14 days tour

Active Sri Lanka

$ 2,820 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,820.00

Active Sri Lanka

This tour includes:

Guide

Explore Tour Leader Activity Guide(s) Driver(s) Naturalist(s) Safari Guide(s)

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 13 Breakfasts 6 Lunches 5 Dinners

Transport

Bus 4WD Bicycle

Accommodation

2 nights simple guesthouse 8 nights comfortable hotel 3 nights comfortable lodge

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Active Sri Lanka

  • Day 1 Day 1: Join Tour In Negombo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Join Tour In Negombo

      The trip begins today in the coastal town of Negombo, famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. Located north of the airport it's a great place to relax after the journey and watch fishing boats bring in the day's catch or a stunning sunset over the ocean. Your Tour Leader plans to meet everyone in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner as a group afterwards. There are no other activities planned for today. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is around 30 minutes' drive from our hotel.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Cycle Along The Coast Road To Chilaw. Relax By The Lake At Our Lodge
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Cycle Along The Coast Road To Chilaw. Relax By The Lake At Our Lodge

      We'll start the day by setting up our bikes and taking a short transfer to Nainamadama where we'll begin our morning ride. We follow the coast road and get to enjoy a constant view of the ocean to our left and villages and palm trees to the right. It's a gentle route, on the flat, and we'll cover approximately 30kms over three hours before stopping for lunch in Chilaw. After a break for lunch we'll leave the bikes and transfer inland to the Backwaters Lodge, our base for the next three nights. Set on the banks of the Kala Oyu River, the lodge has been created by a passionate local team to highlight the natural environment and biodiversity of the region. Rooms here are upcycled shipping containers, fitted with large windows and decks to give uninterupted views out into the forest. Comfort hasn't been ignored though, each room has an ensuite bathroom, air-con and mesh screens so you can sleep close to nature without getting bitten! The food here is sourced locally from nearby family run farms and we'll refuel on delicious traditional curries, rice and freshly made bread. For those that like a little spice there will be sambol and chutney to add as much heat as you fancy. There will be a mix of dishes with meat and seafood, alongside plenty of vegetarian dishes to sample. Depending on the size of the group we may be split between accommodation at the Backwaters Lodge and the Wild Wadi Lodge which is a short walk away. The rooms at Wild Wadi are made using natural materials that blend in with the surroundings. There are plenty of realxing spots to take in the sunset, and a pool for cooling off after the days activities.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Start The Day With A Sunrise Yoga Session Then Explore Villages And Paddy Fields By Bike
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Start The Day With A Sunrise Yoga Session Then Explore Villages And Paddy Fields By Bike

      Today starts with a yoga class. We'll place our mats close to the banks of the river and work through some gentle poses as the sun rises. The class will be led by a local instructor and suitable for complete beginners through to experienced yogis. At this time of day there will be at least one sun salutation included in the class! There is also the option to skip the class and sleep in, or just watch the sunrise from your balcony. After a hearty breakfast we'll head back to the waters edge and hop in to kayaks to explore the backwaters of the Kala Oyu River. The water is calm and peaceful so it's a great opportunity to try and spot birdlife as we paddle. No experience is necessary for this activity and there will be time to get comfortable in the kayaks before we begin exploring. We'll have a relaxed lunch at the lodge and some time to chill out in the afternoon before taking to the water again. This time in a small boat for a sunset river safari before having dinner back at the lodge.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Search For Leopard, Elephant And Birdlife On A Jeep Safari In Wilpattu National Park. Afternoon Kayaking On The Kala Oya River
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Search For Leopard, Elephant And Birdlife On A Jeep Safari In Wilpattu National Park. Afternoon Kayaking On The Kala Oya River

