Sri Lanka
Explore the lush green island of Buddha surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is an enticing mix of thousands of years of culture and authentic tropical adventure! Set off on a round trip of this island country and discover the magic of its people, traditions, and natural wonders.
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Traverse the highlands by train
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Visit the cave temple complex in Dambulla
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Observe elephants in Udawalawe
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Relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean
Visual inspiration
Details
Day 1, Mon, 27.01.2025: Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Your holiday adventure begins! After your arrival in Colombo (flights not included), you’ll transfer from the airport to the hotel where you’ll be welcomed by your guide. Enjoy a late afternoon stroll through the Colombo Fort neighbourhood and watch the sun set over the crystal-blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Afterwards, a delicious welcome dinner awaits you at the traditional Galle Face Hotel.
Day 2, Tue, 28.01.2025: In search of the Cloud Girls
On your way to Kurunegala, you’ll stop at the ancient Monaragala Temple and learn how modern temples differ from their ancient counterparts. You’re going to love your hotel in Dambulla for the next two nights – absolutely idyllic and luxurious! It’s perfectly situated on the shore of a lake surrounded by lush greenery. In the soft afternoon light, you’ll climb up to see the Cloud Girls of the Sigiriya rock fortress. A truly unforgettable highlight!
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Sri Lanka is a cultural and scenic jewel that you simply have to experience! Its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and culinary delights make it an ideal destination for a tropical escape.
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Ancient ruins, temples, and historical sites offer history enthusiasts a glimpse into the country’s rich history, while pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and wildlife reserves excite nature lovers.
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Sri Lankans are known for their friendly demeanour, and they go out of their way to make visitors feel at home during their stay. The cuisine is a delightful blend of flavours and spices, offering a unique culinary experience for food enthusiasts.
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The legal situation in the country with regard to the LGBTQ+ community is somewhat challenging: a law exists criminalising acts that “go against the order of nature”. Without any reference to gender, homosexual acts may fall under this category. However, the law is a relic from the British colonial era and is no longer enforced.
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Although no anti-discrimination laws are in place, the government has stated that discrimination based on sexuality and gender is implicitly banned under the existing constitution. Overall, Sri Lanka is becoming more open to LGBT acceptance. A Pride event was held in Colombo last year and the President of Sri Lanka is openly in favour of amending the law.
Day 3, Wed, 29.01.2025: Follow the sea eagles
At dawn, you’ll cross elephant country on the way to Polonnaruwa. Keep your eyes open – pachyderms are on the move at this time of day. You’ll board a catamaran and as you stare at the sea eagles and pelicans flying overhead, you’ll be taken to a magnificent spot perfect for a breakfast picnic: an island in the middle of Lake Bendiwewa. You’ll be enchanted by the spectacular views of the water and forests from here. Back on land, you’ll explore the majestic palace and the iconic Reclining Buddha. In the evening, you’ll get to meet musicians and dancers who will mesmerise you with a traditional performance.
Day 4, Thu, 30.01.2025: Cave temple exploration
Get ready for a discovery tour of the cave temple in Dambulla – the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be amazed by the ornate polychrome Buddhas smiling at you from the ceilings and walls. Back on the road, you’ll encounter something particularly interesting: a Hindu temple in a predominantly Buddhist country! At the end of another day of gay adventure, you’ll finally reach the charming mountain town of Kandy.
Day 5, Fri, 31.01.2025: Sacred relics and botanical delights
Riding in tuk-tuks, you’ll whizz down to the city and join the crowd of pilgrims streaming into the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – the relic of the tooth of Buddha – which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Full of inspiration, you’ll make your way to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya where you’ll see over 4,000 plant species, including countless magnificent orchids. Afterwards, you can have a delicious coffee in the dignified Royal Bar and Hotel.
Day 6, Sat, 01.02.2025: Daily life in Digana
Onwards to the Tamarind Gardens in Digana! There you’ll be welcomed by Ayesha and Nalin who will tell you about life in their village. Daily life is a challenge on the edge of the arid zone, but the people here are bursting with optimism. Ayesha and Nalin Perera have a vision: to help the people of Sri Lanka. They returned to their home country after having worked in the UK to offer people here alternatives to the harsh and unhealthy labour conditions in the quarry. You’ll get a feel for life in their village by lending them a hand in the kitchen where real Sri Lankan food, which is more than just curry and rice, is being prepared. You can even milk the cows or help with the planting and harvesting if you’d like. Back in Kandy, you’ll have time to explore the city on your own.
Day 7, Sat, 02.02.2025: Teatime
After breakfast, it’s time to get moving! You’ll board the bus and as soon as you hop off, a leisurely 3.5-kilometre (2.2-mile) hike awaits you. You’ll take in the unique landscape and walk through charming household gardens and spice plantations, before ending up opposite a rice field where your driver is already waiting for you. On the way to Nuwara Eliya, once a British summer resort, you’ll see tea bushes on both sides of the road as far as the eye can see. You’ll learn about the process of transforming the leaves into strong, caramel-coloured Ceylon tea at a tea factory.
Hotels
During your gay holiday, you’ll be staying at a variety of hotels including the elegant and modern Jetwing Lake in Dambulla, the cosy and traditional Thilanka Hotel in Kandy, and the tropical Cinnamon Bey in Beruwala.
Ramada Hotel | Colombo
Jetwing Lake Hotel | Dambulla
The Thilanka | Kandy
Mirage Kings Cottage | Nuwara Eliya
Bandarawela Hotel | Bandarawela
Centauria Wild | Udawalawe
Cinnamon Bey | Beruwala
Tour operator
This Guys.travel gay tour is organised and carried out by Marco Polo Reisen, a renowned specialist for worldwide discovery trips for over 60 years.
Day 8, Mon, 03.02.2025: Train ride through the cloud forest
Hop on the bus to Nanu Oya. From here, you’ll board the train for a spectacular train ride through the cloud forest that surrounds the Horton Plains National Park. Don’t worry – your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel in Bandarawela. In the afternoon, you’ll receive a lesson in Sri Lankan cooking from the hotel chef and you’ll prepare dinner together with the other guys.
Day 9, Tue, 04.02.2025: Along the Pekoe Trail
Lace up your boots – another gay holiday adventure is about to begin! Off you go to tackle a stretch of the famous Pekoe Trail (distance approx. 8 km – 4.9 mi). Have your camera ready! You’ll start in Ella near the famous Nine Arches Bridge where you’ll watch as vintage trains slowly cross the river. The hike continues through tea plantations and small villages and end at the Demodara Railway Station. Back at the hotel, take some time to relax. Later, your guide will accompany you back to Ella where you’ll get a feel for the city’s vibe as you explore its numerous bars and cafés. Whenever you’re ready, the bus will take you back to the hotel. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a tuk-tuk back to Bandarawela on your own.
Prices and services
Have a room all to yourself
€ 2589,-
≈ US$ 2814*
Share a room with a partner/friend
€ 2139,-
≈ US$ 2325*
Price per person includes:
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Transfers, excursions, and round trip in good local coaches
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12 nights in a single room
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Breakfast, 1 x lunch, and 2 x dinner
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English-speaking Marco Polo tour guide
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Entrance fees according to the itinerary
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CO2 compensation – climate neutral gay tour
* The USD prices quoted are approximate conversions of the binding EUR price. The actual USD amount will vary depending on the conversion rate of the payment service provider on the date of payment.
Day 10, Wed, 05.02.2025: Keeping up with the elephants
Back to the lowlands. Before you discover the magic of Udawalawe National Park, another wildlife hotspot beckons us – the Elephant Transit Home. At this special place, a herd of young, orphaned elephants are fed here several times a day and made fit for the wild. You’re sure to smile as they happily wave their trunks at the spectators. You’ll definitely see more elephants and other fascinating animals on a Jeep safari through the national park later! Absolutely thrilling!
Day 11, Thu, 06.02.2025: Old Holland in the tropics
Today, you’ll head southwest to the beach resort of Beruwala. Along the way, you’ll take a stroll through the alleyways of the enchanting colonial town of Galle. Mighty ramparts, gleaming white churches and stately merchants’ homes – at Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll discover a piece of Old Holland in the middle of the tropics. And finally, what you’ve patiently been waiting for – two days of tropical beach life await you on the Indian Ocean at our hotel right by the sea. This holiday can’t be topped!
Day 12, Fri, 07.02.2025: Seaside dreaming
Take a dip and relax under the sun on the warm sandy beach – an adventurous and eventful gay holiday is slowly coming to an end.
Day 13, Sat, 08.02.2025: Homeward bound
With a golden suntan, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back home (not included).
FEEDBACK
Tim | Belgium
This was my first group trip and at first I had my doubts about what to expect. But after just a few minutes we became a great group and really enjoyed the holiday. The guide was extremely good and took us behind the scenes of this wonderful country. Highly recommended!
John | Malta
Sri Lanka simply has it all. It is a compact country with a wealth of lush nature, cultural treasures, nice people and delicious food. For me, this is the ideal combination and all this in a group of like-minded travellers. What more could you want?
Lutz | Germany
I am a great fan of Asia and have seen a lot of Asian countries. But Sri Lanka has been my favourite so far. That was certainly also due to the group and the super guide. But the country simply has so much to offer and all on one big island. I was totally impressed and inspired. Thank you for a great trip.
Book your trip now
Travel cancellation insurance:
You can purchase travel cancellation insurance from us immediately after booking by clicking on the link provided in the confirmation e-mail.
Next steps
STEP 1:
After submitting the booking form, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt from Guys.travel with a comprehensive overview of the next steps.
STEP 2:
You will receive a booking confirmation by e-mail from the tour operator Marco Polo with an invoice and secured payment certificate. You will be asked to make a 20% deposit up front (full payment also possible).
STEP 3:
Once the minimum number of participants for the tour has been reached, you will be notified by Marco Polo and it is safe to book your flights.
STEP 4:
Marco Polo will send you your travel documents by e-mail 10 to 14 days before the start of the tour.
