A unique exploration of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural wealth, with days spent hiking some of the best trails on the island, and time spent relaxing on some glorious beaches.
A unique exploration of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural wealth, with days spent hiking some of the best trails on the island, and time spent relaxing on some glorious beaches.
Day 1
Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo (30 min)
Later in the day, take in the colours and sights of Negombo. Explore the streets of Negombo on foot. Here, fishermen bring fresh catch at the Negombo fish market. Temples and churches attest to the multi-faith community of the island. The remains of a Dutch fort show colonial remnants – much to explore on your walking tour.
Hotel- Arie Lagoon or similar (BB basis)
Day 2
After breakfast, drive to Dambulla (4 hrs)
Visit Dambulla Cave Temples which are famous for rock paintings and sculptures. Dambulla is considered as the oldest art gallery of the country. The paintings found on the rock ceiling shows how the Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka. If time permits, enjoy a brisk hike up to Ritigala’s monuments.
Hotel- Amaya Lake or similar (BB basis)
Day 3
This morning, begin with a visit and climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the landscape and was both a military refuge as well as an aesthetic refuge for king who was a patron of the arts. Sigiriya became world famous for the frescos found on the western surface of the rock about 100 mts above the ground level. Ancient gardens from the 5th century survive at the foot of the rock.
Afterwards, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. From the tenth century AD the capital of the most powerful kingdom in the island shifted to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura. The greatest king of Polonnaruwa was Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). In his ‘golden reign’ the whole area flourished and several new building projects were started. The buildings were grand and impressive such as the Royal Palace and the Lankathilaka image house. The Gal Vihara with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.
Hotel- Amaya Lake or similar (BB basis)
Day 4
After breakfast, drive to Kandy (2.5 hrs)
Visit the Temple of the Tooth where the Sacred Tooth Relic is an object of veneration to Buddhists. The temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. From ancient times kings have kept the Sacred Tooth Relic in their kingdoms as a symbol of power. It is a traditional belief that whoever takes possession of the Tooth Relic has the power to rule the people.
Visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island.
Hotel- Amaya Hills or similar (BB basis)
Day 5
Toay, tackle the Pekoe Trail- Stage 1- Hanthana to Galaha (12.8 kms, easy). Begin your trek at the Ceylon Tea Museum (a place worth visiting if you’re keen on learning about the history of tea in Sri Lanka) and continue to walk in the shade of the tall trees that line the roads of the Hanthana Tea Estate, one of the oldest and largest tea plantations in Sri Lanka.
Walk alongside the rocky ridge of ‘Katusu Konda’ (meaning Lizard’s back in Sinhala) with sweeping views of the seven peaks of the Hanthana range, as well as the nearby peaks of the Knuckles mountain range.
Pass a dramatic mountain facade featured in the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’.
Encounter smaller villages scattered across the trail, and along this stage you’ll find the community of Kithulmulla, which takes you to the end of Stage 1, near the post office in Galaha.
Hotel- Amaya Hills or similar (BB basis)
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Nallatanniya (2.5 hrs) and relax.
Later in the day, climb Adams Peak, the sacred mountain. The path takes 4-5 hours to climb, for spectacular views all around. Pilgrims and tourists climb the 6000 candle lit steps at night, to reach the top at dawn. The trail is a well-marked, challenging yet rewarding hike.
Hotel- Slightly Chilled Guest House (BB basis)
Day 7
After returning from your climb, rest and enjoy breakfast. Later, drive to Nuwara Eliya (2 hrs). The drive is sure to relax you and sooth your aching muscles.
You’ll be ready to explore the tea plantation and tea factory in the late afternoon.
Hotel- Oatland by Jetwing (BB basis)
Day 8
This morning, you’ll experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Nanu Oya railway station and pick you again from Ella railway station. (3 hours train ride). Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ella, where lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Ella Rock and Nine Arches Bridge await. This picturesque hill town offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and stunning views.
Hotel-O2 Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 9
Today, tackle Pekoe trail stage 13 Ella-Demodara (8.8 km, moderate). This stage is a very scenic route that takes you from Haputale, one of the major towns in the tea country to one of the tea country’s better-known landmarks where Sir Thomas Lipton would survey his favorite tea estates.
Walk through a cool and humid forest reserve towards a mountain that takes you to the Thotalagala – Dambatenne Valley. Climb uphill on beautiful tea trails, past an organic bio-tea producing estate and onto walking paths with views across the valley to Lipton’s Seat.
Hotel-O2 Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 10
Today, explore Lipton Seat. Later, gently walk up the Little Adam’s Peak (1.5hrs) for a great view of the landscape. Visit Ella Rock.
Hotel-O2 Villa or similar (BB basis)
Days 11-14
After a few days of strenuous action, now is the time to relax, as you drive from Ella to Ahungalla (3.5 hrs) on the west coast, where the lovely, snaddy beach awaits.
Check into your hotel for 4 nights and relax by the beach.
Hotel- Heritance Ahungalla or similar (BB basis)
Day 15
Departure (2 hours drive) to the airport for your return flight.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in this itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability. We reserve the right to switch to a different hotel of similar grade/style if the accommodation listed in your itinerary is not available for your travel dates.
Includes:
• Hotel Accommodation
• All transfers with A/C Car
• English speaking chauffeur
• Breakfast
• Train tickets- A/c first class/observation
• All entrance fees for site visits
• 1 Airport transfer each way
• Government tax
City – Hotel Name – No of Nights
Negombo – Arie Lagoon – 1
Dambulla – Amaya Lake – 2
Kandy – Amaya Hills – 2
Nallatanniya – Slightly Chilled Guest House – 1
Nuwaraeliya – Oatland by Jetwing – 1
Ella – O2 Villas – 3
Ahungalla – Heritance Ahungalla – 4
Travel on a tailor-made itinerary, or join one of our group or expert-led tours.
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Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)
Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)
Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)
Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)
Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)