      We're up early this morning for a Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park. It's a short transfer and we'll leave just before sunrise so we can be in the park as the wildlife wakes and the light is ideal for photography. The park is known for leopard, elephant and sambar deer as well as an abundance of wildlife. We'll spend around four hours exploring and take a picnic breakfast to enjoy with the stunning backdrop of the park. The afternoon is left free to relax at our lodge, exploring nearby villages on foot or by bike, or spend more time by the river perhaps swimming or kayaking. This evening we'll have a BBQ by the riverbank.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Anaradhapura And Explore This Ancient City By Bike
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Drive To Anaradhapura And Explore This Ancient City By Bike

      After breakfast we'll make our way to Anuradhapura where we'll get on our bikes and explore the ancient ruins at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Said to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world it dates back to 500 BC. We'll cycle to the Sacred Bodhi Tree, the Brazen Palace and the Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba - a 90 metre dome-shaped shrine with dominates the the landscape. The cycling is on the flat and we will cover approximately 10kms over the morning as we ride from site to site. Today is a great chance to try one of Sri Lanka's best snacks, the hopper! These tasty treats are super thin rice flour pancakes, shaped in to a bowl. There is a huge variety of fillings available, from fried eggs at breakfast to rich tasty curries or vegetable dishes.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Take In The Views From Mihintale, Search For Elephant In Minneriya National Park And Learn How To Cook A Traditional Sri Lankan Dish
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Take In The Views From Mihintale, Search For Elephant In Minneriya National Park And Learn How To Cook A Traditional Sri Lankan Dish

      The landscape in this part of Sri Lanka is fairly flat and this morning we climb to the top of the sacred site of Mihintale. The steps to the top are a great way to get us moving for the day and our efforts will be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views. Moving on to Habarana we'll have to work for our lunch as we explore an organic garden and pick the ingredients. These will then be expertly cooked up by chef Thusitha, who will talk us through how to make a traditional Sri Lankan lunch. We'll then feast on the results, vegetable curries, pol sambal (a spicy coconut salad), rice and pickles. The menu depends on which vegetables are read to harvest - this is truly food with no food miles. After lunch we'll transfer to Giritale, where we spend the next two nights, taking a safari in Minneriya National Park on the way. The park is renowned for large herds of elephant which we will hopefully spot as we travel through.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Climb Lion Rock And Explore The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa By Bike
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Climb Lion Rock And Explore The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa By Bike

      The ruins of King Kassapa's Sky Fortress are our starting point for today. The ruins of this 5th century fort are located on top of a dramatic rocky outcrop known as Lion Rock. We'll climb the 1200 steps (around 200 metres ascent) to the top for beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, stopping along the way to view the Sigiriya Damsels, delicately painted frescos tucked beneath an overhanging rock. We'll also pause at the huge lion paws carved in to the rock, the original gateway to the fort. We'll move on to another ancient site, this time the 12th century city of Polonnaruwa where we will take a break for lunch before an afternoon exploring. Bike is an ideal way to explore the historic site so this afternoon we plan to cycle around the site over a couple of hours, covering about 3-4km in total on the flat, stopping off to visit sites such as the decorated shrine at the Quadrangle and the impressive Galvihara stone carvings of Buddha, where the Reclining Buddha is 14 metres long!

  • Day 8 Day 8: Trek To Riverston Point On The Knuckles Range. Drive To Kandy And Visit The Temple Of The Tooth
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Trek To Riverston Point On The Knuckles Range. Drive To Kandy And Visit The Temple Of The Tooth

      Travelling south this morning we make our way to the Knuckles Mountain Range for a hike to Riverstone Point. The range gets it's name from it's resemblance to a clenched fist and as we walk we'll have dramatic views across the Mahaveli and Matale Valleys, a landscape that only occurs in this part of the island. Our walk will take us around 3 hours, a soft to moderate trek that takes us through a landscape of incredible historic and natural importance. Returning to our bus, we then complete the journey to Kandy, descending into the Matale Valley also known as the spice valley of Sri Lanka, to arrive at our hotel late this afternoon. The town is famous for the Temple of the Tooth which we'll visit this evening. The temple contains the jewelled shrine of the Holy Tooth, Buddha's left canine, which is paraded around the town on the August full moon each year.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Spend The Morning Whitewater Rafting On The Kelani River. Travel To Sinhajara Rainforest
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Spend The Morning Whitewater Rafting On The Kelani River. Travel To Sinhajara Rainforest

