Sri Lanka Backpack Tour

Sri Lanka Backpack Tour

Day 1: Colombo Arrival. Evening casino, pubs, and cafes. o/n Colombo
Day 2: Drive to Nuwara Eliya; en route, visit the Elephant Orphanage. overnight Nuwara Eliya
Day 3: Hike to World’s End. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya to Ella. En route to Seetha Amman Temple. overnight, Ella
Day 5: Ella to Mirissa. En route, visit Ravana Falls & Yala National Park. overnight Mirissa
Day 6: Optional whale watching or snorkeling. Day trip to Galle Fort with overnight in Mirissa
Day 7: Drive from Mirissa to Bentota. River Safari. overnight Bentota
Day 8: Transfer to airport. Fly back to India

Note to Remember:
Please reach Colombo before 2 pm.
Please book any flight that leaves post 2 pm

Sri Lanka Backpack Tour
DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Colombo
Please arrive at Colombo airport latest by 2 PM. Upon your arrival, a cab will transfer the group to the hotel.
Check in to the hotel, and after freshening up we will go out and explore the city with your new travel mates!

Day 2: TRANSFER TO NUWARA ELIYA. EN ROUTE TO VISIT ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE. O/N NUWARA ELIYA
Today after breakfast, we drive to the beautiful hill station. But before we reach this pretty town, we will make a stop at an elephant orphanage. This place was a sanctuary to the orphaned baby elephants that were found in the wild. To see an elephant taking a bath in the river, spraying water all around is the best feeling. And I am sure we are
going to see that.
Post lunch we will resume our journey. Also known as the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya gives you the feel of an old British country village, what with its colonial-era bungalows, the neat hedges in the gardens, and the vintage architecture of its hotels and buildings. The weather is pleasant; there are tea gardens everywhere around you.
The air itself feels fresher, and it makes for the perfect start to the holiday! We can walk around the town. Walk into little cafes, talk to the locals, buy a souvenir, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Nuwara Eliya!

Day 3: HIKE TO WORLD’S END; O/N NUWARA ELIYA
Today we are hiking to World's End. Nice-sounding name, eh!
Situated at one end of Horton Plains National Park, World’s End is the name of a viewpoint about four kilometers from the starting point, in the forest and wildlife conservation area.
We start very early in the morning. The hike is easy; there is a beautiful mist blowing all around and once you reach the top, the views are gorgeous, with hills spread in all directions and villages and tea plantations looking like dots and Lego creations down below in the valley.
In the evening, let’s walk around the beautiful tea gardens and sip some authentic Ceylon tea and see how it is prepared in a tea factory.

Day 4: NUWARA ELIYA TO ELLA. O/N ELLA
After breakfast, we'll set off to explore a charming new town nestled in the Sri Lankan hills. Our first stop is the Seetha Amman Kovil, the only temple of its kind in the world, dedicated to Seetha and built in the Dravidian architectural style. According to the epic Ramayana, this is the sacred spot where King Rama kept Seetha hidden to protect her
from the demon king Ravana. Nearby, a stream flows, believed to be the place where Seetha bathed, and a rock beside it is said to be where she sat in prayer. Let's take in the beauty of this serene and historic site.
After the temple visit, those interested can hop on the famous train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (not part of the trip inclusions, but highly recommended).

This ride is often dubbed one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. You'll pass through rolling tea
plantations, misty hills, old tunnels, and charming little villages. Locals wave from the tracks, the air smells of fresh leaves, and it’s pure magic through and through. It’s a slow ride, but trust us – you won’t want it to go any faster.
After this we will head back and check in at the hotel, later you can explore the beautiful town Ella– a place that truly steals hearts.
Think cozy cafés with dreamlike views, happy backpackers from all over the world, and a laid-back vibe that makes you
want to stay longer. Ella is all about sipping coffee with a view, chasing sunsets, and soaking in that fresh mountain air. Whether it’s strolling through its cute streets, checking out the local shops, or just finding a quiet spot to read – Ella lets you slow down and vibe, one chill scene at a time
.

