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13 Day itinerary in Sri Lanka, Asia

Adventurous Island, Sri Lanka

During the 13 days tour you will be experiencing some exciting local activities which connects you with the local community to interact with in line with our responsible & sustainable travel standards. Adventurous list of things are lined up for you such as; Cycling along a coastal line, engaging w... Read More

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Dhanushka

By Dhanushka

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

Tour Leader, Driver as a Guide

starting point

Negombo

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Cycling

Kayaking

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Skiing/Snowboarding

Outdoors & Nature

Adventure

Classic Sights

Food & Drink

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Hike to Pidurangala rock, Adams Peak & Diyaluma waterfalls

2

Discover the wildlife on a safari

3

Visit Sri Lanka landmarks

4

Enjoy and relax by the beach

Itinerary

Hotel Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place ARRIVAL - AIRPORT/ NEGOMBO

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! You will be greeted by your Sri Lankan representative at Airport and will escort you to the vehicle and transfer to Negombo. Check in to the hotel and relax your day after a long flight. Negombo situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name once has been a trading port for Portuguese and Dutch and is a ideal place for those who want quick access to and from the airport. Attractions in the city are the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villagers. The 100 km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective. *Optional: In the evening visit Negombo city and boat ride. Overnight stay at a hotel in Negombo. (Airport / Negombo: Approx. 20 Minutes)

Day 2

place NEGOMBO / DAMBULLA

Have a light and early breakfast, and today you will enjoy an exciting Cycle ride. Nainamadama, the beautiful sandy and coastal village next to Negombo is our starting point. Through which we ride along the flat terrain and relaxing coastal roads. Passing fishermen trying to sell their catch of the day all along the road, sort their nets after a catch and locals buying fresh fish for their delicious curry lunch. If we come across some fishermen pulling their nets, we too would stop our bikes and join to help them. Fisherman and others alike rest drinking the local equivalent of wine, palm wine or more commonly known as sweet toddy. We then stop at a “Wadiya”, (toddy tappers temporary house) and witness the making of these one of a kind drinks and a demonstration on acrobatic toddy tapping. Then continue our ride to Mahawewa, a small village in the North Western province of the Island, there we reach the final destination of our morning ride. After this you will continue your journey to Dambulla. On your way stop by Koskale which is a famous place to enjoy some Hot ‘Rotti’ which is a local snack in Sri Lanka. Arrive in Dambulla and check-in to the hotel. If you have energy left and interested in a trek, you can visit Pidurangala Rock in the evening. (If Time permits only). The rock next to Sigiriya is called Pidurangala. King Kasyapa built his King’s Palace on Sigiriya, but he worshipped Buddha on Pidurangala. The monastery dates back to the third century BC, but it was under Kasyapa that it became huge. It’s said the monastery was home to 500 monks and occupied an area of 14 acres during his reign. After an adventurous journey return to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Accommodation: Athena Lake
Day 3

place DAMBULLA / HIRIWADUNNA / DAMBULLA

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Hiriwadunna village which is a semi-rural village in the area. Today you will do an exciting Cycle Ride through the back roads of a Habarana village. Riding a bike in a rural village on gravel roads, between paddy fields, Chena cultivations & around hidden lake while enjoying the nature & breathing fresh air, you will see lots of endemic birds, wild animals during this ride, not only that you will have a chance to visit a rural house & quench your thirst with a cup of tea or herbal drink which served by a villager. You will end the ride with a Sri Lankan rice & curry lunch in a Mud hut in the village. You will love this idea of interacting with locals & learning the simple lifestyle of rural Sri Lankan community. In the evening you will enjoy a calm boat ride in a catamaran witnessing the sunset over the lake. Enjoy the quietness and breeze flowing over the lake which will give you a relaxation after an exciting day. Reach the land and here you will enjoy a BBQ dinner with a bonfire as a memorable night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Accommodation: Athena Lake
Day 4

place DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA / KANDY / MADULKELLE

