Others

Walking through rice paddy fields and tea plantations Exploring parts of Sri Lanka rarely seen by other Westerners Visit the beautiful lakeside town of Kandy Sunrise on Adams Peak (except between May-November) Searching for a Leopard in Yala National Park Maldives extension available

Guide

Our Sri Lankan team of leaders has proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country.

Meals

All breakfasts, five lunches and one dinner are included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$23) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka and your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally however, the options may not always be suited to larger groups. Some locations you stay may have limited local restaurant choice, in which case meals will be at the hotel. Hotel meals are generally buffets; the majority offer an à la carte menu, but service can be slow. Where suitable, your tour leader will be happy to arrange a shuttle transfer into the local town or, if you prefer to be more independent, take a tuk tuk or taxi. Your leader can help recommend some good places to eat. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus but depending on the size there may be two; however, vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom, so we try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. The back-up vehicles drop us at the start of the walks and meet us again at the end, transporting all our luggage. In Yala National Park, we use smaller 4x4s. The train ride to Ella will be in the second-class carriage, an authentic experience and great chance for some fun local interactions. Due to the Sri Lankan rail booking system, tickets are purchased on the day from the railway station ticket office and seats cannot be reserved in advance, so we sit where we can once on board. Please Note: We will endeavour to secure train tickets from Pattipola to Ella as per the itinerary. However, during peak holiday seasons/busy periods, if the train coming from Kandy is sold out or overcrowded, your leader will action an alternative plan. The group will travel by road to Ella railway station and from there (where most travellers disembark) you will be able to enjoy the train ride from Ella to Badulla. The journey will be approximately one hour journey and has the highlight of passing over the world famous Nine Arch bridge.

Accommodation

You will stay 13 nights in hotels, all with twin-bed rooms. There will also be one night of full-service wild camping. For the one night camping, you will be in a remote area with limited facilities. The tents provided have two camp beds with bedding which your local team will prepare for you in advance. There is a toilet tent with a sit-down toilet and a shower tent for basic washing provisions. A cooking team will prepare all meals, which are usually served outside. Worth Knowing: There is no access to wifi or charging facilities (phones/cameras etc) at the campsite. Hotels in Sri Lanka are becoming increasingly busy and, occasionally, we must find alternatives to the ones we typically use. We endeavour to find the nearest alternative with a similar standard of rooms. The standards and styles of hotels on this trip vary. Some of our selections are based on location and what is available in the area or the character and atmosphere at the premises. Some properties in the hill region may not have air conditioning in rooms and instead have fans. This is due to the cooler climate. Single supplements are available on request (not available for three nights). Paying the single supplement may not mean you receive a double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from hotel to hotel and, on some nights, a smaller one-person room may be allocated.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Others

— Travel insurance — Single supplements are available on request (not available for three nights) — Visas or vaccinations

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

International flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Dambulla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Dambulla

The group flight arrives at Colombo’s Katunayake Airport and we transfer to our hotel at Dambulla (100mi/160km, four hours’ drive). Those not flying with the group can meet us at the hotel or the airport in time for the transfer. Please be aware, if you are meeting the group at the airport for a transfer you might need to purchase a ticket outside to enter the arrivals hall. We make our way to the hotel in Dambulla (100mi/160km, four hours’ drive). Accommodation: Pelwehera Village Resort (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Visit Dambulla Caves, Village Walk Towards Sigiriya; Afternoon Visit To Lion Rock Fortress (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Visit Dambulla Caves, Village Walk Towards Sigiriya; Afternoon Visit To Lion Rock Fortress (Breakfast,Lunch)

After breakfast, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, one of the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, well-preserved paintings and statues of Buddha inside, dating to the first century BCE. We then have a short, gentle, warm-up walk through villages and rice paddies and on towards Sigiriya, where we have lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the imposing fifth-century rock fortress, which rises 590ft (180m) from the plains overlooking the countryside with far-reaching views. The route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 655ft (200m) and pass an overhanging rock, under which superb portraits of indigenous maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the walls. Crowning the flat-topped summit are extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where there are breath-taking views of the countryside. The descent is much easier and we have a final 35-minute drive back to our hotel in Dambulla. Accommodation: Pelwehera Village Resort (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Drive To Illukkumbura; Walk The Manigala Trail In The Knuckles Mountain Range (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive To Illukkumbura; Walk The Manigala Trail In The Knuckles Mountain Range (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

The next two days takes us across the Knuckles Mountain Range. We start early with a three-hour drive to the start of our walk, where we begin with an easy descent past paddies and through the villages of Pitawala Patana and Etanwala. Descending to the river, we cross a small bridge and climb up through more farmland. Finally, emerging at the top of an escarpment, we are rewarded with great views of the countryside. An easy trail takes us along the escarpment to Manigala Top at 3,660ft (1,115m), the high point of today. Next, we descend to the Mahalakotuwa village area, which leads to the main road and then it’s a 20-minute walk to our campsite by the river where we can bathe in the cool, refreshing water. Accommodation: Camping at Knuckles with Eco Team (or similar) (Occasionally, we use an alternative campsite due to high water levels, which is about 40 minutes’ drive from Illikumbura).
Day 4 Day 4: Walk Through Forests To Meemure; Transfer To Orutota (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Walk Through Forests To Meemure; Transfer To Orutota (Breakfast,Lunch)

We begin with a half-hour drive to the Narangamuwa Temple at Ranamuregama. Starting our walk, we pass paddies and coconut groves before we enter a heavily forested area. The trail climbs gently for an hour and then levels out before undulating though this lush forest. The only sound we can hear is the birdsong around us. Emerging from the forest in the village of Meemure, make sure to look back for a spectacular view of the Lakegala peaks. Passing farms growing pepper and other spices, we come to a small tea shop where we have lunch. After, we take a truck or rickshaws for a bumpy 90-minute ride to Corbett’s Gap, a much-loved viewpoint. Our bus meets us here for the 1hr 30min drive to our hotel at Orutota overlooking the Victoria Reservoir. Accommodation: Oruthota Chalets (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: To Kandy; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: To Kandy; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)

We enjoy a relaxing morning in the hotel garden and pool. Mid-morning, we have an 11mi (18km) drive to Kandy and the afternoon to explore. The town is located around a small lake and we can walk round to look for water birds and large water monitors. Later, we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka, the Tooth of Buddha, which was taken from the funeral pyre in India in 543 BCE and found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in July/August the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Accommodation: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6-7: Ascend Adam’S Peak
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6-7: Ascend Adam’S Peak

This morning, we drive to Dickoya (three hours), where we stay for two nights in a simple summer house with a wonderful view of the Castlereagh Reservoir. On a clear day, we can see the outline of Adam’s Peak in the distance. In the pilgrim season (December to May), we have the day to relax or you can take a walk around the lake (approximately 3.7mi/6km). We leave around midnight for the walk up Adam’s Peak (approximately 8.7mi/14km). This will take around four hours and we should reach the top with the many pilgrims at sunrise. In the off season (May to November), we spend the first day at Dickoya and can walk around the lake and we climb Adam’s Peak during daylight hours on the following day. (Day 6: B) (Day 7: B,L) Accommodation: Summer House Hatton (or similar)
Day 7 Day 8: Drive To Nuwara Eliya; Optional Walk To Explore The Town (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Drive To Nuwara Eliya; Optional Walk To Explore The Town (Breakfast)

This morning, we have a wonderful drive through tea plantation districts to Nuwara Eliya. This was the favourite hill station during the British era, situated in the cool highland air. Known locally as Little England, it is dotted with British-style houses, hotels and a racecourse. There will be an optional walk into the hills around the town and also time to explore the bazaar. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 9: Early Morning To Horton Plains; Walk To World’S End Viewpoint; To Ella By Train (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Early Morning To Horton Plains; Walk To World’S End Viewpoint; To Ella By Train (Breakfast)

