Circle of Life

Days

10

Activity Level

Easy

Host City

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

From

$4,955 USD

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Circle of Life in Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle on a 10-day journey that blends iconic heritage sites with intimate local encounters and time in nature. Begin in Sigiriya, your base for sunrise hikes, ancient cave temples, ruined cities, and wildlife-rich safaris—balanced with reflective conversations woven throughout the itinerary. Climb Lion Rock for sweeping views, wander the frescoed caves of Dambulla, and explore the serene monastic ruins of Ritigala. Share village lunches, meet artisans on backroads around Habarana, and end your days at a tranquil boutique retreat with pool and gardens. Round out the circuit at Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Mihintale before departing with a deeper sense of Sri Lanka’s history, spirit, and hospitality.


Explore The sri Lanka with TEP

Trip Highlights

Climb Lion Rock past sky gardens and frescoes to a summit with panoramic views of the Cultural Triangle. The next morning, greet dawn from Pidurangala’s rocky perch with Sigiriya silhouetted against a sea of trees. Two perspectives, one unforgettable landscape.

Trace royal avenues and masterful stonework at Polonnaruwa, including the exquisite Gal Vihara Buddhas. In Anuradhapura, walk pilgrim paths beneath the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi. Climb Mihintale for wide views where Sri Lanka’s Buddhist story began.

Step inside five rock-hewn sanctuaries filled with gilded murals and serene Buddha statues. Your guide decodes 2,000 years of devotion etched into ceilings and walls. From the terrace, big-sky views stretch across rippling countryside.

Follow mossy stone causeways through a jungle-wrapped monastery where silence, birdsong, and dappled light set the pace. Your guide connects scattered ruins into a story of contemplation and craft. It’s a meditative counterpoint to Sri Lanka’s grand monuments.

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TRIP COST

From $4,995 USD per person

*More info. on pricing


Additional Costs

Airport Hotel: $125 USD

Airport Transfers: $65 USD


Start dates

September 18 – September 27, 2026

Duration

10 Days / 9 Nights 

Accommodations

Sigiriya: Seerock The King’s Domain Hotel

max. group size

6 Travelers

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy

10 Day / 9 Night Trip Daily Overview

Circle of Life: Sri Lanka

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Trip description including daily highlights, spiritual and cultural experiences, guidance on travel logistics, and insights into the sacred sites and traditions you’ll encounter.

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Day 1: Arrive in Sri Lanka

This morning meet your guide, and drive to Seerock The King’s Domain, a tranquil base minutes from Sigiriya. Unwind by the pool or gardens before an opening conversation to set intentions for the week. A festive welcome dinner with cocktails closes the day.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 2: Ritigala Monastery & Traditional Angampora

Begin with a morning conversation 2, then venture to Ritigala, a mossy, meditative complex of stone paths, reservoirs, and jungle-clad ruins. In the afternoon, witness Angampora, Sri Lanka’s traditional martial art from ritual greeting and training drills to a dynamic performance. Evening conversation 3.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

After Conversation 4, climb the 1,200 steps of Lion Rock, passing famed frescoes and the Mirror Wall to a breathtaking summit that reveals ingenious water gardens and a 5th-century citadel plan. Your guide brings Kashyapa’s fortress city to life with stories of artistry and ambition. Return for Conversations 5 and 6 (Part 1) and a relaxed dinner.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 4: Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore Dambulla, a UNESCO sanctuary of five rock-hewn caves filled with gilded murals and more than 150 Buddha images, high above sweeping plains. Learn how patron kings preserved this sacred site over 22 centuries while you take in views toward Ritigala and Kurunegala. Back at the lodge, continue Conversation 6 (Parts 2 & 3) with a dinner interlude.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 5: Elephant Safari & Sundowners

With seasonal guidance, head to Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park to see wild elephants on open grasslands, plus waterbirds like storks and pelicans. Afterward, enjoy lakeside sundowners G&Ts and local snacks against a mountain backdrop. Conversations 7 and 8 frame sustainability and inner development themes sparked by the day.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 6: Pidurangala Sunrise Hike

Rise early to hike Pidurangala, scrambling the final rocks for first light over forest canopy and Sigiriya’s silhouette. Breathe cool dawn air and savor the quiet panorama before returning for breakfast. Conversations 9 and 10 focus on vitality and resilience, leaving the afternoon for rest and gentle integration.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 7: Village Life in Habarana

In the morning you will start Conversation 11 and continue it into a Habarana village day by bicycle or tuk-tuk, meeting craftspeople where they work brick makers, coir-broom weavers, a dance teacher, and a grandmother blending ayurvedic oil. Pause for tea in a coconut shell and sit down to a home-cooked rice-and-curry lunch with Dilini. Return to Sigiriya for Conversation 12 and a serene evening.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 8: Polonnaruwa & Traditional Feast

In the morning you will have conversations 13 and 14 Travel to Polonnaruwa to explore palace ruins, image houses, and the exquisite Gal Vihara Buddhas, with a watchful eye for resident toque macaques. Savor a generous rice andcurry feast at a rural restaurant bordering the paddies. Back at the lodge, an evening Conversation 15.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 9: Anuradhapura & Mihintale

Walk the living sacred city of Anuradhapura, from colossal dagobas to the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, where centuries of devotion continue unbroken. In the afternoon, climb Mihintale, the traditional birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, for wide views and quiet reflection. In the afternoon you will engage in conversation 16 and 17. A BBQ farewell dinner and Conversation 18 close the journey in community.

