🇱🇰 GROUP TRIP  ·  9 DAYS · 8 NIGHTS

THE ISLAND THAT HAS IT ALL.

See Itinerary 🔒 Block a slot
Travelers booked this trip last time
Scroll↓
📅
22-30 Aug 2026
Trip Dates
🌙
8 Nights
Duration
👥
Up to 14 Pax
Group Size
🏨
3-Star Hotels
Accommodation
🥐
8 Breakfasts
Meals Included
✈️
Colombo CMB
Fly Into
⛰️
Sigiriya Sunrise
Lion Rock Climb
🐆
Leopard Safari
Yala / Udawalawe
What You'll Do

11 Handpicked OJ Experiences

We don't do the standard tourist checklist. Every experience below was chosen because it's the kind of thing you'll talk about for years.

01
Stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the golden cave temples of Dambulla 🐘 Day 1
02
Climb Sigiriya at sunrise, a royal sky fortress on top of a 200-metre rock ⛰️ Day 2
03
Roll through a village on a bullock cart and catamaran with a home-cooked lunch 🛖 Day 2
04
Walk up Little Adam's Peak for the Ella Gap view 🥾 Day 4
05
Catch the bright blue train curling across the Nine Arch Bridge 🚂 Day 4
06
Fly the 500-metre Flying Ravana zipline over the tea fields 🪢 Day 4
07
Cool off under Ravana Falls and toast sunset at the Ravana Pool Club 💦 Day 4
08
Track leopards and elephants on a jeep safari (Yala or Udawalawe) 🐆 Day 5
09
Whale-watch and snorkel with turtles off Mirissa, in season 🐋 Day 6
10
Surf and cafe-hop the boho horseshoe bay of Hiriketiya 🏄 Day 7
11
Get lost in the cobbled ramparts of the 400-year-old UNESCO Galle Fort 🏰 Day 8
Day by Day

The Itinerary

9 days. A whole continent packed onto one island.

Day 1

🐘 COLOMBO TO SIGIRIYA · ELEPHANTS EN ROUTE

🛬 Midday Arrival🐘 Pinnawala Elephants🦁 Lion Rock
▾
Colombo city Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Land in Colombo around midday, collect your bags and we set off for the heart of the island. Day one stays easy with a single stop: the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where rescued herds amble down to the river to bathe. No rush, no wipe-out after a flight. Evening at leisure in the shadow of the Lion Rock.

🤓 Did You Know? Pinnawala began in 1975 as a refuge for orphaned and injured wild elephants, and the whole herd still walks down to the river to bathe together, twice a day.
Day 2

🦁 SIGIRIYA · THE LION ROCK AT SUNRISE

🌅 Sunrise Climb🛖 Village Safari🍛 Home-cooked Lunch
▾
Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress

Beat the heat and the crowds with a sunrise climb up Sigiriya, the fifth-century sky fortress a king built on top of a sheer 200-metre rock, past the mirror wall and the painted frescoes to the ruins of a palace at the very top. Back down, swap pace for a village safari: a bullock-cart and catamaran loop through paddy fields with a home-cooked Sri Lankan lunch. The rest of the day is yours by the pool.

🤓 Did You Know? Sigiriya's flat summit once held a full royal palace with landscaped gardens and pools, all built 1,500 years ago, 200 metres up in the air.
Day 3

🍃 SIGIRIYA TO ELLA · CAVE TEMPLE AND TEA HILLS

🛕 Dambulla Caves🍃 Tea Country📸 Ravana Falls
▾
Labookellie tea estate

Before we leave Sigiriya, a morning at the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, five caves of giant Buddhas and two-thousand-year-old ceiling murals carved into a granite hill. Then the scenic drive south into cool green tea country, with a quick photo stop at Ravana Falls, arriving Ella by evening, a laid-back hill town built for slow mornings, big views and good coffee.