Today we drive to Horton Plains, a large plateau more than 6,560ft (2,000m) above sea level, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and best explored on foot. We trek through the rolling grasslands, seeing forest and unusual wildlife, such as the sambar deer and purple-faced monkey, all the way to World’s End, one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka. Here the ground drops 3,445ft (1,050m) to the plains below. We then catch the train from the highest railway station in the country; within two hours we go from 6,197ft (1,889m) to 3,599ft (1,097m). The train travels through the cloud forest into the tea plantations, the views are spectacular; we disembark at Ella. Accommodation: Hotel Country Comfort (or similar)
Day 9 Day 10: Morning Trek To Ella Rock; Free Afternoon (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Morning Trek To Ella Rock; Free Afternoon (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning, we set out to ascend the iconic Ella Rock, the highest point in Ella standing 3,743ft (1,140m). The round trip to Ella Rock takes about four to five hours. Starting off gently with flat trail where you walk through farm land, passing by locals as they get on with their day to day life. The second phase is a gradual ascent to reach the top. You look out over the Ella gap, a deep valley connecting the city of Ella with the low country. The afternoon is free to explore the vibrant and busy Ella town. Accommodation: Hotel Country Comfort (or similar)
Day 10 Day 11: Drive To Yala National Park; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Drive To Yala National Park; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)

We now head south of the hills to Tissamaharama down the plains. On the way, we stop at Ella Gap where the most of the southern part of the island is in view and the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible on a clear day . We continue on our journey visiting the spectacular Ravana waterfalls, which is 82ft (25m) tall and one of the widest waterfalls in the country. We also stop at the Buduruwagala Temple, where we see seven statues of Buddha carved out of a rock that dates to the 10th century. Tissamaharama is our base for visiting Yala National Park – its open terrain was well known for elephants for many years, but recently the park has become better known as a place to spot leopards. The park, which is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and freshwater lagoons, has one of the highest concentrations of leopard in the world. We have a game drive in the afternoon. (Please note, the sanctuary may be closed for four to six weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. In this instance, we visit a nearby alternative, usually Udawalawe National Park). Accommodation: Chaarya Resort (or similar)
Day 11 Day 12: Walk Around Yodakandiya Lake; Transfer To The Coast. (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Walk Around Yodakandiya Lake; Transfer To The Coast. (Breakfast)

This morning, we drive to the beautiful Yodakandiya Lake in Tissamaharama where we walk for approximately 3hr 30min (approximately 3mi/5km). This is an opportunity to see the day-to-day life of the local people plus a range of birdlife. In the late afternoon, we drive for approximately four hours to the coast and your beach front hotel. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 12 Day 13: Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Optional Activities Including Whale Watching (November To April) (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Optional Activities Including Whale Watching (November To April) (Breakfast)

We have a free day to relax on the beach or by the pool. There are also numerous optional activities including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation or you can go whale watching off Dondra Head from November to April. This is one of the best places in the world for seeing blue and sperm whales. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 13 Day 14: To Galle; Transfer To Colombo (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: To Galle; Transfer To Colombo (Breakfast)

We drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century and is now a Unesco World Heritage site. On the way, we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set among beautiful gardens. We continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our hotel in the late afternoon (the drive takes around two to three hours plus stops). Accommodation: Hotel Cinnamon Red (or similar)
Day 14 Day 15: End Colombo (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: End Colombo (Breakfast)

Today is the end of your journey. If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to the airport for the daytime international flight. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after breakfast. If you would like to continue the adventure with our post-trip extension to the Maldives or a beach stay in Ahangama, speak to your sales representative.

+11

15 days tour

Walking Trails Of Sri Lanka

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Walking Trails Of Sri Lanka

Day 1: Start Dambulla

Day 2: Visit Dambulla Caves, Village Walk Towards Sigiriya; Afternoon Visit To Lion Rock Fortress (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 3: Drive To Illukkumbura; Walk The Manigala Trail In The Knuckles Mountain Range (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: Walk Through Forests To Meemure; Transfer To Orutota (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 5: To Kandy; Visit The Temple Of The Tooth (Breakfast)

Day 6-7: Ascend Adam’S Peak

Day 8: Drive To Nuwara Eliya; Optional Walk To Explore The Town (Breakfast)

Day 9: Early Morning To Horton Plains; Walk To World’S End Viewpoint; To Ella By Train (Breakfast)

Day 10: Morning Trek To Ella Rock; Free Afternoon (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 11: Drive To Yala National Park; Afternoon Game Drive (Breakfast)

Day 12: Walk Around Yodakandiya Lake; Transfer To The Coast. (Breakfast)

Day 13: Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Optional Activities Including Whale Watching (November To April) (Breakfast)

Day 14: To Galle; Transfer To Colombo (Breakfast)

Day 15: End Colombo (Breakfast)

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania