Sri Lanka - Ceylon

Sri Lanka.The Resplendent Island that shakes you.

The lion rock in Sigiriya. Sunrise at Lipton's Seat among tea pickers. The blue train crossing the highlands. The look of the leopard in Yala. The Indian Ocean at the end of the road. Fourteen days to go through the soul of Ceylon - and discover why it is called «the shining island».

Duration 14 days
Group 6 to 13 + guide
Single outlet October 2026
Next departure

An expedition. One date only.

October is the month of Elephant gathering in Minneriya and the time when the south goes dry. The perfect window to cross Ceylon from north to south. - that's why there is only one departure per year.

Expedition October 2026

October - 2026

Sri Lankaculture, tea and safari

October 4 to 17

All you will find in these 14 days.

  • Duration14 days / 12 nights at destination
  • Group6 to 13 + Rakel/Toni
  • LodgingSelected 4★ hotels
  • Safaris2 included - Minneriya + Yala
  • AccompanimentDouble guidance 24/7
Apply for my place - October
The route

From the Cultural Triangle to the Indian Ocean.

We start in Colombo with the breeze of the Indian Ocean. We climb to the cultural heart of the island. We cross the tea lands. We enter the Yala savannah. And we ended up in front of the turquoise sea of the south.

1 COLOMBO 2 SIGIRIYA 3 KANDY 4 NUWARA ELIYA 5 SHE 6 YALA 7 TANGALLE 8 MIRISSA N
  • 01.
    Day 1 - West

    Colombo

    The bustling capital. Arrival, respite and sunset at Galle Face Green facing the Indian Ocean.

  • 02.
    Days 2-4 - Cultural Triangle

    Sigiriya

    Lion Rock. Hiriwadunna by bullock cart, Anuradhapura UNESCO, Mihintale and Minneriya safari.

  • 03.
    Day 5 - Center

    Kandy

    Capital of the hills. Dambulla UNESCO on the way and night tuk-tuk around Kandy Lake.

  • 04.
    Day 6 - Highlands

    Nuwara Eliya

    Little England. Ambuluwawa Tower, tea plantation, tasting and high altitude shelter.

  • 05.
    Days 7-8 - Mountain

    She

    1st class scenic train, Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak and sunrise at Lipton's Seat.

  • 06.
    Day 9 - Savannah

    Yala

    4×4 safari in one of the parks with the highest density of leopards in the world. Elephants, crocodiles and tropical birds.

  • 07.
    Days 10-11 - South Coast

    Tangalle

    Solitary beaches of golden sand. Ayurvedic massage, mangrove kayaking and real relaxation time.

  • 08.
    Day 12 - South

    Mirissa

    Fishermen on stilts on the way. Crescent-shaped bay, cafes and sunset over the Indian Ocean.

The essence of travel

Sri Lanka is not to be traveled. It wakes you up.

There are islands to visit. And there are islands that enter through the skin, through the nose and through hearing - and change your internal rhythm. Sri Lanka belongs to the second group.

It is the Shining Island. It is the place where the jungle embraces history and where every dawn smells of cinnamon and wet earth. We do not come to cross monuments off a list. We come to feel the pulse of an island that vibrates to a different rhythm.

Because the true essence of Ceylon is not in the photo of the overcrowded train, but rather in the the silence of a temple hidden in the rock, The taste of a hand-picked tea, or the unexpected encounter with an elephant in the wild at dusk.

There will be sacred rocks that defy gravity. Trains that cross the clouds. Leopards in the savannah. And the infinite blue of the Indian Ocean waiting for you at the end of the road. To discover Sri Lanka is to remember what it means to be truly amazed.

The four faces of Ceylon

An island. Four souls.

Sri Lanka is small on the map - but contains multitudes. From the sacred ruins of the north to the beaches of the south, each region is a different country. To cross it in its entirety is to discover that four worlds fit on a single island.

01 Cultural Triangle
Days 2 - 5

The Triangle Cultural.

