Itinerary
- Day 1
Negombo
You'll arrive in Negombo, a coastal fishing town with golden beaches and traditional catamaran boats. Your tour leader meets you at the hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Until then, you have time to walk along the beach, relax by the hotel pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, or head down to the fish market to watch locals bring in the day's catch as the sun sets.
Optional Activities
- Watch sunset and spot locals bringing in the day's catch at the fish market
- Beach exploration
- Dinner with group (optional, organized by tour leader)
Landmarks/POIs Negombo Fish Market Negombo Beach - Day 2
Coastal Bike Ride to Backwaters
Start early with a gentle 30km bike ride along the coast road over three hours, taking in ocean views and village scenery. You'll stop for lunch in Chilaw, then drive about 2 hours north to Backwaters Lodge for your three-night stay. The lodge has rooms made from upcycled shipping containers with forest views, and the kitchen serves locally sourced traditional Sri Lankan curries and vegetarian dishes.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in Chilaw), Dinner (Traditional Sri Lankan curries, rice, freshly made bread, sambol and chutney, with mix of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes)
Included Activities
- Coastal cycling ride (approximately 30km, 3 hours)
- Accommodation at Backwaters Lodge or Wild Wadi Lodge
Landmarks/POIs Nainamadama Chilaw - Day 3
Yoga, Countryside Walk & Kayaking
This morning brings an optional sunrise yoga class for all levels, or sleep in and watch the sunrise from your balcony. After breakfast, take a gentle 3-mile countryside walk through local villages where lodge staff members live. Lunch at the lodge is relaxed, then you'll kayak the Wadiya River for a couple of hours exploring the backwaters and spotting birdlife before catching the sunset. The evening ends with a BBQ at Wild Wadi.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty breakfast), Lunch (Relaxed lunch at the lodge), Dinner (BBQ at Wild Wadi)
Included Activities
- Sunrise yoga class (optional within the day)
- Countryside walk through local villages (approximately 3 miles/5km, flat terrain)
- Kayaking on Wadiya River (approximately 2 hours)
Optional Activities
- Skip yoga class and sleep in or watch sunrise from balcony
Landmarks/POIs Wadiya River - Day 4
Wilpattu Safari & Sunset River Cruise
Wake very early for a Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, heading out just before sunrise when wildlife is most active and light works best for photos. Spend about four hours exploring the park where you might see leopards, elephants, and spotted deer, with a picnic breakfast in the park. Back at the lodge, you'll relax during the afternoon, then take a sunset river safari in the creek beside the lodge later.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Picnic breakfast in Wilpattu National Park)
Included Activities
- Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park (approximately 4 hours)
- Sunset river safari in local creek
Landmarks/POIs Wilpattu National Park - Day 5
Anuradhapura Ancient Ruins Cycle
Drive approximately 2 hours to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities dating to 500 BC. You'll cycle on local bikes across flat terrain covering about 10km to visit the Sacred Bodhi Tree, Brazen Palace, and the impressive 90-metre Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba stupa. Spend time people-watching at these important Buddhist sites before checking into your hotel, with the late afternoon free to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cycling tour of Anuradhapura UNESCO World Heritage Site (approximately 10km, flat terrain)
- Visit Sacred Bodhi Tree
- Visit Brazen Palace
- Visit Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba
Landmarks/POIs Sacred Bodhi Tree Brazen Palace Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba Anuradhapura - Day 6
Mihintale Mountain & Garden Lunch to Giritale
Climb early to the 310-metre peak of Mihintale, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site with shallow steps and a steep final section. From the summit, you'll take in 360-degree views, with the total excursion taking about 2 hours at an easy to moderate grade. Later, travel to Habarana to explore an organic garden, pick fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare traditional Sri Lankan lunch with local hosts. Then drive to Giritale for a 2-night stay, with an optional safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park en route if visiting May-November.
- Meals
- Lunch (Traditional Sri Lankan lunch - vegetable curries, pol sambal (spicy coconut salad), rice, and pickles prepared with freshly harvested ingredients from organic garden)
Included Activities
- Climb Mihintale mountain to 310m summit (approximately 2 hours, easy to moderate)
- Organic garden exploration and ingredient picking in Habarana
- Traditional Sri Lankan lunch preparation and meal with local hosts
- Safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (en route, seasonal)
Landmarks/POIs Mihintale Missaka Mountain Minneriya National Park Kaudulla National Park - Day 7
Sigiriya Lion Rock & Polonnaruwa Cycle
Start at Sigiriya (Lion Rock) and climb 1200 steps, gaining about 200 metres to the top of King Kassapa's 5th-century Sky Fortress for beautiful countryside views. Stop on the way down to see the delicate Sigiriya Damsels frescoes and the carved lion paws at the original gateway. The climb takes 2-3 hours at a moderate grade; those with severe vertigo can skip the final metal stairway. After lunch, cycle around the 12th-century city of Polonnaruwa, covering about 3-4km on flat terrain to visit the decorated Quadrangle shrine and the impressive Galvihara stone carvings including a 14-metre Reclining Buddha.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in Polonnaruwa)
Included Activities
- Climb Sigiriya (Lion Rock) to 5th-century fort (1200 steps, approximately 200m ascent, 2-3 hours, moderate)
- View Sigiriya Damsels frescoes
- View carved lion paws gateway at Sigiriya
- Cycling tour of Polonnaruwa ancient city (approximately 3-4km, flat)
- Visit Quadrangle shrine in Polonnaruwa
- Visit Galvihara stone carvings of Buddha (14m Reclining Buddha)
Landmarks/POIs Sigiriya (Lion Rock) Sigiriya Damsels Polonnaruwa Quadrangle Galvihara - Day 8
Knuckles Mountain Trek to Kandy
Very early start heading south about 2 hours into the central highlands to the Knuckles Mountain Range. You'll hike 5 miles to Manigala viewpoint, gaining 775m elevation over approximately 4 hours with dramatic views of the clenched-fist shaped mountains at a moderate grade. After a local lunch, continue by bus over the range through the Matale Valley (Sri Lanka's spice valley), arriving late afternoon in Kandy. Visit the famous Temple of the Tooth this evening, which houses the jewelled shrine of Buddha's left canine tooth.
- Meals
- Lunch (Local lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Manigala viewpoint in Knuckles Mountain Range (5 miles/8km, 775m ascent/descent, approximately 4 hours, moderate)
- Visit Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Landmarks/POIs Knuckles Mountain Range Manigala Matale Valley Temple of the Tooth - Day 9
Blue Field Tea Plantation & Train to Kandy
After breakfast, drive 2 hours into Sri Lanka's tea country to visit the Blue Field tea plantation. Walk through the hilly estate while your guide explains tea production, try picking tea leaves yourself, and visit a tea pickers' village and the tea factory. You'll have lunch on the plantation, then return to Kandy by bus to Gampola before catching a local train (2nd or 3rd class for authentic experience) back to Kandy, arriving late afternoon with free time to explore or visit the Botanical Gardens if time allows.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on the tea plantation)
Included Activities
- Visit Blue Field tea plantation with guided estate walk
- Tea leaf picking experience
- Visit tea pickers' village
- Visit tea factory
- Train journey from Gampola to Kandy (2nd or 3rd class, local carriages)
Optional Activities
- Visit Botanical Gardens in late afternoon
Landmarks/POIs Blue Field Tea Plantation Gampola Kandy Botanical Gardens - Day 10
Whitewater Rafting & Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Ginigathhena in the lush western highlands. Experience whitewater rafting on the Kelani River, navigating grade 2-3 rapids with jungle scenery (backdrop for the 1957 film Bridge on the River Kwai). Raft through about 8 rapids over one hour depending on water levels. Stop at Kitugala Lodge for lunch, then drive approximately 4.5 hours to UNESCO-protected Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This World Heritage Site contains Sri Lanka's last viable rainforest with 282 bird species and rich biodiversity. Stay at the simple, family-run Blue Magpie Lodge in jungle surroundings.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Kitugala Lodge), Dinner (Typical Sri Lankan country style food and fresh fruits in season at Blue Magpie Lodge)
Included Activities
- Whitewater rafting on Kelani River (grade 2-3 rapids, approximately 8 rapids, approximately 1 hour)
- Accommodation at Blue Magpie Lodge in Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Landmarks/POIs Ginigathhena Kelani River Kitulgala Sinharaja Forest Reserve - Day 11
Sinharaja Rainforest Trek to Hikkaduwa
Rise very early for optimal wildlife viewing. After an early breakfast, enter the forest at 7am and hike 7km through rainforest trails, gaining 350m elevation over 3-4 hours at a moderate grade with a specialist park guide. Over 60% of trees are endemic and rare. The trail may be slippery and shrouded by rainclouds; you'll start in steep secondary forest before reaching primary forest higher up. Take your time exploring unique plant and animal life. Return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy lunch, then drive 2.5-3 hours to the coastal town of Hikkaduwa. Late afternoon is free to enjoy the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Early breakfast), Lunch (Lunch at Blue Magpie Lodge)
Included Activities
- Guided rainforest hike through Sinharaja (7km/4.5 miles, 350m elevation change, 3-4 hours, moderate)
Optional Activities
- Beach exploration in Hikkaduwa
Landmarks/POIs Sinharaja Forest Reserve Hikkaduwa - Day 12
Lagoon Paddling & Galle Fort Sunset
Start with stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in the Dodanduwa Lagoon where motorised vessels aren't allowed. The gentle paddle takes around 2.5 hours exploring wildlife, mangrove forests, and cinnamon islands; you can cut the time short if needed. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Afternoon is free to relax at the beach or explore town snack stalls, perhaps trying the local dish kottu (chopped roti, vegetables, eggs, and spices made fresh on a hot griddle). Late afternoon, drive to nearby Galle to walk the narrow lanes of this old Dutch fort and reach the lighthouse in time to watch the sunset over the ocean, then find a local restaurant for the day's fresh catch and a cold beer.
Included Activities
- Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in Dodanduwa Lagoon (approximately 2.5 hours)
- Walking tour of Galle Dutch fort
- Sunset viewing at Galle lighthouse
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation in Hikkaduwa afternoon
- Explore town snack stalls
- Try local kottu dish
- Dinner at local restaurant with fresh catch
Landmarks/POIs Dodanduwa Lagoon Galle Fort Galle Lighthouse - Day 13
Colombo City Walking Tour
After a late breakfast, travel north to Colombo to explore the capital city on foot. You'll discover Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences throughout the city streets. Stop at a rooftop bar late afternoon to watch the sun set over Colombo while enjoying a refreshing drink.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Late breakfast)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Colombo city
Optional Activities
- Rooftop bar visit with sunset views
Landmarks/POIs Colombo - Day 14
Colombo Departure
Your tour ends after breakfast at the hotel in Colombo. No activities are planned, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
