Discover the Hidden Gems of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean or teardrop of India, is home to beautiful beaches, rainforests, and mountains. On this trip, travelers will explore Sri Lanka on a private boat, where they can see dolphins and whales and enjoy water sports such as kitesurfing. Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the town of Jalpitiya and its mangrove forests. Then, travelers can go to Sigiriya, which is full of ancient architecture and irrigation systems. Here, travelers will climb the well-known Lion’s Rock and go on a wildlife safari drive in Minneriya National Park. The next day, travelers will head to Dambulla Rock Cave temple to see its beautiful and colorful rock paintings before heading to the ancient city of Kandy. Here, they will get a tour of Kandy Temple and go on a tuk-tuk ride. Next, travelers will train to Hatton and cross the famous Nine Arch Bridge before visiting a tea plantation to enjoy some of Sri Lanka’s famous tea. The next day, travelers will visit Adam’s Peak, known for its gorgeous views and scenery. Then, travelers will get to do more outdoor activities upon visiting the town of Kithulgala, including kayaking and white-water rafting. Travelers will then visit some of Sri Lanka’s southern beaches for two days to relax and enjoy some surfing and snorkeling. Before departing, travelers will have a last day of fun as they visit the famous stilt fishermen, tour Galle Fort, and visit a turtle conservatory.

Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.

Visit Sri Lanka’s Spice Gardens and Seasides

Sri Lanka, located off of the southern coast of India, has been nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Teardrop of India, the latter due to its unique shape. The country is known for its tea and tropical climate with beautiful beaches, rainforests, and mountains. Travelers will begin the trip in the city of Negombo, a historic fishing city with sandy beaches. Then, travelers will visit Sigiriya, a historical palace ruins on top of a two-hundred-meter-high rock surrounded by a network of gardens. Travelers will also get to go on a Dambulla Cave visit before visiting the village of Digana, where they will have the chance to visit a spice garden and the royal botanical gardens. After this, travelers will visit Kandy, the largest city in the country. Here, travelers will visit tea plantations and take in the city's biodiverse rainforest and Buddhist sites. Travelers will also see Nuwara Eliya and go on a Horton Plains Trek before visiting Ella to see Little Adam’s Peak for more hiking and countryside views. The last stop on the trip is the town of Hikkaduwa, where travelers can surf, go on a dolphin-watching tour, explore the coral reef and spend three days relaxing.

All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1,049 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 12 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.

Sail in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Explore the wonders off of the southern shore of India, beginning in the scenic Sri Lankan city of Negombo and ending on the sandbars of Malé in the Maldives. The two Indian ocean countries are just over 600 miles apart, and Sri Lanka has significantly impacted  the Maldives’ culture. Travelers can move between the islands in a traditional dhoni boat, a multi-purpose sailing ship used in Sri Lankan and Maldivian cultures for decades.   

These islands provide plenty of opportunities for relaxing on the beach and enjoying scenic views. Still,  they also offer a great deal of unique cultural experiences. Travelers can visit spice plantations in Kandy and visit the AMBA Estate, an organic farm, guest house and social enterprise in the Uva Highlands of Sri Lanka. Adventurous spirits can also embark on a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. Then, snorkel to shipwrecks and coral reefs in the Maldives and enjoy authentic local seafood. All of these adventures and more are included in this 14-day trip which will cost travelers $2,559 per person. 

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