🤓 Did You Know? The Dambulla caves have been a living temple for over 22 centuries, one of the oldest continuously used sacred sites on earth.
Day 4

🪢 ELLA · ZIPLINE, NINE ARCH AND THE GAP

🥾 Little Adam's Peak🌉 Nine Arch Bridge🪢 Flying Ravana Zipline
▾
Nine Arch Bridge with the blue train Ravana Falls

Ella is exactly our kind of town. Start with a gentle sunrise walk up Little Adam's Peak for the big Ella Gap view, then time the Nine Arch Bridge to catch the bright blue train curling across the century-old viaduct. After lunch you fly: the Flying Ravana mega-zipline, 500 metres of dual line straight over the tea fields. Then a sundowner at the Ravana Pool Club and a wander through Ella's cafe-and-bar scene.

🤓 Did You Know? The Nine Arch Bridge was built in 1921 from solid stone, brick and cement with no steel at all, the story goes because all the steel was rationed for the First World War.
Day 5

🐆 ELLA TO MIRISSA · A WILD SAFARI AND THE SOUTH COAST

🐆 Leopard Safari🐘 Wild Elephants🌅 Mirissa Sunset
▾
Yala leopard on safari Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa

Time to go wild. We head out on safari through Sri Lanka's spectacular wildlife region. To give you the best possible experience, our local team picks between Yala National Park, Yala Block 5 and Udawalawe based on the current wildlife activity and park conditions: more wildlife, better sightings, an unforgettable safari. Then on to Mirissa for a sunset arrival on the south coast.

🤓 Did You Know? Yala has one of the highest leopard densities anywhere in the world, which is exactly why it is the island's safari headliner.
Day 6

🐋 MIRISSA · WHALES, TURTLES AND BEACH CLUBS

🐋 Seasonal Whale Watching🐢 Turtle Snorkel🏖️ Beach Clubs
▾
Whale watching off Mirissa Unawatuna beach Turtle hatchery

A free day on the south coast. Head out for seasonal whale watching (it runs with the season and the weather, so it is a hopeful highlight, never a guarantee), snorkel with turtles in the shallows, then sink into Mirissa's beach-club afternoon: cold drink, warm sand, nowhere to be.

🤓 Did You Know? The blue whales that pass Sri Lanka are the largest animals that have ever lived, with a heart roughly the size of a small car.
Day 7

🏄 MIRISSA AND HIRIKETIYA · THE BOHO BEACH DAY

🏄 Beginner Surf☕ Boutique Cafes🐚 Horseshoe Bay
▾
Hiriketiya horseshoe bay

A day trip down the coast to Hiriketiya, a perfect little horseshoe bay that has become the island's coolest surf-and-cafe corner. Catch a beginner wave, hop the boutique cafes, then drift back to Mirissa for the night.

🤓 Did You Know? "Hiri" went from sleepy fishing cove to one of South Asia's most photographed beaches in barely a decade.
Day 8

🏰 MIRISSA TO GALLE · THE DUTCH FORT AT SUNSET

🏰 400-year-old Fort🛍️ Cobbled Lanes🌇 Sea Ramparts
▾
Galle Fort

A short hop up the coast to Galle and its 400-year-old UNESCO fort, a walled old town of cobbled lanes, boutiques and a clifftop lighthouse. Spend the day getting lost in it, then walk the sea ramparts as the sun goes down.

🤓 Did You Know? The Galle Fort ramparts shrugged off the 2004 tsunami, sheltering the old town behind walls the Dutch first raised in the 1600s.
Day 9

👋 GALLE TO COLOMBO · FOND FAREWELL

🍳 Island Breakfast🚗 Coastal Transfer✈️ Flight Home
▾
Colombo Lotus Tower

One last island breakfast, then the coastal transfer back to Colombo and the flight home. You leave tanned, well fed and already plotting the next one. Ayubowan, Sri Lanka.

🤓 Did You Know? "Ayubowan," the Sri Lankan greeting, literally means "may you live a long life," and it works just as well for hello as for goodbye.
The Route

Colombo → Ella → Galle

A loop through the whole island, from the cultural heart to the tea hills, the safari and the south coast.

