Highlights

• Trek at the Pidurangala rock or Sigiriya Rock fortress
• Trek in Giritale
• Experience the untouched flora and fauna at the Ritigala Sanctuary and head to Kandy
• Famous Manigala Trail and the Knuckles Mountain
• Forest Trek in Nuwara Eliya and bird watching trail at Udawattakele
• Explore the Horton Plains,Trek in the Horton Plains and head for an orientation tour of Nuwara Eliya
• Excursion to the Adam’s Peak, the sacred peak in the world known to have Buddha’s footprint
• Galle Visit - Galle Fort and Galle Lighthouse

‍

‍

‍

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Drive to Negombo

Upon landing in Colombo international air terminal, you will be greeted by our representative and accompanied to your hotel, wherein you'll be helped with the check-in formalities. Subsequent to showing up to Negombo, start the day venturing to every part of the beach and take a walking visit through Negombo fishing town. There's no better way to interact with the local people than to go to the sea. Watch the fishermen anchor their boats to shore, clean their nets, dry the fish and offer to hold up customers.

Day 02 - Dambulla Visit - Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Pidurangala (approximately 03 -04 hrs drive). Hiking in the Pidurangala Rock is a half day program. You can either kickstart the trek in the early mornings or in the evening. Ensure to be all set with trekking shoes. Head for a mesmerizing sunrise view or the Sigiriya Rock, a rock mountain peppered with caves and cells used by 3rd century monks on Pidurangala Rock. Trekking here needs both guts and patience and on reaching the summit, you get to see the wonderful views. Pidurangala rock is adjacent to the Sigiriya Rock and offers a memorable climb with a breath-taking panoramic view of the valleys and the Lion Rock. The Pidurangala monastery complex is the place where King Kashyapa (477-495 AC) meditated. An expert guide will be assisting during the trip elucidating the bygone era. In the evening, you can also opt to trek in the Sigiriya Rock fortress (approximately 02 - 03 hrs). It boasts mythology, ancient architecture, splendor, culture and art. From the ‘lion paws’, ‘mirror wall’, museum and cave walls make it a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.

Day 03 - Arrive at Dambulla

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Giritale (approximately 45 minutes’ drive). Head for trekking in Giritale ( 2 to 3 hrs). This soft trail trek of 8km starts either in the morning around 7 am or in the evening around 4.30 pm. Ensure you are well equipped with trekking shoes, full sleeves clothing, hat/cap and sunscreen creams to beat the sun’s heat. Sudhukanda Kele known as the white hill forest is home to abundant birdlife with glimpses of deer and wild hare crossing in the forests. Giritale Lake is bound to mesmerize you with the endemic lake birds and paddy fields. Trek is bound to take you through the depths of the forest, the Parakrama Samudraya, the magnificent water tank of the 12th century and other ancient ruins. After about 5 kms, head to the Wildlife Museum for a unique experience. Depending on the water level in the Giritale Lake which varies during different seasons, you can attempt to cross the lake to reach the hotel quickly. Else, you can take the same route experiencing the abundant wildlife. In the evening, continue the hike to Dambulla cave temple which is approximately one hour. Dambulla Rock Temple has some of the unique drawings, housed in the five cave temples, next to the golden temple of Dambulla. The cave temple walls has beautifully sheltered 150 statues of Lord Buddha.

Day 04 - Ritigala National Park

After having a delicious breakfast, leave for Ritigala (approximately 45-minute drive). Reach the Ritigala National Park where you’ll start a memorable trek in the picturesque forest rich in flora and fauna. Also, see the heritage ruins of the ancient monastery here. This pristine wildlife reserve offers a serene space to soak yourself in nature, meditate, or just stroll in the fresh air. The dense jungle here is inhabited by leopards, bears, and wild elephants. An experienced local host will be happy to answer all your questions about the places you visit, and the charming setting and virgin reserve gives you an opportunity to click amazing pictures. At last, you’ll leave from Ritigala to go to Kandy. Ritigala is a cultural and eco-tourism destination which will fascinate you. One of the few high altitude and dense forests, Ritigala was declared a Strict Natural Reserve in 1941. It is home to various rare and near-extinct species as its environment and isolation offer an ideal setting for the evolution of species.