Where the rocks defy gravity and the white stupas keep 2,000 years of silence.

The cultural journey begins here, in the historical heart of Ceylon. Sigiriya - the Lion's Rock - welcomes us with its impossible fortress on a millenary rock, its ancient frescoes and the Wall of Mirrors. We will climb at sunset, when the temperature drops and the light turns gold.

We will explore Anuradhapura UNESCO, ancient capital with more than two millennia of history, and Mihintale, The cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. At Polonnaruwa we will tour the medieval ruins by bicycle and by car. Minneriya we will witness the famous Gathering of wild elephants - October is the perfect month to see it. And the village of Hiriwadunna will give us a rustic local lunch after the ox cart and catamaran ride.

  • Sigiriya Fortress at sunset + frescoes and the Wall of Mirrors
  • Anuradhapura UNESCO + Mihintale, cradle of Buddhism
  • Polonnaruwa by bicycle and Minneriya safari (Elephant gathering)
  • Hiriwadunna village: bullock cart, catamaran and local lunch
02 Tea hills
Days 6 - 8

The hills of tea.

Where the green is lost to the horizon and the blue train crosses the clouds.

From historical chaos to colonial silence. Kandy, The capital of the hills, with its lake and its night tuk-tuks. Then Nuwara Eliya - Little England« - with its cool climate and its tower Ambuluwawa of 360° views. A tea plantation, a tasting and the snap of the wind in the misty mountains.

But the crowning moment comes the next day: the 1st class scenic train between Ambewela and Ella, One of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Emerald tea plantations passing by the window. In Ella, the Nine Arches Bridge and the Little Adam's Peak. And the next sunrise, Lipton's Seat - the viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton inspected his tea empire, with a subsequent walk among the pickers.

  • Kandycapital of the hills + tuk-tuk night lake
  • Ambuluwawa Tower + Ceylon tea planting and tasting
  • Blue train 1st class Ambewela → She among plantations
  • Lipton's Seat at dawn + walk with tea pickers
03 Yala Savannah
Day 9

The savanna of Yala.

Where the leopard stalks in silence and the elephants move like shadows.

From the green of the highlands to the dusty yellow of the savannah. Yala is, along with Minneriya, the great wildlife experience of the trip - but different. It has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. and that's why safaris here are always exciting: you never know when you're going to see the big cat.

Free elephants, crocodiles on rafts, water buffaloes, peacocks opening their tails and a myriad of tropical birds. Proximity to the Indian Ocean creates a unique safari landscape in Asia. Dust, cameras ready, jeep open. At night we return to count sightings under the southern stars.

  • 4×4 Safari in Yalarecord density of leopards
  • Free-ranging elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and tropical birds
  • Private jeep with expert local guide
  • Unique landscape: savannah + ocean in view
04 South Coast - Indian Ocean
Days 10 - 12

Blue that heals.

Where fishermen on stilts appear as if from another era and the Indian Ocean awaits at the end of the road.

The trip ends as such an expedition should end: with three days off the Indian Ocean. Tangalle welcomes us with its solitary and golden beaches. Real time to rest: traditional ayurvedic massage, kayaking through mangroves or snorkeling in crystal clear bays. The pace slows down.

And on the way to Mirissa, a mandatory stop to see the fishermen on stilts - a unique traditional spectacle that can only be seen here. Mirissa, crescent-shaped bay, boutique cafes and sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The perfect brooch before returning home.

  • Tangalle: secluded beaches + traditional ayurvedic massage
  • Optional water activities (kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling)
  • Fishermen on stiltsunique tradition from the south of Sri Lanka
  • Mirissa: crescent bay, boutique cafes and sunsets
A discerning expedition

Judiciously designed. No shortcuts.

There are destinations that photograph quickly. Sri Lanka asks for something elsetime and look. That is why this expedition is not a catalog tour - it is an itinerary that we have designed stop by stop, choosing each night, each journey and each experience with the criteria that we would apply to a trip of our own.