Day 5 ELLA TO MIRISSA. ENROUTE VISIT TO RAVANA FALLS & YALLA NATIONAL PARK . O/N MIRISSA
After breakfast, we will leave for the beach town of Mirissa, at the southern end of this coastal country. On the way we will stop at the massive Ravana  Falls. The falls are gigantic and a beauty to watch.

After the falls, we will be heading towards Yala National Park.
The chance to go on safari and see a wild boar or majestic Sri Lankan leopard, the winding trails, and the fact that in some places the park even touches the Indian Ocean.
However, two of the most popular reasons to visit are Sithulpauwwa, a Buddhist rock temple, and Magul Maha Viharaya, where folklore says an ancient king wed an abandoned princess. The history and artifacts found here transport you back to those ancient times.
We will reach our hotel in the evening, and after freshening up, let's head up to the beach. Feel free to follow your heart, stroll by yourself for with friends, have a drink at a local bar, or read a book near the sea, it is but your holiday.​

Day 6: OPTIONAL WHALE WATCHING OR SNORKELLING; DAY TRIP TO GALLE FORT O/N MIRISSA
Today we can indulge in what I feel is probably the best part of the trip. Whale watching!!!!
How many people in the world can say that they swam with a whale—the largest mammal in the world. Very few people!
This is an optional activity for those who are interested.
Note: it isn’t part of the package, but if anyone wants to do it, they can. (It will cost approx. 70 USD.)

Mirissa is one the very few places in South Asia where you can go on a sighting tour to spot whales. It would be an incredible experience. Even at the world level, it is said that Mirissa is one of the top places to spot a blue whale!
The tour starts early in the morning, where a boat takes you into the Indian Ocean and you can spot different kind of whales and dolphins, including the largest mammal on Earth - The Blue Whale.
We could even do a fun beach photo shoot among ourselves. You can be your funniest, silliest whatever you want to be.

We will be doing a day trip to Galle Fort. The route is along the western coast and very pretty. In the 18th century, the Dutch build their headquarters, Galle Fort, on the Sri Lankan coast. In present-day times, the fort’s walls are home to museums, churches, trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. Walk around, preferably along the coastal walls and
ramparts, and you get a stellar view of the sea and the Galle cricket ground.
Wandering around in some of the narrow streets of Galle Fort makes you forget that you are in Sri Lanka. It looks like you are in a European city instead. Even if you’re not a culture driven person, the buildings inside Galle Fort will be something refreshing.

Day 7: DRIVE FROM MIRISSA TO BENTOTA. RIVER SAFARI. O/N BENTOTA
After breakfast, we will leave for Bentota. It will be a drive of 2 hrs. Have you ever cruised among the lush mangroves while the birds chirp happily? It’s an experience to cherish! You can view exotic animals like herons, kingfishers, and crocodiles (yep!!).
Another interesting thing to do during the safari is the fish spa (not included in the package).
Post river safari, we will check in our hotel. Today is the last day of the trip, let‟s go to the beach chill & discuss the past few days. :)

Day 8: DEPARTURE FOR AIRPORT
The tour ends today, people! A cab will transfer us to the airport, and from there we will fly back to India. Hope you had a great trip, and we shall meet somewhere sometime.
again soon.

 

FAQs – Sri Lanka Backpack Tour from Mumbai

1. Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indian travelers need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which can be applied online easily before departure.

2. What’s the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit is December to April, ideal for beaches and hill stations.

3. How much does the Sri Lanka backpacking tour cost?
The package is designed to be budget-friendly, covering accommodation, transport, sightseeing, and internal transfers.

4. What type of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in a mix of hostels, guesthouses, and homestays — clean, safe, and perfect for backpackers.

5. Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! Many of our travelers join solo and end up making lifelong friends.

6. What’s included in the package?
✅ Accommodation
✅ Internal travel and transfers
✅ Sightseeing and entry fees
✅ Experienced group leader
✅ Daily breakfast

7. What’s not included?
❌ Flights (Mumbai–Colombo–Mumbai)
❌ Meals other than breakfast
❌ Personal expenses and optional activities