Sri Lanka Trekking Adventures
15 Days / 14 Nights
15 Days / 14 Nights
Experience 14 nights and 15 days of adventure across Sri Lanka, creating lasting memories on an immersive trekking journey around the island. Explore ancient cities, visit the historic cave temples of Dambulla, climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and hike through stunning UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. You will also have the opportunity to visit an elephant care centre and learn about wildlife conservation efforts.
This thoughtfully designed tour package is ideal for tourist groups, student groups, and families seeking an active, educational, and enriching travel experience.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will receive your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A representative from Wonderscapes Travels will welcome you and transfer you to Colombo.
Check-in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Colombo
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Anuradhapura. Enjoy a city tour of Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city features impressive ruins of ancient temples, palaces, monasteries, and other historic landmarks for visitors to explore.
Check-in to the hotel and relax.
In the evening visit Mihinthale.
Mihintale is widely regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, as it is believed to be the site where Buddhism was first introduced to the island. The sacred mountain is dotted with ancient shrines, monasteries, and rock dwellings of historical significance. A grand stairway of approximately 1,840 granite steps, each about 15 inches wide, leads to the summit, from where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Overnight stay at hotel in Anuradhapura.
After a scrumptious breakfast, travel higher into the mountains and enjoy breathtaking views on your way to Nuwara Eliya, famously known as the land of Ceylon tea. Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the cultivation and processing of the world-renowned Ceylon Tea.
Following a short rest, explore the charming colonial town of Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England,” with its colonial bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, neatly kept hedgerows, and picturesque gardens shrouded in the cool, misty mountain air. Spend a relaxed evening at your colonial-style country home, soaking in the serene surroundings.
Highlights
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
After a delightful breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka and one of its most magnificent historic cities. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura is home to numerous places of historical and archaeological significance. Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, grown from a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. Over 2,200 years old, it is considered the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
Also explore the remains of the Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C.), where the 1,600 stone columns that remain today once supported a grand multi-storied monastery built for monks.
Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C.) is one of the most renowned dagobas in Sri Lanka. It is believed to have originally featured a perfect “bubble-shaped” design, which modern restorations have carefully sought to preserve.The Samadhi Buddha Statue (4th century A.D.) is among the most celebrated statues on the island, depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation, known as “Samadhi.”
Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd century B.C.) is well known for its remarkable rock carvings and
ancient artistic heritage.
Proceed to Dambulla and in the evening visit Dambulla Rock Temple.
The Dambulla Rock Temple, believed to have been developed during the reign of King Walagambahu in
the 1st century B.C., is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable cave
temple complexes. The site consists of five caves featuring extensive murals and ceiling paintings
that cover over 2,000 square metres, making it one of the largest and most impressive collections of
cave art in the region.
The temple complex houses more than 150 statues of the Buddha, including a magnificent 14-metre-long
reclining Buddha carved directly into the rock.
Overnight stay at hotel in Dambulla.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Habarana.
Trekk Approximately 03 ½ to 04 hours.
Start the Hiriwadunna Trek, passing through a traditional Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a
transfer by Land Master vehicle to the starting point. Along the way, you may observe local
birdlife, butterflies, and even crocodiles, adding to the charm of the experience. If you are lucky,
you can see villagers engaged in their morning activities, such as fishing or washing clothes along
the lake.
The trek includes walking through a shallow stream and crossing a wider tributary by catamaran with
the help of a local farmer, offering insight into local agricultural practices.
You can enjoy a catamaran ride, a bullock cart ride and finally a tasty Sri Lankan meal made at home
by the villagers.
Afterwards, proceed to Polonnaruwa and enjoy a guided bicycle tour around the ancient city.
Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, was built during the 11th and 12th centuries A.D. and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city is home to impressive ruins, including the Royal Palace and the Gal Viharaya, which features four remarkable Buddha statues in upright, seated, and reclining postures, carved directly from rock.
Other notable sites include the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya, a large reservoir built by the king. Polonnaruwa also preserves important religious monuments, such as the Shiva Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, Galpotha, Kiri Vehera, and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Overnight stay at hotel in Dambulla.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to visit Sigiriya.
One of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, dates backs to the fifth century BC, the onetime royal abode of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The fortress features moats, ramparts and extensive manicured grounds with the renowned water gardens taking centre stage. Among the special sites to take in include frescos, the mirror wall and the massive lion paw entrance leading up to the summit where ancient ruins of the palaces can be seen along with panoramic vistas of the surrounding region.
Transfer to Matale and check in to the bungalow and relax.
Overnight stay at a Bungalow in Matale.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, head to the Knuckles Mountain Range for a half-day trekking adventure. This region is a major eco-tourism destination in Sri Lanka and has been declared a conservation area, now known as the Knuckles National Heritage and Wilderness Area.