Colombo Day 1 · Fly into CMB Sigiriya Day 1-2 · Lion Rock Ella Day 3-4 · Zipline + Nine Arch Yala · Safari Day 5 · Leopards Mirissa Day 6-7 · Whales + Beaches Galle Day 8 · Fort, Colombo Day 9 Route Arrive (CMB) Hills + Safari Galle (Day 8)
Colombo CMB, Arrive Day 1
Sigiriya, Day 1-2 Lion Rock
Ella, Day 3-4 Zipline + Nine Arch
Yala · Safari, Day 5 Leopards
Mirissa, Day 6-7 Whales + Beaches
Galle, Day 8, then Colombo Day 9
Investment

The Price per person

Your stays, the Yala safari, the blue-train ride, the zipline, every entry and your OJ trip leader, in one all-in land price. International flights and 5% GST are separate.

Land Package · Twin Sharing
₹86,000
per person · 22-30 Aug 2026

Everything in: stays, all entries, the Yala safari, the blue-train ride, the Flying Ravana zipline, surf and snorkel. Only international flights and 5% GST are extra. A small token blocks your slot, balance before departure.

🔒 Block a Slot
Bring Your People

Coming with other people? travel the island together

Planning to come as a group? Get your friends on the same batch and travel Sri Lanka together. Tell us when you enquire and we will keep you all on the same departure.

Enquire for your group →

Group perks will be confirmed when pricing is announced. Enquire now and we will keep you posted.

What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

✅ What's Included
✓8 nights in hand-picked 3-star hotels, twin sharing
✓Daily breakfast at every hotel
✓All ground transport in a private, air-conditioned coach
✓A licensed, English-speaking Sri Lankan driver-guide (SLTDA approved) throughout
✓An Orange Jacket trip leader with the group
✓All entrance fees and activities on the itinerary: Pinnawala, the Dambulla Cave Temple, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb, the village safari, the Flying Ravana zipline, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, the wildlife jeep safari (Yala or Udawalawe), the Mirissa whale-watching boat, the Hiriketiya day trip and Galle Fort
✓Highway tolls, parking and fuel
✓All current government taxes
❌ What's Not Included
✗International flights to and from Colombo (CMB)
✗Sri Lanka ETA (free for Indian passport holders in 2026, still applied online before you fly)
✗Lunches and dinners (breakfast is included)
✗Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at hotels and meals
✗Surfboard hire and any optional extra activities not listed
✗Travel insurance (recommended)
✗Personal expenses, tips, and anything not listed under inclusions
✗GST and payment gateway charges
Social Proof

What Trippers Say

★★★★★ 5.0 Google Rating
★★★★★

"This was my third trip with One in the Orange Jacket and Vyshakh, after Egypt & Jordan and Bhutan,and each one has been unforgettable in its own way. From Dushanbe to Osh, through the Pamir mountains, every day brought breathtaking views, warm local stays, and seamless planning. We felt completely taken care of. But the best part? The people. We started as strangers and ended as a close-knit group,something that happens naturally on a Vyshakh-led trip. Grateful for yet another amazing journey."

K
Krithika Singhania
Google Review · 3 trips with OJ
★★★★★

"I'm an adventure guide from Cape Town, South Africa, travelling solo for the first time. I know adventure, having taken in excess of 5000 guests personally on mountain hikes and adventure tours. This one was the best! To put it simply, it's the connection and immersion I experienced. The hospitality, connection, empathy and love I felt from this group of strangers made this trip one which I will cherish for the rest of my life. They've managed to curate an off the beaten track adventure experience that anyone can participate in."

T
Tauriq Gamildien
Google Review · Adventure Guide, Cape Town
★★★★★

"It felt like living a scene from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, as I checked off core memories from my travel bucket list. I chose skydiving in Queenstown, Team OJ struck the perfect balance between adrenaline and nature. A surprise highlight was the Coldplay concert. Vyshak was not only knowledgeable about every destination but also ensured that every member of our group felt comfortable and included. By the end of our journey, those who were once strangers on Day 1 had transformed into friends. Team OJ stands out for their commitment to delivering not just adventures, but lifelong memories."

Aishwarya Warty
Aishwarya Warty
Google Review · New Zealand with OJ
⭐ Click here to read what our trippers have to say →
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the inclusions?

+
  • 8 nights in hand-picked 3-star hotels, twin sharing
  • Daily breakfast at every hotel
  • All ground transport in a private, air-conditioned coach
  • A licensed, English-speaking Sri Lankan driver-guide (SLTDA approved) throughout
  • An Orange Jacket trip leader with the group
  • All entrance fees and activities on the itinerary: Pinnawala, the Dambulla Cave Temple, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb, the village safari, the Flying Ravana zipline, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, the wildlife jeep safari (Yala or Udawalawe), the Mirissa whale-watching boat, the Hiriketiya day trip and Galle Fort
  • Highway tolls, parking and fuel
  • All current government taxes

What are the exclusions?

+
  • International flights to and from Colombo (CMB)
  • Sri Lanka ETA (free for Indian passport holders in 2026, still applied online before you fly)
  • Lunches and dinners (breakfast is included)
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at hotels and meals
  • Surfboard hire and any optional extra activities not listed
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Personal expenses, tips, and anything not listed under inclusions
  • GST and payment gateway charges

What should you bring?

+
👕 Clothing Light, breathable tops & t-shirts (5-6) · Comfortable shorts/skirts (3-4) · Light trousers for temples and the cool hill evenings (1-2) · A stylish outfit for nights out (1-2) · Swimwear (2-3) for the beaches · Old clothes you don't mind getting muddy on the safari

👟 Shoes & Accessories Comfortable walking shoes for Sigiriya and Little Adam's Peak · Flip-flops or sandals · A lightweight scarf or shawl (sun protection & temples)

🧴 Skincare & Sun Protection Sunglasses with UV protection · High SPF sunscreen · Lip balm with SPF · Insect repellent · After-sun lotion (Aloe Vera works wonders)

🎒 Travel Essentials Day backpack · Reusable water bottle · Travel-size toiletries · Quick-dry towel · Power bank · Universal travel adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type D, M & G) · Small first-aid kit · Travel documents (passport, ETA, itinerary)

📸 Photo Tips Carry bright colours, they pop against the greens and the sea. A colourful shawl = instant great photo on the Nine Arch Bridge.

I'm coming solo. Is that a problem?

+
  • Most people come alone for my trips
  • About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner
  • Honestly it really doesn't matter
  • I have seen on all the batches I have led, most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought they wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone

What are trips like with OJ?

+
Usually most batch sizes are between 12–14 people aged between 18–38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy, experiential things than regular tours. If we find a beautiful sunset or a hidden spot, we stop the vehicle right away. We usually sleep very late because people play group games and feel they'll miss precious time with the group.

Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?

+
Good news. As of 2026 Sri Lanka is visa-free for Indian passport holders, a free 30-day double-entry ETA. You still apply online before you fly, which takes a few minutes, and we send you the exact steps and a checklist once you block your slot.

How fit do I need to be?

+
It is active but very doable. The two climbs, Sigiriya (around 1,200 steps) and Little Adam's Peak (an easy 30-minute walk), are both moderate and neither is technical. Everything else is light: cave temples, the safari, the train, the beaches and the zipline. Any climb is skippable if you would rather sit one out.

Will I see leopards and elephants on the safari?

+
Very likely. Our first choice is Yala, which has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, plus wild elephants, buffalo and crocodiles. Yala closes for a few weeks in the dry season, and if our dates fall in that window we move the safari to Yala Block 5 or Udawalawe, so you get a full jeep safari either way.

Is this a good time for whale watching?

+
Whale watching off Mirissa is seasonal. The prime window is November to April, when blue and sperm whales pass close to the south coast with sighting rates above 90 percent. We run the boat when the season is right, and the turtle snorkeling and beach clubs round out the day whatever the month.