The reclining Buddha statue at Polonnaruwa | Richard I'Anson

Visiting orphan baby elephants in Udawalawe | Houndstooth Studio by Alex Cearns

The famous Stilt fisherman of Sri Lanka | Richard I'Anson

Classic Sri Lankan tea plantation landscapes | Richard I'Anson

Green bee-eater in the canopy of Udawalawe National Park | Scott Pinnegar

Sri Lanka Adventure

Explore Sri Lanka on foot, raft and safari for a rich and rewarding journey off the beaten path.

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18 reviews

14 Days from

$3060 USD

Trip Code: SLA

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$750 USD

Duration

14 Days

Activities

12 Days adventure tourng
Day Walking & Rafting

Accommodation

13 nights hotels

Meals

12 Dinners
13 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

67kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(870kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Summit Adam’s Peak at sunrise alongside local pilgrims on a sacred trail walked for centuries
Go in search of wild elephants and buffalo on a jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park’s open savannah and wetland
Uncover ancient capitals on foot, exploring the evocative ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa at an immersive pace
Trek across the dramatic highlands of Horton Plains, through cloud forest and grassland
A fun rafting experience on the Kelani River with gentle rapids and jungle scenery

Overview

This adventure blends Sri Lanka’s cultural, spiritual and natural highlights into one unforgettable journey. From ancient Buddhist cities and sacred pilgrim trails to rainforest rafting and highland hikes, the route offers variety and depth in equal measure.

You’ll walk the forest paths of central Sri Lanka, explore World Heritagelisted ruins in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and wander Kandy’s vibrant markets and botanical gardens. Hike to the summit of Adam’s Peak alongside local pilgrims, and follow with a trek across the windswept plateau of Horton Plains. There’s time for wildlife too, with a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, before the trip winds down in the atmospheric port town of Galle.

With expert local guides, a relaxed pace, and plenty of active time outdoors, this is the ultimate way to experience Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Upon arrival at the Colombo Airport, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel in Negombo. In the afternoon we take a boat ride in the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve, a unique tropical wetland located between Colombo and Negombo. This reserve covers an area of 7000 hectares and includes wetland marshes and mangrove forests. During the boat trip relax and enjoy the birdlife including herons, storks, waders and brilliantly coloured kingfishers. Overnight: Earls Regent Hotel or similar.

Meals: Nil

After breakfast we visit the Salgala monastic complex, a haven for monks who have renounced worldly pleasures to lead a life of austerity and meditation. This evening we cross the river and hike through coconut estates, rubber plantations, rice fields, and remote villages. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving and 2 hours walking. Overnight: Kandyan Reach Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,D

After breakfast we journey by road to Anuradhapura - the 1st capital dating back to the 5th Century BC. On the way we visit the ancient Buddhist library building in Padeniya Temple. Discover Yapahuwa with its beautiful ornamental stairway that climbs to a natural terrace and magnificent views. We then contunue to Anuradhapura. Today we have approx. 3.5 hours driving and 2.5 hours walking. Overnight: The Lake Forest Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,D

It is an early start this morning at 7.00am as we visit the historical and cultural sights of Anuradhapura. This will include the Sacred Bo Tree – the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world grown from the sapling of the Bo Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Also, Ruwanweliseya Dagaba; Thuparama - the first Dagaba built enshrining the Collar Bone of the Lord Buddha, Isurumuniya Rock Temple - famous forts sculpture of lovers; Jethawanarama- which is said to have been higher than the great Pyramid at Giza in its original form and which is now a World Heritage Site; Samadhi Statue sculpture depicting the meditation posture of the Lord Buddha; Royal Pleasure Garden; Moonstone and the Twin Ponds. Here we stop to relax and enjoy lunch before making our way to Mihintale. Our vehicle will drop us three quarters of the way up the climb, leaving 300 steps to reach the sacred location of Mihintale, after which we continue traveling to Habarana. En-route we stop at the famous Avukana Buddha image. Today we have approx. 1.5 hours walking. Overnight: Elephas Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,D

After breakfast we visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - the medieval Capital of Sri Lanka - 11th Century AD. Polonnaruwa rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. We will visit the ruins of the King’s Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, and the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing. Plus, we will see Kiri Vehera the best preserved of all Sri Lanka’s un-restored stupa’s and visit Gal Vihare the colossal Buddha carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height. In the afternoon as the sun goes down, we make our way to the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya, which consists of over 1200 steps. In the afternoon as the sun goes down we make our way to the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya, which consists of over 1200 steps. Today we have approx. 2.5 hours driving and 4 hours walking. Overnight: Elephas Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

This morning after breakfast we drive to the nearby village of Hiriwaduna, to see the farmers Chena cultivation - wading the waters of the Habrana Tank in a farmers canoe exploring the rice fields. We enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan sweet served with Belli mal or fresh Sri Lankan King coconut, within the farmers humble homes. After this we make our way to Kandy, stopping en-route to explore the Dambulla Caves Temple, to witness some of the most spectacular caves of Buddhist art and sculpture, dating back to the 1st century. We will also stop at Matale to learn about Sri Lankan spices and herbs and indigenous medicines. Here we will also be served a simple traditional farmers lunch of boiled green gram with grated coconut and onion sambal. Today we have approx. 3 hours driving time and spend approx 3.5 hours exploring Hiriwaduna and Dambulla Caves involves 350 steps) Overnight: Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,D

