Consider this your digital welcome to Sri Lanka, where misty mountains meet golden coastlines, elephants roam freely, and warm smiles greet you at every turn. Our inaugural TSA tour through this incredible country was nothing short of extraordinary. In just over a week, we explored ancient temples, climbed sacred peaks by moonlight, swam in remote waterfalls, and ventured deep into rainforests. We sweated, laughed, stretched our limits, and grew closer both to each other and to Sri Lanka itself.
Days 1β2: Arrival in Negombo
We kicked off our journey in Negombo, easing into the local rhythm with a swim in the warmest sea weβve ever experienced, strolls through vibrant laneways, and a relaxing massage to shake off the travel fatigue. We tucked into incredible Sri Lankan food by venturing to hidden forest cafΓ©s and enjoying oceanfront feasts, and even paid a visit to the buzzing Negombo Fish Market, where fresh tuna sells for just $8/kg.
Day 3: Sigiriya Rock & Safari Magic
After a sunrise climb of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, we jumped on bikes to ride through a local village and stop for a delicious home-cooked curry. Then it was off on a jeep safari, where we were lucky enough to spot elephant herds including mothers, bulls, and playful babies just wandering past us like we belonged there too. This was truly a surreal, unforgettable moment that you just canβt get here in Australia.
Days 4β5: The Knuckles Mountain Range
We went off-grid in the breathtaking Knuckles Range, staying at a wild eco-camp with no Wi-Fi or distractions, just forest, fire-cooked meals, and pure nature. We hiked 16 kilometres through thick jungle and rice paddies, climbing over 1,400 metres in hot, humid conditions. While passing through tiny villages with minimal infrastructure, we met locals who had declined government housing in the city to stay connected to their land. It was raw, humbling, and deeply inspiring. We slept under the stars, swam in pristine waterfalls, and woke up with the sun. This simple living reminded us what really matters.
Day 6: Culture in Dambulla & Kandy
We visited the breathtaking Dambulla Cave Temples and the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, learning more about the countryβs deeply spiritual roots and multi-faith culture. These were the βtouristβ stops, but they didnβt feel that way. Sri Lankaβs sacred spaces have a peaceful, authentic energy thatβs hard to describe, but definitely goes beyond the feeling of βtouristyβ.
Day 7: Sri Pada (Adamβs Peak)
We began climbing Sri Pada at midnight, joining locals on pilgrimage up 7,000+ stairs and 1,400m of elevation. The journey was long (15km!), steep, and physically demanding, but reaching the summit at sunrise was one of the most powerful experiences of the trip, especially while hearing the singing of the local climbers all the way there. This peak is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. It felt like a shared moment of reflection, challenge, and deep personal growth. The hardest climbs often create the most transformation and we could definitely feel it on this adventure.
Day 8: Rafting & Rest
After our descent from Sri Pada, legs shaking but spirits high, we swapped hiking boots for helmets and hit the river for white-water rafting. The afternoon delivered two hours of Grade 2β3 rapids, a refreshing swim, and another delicious local lunch that had us smiling all the way to Colombo.
Final Days: Exploring Colombo
We wrapped up in Colombo, a vibrant, multicultural city where ancient temples and colonial buildings meet modern cafΓ©s and markets. A public holiday meant many places were closed, giving us time to wander slowly, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy cocktails by the sea or skyline. It was the perfect ending, allowing us time to feel gentle, reflective, and full of gratitude.
Sri Lanka surprised us. Everyone on the trip agreed; we came for the adventure, but we left feeling deeply moved by the people, the landscapes, and the spirit of the country. Despite economic challenges, Sri Lanka offers free education, minimal visible homelessness, and a peaceful coexistence of many cultures and religions. Even in Colombo, we were rarely hustled or harassed. The kindness we were met with by everyone, from our guides to complete strangers, was truly humbling. Sri Lanka isnβt overrun by Western tourism yet. It still feels real, raw, and deeply connected to its roots. And while we hope tourism can support its economy, we also hope the country is allowed to grow at its own pace while keeping its identity, values, and beauty intact.
Huge thanks has to go to the nine amazing adventurers who joined us. Thank you for your laughter, energy, and open hearts. To our national guides and driver: thank you for making this all possible. And to Sri Lanka: thank you for reminding us what truly matters.
If youβre looking for something beyond the standard package tour, something that comes with real hiking, meaningful travel, and unforgettable human connectionβ¦ come with us next year. This adventure was just the beginning. Find all the details on our website HERE.