Day 05 - Riverston - Manigala trail

Early in the morning, head to leave for Riverston (approximately 02 hours and 45-minute drive) from Kandy. One of the most popular and favourite day-trek in this region is the Manigala trail, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hrs). Climb Manigala to enjoy the untouched beauty of the Knuckles Range. The sparkling “Thelgamu Oya” river and the paddy fields with the backdrop of high mountains will surely take your breath away. When you finish the trek, retire into a beautiful guesthouse to relax and enjoy lunch. Then, head to see the Knuckles Mountain Range, an important conservation area, established as a National Heritage and Wilderness Area by UNESCO. On this trail, watch vibrant-hued birds and many forest types. While coming down, from the Pitawala Pathana – Sri Lanka’s largest dry pathana plains – see the 1,500 ft sheer drop to the Puwakpitiya valley below. Leave for Kandy after the trek. Rest overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 - Arrive at Nuwara Eliya

Post breakfast, leave for Udawattakale to experience the Forbidden Forest Trek and a bird-watching trail. Known as a bird-watching paradise, this place has hundreds of bird species like the Layard’s Parakeet, Yellow-fronted Barbet, the Crimson-backed golden back, and nocturnal birds like the Brown Fish Owl. Apart from the birds, you can spot other animals like Toque Macaques, Fishing Cats, Wild Boars, and Water Monitor Lizards. Over 460 plant species in this forest make it an important destination for botanists and researchers. One of our naturalists will accompany you on your tour to give you valuable insight into the forest and the fauna and the flora around you. After the trek, head back to Nuwara Eliya. The 2-hour Udawattakele Forest Reserve hike offers an opportunity to hike through the dense forests of Kandy. Hike through trails that are underlaid with stone and see rare and endemic bird species. Sense the enigmatic aura of this dense forest right in the middle of the urban landscape.

Day 07 - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains Trek

Early in the morning, start for the Horton Plains Trek with packed breakfast. Nature and magnificent scenery on this 9 km (6 mi) hike into the Horton Plains will take you through the clouds to explore a majestic drop that offers awe-inspiring views over the plains into the sea. After completing the trek, reach back to Nuwara Eliya. In the evening, enjoy the orientation tour of the city. A preferred and popular hill destination, it is thronged by tourists because of its cool climate and amazing sceneries. This town also plays a vital role in the world’s tea industry and is also famous for one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia. Head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Horton Plains is the best place for people looking for a high-altitude trek that assures to take you to one of the most stunning places in Sri Lanka. Then reach Nuwara Eliya, often called ‘Little England’. This quaint hill town has British-country-village feel to it because of its colonial-era bungalows and pretty gardens.

Day 08 - Nallathanniya - Excursion to the Adam’s Peak

After breakfast, leave for Maskeliya, (approximately 02 hr drive). Start ascending the famous Adam’s Peak (approximately 6 to 7 hrs). Adam’s Peak is Sri Lanka’s fourth highest mountain. The most spectacular view is watching the sunrise from here and a glimpse of a mysterious triangular shadow that is cast by the peak against the light of the rising sun. Thousands of pilgrims of several faiths claim that the mountain’s sacred footprint ‘Sri Pada’ was created by Lord Buddha. An experienced naturalist will accompany to guide you on this trek to Adam’s Peak. Known as Adam’s Peak (the location where Adam set his foot first on earth after being sent out of heaven), ‘Sri Pada’ (Sacred Footprint made by Lord Buddha as he headed towards paradise). Climb this high peak to watch the spectacular sunrise from the top of Butterfly Mountain.

Day 09 - Trek in Makandawa

After trekking in the Adam’s Peak, have breakfast and rest at the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed to Kithulgala. Then, start trekking in Makandawa Rainforest. Walkthrough the village and find your dugout canoe to go across the village. From the landing point, start the trail. This reserve has stunning birdlife including many endemic species. Stroll through a thick canopy of verdant forest. Witness many beautiful waterfalls and if you wish, you can also swim in natural swimming holes present inside the reserve. After finishing the trail, take a swinging bridge back, or take the same canoe to cross back. An experienced naturalist will accompany you and local community interactions will help you observe their way of life. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10 - Galle Visit - Galle Fort and Galle Lighthouse

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Galle for approximately four hrs. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Head for the orientation tour of the Historic city of Galle. Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel. Explore this city on foot, it is a trading port city with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets, and the European architecture.

Day 11 - The Galle ocean side - Balapitiya River Safari ( Optional )

After breakfast at the hotel, day is at leisure to enjoy the beach or you can take up the optional activities. Get set for an excursion to Balapitiya, dotted with small islands, lush mangrove forests, variety of animal species and benediction ceremony at the Buddhist temple. You can also opt for the tea tasting and tea plucking experience at a white virgin Hundugonda tea estate. Or even enjoy a Tuk-Tuk joy ride to the tea estate.

Day 12 - Time to bid adieu - Departure transfer to Airport

After breakfast at the hotel head to the airport. You will be assisted and dropped at the Colombo International airport to board the flight for your return trip.