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.
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)
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.
Day 2: Into the Hills
From Sigiriya, 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.
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!
Day 4: Pilgrim Paths
Today you'll be making a very early start (12am) from Nuwara Eliya and embarking on your toughest adventure so far but trust us, it is worth it!
After descending into the luscious rain forest, passing by majestic lakes and waterfalls we will arrive at the beautiful village of Dalhousie.
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 a spot made famous for being the place where the Academy Award-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed.
After a well deserved rest on the way from Adam's Peak, we’ll take to the rapids on the mighty Kelani river. Our guides will take on a series of adrenaline-packed white-water rapids, as well as peaceful stretches where you’ll be able to relax and take in the beauty and diversity of the rain forest flora and fauna.
Part way along the rafting route, we will stop on the riverside and go on a short trek through the jungle arriving at the top of a cascading waterfall. Here we begin our canyoning experience, where you will face a series of confidence jumps and water slides down the waterfall.
You will then continue your rafting tour downstream and finish with some fun and games before retiring to our riverside camp to enjoy the sunset on the river.
Day 5: Sea, Sand and Sunsets
We'll leave Kitulgala in the morning for Hikkaduwa, touted by many as Sri Lanka's most popular beach and one of the island's top surfing spots.
In the afternoon we will arrange a choice of surfing, or surfing lessons for beginners, bodyboarding or snokeling. Or you may just prefer to relax with a cocktail and soak up the sun on the white sandy beach. We’ll enjoy the stunning sunset together, then hold a party to give you a good send-off and mark the end of our fantastic adventure!