That is why we have put 3 nights in Sigiriya to experience the Cultural Triangle at leisure - not in 24 hours. We have booked 1st class on the train to Ella so that the journey is part of the trip, not an ordeal. And we have left 2 days off in Tangalle, because after 10 days of intense culture the body needs the ocean.

It is not the Sri Lanka of the overcrowded circuit. It is the SunZen expedition - designed with the calm that an island like this deserves. So that you return with a suitcase full of cinnamon aroma, tea and energy.

What defines this trip

Four pillars that make it unique.

It is not an itinerary. It is a way to cross Ceylon. Four axes that are repeated every day and make the difference between «seeing the island» and really living it.

01.

The group and tea.

You don't come to see people, you come to be part of something. Toasts at sunrise at Lipton's Seat, deep conversations on the blue train ride and that complicity that is born when you share the sacred. You don't come back with contacts - you come back with friends on the road.

02.

Green that heals.

Places that impose and force you to be present. Forget the filters. Here you will feel the vibration of the most crystalline waters of the planet and the weight of a nature that has been intact for centuries. It's beauty you feel on your skin, not just in the camera.

03.

Spices and roots.

Sri Lanka is energy and mixture. From the subtle spiciness of a rice and curry in the village of Hiriwadunna, to the traces of Ceylon tea in Nuwara Eliya. Every bite and every Ayurvedic aroma is a celebration. of being, at last, far away from routine.

04.

The pulse of the land.

We leave the asphalt behind. Whether climbing the steps of a millenary rock in Sigiriya or looking for the leopard's gaze in the savannah of Yala, you will feel how Ceylon's nature gives you back the energy that the city has stolen from you.

The 4 signature experiences

What no one forgets.

There are activities you can do on any trip to Sri Lanka. And there are four that are the reason this trip is told for years after returning. These are those four.

01. Signature Experience - Cultural Triangle

The Fortress of Sigiriya.

A millenary rock that holds the echo of a forgotten kingdom. We will go up at sunset -when the temperature drops and the light turns to gold- to discover the ancient frescoes, the Wall of Mirrors and the 360° views of the infinite jungle at your feet. It's not a climb: it's a lesson in perspective.

02. Firm experience - Highlands

The blue train to Ella.

Boarding the Scenic Train in Ambewela and cross the highlands to Ella in 1st class reserved - no second full. Emerald tea plantations out the window, wind in the face and the train snaking through the mountains. One of the most beautiful train rides in the world, and here you live it calmly.

03. Firm experience - Highlands

Sunrise at Lipton's Seat.

We got up early to go up to the place where Sir Thomas Lipton inspecting his tea empire. Upon arrival, the first ray of sunshine awakens the hills of Ceylon. Later, gentle walk among tea pickers that are still working as they did a century ago. It is connecting with the land in the purest way possible.

04. Firm experience - Savannah

The leopard of Yala.

We went deep into the Sinhalese savannah by 4×4 jeep to remember that we are guests on this planet. Yala has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Free elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and tropical birds. The adrenaline of searching for the big cat is to recover that capacity of astonishment that the city has stolen from us.

Itinerary - 13 days at destination

The route of the energy.

Fourteen days designed to traverse Ceylon with calm, depth and authenticity. Balanced rhythm: culture when it's time, safari when it's passionate, ocean when it's needed. From the Cultural Triangle to the Indian Ocean - without haste but without repetition.

Day 01 Colombo

Welcome to Colombo.

Landing at the Bandaranaike International Airport and private transfer to the hotel (35 km, ~1h). First day to acclimatize to the vibrant atmosphere of the island. In the evening, stroll through Galle Face Green to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean - children flying kites, sea breezes and the first real group hug.

Day 02 Sigiriya

The door of Sigiriya.

Transfer 175 km to the cultural heart of the island (4-5h). After check-in, visit of the village of Hiriwadunna: ride in traditional ox-drawn cart and catamaran trip on the lake. Rustic lunch in a local house. At sunset, ascent to the magnificent Sigiriya Fortress - ancient frescoes, Wall of Mirrors and 360° views of the jungle.

