Want to explore this up-and-coming South Asian country but don’t know where to start? Forget the hassle of planning, we’ve got the logistics sorted. Just book your flights and prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime.
Sri Lanka. This uniquely diverse country has been somewhat overlooked for its larger Indian cousin and the well-trodden Southeast Asian tourist trail. But that’s all beginning to change. Offering visitors more than your standard sun-soaked, beach-bum holiday, Sri Lanka is the perfect balance of fascinating culture, rugged natural environments, interesting history and (of course) a sh*tload of beautiful beaches.
But we know planning a trip here for the first time can be a little daunting. Especially if you haven’t been to South Asia before (there’s always a first time for everyone!). So, here’s a bunch of reasons why heading to Sri Lanka with us is a bloody good idea.
Travelling with the experts.
If you haven’t already heard, we kinda have the best Trip Leaders in the biz (not biased at all). And our crew in Sri Lanka are no exception. All our Trip Leaders in Sri Lanka are locals. Meaning? They know the best places to watch the sunrise at Sigiriya. They can explain the history behind Galle’s Dutch fort without Wikipedia. And they can show you where to get the best pani pol in Ella.
From dusk till dawn, your Trip Leader will be passionately filling your heads with all the fun facts, cool local haunts, bucket-list-must-sees and fascinating historical info you actually want to know. Not to mention busily working behind the scenes to ensure all the boring stuff is covered.
Oh, and unlike other travel companies running trips in Sri Lanka, there’s no smelly, cramped public transport to contend with – you’ll get a comfy air-conditioned coach and ultra-fun Driver to boot. You can thank us later.
You’re safe with us.
The Easter attacks in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa undoubtedly shook travellers’ confidence in visiting Sri Lanka – with the country’s tourism industry taking a huge hit in the months following the tragic events. But as the government’s travel warnings start to lift, overseas visitors are starting to return to the defiant country that hasn’t let the attacks dampen their spirits or affect their unwavering hospitality.
While every destination has potential safety risks, travelling with Topdeck ensures that you’ll always have a crisis-trained Trip Leader with up-to-date information and any security concerns. Travelling in a group also has its benefits in the unlikely event of an emergency – there will always be someone with you (or someone who knows where you are).
So, if you’ve still got concerns about Sri Lanka (and that’s 100% okay), just know that we have your back if things get hairy!
Kick it with the best of ‘em
This is your chance to dive deeper, to explore more. Who do you want to share it with? A small group of like-minded people who just get it? Of course!
Whether you’re taking Jason Derulo’s advice and ridin’ solo or got your significant other tagging along, travelling with Topdeck means you get to share this incredible destination with a bunch of your people. No dining alone (unless you want to). No randoms in your hostel room stealing your stuff. No repetitive small talk at the hotel bar. Just good times shared with great people. We’re sold.
Logistics sorted.
So, you booked your flights to Negombo. Now what? Good news – we’ve got the rest covered. Forget booking accommodation. You’re going to spend nine nights in awesome AF hotel accommodation PLUS one night under the stars at Udawalawe big game park. It’s like camping – just boujee-er.
And then there’s all the included meals that you don’t have to budget for. We’re talkin’ breakfast every day, the occasional lunch (local cooking class, anyone?) and a few delicious dinners to get to know the gang over. Don’t bother Google Mapping how to get from A to B – we’ve got a local Driver who’s an expert in that (obvs).
And if you’re wondering how to get to Kandy’s top sights or which bus gets you to that view in Marissa, your Trip Leader will point you in the right direction. We mentioned the included airport transfers too, right?
Experiences, check. Lasting memories, TBC.
Let’s be real, you don’t want to tick off a bunch of places just so you can say you’ve ‘done Sri Lanka’. Or if you do – Topdeck is not for you. You’re here to explore. To immerse. To experience. And we’ve got a bunch of included activities to help you do it.
From the bucket-list items like watching the sunset over Sigiriya Rock Fortress, jumping aboard that scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella and seeing elephants on a jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park, you’ve got everything you want to see and do covered.
And then there’s the memory-makers you might not have even considered – a thrilling tuk-tuk tour through the streets of Kandy, a tea tasting experience amongst the lush rolling hills of Ella’s tea plantations, learning to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes with a local family and exploring the countryside surrounding Galle on two wheels. This is the good stuff. And it’s all included on our Discover Sri Lanka trip.
