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ID here 13052

Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure

From £1572 per person

Sri Lanka

10 Nights

Private Tour of 2-4

Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure

From £1572 per person

What You'll Do

Discover the very best of Sri Lanka on this once in a life time adventure. Visiting one of the most beautiful destinations on earth where you are guaranteed a warm welcome and wonderful hospitality. Get under the skin of the country's culture, cuisine and community whilst visiting the stunning natural wonders which abound from lush jungles and mountains, to beautiful wildlife in national parks.

Summary

Day 1 Negombo

Day 2-4 Habarana ( Cultural Triangle)

Day 5 Gammaduwa

Day 6 & 7  Riverstone/Knuckles Conservation Range

Day 8 Nuwara Eliya

Day 9 Train to Ella

Day 10 Ella

Day 11 Departure

On arrival, you’ll be met by your local host and taken straight to your hotel accommodation, a short drive from the airport. Time to relax and freshen up ready for the start of your adventure.

Then, you’ll set off on a number of different adventures that we have combined to create a unique immersive tour. From the moment you land in beautiful Sri Lanka to the end of your adventure packed trip, you’ll discover the very best of Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, wildlife, visit its ”must see” UNESCO sites and the very best of the island’s landscapes, all from the perspective of the locals.

You’ll start by exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, to really get you under the skin of the country’s history and people and give you an understanding of how modern Sri Lanka has evolved. From centuries-old ancient capitals to jaw-dropping fortresses in the sky, this is a deep dive into a colourful weave of history at magical ancient sites.

The second section of your adventure takes you to Tea Country and the lush, green hills of the interior. You’ll visit a tea plantation, sweep through dramatic valleys on an awe inspiring train journey, spot peacocks, elephants, monkeys and more at traditional villages you won’t find in the guidebooks, and enjoy unusual experiences like a frog walk with a local naturalist.

From there it’s Hill Country, where you’ll be embarking on unforgettable hikes through dense jungle, small farms, past waterfalls and, if you’re lucky, you may find elephants wandering through the undergrowth. You’ll also have the chance to spot leopards, buffalo, crocodiles and sloth bears on a safari in the renowned Wasgamuwa National Park.

Along the way you’ll have the opportunity  stay at unique stylish boutique hotels and  colonial estates in the hills as well as a  quality locally run homestay for a flavour of true Sri Lankan culture. You’ll taste the food the locals eat, meet people who live an authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle, and return home having not just toured Sri Lanka taking in the sights, but having really got to know the country and the people who live there, made new friends and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Note: prices are based on the hotels specified or similar. They will be confirmed on booking as they are subject to availability

Experience
Highlights

Spot elephants, buffalo, and if you're lucky leopards on an incredible safari

Ride one of the most scenic train routes on earth through lush hillsides and tea country

Hike to remote villages and ancient temples in the jungle

Experience true local Sri Lankan life and hospitality at an authentic homestay

Your Local Host:

Prateeque

Hi! My name is Prateeque, your host. I grew up in India, in Bangalore and after completing an engineering degree, I decided to not actually follow this path and chose to follow my passion of travel. I quickly got a job as an actual tour guide in the wonderful southern region of Kerala, India, for a few months and ended up staying for 2 years.

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Experience Itinerary

Arrive Sri Lanka

On your first night, arrive and you will be met at the airport by your local host and drive to your accommodation for your first night in Sri Lanka. Its just a short drive to your hotel in Negombo where you can relax and enjoy the hotel pool or swim in the sea, take a stroll to explore the old Dutch canals and wake refreshed and ready for your awesome adventure to begin!

 

Accommodation

Jetwing Blue Hotel ( or similar)

 

Meals :Breakfast and Dinner

Cultural Triangle

Today you’ll head North to Anuradhapura, the UNESCO world heritage site which was the  capital of Sri Lanka from the 5th century BC to the 10th century AD. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. The sprawling city contains an abundant collection of ancient buildings and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas ( stupas), Buddhist bathing  pools and the ruins of temples dating back to Anuradhapura’s thousand year of rule over Sri Lanka. Several sites are still in use as holy places and temples where regular ceremonies and processions create  a vibrant atmosphere.

Explore the ancient brick dagobas, and walk in the footsteps of ancient people centuries ago.

The jewel in the crown of the city is the sacred Bo Tree, the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world, planted 2250 years ago. It is said that it grew from a branch of the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment.