Spanning approximately 155 sq km, the area features five major forest formations and a wide variety
of rare and endemic flora and fauna. The scenic landscape includes rivers, waterfalls, lush tea
plantations, terraced paddy fields, and colorful Kandyan home gardens.
The Knuckles Mountain Range is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers alike, offering
numerous trails that take you through pristine forests and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Proceed back to hotel and relax.
Knuckles Trekk – Approximately 04 hours.
Overnight stay at a Bungalow in Matale.
Transfer to Kandy via Pinnawala - Matale
In Matale, visitors can take in a spice garden which the county has long since been famous for. Walk among thriving spice cultivations and learn about the manufacturing process. A cookery demonstration too will give you the chance to discover the tantalising taste of the Sri Lankan flavours.
Afterwards, transfer to Pinnawala to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage before continuing to
Kandy.
Stop by the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to interact with some majestic jumbos. Interact with
playful baby elephants after their bottled feeding sessions, after which one can head down to the
nearby river to watch the large herd enjoy a frolicking bath session.
On completion, transfer to Kandy.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
After a delicious breakfast, head to the city of Kandy, where visitors can immerse themselves in its rich culture and traditions. Explore the bustling bazaars and markets, filled with exotic sights, aromas, and sounds. Take a stroll along the paved walkways surrounding the picturesque Kandy Lake, and then visit Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) to seek the blessings of the Triple Gem.
Afterwards, proceed for a trek in the Hanthana Mountain Range.
The Hanthana Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, south-west of the city of Kandy. It was declared as an environmental protection area in February 2010 under the National Environment Act. The maximum height of the range is 3800 ft The mountain range consists of seven peaks.
Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya.
The little town of Nuwara Eliya is one of the most popular hill country getaways on the island. It offers fresh, invigorating mountain air, scenic vistas of misty mountains and verdant valleys to be appreciated. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Piduruthalagala (8,282 feet) too is located here. A visit to the Victoria Golf Course, one of the finest golf links in South Asia too will prove to be an enjoyable experience
Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Horton Plains.
Visit Horton Plains
Trekk to Approximately 03 ½ hours.
The Horton Plain Plateau is a secluded wilderness sanctuary 2130 m high and offers one of Sri Lanka’s most unforgettable views. Here the land plunges down a dizzy gorge to the southern foot hills and on clear days, even a glimpse of the sea more than 80 km away is possible. The Horton Plains are the habitat of giant Rhododendron (an evergreen shrub with large clusters of trumpet shaped flowers), tree fern primrose and daffodil orchids and birds such as the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and Arrenga, the Shaggy Bear monkey and the blue mormon butterfly and many other endemic and endangered montane species.
Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
There after transfer to Sinharaja.
Enruote visit Kitulgala.
The Kelani River, the widest river in Sri Lanka, flows through Kitulgala and was the main filming location for the Oscar-winning movie “Bridge on the River Kwai.” On the hills above the town, a prehistoric cave has been discovered, containing large shell middens believed to belong to an ancient, unknown civilization.
Check-in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at hotel in Sinharaja.
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Sinharaja.
Trekk – Approximately 04 hours.
Embark on a trekking adventure through Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka’s only remaining primeval rainforest. A single footpath winds through the heart of this 50-square-mile natural wonder. The forest features multiple layers of vegetation, reminiscent of the Amazon or Congo, with rare orchids in bloom and the gentle chorus of cicadas filling the air. Rainfall here averages 200 inches annually, providing a lush and vibrant environment year-round.There after transfer to beach stay.
Overnight stay in Mirissa.
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel in Down south beach area.
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel in Down south beach area.
This 15-day adventure journey is designed for active travellers seeking a variety of outdoor experiences across Sri Lanka’s scenic landscapes. Begin with a cultural tour in the hill country, followed by guided hikes across the Hanthana Mountain Range.
Continue with white-water rafting and rope activities near Laxapana Falls, a scenic 9 km trek at Horton Plains National Park, and an early morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, with the option of experiencing the zip line.
Travel south to enjoy a wildlife safari in Yala National Park, a morning boat excursion with opportunities to spot dolphins, and a range of coastal activities including surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, and other water-based experiences.
Your accommodation, meal plan and transfers are tailored to your preferences & budget
Bring cool & comfortable clothing!
Sunscreen, flip flops, shoes and insect repellent will always come in handy
At all religious sites in Sri Lanka everyone is expected to dress respectfully in modest light coloured clothing with shoulders & knees covered
NO hats or footwear are allowed inside temples, so flip flops (which you would have to leave at the entrance) and an extra pair of socks are a good idea so you do not have to walk barefoot on the hot ground.