Day 03 Cultural Triangle

Old capitals and sacred peaks.

Excursion to Anuradhapura (75 km, 1.5h), one of the oldest sacred cities in the world: extensive ruins, enormous white stupas and monasteries with more than two millennia of history. Afterwards, Mihintale - cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka - with climb to the top for panoramic views over the plains. Return to Sigiriya at sunset.

Day 04 Polonnaruwa - Minneriya

History by bike and free elephants.

65 km (1.5h) to Polonnaruwa, The city was the ancient medieval capital. Bicycle tour by the well-preserved ruins: royal palaces and stone carvings. Then, the Minneriya National Park, 20 km. October is the perfect time for the famous «Gathering» of wild elephants. near the tank - one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in Asia.

Day 05 Dambulla - Kandy

Cave temples and Kandy.

Visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, Visit to the World Heritage Site, with impressive Buddha statues and ceiling paintings. Transfer to Kandy (75 km, 2.5-3h) on winding roads and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, relaxing or fun evening ride. tuk-tuk ride around the picturesque Kandy Lake. The colonial charm of the capital of the hills.

Day 06 Nuwara Eliya

To the country of tea.

Path to the singular Ambuluwawa Tower (40 km, 1,5h) - short climb with incredible views of the highlands. Continuation to the heart of the tea region: stop in a plantation and local factory to see how the famous Ceylon tea is made + tasting session. Afterwards, picturesque drive (80 km, 3h) to Nuwara Eliya, The «Little England», through misty mountains and waterfalls.

Day 07 She

The iconic blue train.

We will go up to the Scenic Train at Ambewela for one of the most beautiful train rides in the world (1st class reserved). Emerald-colored tea plantations crossing the window for 2.5 hours. Arriving at She, visit to the Nine Arches Bridge and gentle excursion to the Little Adam's Peak for breathtaking views. Relaxed evening in the city of Ella.

Day 08 She

Sunrise at Lipton's Seat.

Early morning mandatory to watch the sunrise in Lipton's Seat in Haputale (25 km from Ella, 1h). The place where Sir Thomas Lipton inspected his tea empire., with spectacular views in the clear morning light. Afterwards, long scenic hike through plantations interacting with collectors along the way. Return to Ella at noon. Afternoon at leisure in local cafes.

Day 09 Yala

Safari for the wild south.

Descent from the hills to Yala (100 km, 2.5-3h). Afternoon, exciting 4×4 safari in Yala National Park, The rainforest is famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and a variety of tropical birds roaming the jungle. The rugged beauty of the park + the proximity of the Indian Ocean create a unique environment.

Day 10 Tangalle

Relaxation in Tangalle.

Short drive (70 km, 1-2h) to the south coast to get to the lonely beaches of Tangalle. After check-in, afternoon free. You can book a traditional ayurvedic massage at a local spa or simply find a quiet spot on the sand. Here the pace slows down considerably - allowing you to relax next to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Day Off - 11 Tangalle

Sun, sand and sea.

Day to enjoy the ocean and the surroundings. Optional water activities: kayaking in the mangroves, paddleboarding or snorkeling in the crystal clear bay. For a leisurely pace: pool, beach, a book and a cold drink. Today there is no established schedule - you can be as active or as idle as you like.

Day 12 Mirissa

Fishermen on stilts and Mirissa.

Drive 50 km (1h) west along the coast. Along the way, stop to see the famous fishermen on stilts - a unique and traditional spectacle typical of this region of Sri Lanka. Arriving at Mirissa, afternoon to explore the crescent-shaped bay, Its excellent coffees and beautiful sunset spots. Vibrant beach atmosphere.

Day 13-14 Departure - Madrid

The last good-bye.

Last breakfast and free time on the beach before check-out. Transfer 180 km (2.5-3h) on the southern highway to Colombo and the international airport. Return flight with overnight on board and arrival in Madrid/Valencia on the 14th. The trip ends here, but the scent of cinnamon, the green of the tea and the look of the leopard will stay with you long after that. to unpack the suitcase.