At the end of your day of exploring, you’ll head to your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Cinnamon Lodge

Cinnamon Lodge is located at the heart of Sri Lanka’s world famous cultural triangle set in 27 acres of lush green landscape, shielded by tall trees, surrounded by three nature reserves. This tranquil haven has a renowned restaurant serving delicious locally produced food and an elegant outdoor swimming pool. The stylish rooms are on the ground or second floor of chalet style buildings, each with a balcony or terrace, air conditioning, and ensuite bathroom.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 

Cycling and Monkeys

Today you’ll visit another World Heritage Site, the capital of Sri Lanka from 11th–13th Centuries, Polonnaruwa.

The city contains splendid and spectacular statues and the medieval capital was fortified with inner & outer moats and walls.

Explore royal palaces, audience halls and other spectacular examples of ancient Sri Lankan architecture on a guided bike tour, the best way to see as much of possible of the city.

In the afternoon, head out on a guided walk of the ruins with a local primatologist. You’ll learn about the different monkey species that make their homes in the ruins, an atmospheric tour you’ll never forget!

Accommodation Cinnamon Lodge

 

Meals Breakfast and dinner

Sigiriya - Lion Rock

Today you’ll head south to Sigiriya and Dambulla. Though you may have see many pictures of ‘Lion Rock’, nothing can quite prepare you for the real thing.

Sigiriya, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the 5th century “Fortress in the Sky” is perhaps the most jaw-dropping single wonder on the island. It’s known as Lion Rock because it was said there was a huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace, on the summit of the 600-foot high rock.

The walk to the summit leads you on paths and staircases through some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, past pools, statues, carvings and caves with ornate frescoes. There are plenty of stopping places on the ascent and you should stop to admire the stunning panoramic views.

Once you reach the summit you can still find the foundations of the Royal Palace, which you will explore with your guide and learn the many fascinating stories about what took place in this incredible location.

 Lunch is at your leisure at the hotel before we head to Dambulla Cave Complex, the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the cave complex, and its many statues and paintings before heading back to the hotel for dinner.

 

Accommodation

Cinnamon Lodge

 

Meal:s Breakfast and Dinner

Hiking in Hill Country

Today you will you’ll take the short drive to Andawala, where you will begin your guided hike to the remote village of Gammaduwa, a spot where you’ll get a taste of true Sri Lankan culture.

You suitcases will be transported to your hotel and you will take the rest of the journey on foot.

Your hike starts on tiny village paths and then leads you across small paddy farms, you will walk along narrow irrigation streams for the first 2kms before turning off into the forest. The trek continues through patches of forest interspersed with pepper farms until you  reach the village of Hanguranketa. Here you will take a short break and refill your water bottles before the next stretch through this lush green landscape to reach the forest bungalow where you will spend the night.

You’ll stay at Gammaduwa Heritage Bungalow, a beautiful building on an old tea plantation, and a great base from which to start your journey to Riverstone.

Set in 7 acres of tea estate land with glorious mountain views, hill country tea trail walks and mountain bike adventures. The luxury guest house offers superb Sri Lankan food cooked in traditional ways within a tranquil rural village environment.  The rooms have four poster beds,  traditional red floors and teak ceilings, all have ensuite shower rooms.  Gammaduwa bungalow employs and trains local villagers, pays fair wages and is working towards a profit-sharing business, it has received awards and accolades for its ethical and sustainable practices.

Accommodation

Gammaduwa Bungalow

double room in a hotel in sri lanka

Meals : Breakfast and Dinner

Hiking from Gammaduwa to Riverstone

Today your hike starts from the remote Gammaduwa village, winding along trails to an extremely remote village named Kargastene. Getting properly off the beaten track, you’ll then hike with a local guide across wide open grassland, before heading back into the jungle.

Stop at Puwakpitiya, a village with beautiful waterfall in the jungle, where you can swim and help to prepare a lunch of delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine using fresh local ingredients. Your afternoon trek takes you to Riverstone, through jungle where elephants are often seen freely roaming.

In the afternoon you will return to your hotel in Riverstone , Sir Johns Bungalow,  to shower and relax after your amazing day of wonderful jungle trekking.

Nestled within Knuckles Mountain Range, Sir John’s Bungalow offers peaceful and comfortable accommodation with views of the landscaped gardens and beautiful countryside. All rooms have twin or double beds and  en suite bathrooms, there is a restaurant serving a delicious selection of local and western dishes.

 

Accommodation: Sir John’s Bungalow

 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Hiking to Manigala Rock

Today from your base at Riverstone you’ll head to the famed Manigala Rock. You will start off on the village road before turning off onto narrow back roads, passing through bright green paddy fields with 360 degree panoramic views over the lush green landscape.

You’ll see the awe inspiring paddy terraces that use “step farming” or “Helmalu”, necessary in hilly areas where flat land is in short supply. Your climb then takes you through the forests criss-crossed with numerous silver streams, before you begin your climb to the top of Manigala Rock.