Have an early breakfast at hotel and climb The Lion Rock Sigiriya in the morning. Sigiriya rock fortress - Among locals this is called as the “8th wonder of the world” absolutely marvellous fortress complex which dates back to 477 CE situated 200 meters high from the ground. This giant rock fortress has water fountains, boulder gardens, frescos, mirror wall, relics of the castle and many more exciting monuments from the bottom to the top of the complex. This is definitely the most visited tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. UNESCO has declared this ancient city as one of the World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. Some people believe that Sigiriya is a post historical archaeology turning point of Ravana. According to them, Sigiriya may be the Alakamandava (the City of the Gods) that was built up before 50 centuries ago by King Kubera who was the half-brother of Great king Ravana. Visit the world-famous rock fortress & enjoy the proud Sri Lankan heritage, this site will take you to another world. Next continue the journey to Kandy. In the afternoon go on a city tour in Kandy to explore the magical city. Kandy, the city of wonders. Kandy is the hill capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by sky kissing hills, green valleys, pure rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Kandy is also the cultural centre of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO world heritage city. The most respected & celebrated Buddhist monument, the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is placed at the Dalada Maligawa, the temple of the tooth which is the most important attraction in Kandy. Buddhist devotees from all over the world visits this place all year around. KCC shopping mall, the ancient lake in the middle of the city, Gem museums, souvenir shops & many more modern & ancient attractions are available in Kandy. In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. After the visits check into your hotel and relax.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Accommodation: Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge
Day 5

place MADULKELLE / KNUCKLES / MADULKELLE

Enjoy your breakfast and today you will do a trek to Knuckles mountain range. Trekking in the Knuckles mountain range starts at the entry point of Gomaraya, around 60 minutes’ drive from the hotel. The final destination is 1864m above the sea level, an uphill drive. The distance from the entry point to final destination point is around 7.5km. The full trek will take 4-6hrs. Explore crystal clear waterfalls, endemic flora and fauna. Includes: Bottled water, snacks, a nature guide, entrances fees and transport to and from the Knuckles entrance. What to wear and bring: Wear sunscreen, a cap, a good pair of hiking or trekking shoes and insect repellent. Your guide will have raincoats in case of rain and provide leech socks for treks on request or an herbal repellent. Tip: The Knuckles trek is somewhat strenuous and is entirely dependent on good weather. Children under the age of 8 are not allowed inside the Knuckles reserve due to safety reasons. Always follow closely behind your guide and take as many breaks as you need to. After an exciting day return to hotel and relax. Overnight stay at a Deluxe Tent (Glamping)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

place MADULKELLE / KITULGALA / ADAMS PEAK

Breakfast at hotel and today you will travel to the hill country. On the way stop by Kitulgala to enjoy a thrilling White water rafting session. Whitewater Rafting in Kitulgala The most famous destinations for whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka is the picturesque region of Kitulgala, Situated 80 Km away from Colombo, about an hour-and-half by road. Kitulgala was the filming location for the famous Hollywood movie, Bridge on the River Kwai. Whitewater rafting in Kitulgala takes place on the Kelani River of Sri Lanka, in the areas where whitewater occurs. Whitewater is created when a river’s gradient increases enough to cause turbulence and entrain air in its body. There are five rapid in which you can raft, and they are graded between Class 2 and 3, according to international rafting standards. those are given names - Head Chopper, Virgin’s Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall and the Rib Cage. After an adrenaline experience you will have lunch and head to Adams peak for the overnight. Check-in to the guest house and relax. Overnight stay at a Guest House

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

place ADAMS PEAK / ELLA

Breakfast at hotel and do a hike to the sacred mountain of Adams Peak. Adam’s Peak - The tourists from various corners of the world ascend the mountain for two phenomenal purposes. One is to worship the footprint and the other is to observe the effulgence of the rising sun. By the way you will pass through magnificent scenery's walking through the jungle and will get a real experience of hill climbing adventure at Adam’s peak. If you climb during the season of Adam’s peak you will find lots of devotees climbing the hill. Only during the season (Dec to May) most devotees will climb during the late night to witness the Sun Rise next day morning which is a spectacular view. And during off season (June to Nov) the hikers will climb the mountain only during day time due to safety reasons and you will see only very few adventurous hikers. A well experienced trekker will be accompanying you & enlighten you about the place with historical folk stories. After the Hike return back to the guest house and refresh yourself. Then you will be transferred to Ella. Check-in to the hotel and relax after a tiring day. Overnight stay at a hotel in Ella

