrhoeals and rehydration salts (belt-and-braces).
Microfibre towel (beach/boat days).

Tech & Power

Universal adaptor (Sri Lanka uses 230 V; sockets commonly Type D/G/M).
Power bank, charging cables, and offline maps/translation app.
Camera if you shoot; spare card.

Glamping Night—Tiny Extras

Light sleepwear, earplugs/eye mask.
Soft cotton scarf (nights are comfy, not cold—this is more cosy than critical).

Optional Nice-to-Haves

Trekking poles (if knees prefer on stair-heavy days).
Leech socks/light gaiters only if hiking after heavy rains near waterfalls.
Reusable cutlery/straw for street-food moments.

Leave Behind (or think twice)

Heavy boots (overkill here).
Excess jewellery and bulky toiletries.
Bright white outfits on safari (dust magnets).

Pro tip: Lay everything out, remove a third, then add one extra pair of socks. Future-you—standing barefoot on a hot temple terrace—will be eternally grateful. 🧦

Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂e Footprint

Results Summary (Topline)

Estimated total per guest: ~1.29 tCO₂e
Estimated total per tour (assumes 18 guests): ~23.21 tCO₂e
Offset applied: 200% → ~2.58 tCO₂e per guest (tour: ~46.42 tCO₂e)
Method note: High-estimate with WTT (well-to-tank) and RF = 1.9 for aviation; includes single-origin guest travel, all on-tour transport & stays, all meals, and one wildlife/boat day.

Purpose

Provide a clear, conservative estimate for this 12-day Sri Lanka circuit, to show the impact and the 200% counter-impact funding applied.

Key Tour Info

Route: Negombo → Sigiriya/Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → scenic rail → Ella → Udawalawe → Mirissa → Galle → Madu River → Colombo
Duration: 12 days • Style: Small-group, comfort-leaning
Transport: Private vehicle/coach, scenic rail, tuk-tuks, boat (Madu River)
Stays: Hotels (twin/double) + 1 night safari glamping

Scope & Boundaries

Included: Guest travel to the start and back to the origin (return routing), all on-tour transport, accommodation, and all meals (included + off-tour).
Excluded: Shopping, personal equipment purchases, staff logistics outside group movements, and non-tour discretionary add-ons.

Feeder Hub — Single Origin City

Origin hub: Singapore (SIN)
Routing (return): SIN ↔ CMB (Colombo/Negombo)
Cabin: Economy

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

Aviation (economy, incl. WTT, RF=1.9): 0.195 kg CO₂e / p-km
Rail (regional/diesel-electric mix): 0.045 kg CO₂e / p-km
Mini-coach/van (high passenger-km intensity): 0.089 kg CO₂e / p-km
Hotels (HCMI, per guest-night, mixed category): 6.0 kg CO₂e / night
Meals (all meals, conservative): 2.0 kg CO₂e / meal
Small day-boat/wildlife cruise (allowance): ~10 kg CO₂e / guest-day

(p-km = passenger-kilometre)

Activity Data (Basis for Estimates)

Flights (guest):

SIN → CMB → SIN: ~5,498 km → ~1,072 kg CO₂e

Rail (guest):

Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) → Ella: ~60 km → ~2.7 kg CO₂e

Road (guest):

Negombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Udawalawe → Mirissa → Galle → Madu → Colombo + local moves: ~750 km → ~66.8 kg CO₂e

Boat (guest):

Madu River day (and allowance for one wildlife/boat day): ~10 kg CO₂e

Stays:

11 guest-nights (1 night glamping + 10 hotel nights): ~66 kg CO₂e

Meals:

12 days × 3 meals/day = 36 meals: ~72 kg CO₂e

Results — Per Guest

Aviation: ~1.072 t
Rail: ~0.003 t
Road: ~0.067 t
Boat: ~0.010 t
Stays: ~0.066 t
Meals: ~0.072 t
Total per guest: ~1.29 tCO₂e

Results — Per Tour (Adjustable)

Assumed group size: 18 guests
Total: ~23.21 tCO₂e
Offset applied at 200%: ~46.42 tCO₂e

Assumptions

Distances rounded; routing follows typical roads/rail for this itinerary with a buffer for local movements.
Aviation factor is deliberately high (includes WTT + RF).
Hotel nights averaged across mixed quality; per-guest allocation used for shared rooms.
All meals counted at 3/day to stay conservative.
One wildlife/boat day included (covers Madu River day and aligns with standard allowance).

