Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure Country and Coast

Overview

See the very best of Sri Lanka on this incredible immersive trip that combines the cultural triangle, hill country, tea country and an unforgettable train ride. From the moment you land in Negombo to when you finish relaxing on a beautiful white sand beach, you will experience the very best of Sri Lanka from start to finish.

Summary

Day 1 Negombo

Day 2-4 Habarana ( Cultural Triangle)

Day 5 Gammaduwa

Day 6 & 7 Riverstone/Knuckles Conservation Range

<...Read All

Overview

See the very best of Sri Lanka on this incredible immersive trip that combines the cultural triangle, hill country, tea country and an unforgettable train ride. From the moment you land in Negombo to when you finish relaxing on a beautiful white sand beach, you will experience the very best of Sri Lanka from start to finish.

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

On arrival, you’ll be met by your local host and taken straight to your hotel accommodation close to the airport, so that you can relax and get 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 when you’re relaxing on the stunning Tangalle beach at the end of your trip, you’ll discover the very best of Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, wildlife, 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 we reached modern Sri Lanka. From centuries-old ancient capitals to jaw-dropping fortresses in the sky, this is a deep dive into a colourful weave of history at some magical 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 iconic train journey, spot peacocks, elephants, monkeys and more at small 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 jungles, small farms, and past waterfalls and, if you’re lucky, you may see elephants strolling through the undergrowth. You’ll also get the chance to spot leopards, buffalo, crocodiles and sloth bears on a safari in the renowned Wasgamuwa National Park.

Finally, your adventure will come to an end with a few days of perfect relaxation. At the town of Tangalle, you have the opportunity to do absolutely nothing but soak up the sunshine and unwind and reflect on your amazing adventure..

Along the way you’ll stay at unique hotels, luxury colonial houses in the hills and a locally run homestay for a flavour of true Sri Lankan culture. You’ll get to try the delicious local dishes the locals eat, meet people who live an authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle, and come away having not just just toured Sri Lanka taking in the sights, but having really got to know the country and the people that live there, made new friends and created memories that will last a lifetime.

*based on 2 adults and 2 children in a family room Nov – March

Please note that all accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 in the group

Arrive in Sri Lanka

On your arrival you will be met at the airport by your local host who will take you to your hotel a short drive from the airport to settle in, refresh, and get ready for your Sri Lankan adventure!

Perhaps go for a swim in the pool or the sea, or take a leisurely stroll around the old Dutch canals close by the hotel.

Accommodation

Jetwing 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 site...Read All

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 by bike, the best way to see as much of possible of the city.

In the afternoon, head out on a guided walk of the ruins wit...Read All

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 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 o...Read All

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 fores...Read All

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 take...Read All

Hiking to Manigala Rock

Today from your base at Riverstone you’ll head to the famed Manigala Rock. Start of on the village road before turning off onto smaller village back roads, passing through bright green paddy fields with great views in all directions.

Awe at the 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 yo...Read All

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...Read All

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 o...Read All

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

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Unwind on the Beach

Finish off your incredible Sri Lankan adventure in the best possible way, by taking some time to make the most of the golden sand and palm-fringed beaches the island is blessed with.

On your 10th day you’ll transfer from Ella to Tangalle, which will be your base for two days of relaxing and reflecting on the sight’s you’ve seen and things you’ve done during your immersive adventure in Sri Lanka.

You’ll stay right on the beach, and have plenty of t...Read All

Departure Day

Today you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight home.