The name Kandy conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. The Kandy Lake built by the last King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 adds colour to the city. It is a city for arts and crafts as well as culture and history. Today we visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, where we explore this historic location of significant Buddhist influence. We will also make our way to Upper Lake Drive (for a great view of the city), the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, (one of the finest of its kind in Asia with more than 4000 species of flora, and once the headquarters of Lord Mountbatten) and a Gem Museum. In the evening we will enjoy a cultural performance of traditional Kandyan dancers and drummers, including devotional fire walking rituals. Today we have approx. 2 hours walking. Overnight: Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,D

After breakfast we leave for the Peradeniya Railway Station, where we travel to Nawalapitiya. We then travel by private vehicle from the train station of Nawalapitiya towards the region of Kithulagala, where a spectacular white water Rafting Experience awaits us on the River Kalani. Following this, we make our way towards Nallathanniya to the base of Adam’s Peak – the Holy Mountain, where our climb commences not later than 0.130am in expectation of seeing the sunrise at around 05.45am. Adam’s Peak (2224m ASL), has attracted pilgrims for more than 1000 years, due to the legend that it was here that Adam first stepped onto the earth after being expelled from Heaven. Whilst pilgrims climb to the top to view the enormous ‘footprint’, claimed by various groups to bethat of Adam’s, Buddha’s and even Lord Shiva, the view at the top at dawn is spectacular, making it well worth the effort. As the weather can be quite cold before the sunrise, it is advisable to bring warm, windproof clothing. White water rafting for duration of 90 minutes. Adams Peak Climb involves 5600 steps Overnight: Punsisi Inn or similar.

Meals: B,D

After the climb we descend by 09.00am and sit down for a late breakfast before driving through the regions of NuwaraEliya, where we will take a break to explore a working Tea Factory, to educate one’s self on all aspects of the production of Ceylon Tea. A detailed city tour also visiting the municipal Markets, the regions of Lake Gregory and the famous Bale Bazaar will be enjoyed as well. This evening, should one have energy after the Climb of Adams Peak, join your guide in a comfortable stroll at a very easy and relaxed pace around the Race Course of Nuwara Eliya. Overnight: Glendower Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

This morning we have an early start with a wake up call at 5:00am, as we board our vehicle with a packed breakfast in hand no later than 5:30am. We will drive to the Horton Plains where by 7:00am, we will commence our nature walk within the spectacular game reserve which covers a distance of over 9.5kms, we take in the marvelous view points and beautiful Bakers Falls, there are more waterfalls within this region of unique climate and flora and fauna. Ella is a town set at 1100ms and the landscape falls dramatically to the plains 1000ms below, offering spectacular views. After this we make our way back to our vehicle and drive to our hotel to enjoy lunch and some time to relax. This afternoon we will explore the nearby Nine Arches Bridge. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving and 4 hours walking within Horton Plains Overnight: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

After a relaxed breakfast we venture out on a two hour nature walk through the tea plantations to the fantastic view point of Mini Adams Peak. After this we make our way to our hotel for a simple comfort stop and to refresh before setting out the Udawalawe in time for lunch and undertaking a jeep safari in the Udawalawe National Park. This park is approximately 30,821 hectares in extent and lies within the Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts. It acts as the catchment to the Udawaalawe Reservoir and is located in the Dry Zone. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees are found within it. Large herds of Elephants and Deer species, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Jackal and Birds are some of the prominent wild animals found in this Park. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving and 2 hours walking. Overnight: Athgira Riverside Camp or Elephant Trails Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,D

After breakfast we visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home for baby elephants. We'll witness the many elephants who have been placed destitute being bottle fed and provided for and protected. After this we continue towards Walasmulla Hakkmana to reach the main road to Galle, passing through the stilled fisherman of Waligama. We undertake a detailed city tour walking along the rampart walls, exploring the Dutch heritage and the 36 hectare Dutch Fortress, constructed in 1663. This evening we hope to see a wonderful sunset. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving. Overnight: South Lake Resort or similar

Meals: B,D

After a relaxed breakfast we commence our journey towards Colombo. On our way we stop in Blapitiya to explore the waters of the Madhu River, as we venture out on a unique boat safari, wading through the mangroves. Here there are prawn traps, monkeys, birds, monitor lizards and more. Continuing on we explore Colombo with a brief city tour and indulge in any last minute shopping before settling into our hotel. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving. Overnight: The Fairview Hotel, Colombo or similar.

Meals: B,D

After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport for departure, where the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

13 breakfasts, 12 dinners
Comfortable accommodation on twin share basis
Airport transfers (days 1 & 14 only)
All internal transport by private air conditioned vehicle
Local English-speaking driver/guide
Expert local sightseeing guides
All rafting equipment on day 8
Jeep hire and tracker services at the national parks
Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed

Not included

Flights
Travel insurance
Visa
Aerated & alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature