Island Pulse
11 nights ideal length
From 859 per person
Search for wild elephants, ride scenic trains, and relax on golden beaches
Experience the soul of Sri Lanka on this 11-day journey filled with wildlife, history, and natural beauty. Wander through the colorful Negombo markets, visit sacred temples, and explore ancient cities like Kandy and Dambulla, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travel by scenic train through tea country, share a home-cooked meal with locals in Ella, and head deep into the wild on a jeep safari. Your adventure ends with sunsets and palm-lined beaches in Unawatuna. With a caring local guide by your side, this trip offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and freedom.
- Sleep under canvas in Sri Lanka’s first luxury tented camp, just steps from Yala’s wild heart
- Picnic beside hidden waterfalls and swim in cool, clear pools
- Stay in beautifully restored tea planter bungalows, high in the hills
- Spot wild elephants on safari in Udawalawe National Park
This itinerary is crafted for young adults aged 18 to 45
Why you’ll love this trip
- See Sri Lanka’s Top Sights – Visit famous places like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth, and Galle Fort.
- Enjoy Nature and Wildlife – Spot elephants on safari, walk through rainforests, and relax on golden beaches.
- Taste Local Flavours – Try real Sri Lankan food, including a special lunch at a local women-run restaurant.
- ravel Comfortably – Private transport and a friendly local guide make your journey smooth and stress-free.
- Perfect for Couples & Families – This tour is not for big groups, so you can explore at your own pace.
Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Sri Lanka
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to beautiful Sri Lanka. Your journey begins in Negombo, a charming coastal town close to the international airport.
Our friendly guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Negombo. You can arrive at any time today and relax after your flight.
If you get here early, you can enjoy a peaceful walk by the beach, see the colourful local fishing boats, or try some tasty fresh seafood. If you're feeling active, you can also rent a bicycle from the hotel and explore the quiet countryside and canals nearby.
Overnight stay
Negombo
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Please Note:
Some local people near hotels may offer tours or activities. These are not connected to us, and we cannot promise they are safe or good quality. We suggest you avoid joining tours from unknown or unofficial guides.
Day 2 - Fish Market Buzz & Ancient Rock Fortresses
Start your day with a visit to the lively Negombo Fish Market, where local fishermen bring in the morning catch. It’s a colorful and noisy scene—a real look into everyday coastal life. Then, travel inland to the cultural heartland of Dambulla. Later in the day, you’ll have the option to climb the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a towering ancient palace built on top of a 200-meter rock. The views from the top are stunning, and the history carved into the rock’s face is unforgettable. In the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Time:
Approx. 3.5 hours
Included Activities:
Visit to Negombo Fish Market
Optional Activities:
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (USD 35 – entrance ticket only)
Day 3 - Cave Temples, Spices & Scenic Hills
Start your day with the optional visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning site is carved into five natural caves and filled with ancient statues, murals, and golden Buddha images. Afterward, travel south toward Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. On the way, stop at a spice garden in Matale, where you can learn about local herbs, spices, and how they’re used in everyday cooking. Once in Kandy, the afternoon is yours to explore. You might relax by the lake or join a cooking class in a local home to learn how to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Time:
Approx. 2.5 hours
Included Activities:
Matale Spice Garden visit
Optional Activities:
- Dambulla Cave Temple visit (USD 7 – entrance only)Kandy Cooking Class & Dinner in a Local Home (USD 12)
Day 4 - Free Day in the Cultural Capital
Today is yours to explore Kandy at your own pace. You might begin the morning with a calming Ayurvedic massage to recharge. Stroll around the scenic lake, visit the lively local market, or shop for crafts in small boutiques. If you're interested in history, don’t miss the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. You can also wander through the peaceful Royal Botanical Gardens, join a local cooking class, or watch a traditional cultural dance show in the evening. Your guide will help you make the most of this vibrant city.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Time:
free day
Included Activities:
Free time to explore Kandy
Optional Activities:
- Temple of the Tooth visit (USD 7 – entrance only)
- Royal Botanical Gardens (USD 10 – entrance only)
- Sinhalese Cooking Class (USD 12)
- Cultural Dance Performance (USD 7)
- Temple of the Tooth visit (USD 7 – entrance only)
Day 5 - Scenic Train Journey to Ella
After breakfast, begin your journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya by private vehicle, enjoying misty hills and rolling tea plantations along the way. On the drive, stop to admire the breathtaking Ramboda Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. You'll also visit a working tea factory, where you can see how fresh tea leaves are picked, dried, and packed for export. After reaching Nanu Oya, board the iconic train to Ella—a spectacular ride through green valleys, forests, and mountain villages. In Ella, settle in and enjoy the relaxed vibe. The evening is yours to explore cozy cafés, sample local food, or unwind with live music in this charming hill town.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast
Travel Time:
Approx. 2.5 hrs (vehicle) + 3 hrs (train)
Included Activities:
Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
Optional Activities:
- Stop at Ramboda Waterfall (free stop)
- Tea factory visit (entrance or tasting fee may apply)
- Ella nightlife (optional and self-paid)
Note:
Train tickets are in high demand. If unavailable, private transport will be arranged to ensure comfort and smooth travel.