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

place Discover Ella

Breakfast at hotel and you will head to a top of a mountain to enjoy the exciting longest Zip-Line in Sri Lanka. Experience Sri Lanka’s first ever zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella. The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometre, slides at 80kmph and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. It is exclusively designed for adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies who prefer a not so ordinary hillside experience. After a thrilling experience you will travel to Haputale to do a hike to a beautiful waterfall named ‘Diyaluma’. Diyaluma waterfalls is 220m high and the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated 6 km away from Koslanda in Badulla District. The waterfall is formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary of Kuda Oya which in turn, is a tributary of Kirindi Oya. After an exciting day return to hotel and relax. Overnight stay at a hotel in Ella

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9

place ELLA / UDAWALAWA

Breakfast at hotel and travel to Udawalawa to experience the wildlife. On the way you will pass by the famous city ‘Ella’ for its magnificent views over the mountains. Witness Ella gap, Nine Arch bridge & Rawana waterfalls and continue your journey. Continue your journey to Udawalawa. Arrive in Udawalawa and in the afternoon enjoy a safari in Udawalawa national park. Udawalawa National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. The farmers were gradually removed once the national park was declared. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country. Later check-in to the campsite and relax. Overnight stay at a tented camp site

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

place UDAWALAWA / GALLE / AHANGAMA

Enjoy your breakfast with the local family and later you will head to the beach stay. On the way you can witness stilt fisherman in Weligama area which is a very unique way of fishing in Sri Lanka. Enjoy a city tour in Galle with a visit to Dutch Fort in the afternoon. Galle was once the chief port of Sri Lanka. The Galle Fort (spanning 90acres) was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. This is also a World Heritage Site. As a result, Asia's largest colonial-built fort has protected a wealth of interesting architecture, now housing galleries, cafes, and shops, or fulfilling their initial intended purpose as law courts and administrative buildings. Nearby beach towns provide an altogether different taste of life in the south of the country. Later check-in to the beach resort and relax. Overnight stay at a Beach hotel

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11

place AHANGAMA BEACH STAY

Breakfast at hotel and day spent leisure on the beach. *Optional: Early morning you can enjoy a Whale watching session in Mirissa. Overnight stay at a Beach hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12

place AHANGAMA / COLOMBO

Breakfast at hotel and travel to Colombo the commercial capital city. You will travel through the expressway where you can witness the Three main export plantations in Sri Lanka known as Coconut, Rubber & Tea. Arrive in Colombo and check-in to the hotel. In the evening you will enjoy an exciting Tuk Tuk Ride around Colombo along with a Dodgy Bar hopping session where you can experience some Sri Lankan Arrack in different flavors. At the end you will get down in Galle Face green to grab some street food enjoy while relaxing in the sea breeze. Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

place DEPARTURE - COLOMBO / AIRPORT

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Airport for the departure flight. It’s time to say good bye! See you soon again

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Athena Lake
  • Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (12)
  • Lunch (1)
  • Dinner (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Private vehicle with English speaking Driver-Guide

Activities expand_less

  • Negombo Cycle ride
  • Pidurangala rock visit
  • Hiriwadunna cycle ride with village lunch
  • BBQ Dinner in the wild
  • Sigiriya rock fortress visit
  • Kandy Temple of tooth relic
  • Trek to Knuckles mountain range
  • Kitulgala white water rafting session
  • Hike to Adams Peak
  • Zip-Line in Ella
  • Hike to Diyaluma waterfalls
  • Udawalawa national Park – 01 half day safari
  • Tuk Tuk ride in Colombo with Bar hopping

Not Included expand_less

  • Activities mentioned as Optional.
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Video and Camera permits
  • All extra mileages, entrance fees out of the program
  • Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.)

About Dhanushka

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Expertise: 

Cycling

Rafting

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Yoga

Meditation

Wellness retreat

Detox

Hiking

Psychedelic Ceremonies

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Food & Drink

I am an Experienced destination management professional with over 15 years of experience in Travel & Tourism industry. I am ardent about collecting & enjoying various authentic experiences & arranging the same for other travelers.

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$2,153.00 USD