Get to the heart of Sri Lanka via jungle trails and wildlife reserves, hiking to spectacular viewpoints, rural villages, and tropical beaches. This journey combines immersive indigenous culture, iconic train rides, and active exploration.
Day 1 – Touchdown in Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, just a short drive away from Bandaranaike International Airport. Meet your guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome briefing, and head out for a short walk along the lively main street.
Day 2 – Pidurangala Rock: Sigiriya’s most incredible viewpoint
Pay a quick visit to the buzzing fish market of Negombo before enjoying a scenic drive to Habarana in the Cultural Triangle. This afternoon, head out to climb Pidurangala Rock, navigating steep steps and boulders to reach the top just in time for sunset, with 360-degree views of Sigiriya fortress.
Day 3 – Climb Lion Rock and head to remote Gal Oya
Wake at sunrise to explore the backroads of Habarana and Sigiriya on two wheels. Out of the saddle, tackle the 1200 steps to the top of the majestic 5th-century Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress. In the afternoon, drive to remote Gal Oya, the most untouched of all of Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuaries.
Day 4 – Forest hike with the Vedda people
Join the indigenous leader of the Vedda people for an extraordinary experience among pristine forest teeming with wildlife. Hike amidst exotic flora, hear the calls of rare birds, and catch glimpses of elusive creatures. Take a refreshing dip in a cool stream before exploring traditional culture on-site.
Day 5 – Elephant spotting and jungle yoga
Spend the morning exploring Gal Oya’s pristine wildlife sanctuary. Setting off from Senanayake Samudra Reservoir, jump on a boat and enjoy a wildlife tracking experience from the water. Later, drive to Kandy and enjoy a late afternoon yoga session accompanied by the sound of monkeys and exotic birds.
Day 6 – Forest hikes and waterfall dips
Awake to birdsong and enjoy an optional morning yoga session. Set off on a hike, beginning from Kandyan forest gardens where villagers go about their daily chores. Walk amidst scented fruit trees and spice plants and end the trek with a refreshing dip in the jungle waterfalls.
Day 7 – Epic train ride to the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya
Transfer to Kandy’s railway station for an epic train journey (or scenic drive). Experience the sweeping views of lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and dense jungle. Jump off at Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, to visit one of the oldest tea factories and learn about the tea-making process.
Day 8 – Hike the Horton Plains and the Pekoe Trail
Head to Horton Plains National Park and venture into Sri Lanka’s highest plateau. Contemplate the scenic views from the World’s End viewpoint before hiking a section of the Pekoe Trail. Descend via the famous Devil’s Staircase enjoying the views from the highest tea plantations.
Day 9 – From the highlands to the Indian Ocean
Lace up your boots for a second day of hiking along the Pekoe Trail. Hike via remote tea plantations and zig-zag through pine and eucalyptus forests, misty estates, and leafy valleys. Relax into a drive south towards Talalla, Sri Lanka’s most peaceful protected beach.
Day 10 – Surf Sri Lanka’s Golden Coast
Enjoy an epic morning of surfing at picturesque Kadalana Beach, the perfect spot to learn or improve your surf skills. Head back to dry land for some downtime, then join a final yoga session held in a tranquil open-air shala overlooking the ocean.
Day 11 – Goodbye paradise?
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home, or you can opt to extend your stay to explore the coast further.