- Stop at Ramboda Waterfall (free stop)
Day 6 - Sunrise Hike & Local Flavours in Ella
Begin your day early with a scenic hike to either Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock—your guide can help you choose depending on your fitness level and the kind of view you prefer. Both trails offer peaceful paths, cool morning air, and incredible views of Ella’s lush surroundings. After the hike, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing breakfast. Later, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, one of Ella’s most iconic landmarks. The rest of the day is free for you to explore cafés, shops, or simply unwind with the beauty of the hills around you.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast
Included Activities:
- Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock
- Visit to Nine Arch Bridge
- Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock
Day 7 - Into the Wild – Safari Adventure & Camp Under the Stars
This morning, leave the peaceful hills of Ella and travel by private vehicle to Tissamaharama, near Yala National Park. In the afternoon, head into the park for an exciting 4WD jeep safari. Keep your eyes open for elephants, leopards, crocodiles, buffalo, and colorful birds as you drive through forest and open plains. After the safari, head to your safari camp, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by nature. Enjoy a peaceful evening with a campfire, fresh air, and the sounds of the wild around you.
Accommodation:
Safari camp near Yala or Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Time:
Approx. 3 hours
Included Activities:
Afternoon wildlife safari in Yala National Park
Overnight stay at a nature-based safari camp
Note:
If Yala National Park is closed (typically in September–October) or overcrowded, your safari will be arranged in Udawalawe National Park, also rich in wildlife and known for its elephants.
Day 8 - From Wild Jungles to Golden Beaches
Leave the wild side of Sri Lanka behind this morning as you travel west by private vehicle toward the southern coast. On the way, stop at the historic city of Galle, where your guide will lead a walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort—a beautiful mix of colonial charm, ocean views, and narrow cobblestone streets. Grab a light lunch or enjoy a coffee before continuing to Unawatuna, a beach town known for its golden sand, swaying palms, and chill vibe. The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore the beachfront, or enjoy a sunset swim.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Time:
Approx. 3.5 hours
Included Activities:
Galle Fort walking tour
Day 9 - Relax, Surf, and Stretch by the Sea
Today is all about unwinding at your own pace. After breakfast, head to the golden sands of Unawatuna Beach for a full day of freedom. Whether you prefer relaxing on a sunbed, swimming in the ocean, or enjoying a fresh coconut by the shore—you’ll find your perfect spot here. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a beginner-friendly surfing session nearby or join a peaceful beachside yoga class to stretch and recharge. In the evening, enjoy the sunset and dine at one of the cozy seaside restaurants.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Surfing lesson (1 hour, approx. USD 25–30 per person)
- Beach yoga class (morning or evening session, approx. USD 10–15 per person)
- Bicycle rental for local exploration (approx. USD 5 per day)
- Surfing lesson (1 hour, approx. USD 25–30 per person)
Day 10 - Colombo City Walk & Cultural Mix
Leave the southern coast behind this morning and travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s energetic capital. Once you arrive, head out on a guided city walk to explore the rich culture and everyday life of this busy city. Visit colorful local markets, pass colonial buildings, and discover a peaceful blend of temples, churches, and mosques—showing how different cultures and beliefs live side by side. After the tour, you’ll have free time to shop, explore, or enjoy a coffee by the ocean.
Accommodation:
Hotel 1 Night
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Time:
Approx. 4 hours
Included Activities:
Guided walking tour and market visit in Colombo
Optional Activities:
Local train ride from Galle to Colombo (on request only; subject to availability)
Note:
Unless requested, today’s journey will be made by private vehicle for a smoother experience.
Day 11 - Farewell from Colombo
After breakfast, your Sri Lankan journey comes to an end.
If you’d like to spend more time in Colombo or need help arranging extra nights at the hotel, feel free to speak with us in advance — we’ll be happy to assist with additional accommodation or transfers.
We hope you leave with beautiful memories, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the people and places of Sri Lanka.
Ayubowan – until we meet again. The Ayubowan Way
Meals Included
Breakfast
Is this trip right for you?
- Head out on multiple safaris in 4WDs through Wilpattu, Minneriya, Kumana and Yala National Parks, looking out for herds of native elephants, leopards, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, hundreds of species of birds and more.
- Don infrared night goggles and witness sea turtles coming ashore at Rekawa beach to lay their eggs while hatchlings dash down to the water to start their new life.
- Chill out beachside on Arugam Bay and soak up some free time to chill out, explore at your own pace and maybe go swimming, snorkelling or surfing.
Inclusions and activities
🍽️ Meals
- 10 breakfasts, 8 Diner
🚐 Transport
- Private vehicle, Train
🏨 Accommodation
- Hotel (10 Nights)
✓ Included activities
- 10 nights in comfortable hotels and a nature-based safari camp
- Daily breakfast throughout the trip
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers
- Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella (subject to availability)
- Guided city walk in Colombo
- Visit to Negombo Fish Market
- Spice garden experience in Matale
- Galle Fort walking tour with a local guide
- Guided hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock
- Visit to Nine Arch Bridge
- Afternoon wildlife jeep safari in Yala or Udawalawe National Park
- Services of a knowledgeable local guide/driver throughout the tour
+ Optional activities
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress – USD 35
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple – USD 7
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy – USD 10
- Temple of the Tooth, Kandy – USD 7
- Cultural Dance Show, Kandy – USD 7
- Sinhalese Cooking Class, Kandy – USD 12
- Tea Factory Tour, Nuwara Eliya – free
- Ramboda Waterfall Stop – free
- Surf Lesson in Unawatuna – USD 25–30
- Yoga Session by the beach – USD 10–15
- Bicycle Rental (Unawatuna) – approx. USD 5 per day
- Train ride from Galle to Colombo – available on request
Dates and availability
👥 How to Select Participants
Adults – Twin or Double Share
Rooms come with a double bed by default
Twin beds can be arranged on request.
Choose even numbers only e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.
Adult (Solo) – Single Room
This covers a private room for one adult.
Extra charge applies.
If your group size is odd 3, 5, 7, etc., select 1 here.