Accommodations: Seerock The King’s Domain, Sigiriya

Day 10: Final Day in Sri Lanaka

Bid farewell to the Cultural Triangle and transfer to Colombo for onward flights. You leave with frescoes and stupas in mind, elephant silhouettes at dusk, and conversations that turned travel into transformation. Safe travels—ayubowan.

Accommodations: n/a

About The Circle of Life Program

The Circle of Life is a curated, small-group retreat for experienced leaders navigating life and career transitions. Guided by two seasoned coaches, the program uses “curiosity-anchored” conversations to help participants honor their past, embrace present realities, rethink the traditional three-stage life, and design a next chapter rooted in purpose, contribution, and intergenerational wisdom. The Circle’s ethos is that wisdom is best shared in community: an inclusive “micro-community” where reflection, exchange, and giving back are central.

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“Our family of six worked with Jeff and Sarah at The Explorers Passage to plan our visit to Machu Picchu, specifically the Inca Trail Express. TEP is an invaluable partner in handling all logistics including permits, transportation, entry passes, accommodations, itinerary and most importantly a local guide. Our guide, Neptali, was the absolute BEST and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He made all the difference. Jeff and Sarah provided all the pre-trip support and guidance to ensure our trip was a success, and on-the-ground support if needed. They went above and beyond to make recommendations for our time in Cusco too. Our trip was flawless thanks to their organization. Our experience with TEP exceeded all expectations. We highly recommend using them for your next adventure!”
– Caroline C.
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“We cannot praise The Explorer’s Passage enuf! We had a trip/experience of a lifetime on their Machu Picchu and Inca Trail adventure. The planning process was a breeze, the pre-hike necessary conditioning was well explained, arriving in Cusco and finding our guide and driver was easy, the Cusco City tours were fabulous and the trek was utterly AMAZING! Our Guide Neptali was the BEST. He is very knowledgeable, he’s kind, he’s funny, and he is calm and takes charge in a crisis. The porters and the chefs were wonderful. It was all around a 5 star experience. Definitely recommend this adventure!”
– Angie P.
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“From the moment we contacted Explorer’s Passage to discuss our Inca Trail Adventure, we knew we were working with an exemplary company, we had a fabulous experience with everyone involved, particularly the owner Jeff Bonaldi. There was not one thing I would change about this trip…..the accommodations, the transportation, the drivers, the restaurants, the porters, the guides (Wilbur was the kindest, smartest, most interesting guide and his Quechuan heritage and pride contributed so much to our experience of this amazing culture)…I could go on and on. Book with Explorer’s Passage…you will receive top-notch attention and advice and be in excellent hands throughout your adventure. We hope to book further adventures with Explorer’s Passage.”
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Trip Accommodations

Accommodation in Sigiriya

Seerok The King’s Domain

Seerock The King’s Domain is a tranquil boutique retreat set amid lush gardens just minutes from Sigiriya, with serene views that make a perfect reset after temple and fortress climbs. Spacious villa-style rooms open to private terraces, and many look onto the greenery or the pool, bringing the outdoors into your downtime. A relaxed restaurant highlights Sri Lankan flavors alongside familiar international dishes, while the bar is ideal for a sunset drink after a day at Lion Rock or Pidurangala. With a calm spa, inviting pool, and warm, attentive service, it’s an easy, comfortable base for exploring the Cultural Triangle.

Seerok King’s Domain Website

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions for this trip to Sri Lanka, and if you can’t find the answer you are looking for then send us a message.

Click the button below to access our general FAQ section!

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Most travelers require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) obtained online before arrival; approval is typically fast, but apply at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Your passport should have 6+ months’ validity beyond your return date. We’ll share the official link and step-by-step guidance in your prep

The Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya/Dambulla/Polonnaruwa/Anuradhapura) is good year-round. It’s typically drier June–September, lush and warm February–April, with the heaviest showers October–January (often short, tropical bursts). We time outdoor hikes for cooler hours regardless of season.

Inclusions: all lodging, most meals, bilingual local guides, airport transfers, site entry fees, guided tours, support vehicles, a pre-departure information package, and all scheduled activities listed in the itinerary.

Exclusions: international flights, pre-/post-trip accommodations, optional hotel services (e.g. laundry), personal items, medical insurance, immunizations, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff.

Yes, all meals are included and feature fresh, local ingredients. Expect nourishing Sri Lankan dishes designed to support wellness and integration. Sri Lankan cuisine is wonderfully adaptable. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets with advance notice

A detailed packing list is provided in the pre-departure package. Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for varying temperatures, rain gear, a daypack, reusable water bottle, and personal toiletries. For temples, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats, and avoid posing with your back to Buddha statues.

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Trip Support

TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.

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Personal Attention & Preparation Before Every Trip

We get very involved with our travelers before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation and trip experience. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip. We also provide comprehensive packing lists, pre-adventure checklists, and other detailed information.

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Staff Support & Logistics

We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Sri Lanka has to offer. Our knowledgeable support staff takes care of the details of your in-country ground transportation, lodging, meals, tours, permits, and activities. We’ve even scheduled a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.

We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure!

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(855) 208-6800

Email Us

info@explorerspassage.com