Active adventure in Sri Lanka

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport - Negombo

Day 1: Relax in Negombo

Hello, Sri Lanka! Upon your arrival at the airport, transfer to Negombo - a popular beach destination on the west coast, close to the city of Colombo. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun and coastal atmosphere in Negombo, where you've golden sands to enjoy, an old quarter to explore, and streets filled with historic charm and cheer. Walk along the beach to watch the fishermen untangle their nets, then settle down at a bar or seafood restaurant for a beer or bite to eat.

Colombo - Habarana

Day 2: Into the jungle-clad outskirts of Habarana

You will be driven from the coastal city of Negombo to the small city of Habarana, about four hours away in the North Central Province. There, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure, relaxing in your accommodation in the jungle-clad outskirts of Habarana.

In your free time, opt to take a revitalizing dip in the outdoor pool encircled by bright flora and butterflies. Nod off on a hammock or take a short walk down one of the many hiking trails, weaving among the trees and keeping an eye out for animals and reptiles - the stripe-necked mongoose and the Indian star tortoise are among the local residents here.

Habarana

Day 3: Take a cycling trip around Habarana

One of the best ways to get to know the rural villages and jungle landscapes of central Sri Lanka is by bike. Your tour today will begin in Habarana but you will quickly leave the bustle of the city behind and find yourself in the rural heartlands. Led by an expert guide, you'll learn about the day-to-day lives of the farmers who reside here, alongside the striking flora and fauna; keep an eye out for sambar deer leaping between the trees, and colorful birds flitting overhead. Having biked the loop, you will stop for a relaxing picnic lunch by the lake (or a similarly scenic spot) before returning to your accommodation.

Habarana - Kandy - Knuckles Mountain

Day 4: Into the Knuckles Mountains

Today you will be transferred to the scenic city of Kandy, about two hours and 30 minutes away from Habarana. From there, you'll set out to begin a three-day, two-night trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range.

On this mesmerizing outdoor experience, you'll be hiking through spice gardens, luscious vegetable fields, rice fields, tea plantations, pigmy forests, and grassy plateaus. Along the way, you can expect breathtaking views of rural Sri Lanka; you may even encounter rare species such as barking deer, alongside plenty of local bird and monkey sightings. Eventually, you will reach a scenic waterfall to enjoy a reviving swim at its base. Today's trek spans approximately 16km, on an ascent from 1,200 to 1,850ft, and ends at an overnight campsite for a comfortable night's rest.

Knuckles Mountain

Day 5: A second scenic day of hiking

The second day of your Knuckles Mountain Range hike begins! After a fortifying camp breakfast, embark on a trek through a tea plantation, pine forest, rice fields, and a typical Kandyan village. You'll be walking a circular trek of around 18km, with plenty of opportunities to stop and soak up the scenery. Delve into village culture along the way, and spot colorful mountain birds nestled deep in the lush forest. At the end of the hike, you will make your way round to a picturesque river bank, where a comfortable hikers' camp is set up for an overnight stay.

Knuckles Mountain - Kandy

Day 6: Learn about remote village life

At first light, enjoy early-morning birdwatching and witness the sunrise from the deck of a traditional catamaran. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, before journeying to the Vedda village of Dambana to visit the local 'people of the forest', witnessing their sustainable way of life and traditional hunting methods. The history of this community predates the 5th century - archaeological evidence suggests that the Veddas' Neolithic ancestors inhabited this island as far back as 10,000 B.C.! The Vedda community has shrunk considerably and now resides in the protected area of Dambana, where they live as hunter-gatherer forest-dwellers.

From there, you'll continue on to your lakeside accommodation for the night, to relax and spend time enjoying its facilities. Read a book, sip on a warming tea, or simply soak up some rays out on the terrace, while overlooking the blue waters.

Kandy - Kithulgala - Hatton

Day 7: Take on the rapids of the Kelani Ganga

Today you will be driven through the Central Province from Kandy to Kithulgala, the adventure capital of Sri Lanka, about two to three hours away. There you'll experience the thrill of navigating your way through the foamy, white waters of the magnificent Kelani Ganga river. There's no better way to enjoy this landscape than with an adventurous rafting ride through the major and minor rapids, covering five kilometers of powerful water! You will be accompanied by an experienced local guide and different routes can be selected depending on your needs and interests.

Afterwards, you will be transferred from Kithulgala to the misty hills Dick Oya, within the Nuwara Eliya District, about an hour and 50 minutes away. Check into your accommodation there, and spend the rest of the day relaxing to your heart's content.

Hatton - Adam's Peak - Hatton

Day 8: Ascend the iconic Adam's Peak

A tall conical mountain in central Sri Lanka, Adam's Peak holds significant religious importance and attracts many visitors. Today's off-the-beaten-track hike will lead you to the peak's centuries-old Buddhist pilgrimage site, which is climbed by thousands yearly.

Enjoy the enchanting sunrise at this mythical peak before descending into the foothills through a less-frequented path, guaranteeing unseen vistas and the chance to experience a cloud forest, distant waterfalls, and expansive tea estates.

You'll then wind up in Hatton, the tea capital of Sri Lanka, to spend some time relaxing at leisure in your hotel.

Hatton - Nanuoya - Nuwara Eliya

Day 9: Take a scenic train to Nuwara Eliya

Today's train ride is an unforgettable experience - from the moment you step onto the charming platform, to the moment you arrive at the picturesque tea capital of Nuwara Eliya. Soak up the vistas as you journey along beautiful rural landscapes, then transfer from Nanuoya to Nuwara Eliya, where you'll have free time to explore or simply relax at your hotel.

Nuwara Eliya has been heavily influenced by the English and Scottish settlers who pioneered the tea trade here, and as such feels like an English village. Rent a bicycle to take a cycle around town, visit the serene Victoria Park, or tour one of the many tea estates for insight into local production methods.

Nuwara Eliya - Mount Kirigalpotta - Ohiya

Day 10: Hike Sri Lanka's second-highest mountain

After breakfast, you will be whisked away to the stunning Horton Plains National Park, home to Mount Kirigalpotta. Embark on an epic mountaineering adventure! With expert guidance and equipment, conquer soaring heights of 2,388m above sea level. Though the distance is only 7km, the terrain is certainly intrepid and the hike will take up to six hours.

Attempting this beast is not for the faint-hearted, and not everyone makes it to the very top. You'll walk a trail enveloped in foliage and snake your way between grassy planes and ethereal cloud forests, gradually working toward steep and rocky altitudes. The changing ground is as rewarding as it is challenging. As you tramp higher and higher, keep an eye out for sambar deer prancing through the forest and stay alert for the rare Sri Lankan leopard! If you’re lucky, you may encounter a number of unique birds, too.

Ohiya - Ella

Day 11: Hike to the refreshing Bambarakanda Falls

After a tasty local breakfast and warming cup of Ceylon tea, venture into the misty mountains for another day of hiking. Prepare to be amazed by the views from the ridge: heavenly rolling hills sprawl far into the distance as the morning sunlight peeks through the haze.

Continue past a tea estate towards the Devil’s Staircase; as you trek up its narrow ridge and wind your way around three hairpin bends, you'll come to enjoy beautiful vistas of the valleys to the south and the mountains to the north. You will be revitalized by a hearty lunch halfway through, with breathtaking panoramic views.

Eventually, you'll make it to Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall: Bambarakanda. At the end of your hike, you may want to reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall. From there, you'll continue your hike to end your day at your hotel in Ella.

Ella

Day 12: Soak up panoramas of Sri Lanka's tea country

Spend some leisure time in your hotel, where you can sip on a warming tea whilst overlooking the mountains, or take a dip in the pool that overlooks rolling hills.

You'll then head out for a walk along the Ella Rock trail, where the beauty and serenity of Sri Lanka's tea country really comes alive. You'll start your trek in Bandarawela, a small town near Ella. Walk through forests, tea plantations, past rail lines and into the hills, where the climb becomes more strenuous. It's a tiring two-hour hike but you're in for a magnificent reward at the top, where panoramic views of the vast, green landscape await, scored by valleys and shaped by mountains that fade into the distance. The silence at the rock's peak seems to stop time, making it a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Ella - Unawatuna

Day 13: Journey to the beach!

Today, transfer from Ella to one of the country's most famous beaches, Unawatuna - just under five hours' drive away. Your laid-back coastal break begins now!

Ever-popular with travelers, Unawatuna is home to the Sri Lanka of your dreams - white-sand beaches lined with nodding palms and lapped by the clear blue Indian Ocean. It also just 6km from the bustle of Galle, making it an ideal stopping point for some rest and relaxation. Take a walk along the shore, enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean, or simply recline on the sand with a good book.

Unawatuna - Galle - Unawatuna

Day 14: Explore Galle's rural landscape by bike

Today you'll experience a classic day out for cyclists who like to explore a little further afield. You'll be peddling past rice paddies, tea fields, cinnamon plantation forests and villages, on a serene ride of up to five hours.

Afterwards, relax to your heart's content at your hotel, before setting out to explore Galle - a must-see for anyone wanting to get under the skin of Sri Lanka's history. Tour its UNESCO-listed fort, founded by the Portuguese in 1588, and soak up the old-world charm exuded by its narrow streets. After a few hours of exploring, kick back over a chilled beer or glass of wine at one of the local restaurants - a great way to spend the last evening of your Sri Lankan adventure.

Unawatuna - Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport

Day 15: Farewell, Sri Lanka!

It's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. Travel along the Galle - Colombo highway to the airport, a journey time of just over two hours, arriving in good time for your onward flight.