Versioning

Model: SL-12D-v1.0 (2025-09-03)

Local Insights (street-smart + trip-tested)

Money & payments
LKR is king. ATMs are easy in cities and tourist hubs; thinner in small towns—withdraw ahead. Cards work at hotels and many restaurants, but tuk-tuks, markets and little eateries are cash-first. Keep small notes for tips and temple shoe stalls.

Connectivity (SIM / eSIM quick picks)
Best bets: Dialog and SLTMobitel (Mobitel), with Hutch as the value play. You can buy a Tourist SIM or eSIM at Colombo Airport in minutes—passport needed. Regional travel eSIMs also work if you prefer to land connected.

Getting around (no haggling edition)
Use PickMe (Sri Lanka’s ride-hailing app) for cars and tuk-tuks with transparent pricing. Trains are scenic but busy—your itinerary’s Nanu Oya → Ella sector is the showpiece; booked seats beat standing with your daypack.

Temple etiquette & photos
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats, keep voices low. Don’t pose with your back to Buddha or near statues; some sites limit photography—ask first. If you have a Buddha tattoo, keep it covered.

Power & plugs
Voltage 230V / 50Hz. Sockets are Type D / G / M. A universal adaptor keeps everything charging.

Health & water
Stick to sealed or treated water; bring electrolytes in the heat. Mosquito protection matters year-round at lower elevations. Travel insurance is required for the tour—have proof handy.

Beach & ocean sense
South-coast surf can mean rip currents. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, heed the flag system, and skip dusk swims after big surf.

Wildlife & season notes
Whale-watching in Mirissa runs Nov–Apr (best Dec–Mar); it’s seasonal and sea-state dependent. Book the night before based on conditions.

Good habits
Right hand for giving/receiving, shoes off at thresholds, and ask before photographing people. A light scarf solves half of temple etiquette in one move.

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Travellers who want Sri Lanka’s big hits without the big faff—temples, tea country, a famous rail ride, safari, and beach time—in a social small-group format. Expect comfort-leaning stays and early starts for key sights.

Easy–Moderate. Think stair climbs (Sigiriya), short walks (Pidurangala, Little Adam’s Peak), and a casual 12 km bike ride near Galle. No technical hiking.

Typically 18–45 with a max group size around 22. Solo travellers are common and welcome.

Standard is twin/double. A limited number of single rooms may be available at a surcharge—request at booking. The glamping night is usually twin/double under canvas with real beds.

Are airport transfers included?

An arrival transfer on Day 1 is included. Departures from Colombo on Day 12 are DIY (easy to arrange on the ground or via your leader).

Is the scenic train seat reserved?

Yes—seats are arranged for the Nanu Oya → Ella sector whenever rail operations permit. Sri Lankan rail can reshuffle carriages/timetables; your leader handles any local changes.

What’s included for meals—and can you handle dietaries?

11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners are included (welcome dinner + cooking-class lunch among them). Vegetarian and many other dietaries can be accommodated with notice; options are widest in cities and along the coast.

Do I need a visa/ETA?

Most travellers require an ETA/visa in advance; specifics depend on your passport. Check the official guidance before booking and travelling.

What about money—cash or card?

LKR is the currency. ATMs are easy in cities/tourist hubs; thinner in small towns. Cards work widely at hotels and many restaurants; tuk-tuks, markets and smaller eateries are often cash-first. Keep small notes for tips and temple shoe stalls.

