New Route 2027
Group Tour to Sri Lanka · 12 days · June 2027
Sri Lanka in a small group.
The island where you're amazed again.
Here, leopards live among temples, trains pass through the clouds, and elephants continue to roam freely.
New in 2027
We've started drawing again the island.
A new route, from sea to sea: we began with the breeze in Negombo and ended with the sunset in Colombo. And along the way, places we hadn’t expected to find in Sri Lanka.
- Sigiriya
- Dambulla
- Polonnaruwa
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Yala
You can't touch what makes you fall in love.
- Negombo
- Ramboda Waterfall
- Peradeniya Garden
- Galle Fort
- Madu River
- Sea Turtles
- Bentota
- Colombo
- Galle Face
And a full moon over Poson, with the island lit up by lanterns.
The Departure
June, The greenest Ceylon.
June paints the island in its deepest shade of green. Golden temples glistening in the sun, tea-covered hills freshly washed by the rain, and a Sigiriya that’s quieter than in winter.
Culture, tea and safari
June 11–22, 2027
0days until takeoff
No obligation. Let's talk first.
The essence of travel
Sri Lanka. From the Cultural Triangle to the Indian Ocean.
It comes in through the skin, the nose and the ears. It's the Resplendent Island: the place where the jungle embraces history and where every dawn smells of cinnamon and wet earth.
Sacred rocks that defy gravity. Trains winding through tea plantations. Leopards on the savanna. Colonial walls overlooking the ocean.
A small island with more layers than can be explored in a single trip. We’ll stick with the ones we remember.
Sri Lanka by the Numbers
Why is it so special? This island?
An island slightly smaller than Andalusia. And within it, so many layers of history that the rest of the world has been uncovering them for centuries.
Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, and Galle. Five of the island's eight World Heritage Sites.
An hour-long climb that feels like fifteen centuries. And when you reach the top, you stop counting.
Five caves carved into the rock, with walls and ceilings painted from top to bottom.
Two thousand square kilometers covered in nothing but tea. And every leaf, picked by hand.
The «Little England» of tea. Here the air is fresh, even as the tropics bear down below.
Elephants, leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles. Without leaving the island.
Figures checked one by one before writing them
Swipe, and the route is drawn automatically
The Sri Lanka Itinerary
A Gold Thread that sews the island together.
From the Indian Ocean breeze to the rock-cut temples. From the tea-growing hills to the leopard's savanna. And back to the sea.
- Day 2NegomboArrival on the Indian Ocean Coast
- Day 3DambullaBuddha Caves and Rural Life
- Day 4PolonnaruwaThe Royal City
- Day 4MinneriyaElephant Safari
- Day 5SigiriyaThe Lion's Rock
- Day 5KandyTemple of the Tooth Buddha
- Day 6Nuwara EliyaTea Plantation and Tasting
- Day 7EllaScenic Train and Nueve Arcos
- Day 8YalaThe Leopard's Savannah
- Day 9GalleThe Fort Facing the Indian Ocean
- Day 9BentotaMadu River and Beach
- Day 10ColomboThe Capital and Galle Face
How we do it
Decisions that change the journey.
Every stop is exactly where it should be. The route is designed just as we would plan it for ourselves.
Sleeping Inside the Story
The Heart of the Cultural TriangleSleeping Buddhas in painted caves, villages where life moves to the rhythm of ox-drawn carts, the royal city of Polonnaruwa. And first thing in the morning, Lion Rock awaits you.
✦ a peaceful retreat among temples
The Train That Crosses the Clouds
The most beautiful section of the lineTea plantations, mist-shrouded valleys, and forests. The window open, the wind on my face, and the island gliding by slowly.
✦ the most beautiful window in Asia
On the Trail of the Leopard
Jeep Safaris, North and SouthWild elephants by the great Minneriya Reservoir. And in Yala, the silence of the savanna until someone whispers, «There it is.».
✦ in a 4×4 Jeep, as evening falls
Saying Goodbye by the Indian Ocean
The Colonial CoastThe walls of Galle facing the ocean, a boat ride through the mangroves of the Madu River, and the last sunset at Galle Face, with the breeze from Colombo.