Moments that no one forgets

The six moments that are engraved forever.

Some trips can be summed up in moments. These are the six that people remember years after returning from Sri Lanka with SunZen.

Sigiriya, Lion Rock at sunset
Moment 01 - Sigiriya

The sunset from the Lion's Rock.

Herd of free elephants in the Minneriya National Park
Moment 02 - Minneriya

A herd of free elephants.

Blue train passing through the tea plantations of Sri Lanka.
Moment 03 - Blue Train

The wind among tea plantations.

Lipton's Seat at sunrise over tea hills
Moment 04 - Lipton's Seat

The first ray over the hills.

Safari in Yala National Park in search of leopards
Moment 05 - Yala

Silence before the leopard.

Stilt fishermen at dawn on the coast of Mirissa
Moment 06 - Mirissa

The fishermen on stilts at dawn.

Where you will sleep

Each hotel fulfills its function on the trip.

8 Hotels
12 Nights
A single promise Sleep is also part of the trip.
Total transparency

What it includes - and what it will never include.

No surprises in the final bill. This is exactly what goes into the price of your expedition to Sri Lanka. And this is what, as a matter of principle, we will never put in.

What is included

All that makes the trip.

  • Lodging: 12 nights in selected hotels (Colombo - Sigiriya - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala - Tangalle - Mirissa) in superior double room.
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned van or minibus throughout the itinerary.
  • Spanish-speaking local guide expert in Sri Lanka during all visits of the program.
  • 24/7 SunZen accompaniment: Rakel or Toni with the group from Madrid to Madrid.
  • Daily breakfasts and dinners in the hotels where you stay.
  • Reception and assistance at the airport upon arrival and departure.
  • Scenic train 1st class Ambewela → Ella (booked in advance - no second class full).
  • 2 safaris included: Minneriya National Park (elephants) + Yala National Park (leopards) by jeep 4×4.
  • All entries Itinerary: Sigiriya, Anuradhapura UNESCO, Mihintale, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa by bicycle, Ambuluwawa Tower, Nine Arches Bridge, Lipton's Seat, Gangarama Temple, fishermen on stilts.
  • Local experiences: Hiriwadunna village with bullock cart + catamaran + local rustic lunch.
  • Government taxes and VAT included in the final price.
  • Details SunZen: 2 bottles of water per person per day, special welcome, gift pack and travel map.
What's not included (and why)

What we prefer you choose.

  • International flights Madrid/Valencia - Colombo. We advise you to choose the best combination and coordinate the group if possible.
  • ETA Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Sri Lanka: approx. 35 USD. This is done online before departure - we send you the link and instructions.
  • Free lunches not specified in the program, to discover the local gastronomy (rice and curry, hoppers) at your own pace.
  • Travel insurance mandatory (approx. 70€). Here is the contact information for the one we use.
  • Extra drinks outside of meals included (soft drinks, alcohol, additional water).
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability and discretion of the hotel).
  • Camera and video permissions during sightseeing tours (some temples require them).
  • Voluntary gratuities for guides, drivers and staff (customary in the country).
  • Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, non-standard hotel services, shopping in markets.
  • Nothing you won't see in the itinerary. No surprises in the final bill.
Investment

Culture, nature and safari.

This is what it costs for an expedition made with criteria. No wholesalers, no massive chains, no small print - and with 2 safaris and the 1st class train already taken care of for you.

Per person - from
2.895
+ international flights
VAT and taxes included

What you pay is not the price. That's all there is behind it.

  • Total peace of mind: private van + all entrance fees + 1st class train + 2 managed safaris. You do not organize anything.
  • Double guide: expert local Spanish speaking guide + Rakel or Toni with you 24/7.
  • Exclusivity: group of 13 maximum + one trip per year in October.
  • Experiences firm: Sigiriya Fortress at sunset, blue train 1st class, Lipton's Seat at sunrise, leopard safari in Yala.
  • Presence: 14 days with a balanced rhythm so that you come back refreshed, not exhausted.

We do not compete on price. We compete on care, authenticity and in the value of your time.

How to reserve your place

Three steps. No commitment to the last.

You don't fill out a form and show up in Colombo. There's a human conversation beforehand. It's what sets us apart - and what makes groups work.

01 First contact - 2 min

You fill in the form.

You tell us the basics: how you travel, what you are looking for, if you have already been to Southeast Asia. It does not commit you to anything. It helps us to prepare well for the conversation with you.

02 Human connection - 10 min

We speak with you.

A short video call with Rakel or Toni. We solve real doubts and see if there is a good fit with the group. Our goal is not to fill seats, but to create a group that works.

03 Formalization

Now begins the good.

If we both feel it's a good fit, we will formalize your place with a deposit of 300€.. The rest is structured according to the payment schedule. We help you with flights and open the WhatsApp group.

Completing the form does not imply any reservation. It is the first step in a conversation. If in the end we both feel it doesn't fit, nothing happens - we propose you another SunZen trip or we simply say goodbye as friends.

Who goes with you

We do not send anyone in our place.

We are Rakel and Toni, the creators of SunZen and the ones who go with you on this expedition. One of us will be with the group from Madrid to Madrid. - from the first sunset at Galle Face Green to the last sunset at Mirissa Bay. Everything.

In Sri Lanka we also have a expert local Spanish-speaking guide, A profound knowledge of the culture, history and corners that only someone from the island can open up. Perfect combination: SunZen proximity + authentic local knowledge.

Getting to know us better
Before taking the step

Is this your trip?

You already know the route, the accommodations, the signature experiences, the price and the process. This is the last honest confirmation before you order your place - so you can make an informed decision.

If this resonates with you, your place is waiting for you.

This trip is for you.

  • You are looking for a real expedition with calm and awareness, not a quick and superficial tour.
  • You are drawn to traverse Sri Lanka from north to south - culture, tea, safari and ocean.
  • You value differential experiences: Sigiriya at sunset, 1st class train, Lipton's at sunrise, leopards.
  • You want criteria-selected 4★ hotels + 2 safaris included.
  • It resonates with you to share a route with a small group of 13 people filtered with criteria.
  • A balanced rhythm with 2 days off in Tangalle to breathe in front of the Indian Ocean is good for you.
If you are looking for this, another trip is better

Maybe is not this one.

  • A fast and crowded tour with a 50-person bus and a guide with a small flag.
  • A backpacking trip with rush, hostels and improvised schedules.
  • You are only interested in the beach - here are 10 days of culture before you reach the Indian Ocean.
  • The cheapest option on the market - we do not compete on price here.
  • A trip without physical activity - here there are steps, gentle trekking and dusty safaris.
  • A passive experience to look at Ceylon from the outside without getting involved.
Frequently Asked Questions

What usually ask us.

Honest answers to the most common questions about Sri Lanka. If you have any other questions, tell us in the call.

Can you help me with international flights?

Of course. We advise you to choose the best combination to Colombo and, if possible, we coordinate the group to fly together from the beginning. It is not mandatory to depart from Madrid: each person chooses his or her airport of origin.

Within Sri Lanka no internal flights - all transfer is by road in private air-conditioned van, + 1st class scenic train between Ambewela and Ella (included).

What happens if I travel alone?

It is designed exactly to work well when traveling alone. Many of the people who rely on SunZen come to us alone. - the pre-filter exists so that the group has the right energy before flying.

About the rooms: The basic room is shared with another person of the same gender (no extra charge). If you prefer a single room, it is possible with transparent supplement that we communicated to you before confirming.

What documentation do I need to travel to Sri Lanka?

Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Sri Lanka requires ETA visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) which is managed online before departure. Approximate cost: 35 USD.

It is a simple procedure that takes a few minutes. We will send you the official link and instructions with plenty of time to do so. we do not manage it ourselves, but we guide you step by step..