Will my phone work?

Yes. Dialog and SLTMobitel have the best coverage, with Hutch as a value option. Tourist SIM/eSIMs are sold at Colombo Airport—bring your passport.

How hot does it get—and what should I wear at temples?

It’s tropical on the coast and warm in the Cultural Triangle; hill country brings cooler mornings. At temples: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off; avoid photos posing with your back to Buddha.

Is the water safe to drink?

Stick to sealed or treated water. Bring electrolytes for hotter days.

Safari—what are the chances of seeing elephants?

Udawalawe is renowned for reliable elephant sightings. Wildlife is wild—no guarantees—but this park is one of the safest bets in Sri Lanka.

Beach time—any safety tips?

South-coast breaks can produce rip currents. Swim at lifeguarded beaches and follow the flag system. Dusk swims after heavy surf = skip.

Tipping—what’s normal?

Customary. Your leader will suggest sensible amounts for drivers, local guides, and service staff—carry small local notes.

Luggage—backpack or suitcase?

Either works, but a soft duffel/backpack is kinder to train steps, tuk-tuks and hotel stairwells. A 20–25 L daypack is perfect for daily essentials.

Power & plugs?

230 V / 50 Hz; sockets commonly Type D/G/M. Bring a universal adaptor.

How does the 200% Counter-Impact work?

This listing allocates funding to restore landscapes equivalent to twice the trip’s estimated CO₂e. The method summary and assumptions are shown in the CO₂e section.

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

-1.0tCO₂e

-1.0t 10.0t

0–2 t Low · 2–4 t Moderate · 4–6 t High · 6–8 t Very High · 8+ Extreme

What That Means

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Zero Trace Tours is a curated marketplace, not a tour operator.

We handpick the best guided adventure tours from expert local operators and bring them together in one place. Think of us as your shortcut to the world’s most unforgettable, low-impact travel experiences—without the overwhelm of researching every operator yourself.

We only partner with & list high-quality, trusted operators.

Every tour you see on Zero Trace is run by a professional provider with proven experience, proper licensing, and strong safety practices. We don’t just take anyone—each operator is thoroughly vetted before their tours go live. You’re not just booking an adventure. You’re booking peace of mind.

Every tour on our platform includes a built-in environmental offset.

We calculate the footprint of each experience—from travel to food to gear—and contribute directly to landscape restoration projects that heal degraded environments (Twice Over!!).

It’s not a vague promise—it’s built into the business model. You travel, we restore.

If you’re into off-the-beaten-path, small-group, experience-rich travel—this is for you.

These aren’t cookie-cutter trips. They’re for people who care about nature, love a bit of challenge, and value quality over quantity. Some are rugged, some are luxurious—but all are run by experts who live and breathe the places they guide in.

Each tour follows the cancellation policy set by its operator, which is clearly listed before you book.

Zero Trace handles all your booking admin, so if your plans change, just reach out to us—we’ll coordinate directly with the operator to get it sorted. No call centre runaround, no being passed off. We’ve got your back from booking to departure.

Find out More

Country/Region

Country/Region

Start and Finish

Fun Groups

Distance

Difficulty

Climate +

Spice Gardens, Emerald Hills & Tropic Coasts | 12-Day Sri Lankan Exploration

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Be Staying & What You’ll Be Eating

✅ What’s Included

🚫 What’s Not Included

Weather Expectations (by region + season)

Field Notes From Fellow Travelers

What to Pack

CO₂e Footprint

Local Insights (street-smart + trip-tested)

Save time planning with our helpful travel tools

Optimum Travel Time Heat-Map

Point A - B Travel Time Estimator

Co2 Calculator

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

Travel

Restore

Repeat

Bookings with Us

1. Choose Your Tour

2. Pick Your Dates

3. Reserve Your Spot

4. Plan Your Logisitics

5. Your Adventure Begins

FAQ's

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets