Sri Lanka group tours for solo travelers
Travel solo as part of a group tour to Sri Lanka
Why travel solo to Sri Lanka?
Incense-swirled cities, buzzing with tuk tuks and the tastiest street food. Misty highlands steeped in tea plantations and scenic rock formations. A dramatic shoreline, pounded by waves and patrolled by surfers… Sri Lanka packs in all the punch of India – only on a smaller, more accessible scale, and delivered at a much slower pace.
Naturally, there’s adventure if you want it. By hiking the volcanic rocks of Sigirya and Pidurangala, taking in panoramic views as you go; temple cycling around the history-stacked streets of Polonnaruwa; or heading out for hairpin train rides up, up, and away, through the heights of Tea Country.
But where Sri Lanka really comes into its own is its easy-going balance of beaches, spoiling hotels and restorative, delicately spiced food. Here, you can hit the reset button as you feast on fresh seafood in the laid-back fishing port of Negombo, try out some yoga at a beachside shala, learn a little something about Buddhism – or, hey, even meditate with a master guru.
Bumping along the dusty tracks of Yala National Park might leave you in need of a massage. But it’s a small price to pay, we’d say, for spotting leopards and elephants in their natural habitat. Plus, Sri Lanka has spas aplenty on standby to help even out all that time in the wilderness with a whole world of well-earnt wellness.
Top places to visit in Sri Lanka
Kosgoda
The small coastal town of Kosgoda is a slice of paradise. It boasts beautiful sandy beaches, birdwatching on the Kosgoda Lagoon and it’s also the home to turtle conservation projects, where you can learn more about the efforts to protect these beautiful creatures.
Haputale
A pretty little town clinging to a long, narrow ridge on the edge of the Sri Lankan hill country, Haputale is famous for its tea plantations. The emerald green mountains are often shrouded by mist but on clear days you’ll have panoramic views right to the coast.
Kitulgala
Kitulgala may be one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka with two monsoons a year, but during its dry months, it becomes incredibly popular with adventure sports lovers. Set among thickly forested hills, it’s the perfect spot to try whitewater rafting, caving and jungle hikes.
Kandy
The cultural capital of Sri Lanka – and one of three hubs to make up the Cultural Triangle, including Anuradhapura in the north and Polonnaruwa in the east – Kandy lays on sacred Buddhist sites, like the Temple of the Tooth, and regal relics of the ancient Sinhala kings who once lived here.
Trips to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka facts
What are the national languages?
Sinhala and Tamil
What’s the currency?
Rupee
Timezone
Sri Lanka’s timezone is GMT+5.5
Top three activities
1. Climb Pidurangula at sunset
2. Explore Polonnaruwa by bike
3. Safari through Yala National Park
Top five dishes to try
1. Kottu – a dish consisting of meat, vegetables and flatbread
2. Kukul – creamy curry consisting of coconut and spices
3. Parippu – dhal curry
4. Lamprais – rice, meat and curry folded into a single banana leaf
5. Polos – a curry made from young jackfruit
Subscribe to our newsletter
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Hear about our new adventures before anyone else
Hear about our new adventures before anyone else.
Be the first to hear about exclusive Flash Pack offers.
Access exciting competitions.
Receive weekly inspiration and travel stories from solos just like you.