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Discover the very best of Sri Lanka, one of the most beautiful travel destinations on earth where you are guaranteed a warm welcome and wonderful hospitality from the locals every time. Get under the skin of the country's culture, cuisine, and community whilst also seeing the stunning natural wonders on offer, from lush jungles and mountains, to beautiful wildlife in national parks.
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, freshen up and get over any jetlag as quickly as possible, leaving you feeling energised 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 train journeys, 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, a few elephants wandering 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.
Along the way you’ll stay at locally run homestays for a flavour of true Sri Lankan culture, as well as unique hotels set in colonial houses in the hills. You’ll eat the food the locals eat, meet the people who live an authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle, and come away feeling as though you haven’t just toured Sri Lanka taking in the sights, but really got to know the country and the people that live there, and have created memories that will last a lifetime.
Experience true local Sri Lankan life and hospitality at authentic homestays
Spot elephants, buffalo, and if you're lucky leopards on incredible safari
Ride some of the most scenic train routes on earth through lush hillsides and tea country
Hike to remote villages and ancient temples in the jungle
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.
Read MoreOn your first night, arrive and you will be met at the airport by your local host. They will take you to your hotel, situated close to the airport, to settle in, refresh, and get over any jetlag before your Sri Lankan adventure begins.
Accommodation
Jetwing Hotel
Today you’ll head North to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka from the 5th century BC to the 10th century AD. Explore the ancient brick dagobas that are crumbling into the jungle, and walk in the footsteps ancient people did 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
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 with a local primatologist. You’ll learn about the different monkey species that make the ruins their homes, an atmospheric tour you’re sure to remember.
Accommodation
Cinnamon Lodge
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.
On its summit, you can still find the foundations of the Royal Palace, which you will explore with your guide and learn the many fascinating stories that took place in this incredible location.
Accommodation
Cinnamon Lodge
On day 5 you’ll transfer to Andawala, before you hike to the remote village of Gammaduwa, a spot where you’ll get a taste of true Sri Lankan culture.
You’ll stay at Gammaduwa Bungalow, a beautiful building on an old tea plantation, and a great base from which to start your journey to Riverstone.
Accommodation
Gammaduwa Bungalow
On day 6 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. The afternoon trek takes you to Riverstone, through jungle that elephants are often seen freely roaming.
Accommodation
Sir John’s Bungalow
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 your climb to the top of Manigala Rock.
From the top you can see the mighty Knuckles range. After spending some time on the peak, begin your hike down to enjoy a stunning safari at the world-renowned Wasgamuwa National Park.
Spot the elephants that roam freely as well as wild buffalo, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles and leopard, for an unforgettable afternoon of searching for wildlife.
Accommodation
Sir John’s Bungalow
Over the next days, you’ll explore the tea capital of the country, and the stunning areas within it, in a way most tourists won’t. Today you’ll transfer to the city of Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of tea country.
Tour 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 on a frog walk with a local naturalist, a quirky yet fascinating insight into the lives of these vibrant creatures.
Accommodation
Tranquil Villa
Take a stunning train ride 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 mountainsides, and is sure to be one of the most memorable journeys on 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 real, authentic Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, and hospitality.
Accommodation
Waterfall Homestay
Day 10 sees you embark on a truly unique experience of 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
Today, your Sri Lankan adventure will come to an end when your guide transfers you back to the airport, after a whirlwind trip packed with incredible activities from start to finish.
We hope you’ve had an unforgettable time in Sri Lanka, and head home feeling as though you haven’t just seen Sri Lanka, but experienced it like a local whilst supporting real, local communities.
