9 Days Sri Lanka Adventure

DAY 01: ARRIVE COLOMBO AIRPORT – NEGOMBO (D)
Meet & Greet by tour guide at the airport. Thereafter proceed to Negombo.

Negombo – sometimes known as “Little Rome” due to the profusion of Christian Churches, this archetypical fishing village has now grown to a major beach resort in the west coast, north of Colombo and 15 minutes from the International Airport. The wide sandy beaches and safe sea bathing are major attractions, as is the fish market where busy trading of a variety of fish, prawns and crabs takes place each morning (except Sunday) when the fishing craft return to shore. Traditional large sailed outrigger canoes are a splendid sight in this village which was once a trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch. Other attractions are the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison and the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route for the Dutch administration.

Overnight stay at Beacon Beach or similar

DAY 02: SIGIRIYA (BD)
Morning after breakfast, check out and drive to Sigiriya.

Imagine walking through the mouth of a Lion lying atop a 200-meter-tall rock and enter a king’s fortress like no other. With a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape it was the perfect location for a fortress of a king anticipating an invasion. The king surrounded his fortress with a boulder and water garden that to date sprouts water on a rainy day. The frescos painted on to the rock are ones not to miss as they show off the mastery of the artists of old. The rocky outcrop and the surrounding areas were in use by humans much before the time of King Kashyapa. Aligala (Elephant rock) situated close to the main fortress is one such location where early man occupied the area over 5000 years ago. Termed as the 8th wonder of the world this complex used as fortress and as a monastery is truly a marvel of architecture, design and art and is something that should not be missed by anyone traveling to the island.

Take the day to explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and nearby Pidurangala Rock.

Overnight Kassap Lions Rock or similar

DAY 03: KANDY – VILLAGE TREK (BD)
Morning after breakfast, check out and proceed to Kandy.

Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. and also a world heritage site in Kandy. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country.

Afternoon you take an easy trek through village (about 3hrs), mixed with nature and adventure. The walk begins from Pollwatte Lodge and through quaint villages where the villagers go about their daily chores at their own pace. Visit their houses and see, for example, how they make treacle and jaggery (syrup and sugar blocks made from the sap of a palm tree). Take a “Botany lesson” by our trained Guide of the various trees you will see on the way, such as cloves, pepper, nutmeg, coffee, cocoa, jack fruit, bread-fruit, arecanut, mangosteen, mango, passion-fruit, etc. After about 2 hours of walking, you will be at Naranpanawa by Huluganga, at the exact place of the river where the advertisement for “Sunlight” soap was filmed and where the kings of Kandy used to bathe (Naranpanawa comes from the local language ‘ne-ran-panawa’ meaning “no golden comb”, where the king lost his golden comb while bathing here).

Overnight Stay at Polwaththa Eco-Lodges or similar

DAY 04: TRAIN RIDE – NUWARA ELIYA (BD)
After early morning breakfast, check out and drive to Hatton railway station to take local train to Nanu Oya. This stretch of rail road running through the mountains & valleys covered with tea plantations like green velvet is regarded as one of the most picturesque one in the world. While the train pulls on the winding road, one can witness the wide vistas of Sri Lankan central hills. along one of the most picturesque train tracks in the world. After a 1 hour train ride your guide will pick you up at the station and you will then make your way to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is a hill city means “city on the plain (table land)” or “city of light”. Enjoy the picturesque landscape and temperate climate here. At an altitude of 1,868 m, the city is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay at Heaven Seven Nuwara Eliya or similar.

Note: Train ticket is subject to availability.

DAY 05: HORTON PLAINS (BD)
Early morning check out and collect packed breakfast from Hotel for drive to Horton Plains.

Horton Plains national park is situated on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau over 2100m above sea level in the central mountains. It is a strange and tranquil region with an astounding variety of scenery – from misty mountains to grasslands, from marshes to ice cold streams, lakes and waterfalls. Sri Lanka’s best flavoured “high grown” teas are from estates in the surrounding areas.

Two highlights are the spectacular view from ‘Worlds End’ where the plateau plunges almost 1000m in a sheer drop and the beautiful “Bridal Veil” Bakers Falls. Another cliff known as the Lesser World’s End of 270m is located not far from World’s End. Distinctive flora with a high level of endemism, colourful butterflies, many rare endemic, resident or migrant birds and several species of mammals including Sambar, Bear Monkey, Barking Deer, Giant Squirrel, Fishing Cat, Wild Boar, Hare and even a few very rare sightings of Leopard are recorded.

• Distance: 9 km
• Duration: 4-6 hrs
• Elevation: 1000m – 1400m
• Difficulty: Moderate

After the trek, drive to Belihuloya. Along the way, we can do a trek to the highest waterfall in the country- Bambarakanda Falls and Lanka Falls. Check in at River Garden Resort and chill off in the nature pool of the river stream.