✦ mangroves, walls, and the sea
Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary
Ceylon, chapter by chapter.
Culture when you're in the mood, safaris when you're passionate about them, and the ocean at the end. Ceylon from one end to the other.
Negombo and the green heart
Arrival at the Indian Ocean, rock-cut temples, and the royal city.
We landed by the sea and made our way up into the green heart of the island: temples carved into the rock, villages where life moves at a different pace, and the first elephants.
Departure from Spain bound for Colombo. Night on board — the expedition has already begun.
They'll be waiting for you with a garland of flowers. If your flight arrives while it's still light out, take your first stroll through Negombo: Dutch canals, colonial churches, and sunset on the beach.
The Dambulla Caves, where the Buddhas sleep beneath painted ceilings. Next, Hiriwadunna: an oxcart, a boat gliding among lotus flowers, and the aroma of village cuisine.
Polonnaruwa, the royal city: palaces, stupas, and Buddhas carved into the rock. In the afternoon, a jeep tour through Minneriya in search of wild elephants.
Sigiriya, the tea and the Cloud Train
La Roca del León, the sacred city, and one of the most beautiful trains in the world.
We climbed up to Lion Rock and from there to the highlands: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya—the «Little England» of tea—and the scenic train ride through the mountains to Ella.
First thing in the morning, Lion’s Rock: frescoes, stone claws, and the entire island at your feet. The spice garden, the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, the Temple of the Tooth, and Kandy drums as night falls.
The Ramboda Waterfall amid tea-covered hills. A freshly brewed cup of tea from its birthplace in Ceylon. And colonial-era Nuwara Eliya, next to Lake Gregory.
The scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, winding through plantations and mist-shrouded valleys. In the afternoon, a walk to the Nine-Arch Bridge.
Yala and the south coast
The leopard's savanna and the colonial Galle.
From the mountains to the savanna: one of the parks with the highest density of leopards in the world. And then, along the colonial coast to Bentota.
Ravana Falls and a hike down to the savanna. In the afternoon, a 4×4 jeep tour in Yala, the leopard’s kingdom. And that night, the Poson full moon: the entire island is lit up with lanterns.
Galle Fort and its colonial alleyways. Sea turtles, a boat ride through the mangroves of the Madu River, and a night by the sea on the coast of Bentota.
Colombo and the last goodbye
Temples, bazaars, and the final sunset at Galle Face.
We wrapped up our trip in the capital: the contrast between the temples, markets, and the boardwalk overlooking the Indian Ocean.
A peaceful morning by the sea, followed by a trip to the capital. The Gangaramaya Temple, the hustle and bustle of Pettah, time for shopping, and sunset at Galle Face.
One last leisurely breakfast, followed by a transfer to the airport. Return flight and overnight on the plane.
The scent of cinnamon and the rattling of the train linger long after I've unpacked my suitcase.
Where you will sleep
Every night, a house with its own light.
In Dambulla, the jungle wakes you up. In Nuwara Eliya, the cool air smells like tea. In Yala, the lights go out and all you can hear are the birds. And on the coast, you fall asleep to the sound of the Indian Ocean in the background.
Memorable nights. Some things become apparent the moment you open the door.
It's all in there
What's in. And whatever you choose.
What the journey holds, and how little is left in your hands.
Sri Lanka · June 2027
Culture, Tea, and SafarisBefore setting foot in Ceylon
During the expedition
Signature experiences
We'll leave it up to you
Cost of a Trip to Sri Lanka
Everything that makes the trip, already inside.
The hotels, the safaris, the Highland Railway, and dinner every night. All you have to do is show up.
+ international flights
VAT and taxes included
In a double room
June 11–22, 2027
What you are paying for exactly
- Daily breakfasts and dinners, at each hotel.
- 4×4 Jeep Safaris by Minneriya and Yala.
- The Highland Train, from Nanu Oya to Ella.
- Classy hotels, chosen stop by stop.
