Learn more

Experiences

Hermit Monk Mihintale

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Unforgettable adventure showcasing local culture and breathtaking landscapes

Embark on a transformative journey to Mihintale, the revered mountain-top birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Choose to start your adventure at sunrise for breathtaking views or in the afternoon for a more tranquil ascent, with the experience lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours.

As you ascend Aradhana Gala, you’ll be captivated by stunning 360-degree vistas of the surrounding landscape. Accompanying you is a resident monk, a hermit monk who dedicates his life to meditation and spiritual practice in solitude. He will share enlightening insights into meditation and the core philosophies of Buddhism, answering your questions along the way. You’ll explore the monks’ almshouse and discover hidden areas of the Mihintale temple that are often overlooked by visitors.

To conclude this enriching experience, you’ll sit down with the monk to enjoy herbal tea and traditional Sri Lankan snacks, creating a moment of connection and reflection. This journey is family-friendly and suitable for children aged eight and above. Remember to wear sturdy walking shoes for a comfortable ascent!

Exciting experience for travelers and explorers gallery image

What our travellers say

If Red Dot ever ceased to exist and I wanted to return to Sri Lanka I would probably go somewhere else instead. They were, in every way shape and form, impeccable. From Samanthie who created the itinerary to Wicky who drove us here, there and everywhere I cannot imagine anybody doing it better. Impeccable. I need say no more except it doesn’t get any better.

Stuart (March 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

We chose this company as we wanted our money to benefit the people of Sri Lanka rather than international companies. Their work supports smaller businesses, projects and communities as well as the environment

Jessica E (August 2025) London, UK Read the whole review here Feefo

Our 11th visit to this magical Island with always something new to discover and see. This time we made it up north to Jaffna, via Mannar Island, after beginning in the tea country and acclimatising to the heat, after leaving a very cold UK in January. We had total confidence that RedDot would organise everything to perfection, having used them many times before

Roy L (March 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Feefo

We had a fantastic holiday. The itinerary and choice of hotels was spot on, and seamlessly organised.

Charlotte (August 2024) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

Exceptional tour of Sri Lanka with Dami. We cannot recommend Dami at Red dot tours highly enough. As our guide over 9 days he made sure that our trip to Sri Lanka was unforgettable- always going above & beyond to impart his knowledge, show us things off the beaten track, looking after us, getting us to try many local delicacies & making us laugh .. a LOT. Cannot imagine anyone doing a better job- if we could take him with us on every holiday we would!

Sarah (July 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Feefo

Dulmini did a great job listening to our wishes and arranged an itinerary that was very busy but met all our needs. Sisira, our guide, was outstanding, providing us with great local knowledge and suggesting other activities on our travels. He was a great driver on the busy Sri Lankan roads, was always punctual but above all added colour to the whole trip.

Malcolm (April 2024) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

I cannot recommend Red Dot Tours more highly. Thank you so much to Samanthie for her patience with me and all her hard work at putting together the perfect itinerary for my family. I had done a lot of research before I contacted Red Dot and Samanthie created a tour that fitted in all the activities we wanted to do and secured the hotels I told her we would like to stay in (not easy to do in high season).

Nina (July 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

Wow what can I say, from start to finish we have had a wonderful holiday with Red Dot Tours. Dulmini was so helpful in putting an itinerary together for us as a family of 6 and catering to all of our needs. We have ticked off so many of Sri Lanka’s beautiful sights during our trip. Dulmini and Dhanu were a great help to us while we were out on our travels too.

Anupa (July 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here TripAdvisor

We spent 13 days on a Bawa tour with wonderful driver and guide Manjula, including Kandalama Heritance, The Kandy House, The Last House, Jetwing Yala, Jetwing Lighthouse and Club Villa hotels. We are 3 friends, one of them in the wheelchair. Dulmini Ekanayake from Red Dot Tours was very helpful and very patient and found solutions to all our special demands.

Rene (March 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

The itinerary was absolutely perfect and the hotels wonderful, especially Thotalagala, The Warden’s House and 41 Lighthouse Street. Our driver, Indika, was a delight-charming, knowledgeable, considerate and always punctual; he showed us more of this amazing country than we could have hoped for!

Karen - United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

Wanted to take a moment to thank RedDot Tours, and specifically Jayandi for helping book a wonderful family vacation for my family and I. First time for my family and Jayandi took care of every detail, was so courteous and professional, and genuinely cared about our experience in SL. I would also like to mention Pradeep, our kind and understanding guide/chauffeur who took such good care of us while we were out and about. I cannot recommend RedDot enough!