Overnight at River Garden Resort or similar

DAY 06:  MOUNTAIN OR VILLAGE HIKE (BD)
After breakfast you will leave for another adventure experience. You have option to select Rabbit Rock Mountain Trek (moderate-difficult) or Samanalawewa Village Trek (Easy – Moderate)

Rabbit Rock Mountain Trek (Moderate-Difficult)
The journey to and from the Rabbit Rock takes around 4-5 hours in total from the hotel, and is a less traveled path, bound with adventure and enthusiasm. The hike passes through different terrains – hilly tea estates, cooling forests and savanna lands. The view from the top is definitely worth the climb. Havagala (Rabbit Rock) mountain (1400m) is located in the beautiful land and of Beihuloya in the Sabragamuwa Province bordering Horton Plains National Park. The vegetation is mixture of montane forest and Manna grasslands with scattered pine trees The trail head starts from Laduyaya – a peaceful village untouched by modern world.
• Distance: 4-5 km
• Duration: 4 – 5 hrs.
• Elevation: 1000m – 1400m
• Difficulty status: Moderate – Difficult

Samanalawewa Village Trek (Easy – Moderate)
This is a lovely half-day (approximately five hours) trail through villages, forest reserve, rivers, waterfalls and a cave.
• Distance: 4-5 km
• Duration: 4 – 5 hrs.
• Difficulty status: Easy to Moderate

Overnight at River Garden Resort or similar

DAY 07: SRI PADA (ADAM’S PEAK) (BD)
After early morning breakfast or packed breakfast, check out and proceed to Sri Pada (2-3 hrs drive).

You can choose to take the sunrise or day trek from the Pilgrimage trail — Hatton – Maskeliya route (about 5300 steps) or a longer path from Rathnapura (11,200 steps).

Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a 2,243m mountain in the central highland region of Sri Lanka. Popular for Sri Lankans and tourists alike, Sri Pada is an important pilgrimage site. However, the religious significance of Adam’s Peak greatly depends on who you’re talking to…
Buddhists – claim the footprint mark is the left foot of Buddha
Hindus – consider the footprint to belong to none other than Lord Shiva
Muslims & Christians – believe it’s Adam’s first step after being exiled from the Garden of Eden.

The pilgrim season is December to May. During this time thousands of pilgrims climb to the summit every night. The pathway is lit, and the experience is a cultural treat. During the rest of the year the path way is not lit and there are no pilgrims, however the beauty, serenity and adventure remain.

The Rathnapura trail goes through the evergreen rainforest of the peak wilderness sanctuary and it is closer with to nature compared to the popular trail. Lowland vegetation (tall trees – thick canopy) covers the trail at the beginning and vegetation gradually transforms to a mountain cloud forest (shorter, more heavily stemmed, moss covered trees) towards the trail end.

Descend Hatton – Maskeliya route and enjoy a hot meal in your hotel.

• Distance: 7- 8.5 km
• Duration: 8-12 hrs.
• Elevation: 2000m – 2250m
• Difficulty status: Moderate

Overnight stay at Punsisi Rest or similar

DAY 08: COLOMBO (BD)
After breakfast, check out and enjoy a scenic drive down to the largest city in the island, Colombo. You will have a tour of the city where your guide will take you to all the important site and sounds of the city.

Overnight stay at Fairway Colombo or similar

DAY 09: DEPART COLOMBO (B)
After breakfast, check out and enjoy your free time in the city before departure to the airport for the flight home.

9 Days Sri Lanka Adventure

Tour Code: SL-A09

Email us for the price!

Price is subjected to changes without prior notice.
*Christmas and New Year supplements will apply on Christmas eve and New Year’s Eve.

Price includes

• 8 Nights’ accommodation on half-board basis (Breakfast & Dinner)
• All transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Service of an English-Speaking driver guide for 5 Pax and less and a National guide for 6 Pax and above.
• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned above
• Excursions and treks mentioned
• Hotel Service Charge and VAT
• Briefing prior departure
• 15% discount for gears at X-Boundaries before departure

Price excludes

• All airfare & taxes
• Personal gears
• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
• Travel Insurance
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
• Optional tours and excursions

Important:
• Optional excursions can be booked directly and paid for locally
• Bars, Clubs or similar entertainment is prohibited during “Poya” Days. As such liquor will not be served in public areas of the hotels during this time
• The mentioned hotels will only be confirmed on availability at the time of booking. If not available, alternative will be suggested prior to confirmation.

• Kindly note that the standard check in time at all hotels will be at 1400 hrs and check out is at 1100 hrs.