Highlands to the Indian ocean

FROM £ 2200

A splendid and exotic trip to the Sri Lanka. Visit Dambulla Cave temples, Lions Rock at Sigiriya, the ancient capital of Pollonnaruwa.

Prefer to be moderately active and explorative on your overseas holidays? Then this is the absolute best trip for you!

Sri Lanka has so much to offer, this trip is filled with diverse and exciting experiences throughout its length. Cycle with professional local guides to take care of planning; leaving you to experience the natural beauty. In the central highlands, hike some of the best and most remarkable sites – namely, Adams Peak, Knuckles Mountains and Lions Rock. Sri Lanka has a large number of very well-preserved temples and pagodas etc. On this trip you get to experience the most interesting of them, such as Ancient City Pollonnaruwa, Lions Rock, Dambulla Cave Temples and Temple with “Buddas tooth” in Kandy.

This is a fully supported trip and with local guides, so we have the opportunity to get a detailed insight into Sri Lanka’s historical past and exciting contemporary. During the trip there will be opportunities to taste the delicious local delicacies and get refuelled energy in exotic fruits.

It is the client’s responsibility to acquire a Sri Lanka visa before departure. For more info, view the detailed itinerary or visit the website of Sri Lankan High Commission

Route Map

Trips Date	Trip Status Trip Status	Price (PP) Excluding Flights	Price (PP) Incl. Flights starts from
Sat 29 Nov, 25 - Sat 13 Dec, 25	Available	£ 2200	£ 3500

Arrival and Transfer to Negombo
Arrive Colombo and transfer to your accommodation in Negombo. Situated by the shores of a lagoon the town was once a trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch, who came here in search of spices, mainly Cinnamon. An afternoon to explore the town; delightful canals, interesting creeks and an extensive lagoon.
Sigiriya and Dambulla
Today we leave for Sigiriya. After checking in at our hotel, in the afternoon we get our hands on our bikes and take a leisurely ride to Dambulla where we hike up to the 1st Century temple donated to Buddhist monks by king Walagambahu.
Sigiriya Rock
After breakfast we cycle to Sigiriya Rock, and climb to the 5th century rock fortress a world heritage site which was built by King Kashyapa (477- 495 AD).
minneriya and Polonnaruwa
This morning we cycle the 35km to the Minneriya National Park, where we take a Jeep Safari to visit the interiors of the National Park. The afternoon ride takes us to Polonnaruwa. This was the second capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and is another world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya.
Knuckles Mountain Range
Today we begin our drive to Kandy. En route we walk in the Knuckles Mountain Range which is separated from the Central Hills by the Mahaveli Valley to the South and East and the Matale Valley to the West. After, we continue to Kandy.
Kandy
Kandy offers many historical, cultural and religious sites, and on this morning’s walking tour we will visit one of the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka, the "Dalada Maligawa". Better known as the "temple of the tooth". A late afternoon transfer to Kitulgala and our hotel for the night.
Kitulgala
Today we have a hike in the Kitulgala Rainforest. Accompanied by our guide we cross the Keleni River in an open catamaran-type traditional wooden boat with no sail and then walk deep into the rainforest to see flora and fauna and where crystal clear water reveals shoals of fish.
Adam's Peak
Now one of the highlights of the trip - the ascent of Adams Peak. Though not the highest mountain in Sri Lanka at 2250m, the striking pyramid shape is certainly the most remarkable. The climb to Adams Peak starts late evening and the descent completes the following morning where we will be rewarded with beautiful views of the sunrise.
Horton Plain
After spending a relaxing morning to recover from the walk, we leave for Nuwara Eliya in the afternoon. Today we head for Horton Plains for a walk on a on a high windswept saddle at 2100m. Later we return to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Yala, Tissamaharama
After breakfast we leave for Tissamaharama and check in at our hotel. Then to the Yala National Park, famous for its high density of leopards, perhaps the highest in the world. We will also see mammals such as wild boars, several species of deer and wild buffaloes well as reptiles including crocodiles.
Bundala National Park
This morning we visit the Bundala National Park. This park falls within the south eastern arid zone of Sri Lanka, with a climate that can be classified as hot and dry
Waskaduwa
Today will be spent at leisure under the palms at Waskaduwa, this secluded crescent shaped beach is the perfect place to lie back and relax.
Drive to Colombo
After breakfast we set out on our drive to Colombo where you have the afternoon at leisure
Colombo Sightseeing
A walking tour of the city is planned for today. The city skyline has dramatically changed during the last decade, trendy malls and cafes sit alongside old colonial architectural monuments and local eateries.
Transfer / Departure
Transfer to International airport. With a wide range of memorable and unusual experiences in the baggage we take leave of Sri Lanka and fly back home.