From the top you can see the famous and mighty Knuckles range. After spending some time on the peak, begin your leisurely hike down, and in the afternoon you will enjoy a stunning safari game drive through the world-renowned Wasgamuwa National Park.

Spot the elephants that roam freely as well as wild buffalo, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodils and leopard, for an unforgettable afternoon searching for Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

Accommodation

Sir John’s Bungalow

 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Transfer to Nuwara Eliya

Over the next two days you will explore the tea capital of the country, and the stunning areas within it, in a way most tourists won’t, as you head to  The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka – Nuwara Eliya. Set against beautiful backdrop of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is one of the coolest places on the Island, with temperatures similar to an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages and Queen Ann style mansions.

Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also a good place for bird spotting as some rare bird species are found  in this Park. 

Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the Spring (march to May) and the Autumn (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk like to visit Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity.

You will take a guided tour  of a typical tea plantation in the afternoon, learning everything there is to know about this vital Sri Lankan drink, from its production to its place in culture, and come away having of course taste some incredible teas grown right there on the plantation.

In the evening, head out on a frog walk with a local naturalist, and get a quirky yet fascinating insight into the lives of these vibrant creatures.

Accommodation

Tranquil Villa

view from a balcony in a hotel in sri lanka

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Adams Peak and the Train to Ella

Today you will leave Nuwara Eliya and take the famous blue train to Ella where you will stay overnight at the Waterfall Homestay. The train ride is one of the most iconic in the world, crossing deep valleys and skirting along vibrant green mountain sides, and is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

In Ella, you’ll hike up mini Adam’s Peak with a local guide for a stunning view of the sunset, before heading to your homestay accommodation – another opportunity to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, comfort and hospitality.

Accommodation

Waterfall Homestay

Waterfall Homestay, perched on top of a hill, directly in front of the Little Ravana waterfall and surrounded by jungle makes this a stunning place  to stay. There are three beautiful rooms, two with 180 degree views and one with French doors opening on to a large veranda: a relaxing, friendly paradise where you will feel truly at home serving authentic home cooked Sri Lankan meals for Breakfast and Dinner.

 

eating area in homestay in sri lanka

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Village Experiences

Today you will embark on a truly unique experience, visiting the traditional village of Chena. The village is surrounded by a natural forest reserve with elephants and monkeys roaming freely, giving the entire place a magical atmosphere.

There’s also a beautiful lake in the midst of the village, which you will explore on a wonderful boat trip with a local guide.

 

Accommodation

Waterfall Homestay

homestay in ella sri lanka

Departure Day

Today, your amazing Sri Lankan adventure will come to an end when your guide transfers you back to the airport.

This has been a truly immersive adventure covering iconic sights and wonderful landscapes, mountains and paddy fields, from Buddhist temples to free roaming wildlife staying in unique and stylish accommodation and enjoying delicious authentic food overlooking bucket list views.

We hope you’ve had an unforgettable time in Sri Lanka, and head home feeling as though you haven’t just visited Sri Lanka, but experienced it like a local, supporting local communities.

Location Information

Your Sri Lankan adventure begins when your host meets you at Bandaranaike International Airport, where you will be met by your local host and taken straight to your first accommodation.

From there you’ll head inland and northwards towards the centre of the island, where you’ll find the unforgettable cultural triagle including Auradhapura, Polonnaruwa and  Sigiriya, then to Gammaduwa for some trekking through stunning scenery and  Wildlife spotting in Wasgamuwa National Park. Here you’ll turn south towards Nuwara Eliya, before  taking a train to the relaxed town of Ella, nestled in the lush green hills of Sri Lanka’s interior.

On your last day you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

 

  • All transfers in an AC vehicle with a driver/guide
  • One night in Negombo on arrival Half Board
  • Three nights Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Half Board
  • One night Gammaduwa Bungalow, Half Board
  • Two nights Sir Johns Bungalow, Half Board
  • One night Tranquil Villa, Half Board
  • Two nights Waterfalls Homestay, Half Board
  • Guided tour of Anuradhapura - ancient capital of Sri Lanka
  • Cycling tour of Polonnaruwa -ancient capital of Sri Lanka
  • Guided walk of the ruins of Polonnaruwa with a local primatologist
  • Tour of Sigiriya with a local guide
  • Guided hike from Andawala to Gammaduwa
  • Guided hike from Gammaduwa to Riverstone
  • Guided hike from Riverstone to Manigala Rock
  • Safari at Wasgamuwa National Park
  • Tour an authentic tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya
  • Evening frog walk with a local naturalist in Nuwara Eliya
  • Scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella ( *first or second class subject to availability at time of booking)
  • Guided hike up to mini Adam's Peak
  • Visit to the authentic village of Chena and take a boat trip on a lake