Hiking and trekking in Sri Lanka
Most visitors have fantasised of trekking in Sri Lanka at some point. Even the name of the nation conjures up images of lush, green rainforest, rolling mountains, tropical animals, and a clear blue sea. This is proof that Sri Lanka is a great place for hiking. Lonely Planet declared it “the finest nation in the world” for visitors to visit in 2019. They also lauded its “rich and accessible biodiversity,” surf culture, and people’s friendliness.
Tour Info
-
Trip Length
16 Days -
When to visit
November to May -
Customizable?
Yes -
Price
Contact for Price
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Tour Itinerary
Ayubowan!
Welcome to Sri Lanka.
On arrival at the Bandaranayake International Airport. A Wonderland Leisure Chauffeur Guide will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your private vehicle. You will be taken 8 kms to your hotel in Negombo.
The first destination will be the coastal town of Negombo, which has long been known as Sri Lanka’s most popular resort, known for its golden sandy beach, cuisine, and entertainment. We haven’t scheduled any activities for the first day, so you may arrive in Sri Lanka anytime you choose. Relax at your wonderful hotel’s beach and pool if your flight comes early in the morning. In the evening, you may take a walk along the beach while admiring the lovely sunset and the nice evening environment.
Overnight stay at Negombo.
Wake up, enjoy breakfast, and let’s go 145 kms to Sigiriya.
On the way to Sigiriya Visit Dambadeniya, which according to historical records is Sri Lanka’s third kingdom. King Vijayabahu II formed this kingdom in 1236 AD as a result of shifting the monarchy from the Polonnaruwa kingdom to the south eastern territories. The Dambadeniya kingdom’s ruins may be seen atop Maliga Gala, a massive rock. The remnants of the kings’ palace, as well as the ponds they utilised, may still be found at this site. According to legend, they utilised this as a fort as well.
Pay an evening visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a temple steeped in centuries of history. Dambulla, surrounded by hills, lakes, and valleys, brilliantly mixes spiritual and natural attractiveness with its towering golden Buddha statue. This historical farming village is home to millennia-old cave temples.
During his 14-year exile from the Anuradhapura kingdom, King Valagamba found sanctuary on this massive granite outcrop. Dambulla temple cave complex, which dates back to the first century BC, is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved. Buddhist monks have resided in the caverns since the third century BC. Archaeological evidence reveals a 2700-year-old ancient civilisation in the region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located next to the well-known Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Overnight stay at Sigirya.
After breakfast, ascend to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site Rock Fortress features a genuinely flawless history of the capital city, built by parricidal King Kasyapa who ruled from 477 to 495 AD.
The city’s ruins are located on steep slopes and at the summit of a granite mountain that rises roughly 180 metres above the surrounding plain. The rock was converted into a reclined lion that rules the forest from every angle. Access to the site is provided via a network of galleries and staircases issuing from the mouth of a massive lion made of bricks and plaster.
Then it’s time for some pampering. The herbal foot massage would feel like a divine treat after the exhausting climb and descent from Sigiriya. This is a must-do after climbing Lion Rock.
In the late afternoon, unwind and prepare to see the Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park. This park is mostly a sanctuary for elephants, although it also has deer, bulls, wild boars, and a diverse bird population. This location is well-known for being the largest Asian elephant gathering point. After that, spend your evening free roaming about and taking in the surrounding tranquil nature.
Overnight stay at a cosy Sigiriya Hotel.
Early in the morning, get a takeout breakfast and head to Pidurangala Rock’s starting location. Pidurangala is a massive rock a few kilometres north of Sigiriya. This site is suitable for modest walks, and the peak rewards climbers with popular panoramic views of the Sigiriya area. The two rocks have a shared history: Pidurangala, an awe-inspiring rock, towers over the scenery of Sri Lanka’s lovely Cultural Triangle. Discover why this enthralling location has become such a famous tourist destination.
Transfer 110 kms to Knuckles, where the hills are alive with stunning wildlife and plants. Check into your accommodations to unwind before embarking on the Corbett’s Gap Trek in the evening. Remember to wear leech socks before beginning your walk.
Return to your cosy lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Knuckles.
Begin your day early with a packed breakfast and trek through tea plantations and forests to the summit. Nature will surprise you along the trip with relics of volcanoes that were active approximately 1200 years ago, endemic birds, wild boars, mongoose, wildcats, sambar deer, leopards, medicinal plants, and stunning cascading waterfalls. Make sure to bring your cameras.
The beauty of this hike is that no matter how much further you walk, you will not be exhausted thanks to the Congenial Climate of the Rain Forest, which provides a refreshing breeze throughout your journey.
There are various footpaths up to the peak. These were prepared by the British during their reign in Sri Lanka. When you reach the peak, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding plains.
Return to your cosy lodge to relax and recover before your travel to Kandy the next morning.
Dinner and overnight stay at Knuckles.
After Breakfast.
Proceed 40 kms towards Kandy while stopping by the remote village of Meemure. Meemure is a secluded settlement at the foot of Knuckles, hidden from the rest of the world and inhabited by just a few people. Before heading to Kandy, check out the village life and taste the simple yet wonderful cuisine made by a local family.
When you arrive in Kandy, pay a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Kandy View Point. Unwind for the rest of the day and enjoy a beautiful Kandy Cultural Dance Show, if possible, enjoy a moonlight walk along Kandy Lake.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at Kandy.
Start your morning early with a packed breakfast.
Transfer to Hanthana in the morning for a trek up Uragala, Katusu Kanda, and Knife Edge. Stunning sights are designed to steal your breath away and leave you in awe. Afterwards, return in time for a tour of the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kandy.
After Breakfast
Transfer 87 kms to Nallathanniya and drop in to climb up the infamous Ambuluwawa Tower – so narrow yet so exciting at the top of it. Worth the climb and the heart pounding experience – this is one of the most insta-famous attractions in Sri Lanka.
Check into the Hotel at Nallathanniya, relax and gear up for the night’s ascend of The Holy Mountain, the Adam’s Peak.
Overnight stay at Nallathanniya.
Wake up at 1:30 a.m., and at around 2 a.m., you and your guide will start climbing Adam’s Summit, a well-known mountain. It would take between four and six hours to accomplish the roughly 5000 stairs. Walk with your guide during the night and share your experience with other pilgrims. Ascend to the summit and stay for the breathtaking dawn; this is a genuinely breathtaking moment and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all hikers. Return to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast and an hour of rest before beginning the scenic drive of 70 kms to Nuwara Eliya.
On the road to Nuwara Eliya, visit a Waterfall, tea plantations, and other natural attractions. Check into your hotel and unwind after an exciting day.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at Nuwara Eliya.
Transfer to Horton Plains in the early morning after breakfast. You will embark on a spectacular 9.5-kilometer hike. You will see gorgeous sambar deers and, if lucky, a leopard sighting will make this journey a bit more exciting. Following your tour to Horton Plains, you will be escorted to a Tea Plantation and a Factory Tour to learn about the production of Ceylon Tea. You will return back at the hotel to rest and unwind.
Take an evening scenic drive through Little England, a region filled with English houses, before ending your day with a delicious dinner with a chilly yet warm overnight in a cozy hotel at Nuwara Eliya.
After Breakfast.
Set off on a 55 kms train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. This journey is recognized as one of the world’s most picturesque train rides in the world. Your vehicle will be waiting for you at the Ella station and will transport you to the most popular Ella tourist spots. You may enjoy Ella’s offerings and spend your day anyway you like whether it be sightseeing or embarking on adrenaline filled activities.
Dinner and overnight Stay at Ella.
Hike across the mountains to Ella Rock for a sunrise view with a takeaway breakfast. The hike is more challenging, but it is also more rewarding; a gradual rise through classic highland landscape begins immediately on the train lines at Ella Station. The last hike will take you through eucalyptus woods to the peak of a rocky outcrop with amazing views of the surrounding hills.
Return to your hotel and take pleasure in the hotel amenities, which include a spa session that has been reserved for you today. After relaxing in the evening, indulge yourself to a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at a local’s Ella residence and enjoy the lovely dinner you prepared.
Dinner and overnight Stay at Ella.
After Breakfast.
Begin your explorations with a 4.5 kms round trek to Little Adam’s Peak, a grassy hill with stunning views of waterfalls and tea factories glittering in the mist that cloaks the surrounding hills.
You will be transported 155 kms to Sinharaja once you have tackled this terrain. Sinharaja is one of Sri Lanka’s most thick and diverse wildlife rainforests, thus it is a must visit in your trekking itinerary.
After you’ve checked in and relaxed, a Forest Night Trail will be organised for you. A skilled hiking guide will aid you in spotting nocturnal wildlife here.
Return back to your Eco Lodge for Dinner and overnight stay at Sinharaja.
After Breakfast.
Begin your day with a journey to Sinharaja Forest in the early morning. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka’s largest lowland rainforest, is a biodiverse wonderland flanked by rivers and teeming with forest wildlife, including rare mammals and 147 bird species, 33 of which are unique to Sri Lanka. Sinharaja can only be reached on foot and requires a guide to keep you safe in the dense, humid forest.
Remember to keep an eye out for those rare animal species, as well as the flora and wildlife. Your trekking tour concludes here, and we will depart 105 kms to the Hikkaduwa Beach. At the beaches, enjoy the waves, the tropical warmth and an array of water sports.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hikkaduwa
After breakfast.
You will head 114 kms from Hikkaduwa to Colombo by vehicle. You will make stops at the following destinations.
Balapitiya: Madu River & Fish Spa
Take a soothing boat trip through the lush ecosystem of the Madu River and experience a variety of intriguing sights, sounds, and sensations, including passing through mangrove forests, seeing the Madu Ganga islands Satha Paha Doowa and Kothduwa, and observe demonstrations of cinnamon productions and experience fish therapy. The Madu Ganga River offers a variety of unusual experiences, including great foot massages from a big group of doctor fishes. When visiting the Madu Ganga, both local and international visitors are excited since they always have a unique experience.
Kosgoda: Sea Turtles Conservation
Five of the seven marine turtle species—the green turtle, olive ridley, hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)—call Sri Lankan waters home. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program improves the odds of the hatchlings surviving by protecting these nests until they are ready to hatch. Get the chance to observe, interact with, and feed young turtles as well as damaged adults that the Turtle Hatchery care for. When at Kosgoda turtle hatchery, pat the head of a young turtle and release another into the Indian Ocean.
Colombo: City Tour and Shopping
Colombo instantly makes you feel at home when you first arrive. Traders from the Roman, Arab, and Chinese empires as well as traders from Gujarat and Calicut in India and Arabs from the Gulf of Oman have all gathered there since 2000 years ago. The natural meeting spot for traders from the farthest reaches of time is today a busy city that is frequented by tourists on holiday there as well as those stopping in Sri Lanka on their way to other parts of Asia.
Take pleasure in trying out all the enjoyable opportunities Colombo has to offer. Explore ancient sites including the National Museum, the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, the Galle Face Hotel, the Galle Face Green, the Hindu Kovil, the Muslim Mosque & Church, the Old Lighthouse, and more. You can shop at One Galle Face, Independence Square, boutiques shops, designer retailers and Colombo is also the place if you’re searching for the best in high-end dining, clubbing, casinos, rooftop bars, street cuisine, and nightlife.
Dinner and overnight stay at Colombo.
Your 16 Days Hiking & Trekking Tour has now been concluded.
We appreciate you selecting Wonderland Leisure as your Sri Lankan travel partner. We hope you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to seeing you again. After breakfast, we will make a quick stop at a souvenir shop (depending on your flight schedule) before dropping you off at the airport with a heartfelt Good Bye till the next time.
If your holiday falls during an off-season period for certain seasonal activities, the company will always offer you the next available alternate activity.
You may visit these following locations
- Negombo
- Royal Cave Temple
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Colombo
- Kosgoda
- Pidurangala
- Knuckles
- Royal Botanical Garden
- Dambadeniya
- Ramboda Falls
- Nuwara Eliya
- Minneriya National Park
- Bentota
- Hanthana
- Meemure
- Horton Plains National Park
- Ella
- Adam's Peak
- Hikkaduwa
- Sinharaja
- Balapitiya
- Ambuluwawa Tower
- Nallathanniya
- Guided Tours
- Comfortable Bed, Breakfast & Dinner Accommodations in the Mentioned “Overnight Stay” Locations
- Transport in an Air-Conditioned car with an English speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Government Tax (11%)
- Early check-in & Late check-out
- Entrance/excursion fees to the places mentioned in our itinerary
- Tips and other expenses of personal nature
Payment Policy
Payment Methods
- On-line payment using a personal credit card (Amex/Visa/Master). Log in details will be sent on confirmation
- Bank Transfer
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Contact Information
Address:
Wonderland Leisure (Pvt) Ltd
205/3, Kaldemulla Road,
Moratuwa.
Sri Lanka.
Phone:
International 24/7 Hotline: +94 766 765 677
WhatsApp: +94 766 765 677
Emails:
info@wonderlandleisure.lk
hello@wonderlandleisure.lk
Official Social Media Pages:
- @wonderlandleisure.lk
- @wonderlandleisure.lk
- @wonderlandleisure
- @wonderland_leis