Beyond the Tourist Trail

Beyond the Tourist Trail

Duration
16 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £3095
Region
Asia & Pacific
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Overview

Sri Lanka is one of the most culturally rich holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean, mixing Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths and traditions. Colonial powers – Portuguese, Dutch and British – likewise have left their mark. Diverse landscapes provide a plethora of habitats for world class wildlife, whilst white-sand beaches afford an off-duty playground for visitors and residents alike. Island cuisine is first class, distinct flavours providing an enlivening culinary subtext to any visit.

Beneath its idyllic surface, Sri Lanka’s past has been challenging at time, having suffered a succession of travails, not least a long-running civil war, fortunately now in the distant past. Sri Lanka’s landscape is awash with fabulous archaeological and natural wonders so that, whilst we do not entirely shun the iconic sites that so many enjoy here, we have sought out little-visited and fascinating corners of the island to offer you a unique combination of experiences and memories to cherish and regale.

On this tour you will travel through the central and southern regions of the country exploring areas that are not on the well-trodden tourist path, such as Ritigala archaeological complex engulfed by the jungle in scenes akin to the set of an India Jones adventure, and the fascinating rural villages around Dunagaha, introducing much-needed funds into local economies. Along the way, enjoy the stories and experiences of local characters from former tea planters to a snake naturalist! For the wildlife elements, you will stay clear of the jeep-packed thoroughfares of Yala National Park and take peaceful alternatives away from the crowds.  This tour of Sri Lanka doesn’t insulate travellers in an all-inclusive international cocoon. The island’s sometimes difficult past validates its reality. In fact, it is a key factor in the reasons for visiting now in a land where you may be assured of a warm welcome from the locals.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 3/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 4/5
Wildlife: 4/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

The “Sri Lanka – Beyond the Tourist Trail” tour is a 15-day small group adventure offering a mix of culture, history, and nature. Starting in Negombo, travellers enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon, followed by visits to Sigiriya and the Ritigala Archaeological Monastery. The tour then explores Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO site, and continues with a scenic train ride through Sri Lanka’s hill country.

The journey includes a visit to Udawalawe National Park to see elephants, followed by a safari in Yala National Park to spot diverse wildlife. Along the way, travellers interact with locals, including tea planters and wildlife experts, for an authentic experience of Sri Lanka’s heritage beyond the typical tourist spots.

Itinerary Highlights
Sigiriya Rock Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress offering panoramic views and remarkable frescoes, providing a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s royal past.

Ritigala Archaeological Monastery

Hidden deep within the jungle, Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist site with serene meditation platforms and sacred ruins, offering a tranquil and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

A sacred site for Buddhists, this temple houses one of Buddha’s most revered relics, offering deep cultural and religious insights into Sri Lanka’s heritage.

Scenic Train Ride Through the Hill Country

Travelling through lush tea plantations and misty mountains, the scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella provides breathtaking views and a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s countryside.

Udawalawe and Yala National Parks

Known for their abundant wildlife, these parks offer thrilling safaris where visitors can spot elephants, leopards, and a wide range of other species in their natural habitats.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Peru – Beyond the Tourist Trail

PBT/051025 Oct 05, 2025

Sunday
Oct 18, 2025

Saturday
Guaranteed £3,095.00

Single Room Supplement: £545.00
Book Now
Peru – Beyond the Tourist Trail

PBT/030526 May 03, 2026

Sunday
May 16, 2026

Saturday
Guaranteed £3,595.00

Single Room Supplement: £545.00
Book Now
Peru – Beyond the Tourist Trail

PBT/041026 Oct 04, 2026

Sunday
Oct 17, 2026

Saturday
Guaranteed £3,595.00

Single Room Supplement: £545.00
Book Now

Interested in knowing more?

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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Sri Lanka that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Sri Lanka. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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