Bob (November 2024) United States Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

We used Red Dot for the first time for our holiday in Sri Lanka. Dulmini put together such a wonderful experience for us, creating an itinerary she drew up after many discussions about what we like and also gave us suggestions for excursions and activities. It was totally bespoke and we were able to make changes throughout this process.

Gill (March 2025) Kent, United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

This is an excellent tour company. They planned our Sri Lankan holiday from start to finish. The trip was initially planned for 2022 but due to Covid and other issues we didn’t manage to undertake the trip until this year. Throughout all this time we had the same travel advisor Lahiru who responded quickly to my emails and rearranged and adjusted our holiday each year!

Anne (January 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

As a group of 8 we have had the most fabulous tour of Sri Lanka organised by Dulmini from RedDot who totally understood my brief of "some" culture, agriculture, nature, trekking and relaxation. The hotels chosen were a wonderful mixture of homestay, tented and pure luxury (Ceylon Tea Trails). The experiences to local villages, trekking the Pekoe Trail and climbing Pidurangala were memorable and our wonderful guide, Ananda, was so informative and knowledgeable and adapted to our needs admirable (not easy with a group of 8)

Anna (February 2025) United Kingdom Read the whole review here Tripadvisor

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle - The Galle Cinnamon Table With Lunch

Spend a delightful, memorable day with a local family in Galle and discover the story behind Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Ceylon cinnamon.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle - A Night Walk in Galle Fort

Galle Fort at night is something else entirely. This easy evening walk takes you through one of Sri Lanka's most historic places with the Indian Ocean on one side and centuries of stories on the other.

South Coast & Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala Jeep Safari

Discover Yala's dramatic landscapes and wildlife behaviour during the enchanting afternoon hours on a safari jeep with your chauffeur-guide.

North West Coast & Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Wilpattu Jeep Safari

Venture into Wilpattu's wilderness during the golden hours aboard a safari jeep with your chauffeur-guide.

West Coast, Sri Lanka

Whale Watching Speedboat

Experience Sri Lanka's exceptional whale watching opportunities during this 4-hour ocean expedition that departs at 7am, taking advantage of the continental shelf's proximity to shore where deep waters create ideal feeding conditions for large marine mammals.

West Coast, Sri Lanka

Whale Watching Catamaran Weligama

Join this shared whale watching expedition departing at 6:30am for a 6-hour journey into the Indian Ocean, where Sri Lanka's continental shelf creates ideal conditions for marine mammals just beyond the shoreline.

South Coast & Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Vedha and Honey

Trek through eastern Sri Lanka's forest with indigenous Vedda community members during this 3-hour experience starting at 8am, witnessing traditional honey harvesting techniques that remain central to their livelihood.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Traditional Mask Making

Learn the ancient art of Sri Lankan mask making during this 3-hour workshop at a hidden art gallery within Galle Fort, where your host guides you through creating your own traditional mask.

Colombo & Negombo, Sri Lanka

Snack and Sip Like A Sailor

Once a bustling international trading port, Colombo welcomed sailors and settlers from all corners of the world, each leaving their mark on Sri Lanka’s diverse cuisine.

Sinharaja & Kitulgala, Sri Lanka

Sinharaja

Explore Sri Lanka's last primary rainforest, Sinharaja, with your chauffeur-guide.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Scent of Toddy

Today you'll enjoy a unique village experience, learning about very typical southern cultivation of both toddy and cinnamon.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa by Bicycle

Explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa on a 3.5-hour bicycle ride through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll cycle past remnants of Sri Lanka's medieval capital whilst learning about its history from a local resident who calls this archaeological site home.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa

Discover Sri Lanka's mediaeval capital with your chauffeur-guide as you walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site representing the pinnacle of Sinhalese architectural achievement during the 10th-12th centuries CE.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Pidurangala

Climb this significant archaeological site with your chauffeur-guide to access the monastery relocated by King Kasyapa when constructing nearby Sigiriya fortress.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail is a long-distance route stretching through Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Similar to the Camino de Santiago and divided into 22 sections, the trail runs from Hantana to Nuwara Eliya and is designed to be walked in stages.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Kanneliya Rainforest

Trek through one of Sri Lanka's most significant remaining fragments of rainforest with your chauffeur-guide, just a short drive from Galle.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy Nunnery

This experience offers a guided visit to a female-only monastery in Kandy, providing insight into the daily life of a bhikkuni - a woman who has chosen to follow the Buddhist path through ordination.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy Food Trail

This walking food tour through Kandy explores the city’s diverse culinary heritage, shaped by a long history of cultural exchange.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy by Tuk Tuk

Today you’ll discover Kandy's unique character and history shaped by its protective landscape of hills, mountains and rivers during our unique 3-hour private tuk tuk experience.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy Botanical Gardens

Explore with your guide one of Asia's most revered botanical gardens, with an extensive collection of plants, trees and orchids.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Jewellery Making

Learn traditional Sri Lankan silver jewellery-making techniques during this hands-on 1.5-2 hour workshop where you'll discover the cultural significance and history behind this ancient craft.