- Private transportation with air conditioning on every trip.
- National Guide in Spanish throughout the entire route.
- Access included. Just enjoy the trip.
Total transparency
Payments, Cancellation and everything else.
No fine print. If you have a question that isn't listed here, we'll answer it during our call.
How do I pay?
€300 deposit to secure your spot. It will be deducted from the total.
50% of the rest when the group reaches the minimum of 6 people. We let you know in good time.
Remaining amount 30 days before departure.
We accept bank transfer and credit card. No commissions or hidden charges.
What if I have to cancel?
More than 60 days: You'll only lose the €300 deposit.
Between 30 and 60 days: 50% of the total price.
Less than 30 days: 100% of the price. That's why we recommend trip cancellation insurance.
If the group does not reach the minimum of 6 travelers, we will cancel the trip and refund you the 100% of the amount paid.
Travel Insurance
It is mandatory and it isn't included in the price. It covers medical assistance at the destination, cancellation and luggage.
You don't have to look for anything: we'll send you the one we use and we'll review it together before departure, with the exact price according to your dates.
ETA visa for Sri Lanka
It is mandatory to apply online before flying, although the process is simple. We send you the link and guide you step by step.
The cost has changed several times in recent years, so confirm the current amount when applying on the official Sri Lanka ETA website. You also need a passport with sufficient validity.
The group
The group is 6 to 12 travelers. We don't accept anyone over the age of twelve.
If we don't reach the minimum: Refund of the 100% amount paid.
How to reserve your spot
This is how it begins your trip.
You don't fill in a form and appear in Colombo. We talk first, and that's what makes the groups work.
You fill in the form
You tell us how you travel, what you're looking for, whether you've been to Asia before. It commits you to nothing.
Let's talk with you
Ten minutes with Rakel or Toni, by phone or video call. So you can ask anything that doesn't fit on a website. And so that on your first day in Ceylon, you'll already be familiar with the voice of the person traveling with you.
Now begins the good part
If we both see it clearly, you book with a €300 deposit. We help you with flights and you join the WhatsApp group.
Filling out the form does not constitute a reservation. If this isn't the right trip for you after all, we'll suggest another one.
Your starting point
You don't arrive in Colombo alone.
The group starts weeks earlier, in Spain. So that on the first day you don't have to break the ice in the immigration queue.
We open the WhatsApp group
You get to know your travel companions before you even arrive at the airport. Let us introduce you. The conversation begins before you even pack your suitcase.
We'll meet at the terminal
We'll meet before check-in and do it together: luggage, check-in, and boarding. If you're flying from another city, we'll coordinate your connection so you arrive with plenty of time.
We're flying with you
Round trip, on the same plane. The journey has already begun before landing.
They welcome you with a garland of flowers
Private transfer. Air conditioning. And Negombo waiting for you, with the Indian Ocean right in front of it. You don't have to organize a thing.
When the plane touches down in Colombo, the group has been a group for weeks.
Who goes with you
We don't send anyone in our place.
We are Rakel and Toni.
The ones you've seen on the web.
Those who talk to you before you book.
And one of the two will travel the entire way with you.
From the first flight to the return trip: the climb up Sigiriya, the jeep ride in Yala, the final stroll through Colombo. In Sri Lanka, a local Spanish-speaking guide joins the group, providing the context that only someone from the island can offer.
What does it mean to go with us?- At the dinner table, not in an office.
- In the hotel lobby when you arrive.
- If something goes wrong, you don't have to solve it in another language.
- Your free time is yours. If you want some ideas, we've got them.
A train ride, two safaris, and plenty of dinners together are enough to get to know each other.
— Rakel and Toni · SunZen Travel
Get to know us better →Before taking the step
Is this your expedition?
You already know the route, the accommodation, the price and the process. This is the last check before applying for your spot.
This expedition is for you
Sri Lanka has been on your mind for a while now, and you want to experience it all—from the temples to the sea.
You want to climb Sigiriya, look out the train window, and wait in silence on the Yala savanna.
