Adventure Holidays in Sri Lanka

Overview

Between the stunning food, breathtaking scenery, and golden sand beaches, there’s no room for disappointment in Sri Lanka. Our adventure holidays are the perfect way to experience the full beauty and wonder this country has to offer.

Sri Lanka boasts some of the world’s most welcoming hospitality, and our host Prateeque embodies that. Whether you’re on the hunt for legendary wildlife, hiking lush green mountains, or cooking with locals in rural villages – Not in the Guidebooks has you covered.

We prioritise eco-accommodation and the health of local environments, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories. Our expert-curated adventures introduce you to Sri Lanka’s most incredible sights, sounds, and flavours, going far beyond the typical tourist circuit.

Our most popular experiences

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14 Night Sri Lankan Family Adventure

14 Nights

Sri Lanka

Enjoy the beaches in Chilaw & Nilaveli
Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Experience the monkeys in Dambulla & Polonnaruwa

Price from

£1813 pp*

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Ultimate Sri Lanka Off the Beaten Track

14 nights

Sri Lanka

Explore Gal Oya National Park
Stay on eco-farms & tea plantations
Guided hike through Andawala and Hanguranketa

Price from

£3416 pp*

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Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure Country and Coast

12 Nights

Sri Lanka

Hike to Manigala Rock & Adam's Peak
Safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
Enjoy the beaches of Tangalle

Price from

£2212 pp*

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Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure

10 Nights

Sri Lanka

Hike to Manigala Rock & Adam's Peak
Safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
Ride the famous Blue Train to Ella

Price from

£1770 pp*

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Sri Lanka Tea Country and Trains

3 Nights

Sri Lanka

Stay on scenic Tea Plantations
Ride the famous Blue Train to Ella
Experience wild animals in the village of Chena

Price from

£903 pp*

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Luxury Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka

6 nights/ 7 Days

Sri Lanka

Ceylon Spa Ayurvedic Therapies
Visit the Foundation of Goodness
Daily sunset and sunrise yoga session
Stay in luxury boutique hotels all meals included

Price from

£2195 pp

Take me there

View all

14 Night Sri Lankan Family Adventure

14 Nights Sri Lanka
- Enjoy the beaches in Chilaw & Nilaveli
- Safari in Wilpattu National Park
- Experience the monkeys in Dambulla & Polonnaruwa
Price from

£1813 pp*

Take me there
Ultimate Sri Lanka Off the Beaten Track

14 nights Sri Lanka
- Explore Gal Oya National Park
- Stay on eco-farms & tea plantations
- Guided hike through Andawala and Hanguranketa
Price from

£3416 pp*

Take me there
Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure Country and Coast

12 Nights Sri Lanka
- Hike to Manigala Rock & Adam's Peak
- Safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
- Enjoy the beaches of Tangalle
Price from

£2212 pp*

Take me there
Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure

10 Nights Sri Lanka
- Hike to Manigala Rock & Adam's Peak
- Safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
- Ride the famous Blue Train to Ella
Price from

£1770 pp*

Take me there
Sri Lanka Tea Country and Trains

3 Nights Central Province
- Stay on scenic Tea Plantations
- Ride the famous Blue Train to Ella
- Experience wild animals in the village of Chena
Price from

£903 pp*

Take me there
Luxury Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka

6 nights/ 7 Days Sri Lanka
- Ceylon Spa Ayurvedic Therapies
- Visit the Foundation of Goodness
- Daily sunset and sunrise yoga session
- Stay in luxury boutique hotels all meals included
Price from

£2195 pp

Take me there

View all

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

General

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Sri Lanka’s weather varies by region, with the west/south coasts and Hill Country enjoying drier conditions from December through March. However, the southwest monsoon from April to September brings lush, green landscapes to the southern and western areas, including the picturesque hills. Temperatures remain comfortable year-round, averaging 26-32°C across the island. While peak tourist season is December-March, visiting during the “wet” months allows you to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in a more serene, uncrowded setting – a true delight for the responsible traveler.

Best Places to Visit

Galle

Galle is the beating heart of the Southern Province, known for it’s beautiful Dutch architecture s

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Galle

Central Province

The Central Province of Sri Lanka is famous for it’s stunning mountainous terrain, tea plantations

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Central Province

Our top tips for Sri Lanka

Bargain in the Markets

Haggling is an art form in Sri Lanka’s markets, so embrace your inner negotiator and prepare to blag your way to a better deal – it’s all part of the experience! Just remember to keep it lighthearted and that the vendors are more likely to give you a good deal if you have a smile on your face.

Scenic Train Journeys

Sri Lanka has some of the best train journeys in the world. With some of the most breathtaking landscapes that you’ll ever see, just sit back and enjoy the rhythmic clickety-clack of the trains. Glide past emerald tea plantations, misty mountains and sleepy seaside towns, it’s the perfect way to sit back and soak up the scenery.

Spice it Up (Carefully)

Sri Lankan cuisine is an absolute flavour explosion, but those spices can be quite intense! Start slowly when sampling the curries, sambols and hoppers. Sip on a cooling king coconut water to extinguish any accidental fire in your mouth. Once you’ve built up your tolerance, dive right in – taste buds are in for the ride of their life!

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Unmissable Highlights

Sigiriya – Gaze in awe at the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, an architectural and engineering marvel that seems to defy gravity. Hike to the top and be rewarded with panoramic views stretching for miles. Along the way, marvel at the elaborate water gardens, frescoed cave dwellings, and the iconic giant stone lion paws guarding the entry. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you spellbound.
Wilpattu National Park – Spot leopards, sloth bears, and the elusive Sri Lankan elephant on a safari through the wilds of Wilpattu. This lesser-known gem boasts the highest leopard density in the world. Traverse the park’s unique “willus” – natural, sand-rimmed water basins – and keep your eyes peeled for flashes of spotted fur and the spray of water as wildlife come to drink.
Anuradhapura – Wander the ruins of ancient Anuradhapura, the well-preserved capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium. Admire the towering dagobas, serene man-made lakes, and the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – a cutting from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. This UNESCO site provides a humbling glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Learn more about Sri Lanka

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