SRI LANKA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
This expedition is designed for travelers on a tighter schedule and will take us through 4 climate zones, starting in the hill country, leading north to the ancient cities and then high into the mountains, before we start our descent through luscious rain forest. After this we will end our trip on the sun-drenched sandy beaches of the south.
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For most of our trip you’ll need lightweight clothing and hiking boots. Waterproofs and warm clothes will be required for our time in the mountains, but don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and sun tan lotion! The trip is demanding and you will spend a lot of time on the road.
Guide price $1050 based on two sharing*
*Actual price depends on season and accommodation preferences
Day 1: The Path to Sigiriya
(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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We start our expidition traveling north to Sigiria, calling on the way at the Temple of the Golden Buddha and Cave Temples at Dambula. Once at Sigiriya, we will explore the ancient ruins before climbing Sigiriya rock to enjoy the breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside.​
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Overnight in Sigiriya (including breakfast)
Day 2: Into the Hills
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Our day begins with a visit to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage, where you will get up close and personal with the elephants. From there we will take you to the historic city of Kandy and the ancient Temple of the Tooth; a Buddhist Temple which is reported to contain the actual tooth of Siddhartha, the Buddha. In the evening we will visit a Sri Lankan Cultural Show and see masked artists performing ​their traditional music and dance.
Overnight in Kandy (including breakfast)
Day 3: The Tea Trail
Departing Kandy we start our drive to Nuwara Eliya (City of Light). Our route will pass rustic villages and mighty waterfalls along spectacular winding roads as we travel high into the mountains. On the way we will visit a tea plantation, where you can take a guided tour of a 19th century tea factory. At Nuwara Eliya we will take you to visit the local market.
Be sure to pack warm clothes for this leg of the trip!
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya (including breakfast)
Day 4: Pilgrim Paths
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From an early start (5am) we will descend into luscious jungle, passing by majestic lakes and waterfalls to the beautiful village of Maskeliya. There we will start our accent to the top of Sri Pada (2,243m) “the sacred foot” (Adam’s Peak), a pilgrimage site and a place revered as holy by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike. Our climb should take 4-6 hours depending on group fitness levels. While traversing the steps we will catch spectacular 360 degrees views of the surrounding countryside.

After descending the mountain, we will travel through the tea terraces into virgin rainforest, passing through remote villages until we reach the riverside village of Kitulgala. There we will take ditch our kit and take a refreshing sunset plunge in the Kelani river, at a spot made famous for being the place where the Academy Award-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed.
Overnight in Kitulgala (includes breakfast)
Day 5: Sea, Sand and Sunsets
Along the beautiful coastal road we pass through small settlements, fishing villages and alongside deserted beaches arriving at the southern town of Matara for lunch. From here we’ll continue along the scenic coastal road until we reach the sleepy village of Mirissa, touted by many as the most beautiful beach on the island, and arguably so.

In the afternoon we will arrange sea-kayaking or surfing lessons for you, or you may just prefer to relax with a cocktail on the white sandy beach. We’ll enjoy the stunning sunset together on the rocky outcrop at the end of the beautiful bay, then hold a party on the beach to mark the end of our adventure and give you fantastic send-off!
Overnight in Mirissa (includes breakfast)