Jaffna & the North, Sri Lanka

Jaffna by Tuk Tuk

Explore Jaffna's unique heritage and historic landmarks during this 2-hour tuk tuk tour. We normally start this at 9am or 4pm, but this is flexible.

Jaffna & the North, Sri Lanka

Jaffna - Nallur Kandaswami Kovil with Guide

Visit Jaffna's sacred Nallur Kovil during our 2-hour local experience, which we normally start at 8am or 3pm.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Hermit Monk Mihintale

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Treasure Hunt

Explore Galle Fort through an interactive 2-hour treasure hunt that takes you around this UNESCO World Heritage site whilst learning about its colonial history in an engaging, family-friendly format.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Sunset Cycling

Explore historic Galle city by bicycle during this 2-hour evening ride that starts at 4:30pm, led by a resident host who grew up on the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Fort

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Street Food

Discover the authentic street food of Galle Fort on this 2.5-hour culinary journey with a third-generation local resident who shares stories of this living UNESCO heritage site.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Lace Making

Learn traditional beeralu lace making during this hour-long workshop at a Galle family home, where your host from a lineage of skilled artisans guides you through the complete process from sketching patterns to weaving threads around pins on a lace pillow.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Fort Walk Walking Tour

Step back in time as you explore Galle Fort in the company of a well-informed host, beginning at its imposing bastions and grass-covered ramparts.

Gal Oya National Park, Kumana & Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Gal Oya Vedha

Gal Oya Lodge sits on the edge of one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining Veddha communities — the island’s forest-dwelling indigenous people.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Ella Stage 17 Pekoe Trail

Experience this captivating 3.5 hour trek with your private guide, starting at the famous Demodara spiral railway where trains loop through a tunnel beneath the station.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Ella Stage 16 Pekoe Trail

Experience Stage 16 of the Pekoe Trail from Ella to Demodera during this 3-hour trek our your private guide. The Pekoe Trail is a newly established trekking route through Sri Lanka's hill country, and this is just one small section of the entire route.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Elephant Mask Painting

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture and creativity with this family-friendly art activity.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Dambulla

Explore this exceptional Buddhist cave complex with your chauffeur-guide at Sri Lanka's largest preserved ancient monastery, continuously occupied for over 2,200 years.

West Coast, Sri Lanka

Cycling and Kayaking Weligama

While the Galle Coast attracts many tourists, the countryside just inland offers a tranquil escape that showcases authentic rural life.

South Coast & Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Curd Making

Learn traditional buffalo curd-making during this 2-hour morning experience that normally begins around 8am with a family whose generations have perfected this rural craft.

Colombo & Negombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo Street Eats

Explore Colombo’s food scene on foot and by tuk-tuk as evening falls. The city’s street food reflects centuries of global influence, from Dutch and Portuguese traders to Malaysian and South Indian migrants.

Colombo & Negombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo Discover by Tuk Tuk

Experience Colombo like a local with a guided tuk tuk tour through Sri Lanka’s energetic capital

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Climb Sigiriya Rock

Ascend King Kasyapa's 5th-century fortress-palace with your chauffeur-guide to examine one of Asia's most sophisticated examples of integrated landscape architecture and urban planning.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Cinnamon Artistry

Take a boat ride to Cinnamon Island, home to a family dedicated to the craft of hand-rolling cinnamon sticks.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura by tuk tuk

Discover the UNESCO-protected city of Anuradhapura, the cradle of Sri Lanka’s first civilisation, which has profoundly influenced the country’s modern culture.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura with a private guide

Explore Sri Lanka's first capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects 1,500 years of continuous Buddhist civilisation from the 4th century BCE.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura - Private Alms Giving

non content

View all experiences

Choose your adventure

Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.

Let's get planning

Hermit Monk Mihintale

What our travellers say

Related experiences

Choose your adventure