
Tour · 8 nights · with Explore Worldwide
An eight-night small group tour with Explore Worldwide that threads through Sri Lanka from the leopard country of Wilpattu to the beaches of the southern coast, blending wildlife, cultural ruins and riverside rafting.
Highlights
Afternoon jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park
Bicycle tour of Polonnaruwa's ancient ruins
Early climb to Sigiriya rock fortress summit
White-water rafting on the Kelani River
Surf lesson in Weligama and visit to Galle Fort
This small group tour with Explore Worldwide begins in Negombo, a coastal town known for its active fishing industry and traditional catamarans skimming the waters. After settling in, travel north to Wilpattu National Park to track leopards on an afternoon jeep safari, then sleep in a tented camp close to the park's boundary.
Journeys
The route then heads inland to Habarana, where bicycles replace buses for a ride around Polonnaruwa's compact archaeological sites, including the Royal Palace ruins. Early starts are rewarded with a climb up Sigiriya's rock fortress before a visit to Kandy's Royal Botanical Gardens and the chance to stroll the town’s market streets. A stretch of white-water rafting on the Kelani River near Kitulgala shows a wetter side of Sri Lanka's highlands.
The final days rest on the country's southern coast, splitting time between Hikkaduwa’s ocean frontage and a surf lesson near Weligama or a visit to Galle’s colonial fort. The trip ends with a train journey up the coast to Colombo and a final night back in Negombo. A practical if occasionally bumpy pace leaves space to take in the details, from jungle campfires to the sounds of daily life on the railway.
Itinerary
Negombo
Wilpattu National Park
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
When to go
Lowest price each month, per person.
Explore Worldwide confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
For full details of what’s included, check with Explore Worldwide. See the full details on their site
The operator
Small-group adventures, walking and wildlife
Small groups with local leaders, and a fondness for the places at the end of the road. Trips are graded so you know how active they are.
You book with Explore Worldwide directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.

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Kandy
Kitulgala
Hikkaduwa
Weligama
Galle
Colombo
These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.