What are the physical fitness requirements?

You don't have to be an athlete. Yes, it is necessary to be able to walk 2-3 hours with moderate slope and climbing steps. The most demanding activities are: the Sigiriya Fortress climb (steps), the Little Adam's Peak hike, the Lipton's Seat trail through tea plantations, and the Mihintale hike.

If you have any physical or health limitations, let us know on the call and see if the trip fits - sometimes we adapt, sometimes we propose another option.

What do I need to bring on the trip?

We send you a detailed baggage guide before flying: light clothing for tropical weather, a fine jacket for Nuwara Eliya nights (yes, it gets cooler in the highlands), light trekking shoes, modest clothing for temples (shoulders and knees covered), mosquito repellent, high sunscreen, plug adapter.

Tip: also carry a small bag for the train day and a long-sleeved T-shirt for the safaris (the dust).

Can I depart from another airport?

Yes, the group is usually coordinated from Madrid, but you can depart from Valencia, Barcelona or any European airport.. We help you to coordinate the connection with the arrival flight to Colombo so that you can meet the group at the hotel without complications.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is mandatory. Traveling 14 days to Sri Lanka without insurance is crazy. We pass you the contact of the insurance that we use (IATI, Chapka or Mapfre depending on the case), with coverage adjusted to what you are going to do: soft trekking, safari, Sigiriya steps, optional kayaking. It costs approximately 70€ for the dates of the trip.

Is there a minimum number of travelers for the group to depart?

Yes, 6 persons minimum. Below that, we cancel the departure and refund the 100% of the deposit. As Sri Lanka is one departure per year in October, We also offer you to Bali, Thailand or Vietnam if you prefer. You'll never get stuck by our decision.

Can I bring a companion?

Of course. You can come with a partner, friend or family member. The previous filter would be done with both people (a joint conversation). All we ask is that everyone has their own criteria for coming here - we don't want someone to come «dragged». That doesn't go well in any group, let alone 14 shared days.

Is there an age limit?

We set no formal limits. Our trips attract people between 30 and 65 years old mostly, but we have had people outside that range. What matters is the attitude, the way you travel and the desire to live the adventure - not the age of the passport.

Why travel in a group?

Because there are islands that are best enjoyed in good company. Sri Lanka is one of them. The toast at sunrise at Lipton's Seat, the conversations on the blue train, the shared silence in front of a leopard in Yala - those things don't happen the same way traveling alone. And because we take care of the logistics, you just take care of living.

Is October a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

October is one of the best times of the year for our route for several reasons:

First, it is the month of the famous «Gathering» of wild elephants in Minneriya - one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in Asia. Second, the south comes into dry season (Tangalle, Mirissa), perfect for beach days. Third, the highlands have their best light. That is why our only annual outing is in October.

Can I find a similar proposal in the market?

Honestly, finding something identical is difficult. Yes there are organized tours to Sri Lanka - but with groups of 30+ people, train 2nd class full, shared safari with many jeeps. What we do (group of 13 max, 1st class train booked, hotels 4★, double local guide + SunZen, 2 safaris, 3 nights Sigiriya) is a intermediate category between backpack and classic luxury. That's where we live.

What if I have never traveled in a group?

Even better. You don't bring vices from previous experiences. The first time on a SunZen group trip is often an eye-opener. - people are surprised at how well it works when the group is filtered and the pace is right. If you have a specific concern, tell us about it on the call.

What is the profile of my travel companions like?

People who are looking for exactly what you are looking for when you read this page.Traveling with criteria, with human rhythm and with the desire to live Sri Lanka from the inside. They are usually professionals, people who travel alone or as a couple, curious, with previous travel culture. The website is in 5 languages - who knows where your companions on this expedition will come from.

The next step

Your place in Sri Lanka is waiting for you.

Only 13 seats, one trip per year in October. The first thing is the conversation - no commitment, no salesmanship, no small print.

The expedition begins the moment you decide to take the plunge.