      Our drive this morning takes us to Ginigathhena, set amongst the fertile and lush western highlands, and should take us around 2.5hours. Set amidst a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and wild water, the Kelani River provides some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. The jungle around here was used as the back-drop for the 1957 film Bridge on the River Kwai and the grade 2-3 rapids provide us with the perfect combination of scenery and excitement. As we raft down to Kitulgala we cover a 7km section of the river through 8 rapids which will usually take approximately 1.5hr hours to cover (dependant on water levels). We'll stop at the Kitugala Lodge for lunch before we make our way to the Sinhajara Rainforest and our base for the next two nights. The drive to Sinhajara should take about 4.5 hours including stops. The Blue Magpie Lodge is a family run lodge set in peaceful jungle surroundings on the edge of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The simply furnished rooms all have attached bathrooms, hot running water, mosquito nets and fans. The lodge restaurant serves typical Sri Lankan country style food and fresh fruits in season.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Hike In Sinhajara Rainforest Reserve, A Unesco World Heritage Site
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Hike In Sinhajara Rainforest Reserve, A Unesco World Heritage Site

      This morning we will enjoy a hike on some of the trails through the rainforest in the company of a specialist park guide who will point out some of the stunning plant, bird and animal-life of the reserve. Sinharaja is one of Sri Lanka's last areas of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. The forest is often shrouded by rainclouds and the trail may be slippery underfoot but we'll take our time and make the most of the chance to explore the nature environment. This afternoon is free to relax at the lodge or stretched your legs and explore some more of the trails in the forest.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Drive To Hikkaduwa On The West Coast. Visit Galle; Explore The Fort And Watch The Sunset
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Drive To Hikkaduwa On The West Coast. Visit Galle; Explore The Fort And Watch The Sunset

      Leaving the rainforest today we'll make our way to the coastal town of Hikkaduwa and have a chance to experience Sri Lanka's beautiful west coast. In the late afternoon we'll take a short drive down to Galle and walk around the narrow lanes of this old Dutch fort. We'll make our way to the lighthouse in time to watch the sunset over the ocean and then find a local restaurant to try some of the days catch with a cold beer!

  • Day 12 Day 12: Try Out Stand Up Paddleboarding Or Sea Kayaking. Afternoon Free To Relax On The Beach
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Try Out Stand Up Paddleboarding Or Sea Kayaking. Afternoon Free To Relax On The Beach

      We'll take to the water this morning with the chance to try out stand up paddleboards or sea kayaks. Leaving from the Old Pier in Galle we'll take a gentle paddle along the coast, stopping for lunch on a beach before paddling back. Suitable for beginners and those with paddling experience this is a great way to experience Sri Lanka's beautiful coastline. The afternoon is left free to relax at the beach or explore the small town. There are many snack stalls in the town and lining the beachfront. You might want to listen out for the sound of clanging spatulas hitting metal pans, this is a sign that fresh kottu is being prepared. Kottu is a dish consisting of roti, vegetables, eggs and spices, all chopped up at speed over a hot, flat frying surface. The resulting dish is a Sri Lankan favourite, as always you can add sambol and chutney if you want to up the heat, or keep it cool and avoid the chillis.

  • Day 13 Day 13: Travel To Colombo And Explore The City On Foot
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Travel To Colombo And Explore The City On Foot

      After a late breakfast we'll travel north to Colombo and explore the capital on a walking tour. The city is packed full of Portugues, Dutch and British influences and after exploring we'll stop at a roof top bar for a drink as the sunsets over the city.

  • Day 14 Day 14: Tour Ends In Colombo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Tour Ends In Colombo

      Our tour ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Colombo at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is one hours' drive from our hotel.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if you’re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 85

Age range allowed for this experience.

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