Valoras sleep well and a group where you can all fit around the same table.
You'd like a lively rhythm: Every day has its special moment, and dinner is already taken care of.
You want to come back smelling of cinnamon and with stories to tell—not with a fridge magnet.
Questions About the Trip to Sri Lanka
The usual questions, answered.
The ones we get most about the trip to Sri Lanka. If you have any others, tell us on the call.
When is the departure, and how much does it cost?
June 11–22, 2027: We leave Spain on the 11th and return on the 22nd. The price is 2.490 €€2,4902 490 € per person in a double room, not including international flights. To reserve a spot, fill out the form and we'll call you.
Is this an organized trip?
Yes, and the things you don't even notice: hotels, transportation, tickets, and a Spanish-speaking guide—it's all taken care of. All you have to do is look around.
Which airport do I depart from and can you help me with flights?
The meeting point is finalized once the group is formed, usually in Madrid, since that’s where the best connections to Colombo are available. If you’re flying from Valencia, Barcelona, or another city, we’ll arrange the connection so we can all leave together. We’ll help you choose the best combination.
What happens if I travel alone?
This is the norm in our groups. That's why we talk to you before you book: so that by the day of your flight, you'll already know who you're traveling with. Accommodations are based on shared rooms; if you prefer a single room, there's a supplement that we'll let you know about in advance.
Is June a good time to travel to Sri Lanka?
It’s the season for the interior: the Cultural Triangle and Yala basking in the sun, the highlands at their greenest, and the tranquil island, far from the peak tourist season. On the coast and in the highlands, you might get the occasional tropical shower—the kind that cools you off and passes quickly.
Will I see elephants and leopards?
Minneriya and Yala are two of the best parks on the island for spotting them in the wild, and we explore them by jeep. It’s wildlife, and that’s exactly why every encounter is memorable.
Does the trip coincide with any holidays?
Yes, and it's a beautiful one: Poson, the full moon festival that celebrates the arrival of Buddhism on the island. Lanterns hang from the houses, and there are stalls where free food is shared with passersby.
Does the train cross the Nine Arch Bridge?
The train stops in Ella, and the bridge is a little further on. That’s why we go for a walk that same afternoon, through the tea plantations, to see it from the outside—that’s when it really makes an impression. And if we’re lucky, a train will be crossing it.
What documentation do I need to travel to Sri Lanka?
A valid passport and the ETA visa, which must be applied for online before flying, on the official Sri Lanka ETA website. We send you the link and guide you step by step. Confirm the current cost when applying, because it has changed several times.
What are the physical fitness requirements?
You don't have to be an athlete. You will, however, need to walk for 2–3 hours on uneven terrain: the 1,200 steps at Sigiriya are the most challenging part, and we'll climb them first thing in the morning, before the heat sets in. Let us know about any limitations you may have when you call.
What makes the price what it is?
Hotels in great locations, private transportation for every leg of the trip, jeep safaris, the scenic train ride, all admission fees included in the itinerary, daily breakfasts and dinners, and two people accompanying the group: the local Spanish-speaking guide and one of us. Group size also plays a role: traveling with 6 to 12 people increases the cost per person compared to a full tour bus.
Are dinners included?
Yes. Breakfast and dinner are included daily at all hotels. Lunch is on your own, so you can eat wherever you like as you go.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's mandatory and not included. We give you a hand taking it out and go over it together before confirming, with the exact price for your dates.
Is there a minimum number of travelers for the group to depart?
Yes, 6 people. If there are fewer than that, we'll cancel the trip and refund 100% of the amount you paid.
What if I have never traveled in a group?
Even better, without the old bad habits. The WhatsApp group opens weeks before departure, so you arrive at the airport already knowing several people.
June 2027
Ceylon is waiting.
June 11–22, in a small group. Tell us how you're traveling, and we'll call you.
The guide, free. 23 Things Nobody Tells You Before You Book.
Still have questions?
Talk to a person.
When you write, the person traveling with you responds. No one else.
The expedition starts the day you decide to take the step.
Still unsure about your destination?