Tour Highlights
- Climb Sigiriya’s Lion Rock for stunning jungle views.
- Hike Knuckles Mountain Range through forests and cliffs.
- Cycle Tea Country past scenic plantations.
- Kayak Gin River & Explore Galle Fort.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Negombo - Sigiriya - Kandy - Hatton - Mirissa - Galle - Colombo
Duration: 10 days/ 9 nights
Departure date: No fixed departure. Any time you wish!
Start/End: Negombo/Colombo
Tour customization: Definitely! Tell us your interests
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Negombo
Day 2: Sigiriya (B)
Day 3: Minneriya National Park & Knuckles Mountain Range (B, L, D)
Day 4: Knuckles Mountain Range Hiking (B, L, D)
Day 5: Kandy & Knuckles/Mini World's End Hiking (B)
Day 6: Hatton & Tea Country Cycling (B, L)
Day 7: Tea Country Cycling & Mirissa (B, L)
Day 8: Gin River Kayaking & Galle (B, L, D)
Day 9: Colombo (B)
Day 10: Colombo (B)
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Negombo
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your journey kicks off in the coastal town of Negombo with a welcome meeting at 5:30 pm. Famous for its long-standing fishing industry, this historic port city sits conveniently near Sri Lanka’s international airport. If you arrive early, take a stroll along the beach to witness fishing boats setting sail, see the fresh catch drying in the sun, or treat yourself to a delicious seafood meal. For a glimpse of Sri Lankan countryside life, explore the scenic canal network by bicycle.
Day 2: Sigiriya (B)
Start your day early and journey to Dambulla, home to Sri Lanka’s largest and most well-preserved cave temple complex. After settling into your accommodation, take a short drive to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya for your first adventure - a climb up the iconic Lion Rock. This ancient rock fortress towers above the plains, offering a breathtaking sight.
Along the way, explore the water and boulder gardens, admire ancient frescoes, and pass the famous mirror wall. The final ascent, taking about 30 minutes, leads you up steep pathways to a rocky plateau 200 meters above the jungle. From the top, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and nearby Pidurangala Rock. After descending, return to Dambulla for a well-earned evening of relaxation.
Day 3: Minneriya National Park & Knuckles Mountain Range (B, L, D)
Begin your day with a leisurely three-hour jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, a diverse landscape of evergreen forests and scrublands. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including sambar deer, leopards, and roaming elephants.
After the safari, embark on a private vehicle journey to the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range, your home for the next two nights. This UNESCO - listed site, named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, features 34 peaks ranging from 900 to 2000 meters. Surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and terraced rice fields, the area offers some of Sri Lanka’s finest hiking trails.
Tonight, immerse yourself in nature by camping beside the crystal-clear waters and rock pools of Thelgamu Oya stream. Before settling in for a riverside group dinner, take a relaxed evening stroll through a nearby village to unwind before tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 4: Knuckles Mountain Range Hiking (B, L, D)
Start your day early with a full-day guided hike along the Manigala Trek in the stunning Knuckles region. After breakfast, set off on a scenic trail that winds through lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged cliffs, following the course of fast-flowing rivers. Along the way, pause to explore small villages nestled among picturesque rice terraces.
Stop for lunch by the river before tackling the final stretch up the rocky path to Manigala Rock, where breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys await. After soaking in the scenery, descend back to camp for a well-earned, hearty dinner, wrapping up a challenging yet rewarding day of hiking.
Day 5: Kandy & Knuckles/Mini World's End Hiking (B)
Start the day with a scenic hike through the forest to Knuckles’ famous Mini World’s End, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Thelgamuwa Valley with a dramatic 1,192-meter (4,000-foot) drop. The sweeping views of misty valleys and distant peaks make for an unforgettable sight—be sure to have your camera ready!
After the hike, enjoy a picturesque drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s former royal capital, nestled in the hills of the Kandy plateau. The rest of the day is yours to explore—perhaps visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth, believed to grant divine rule to its possessor. As the last stronghold of Sri Lankan kings, Kandy’s historical and spiritual significance has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status.
Day 6: Hatton & Tea Country Cycling (B, L)
Begin your day with a picturesque train ride to Hatton, a journey filled with stunning mountain views. Upon arrival, hop on a bicycle and ride through rolling tea plantations and tree-lined hills to the charming village of Norton Bridge.
After checking into your hotel, you can choose to relax with a warm cup of Ceylon tea or, if you're up for an adventure, embark on a hike to Adam’s Peak. This sacred mountain is a popular pilgrimage site, where visitors ascend a candle-lit trail, passing shrines and food stalls along the way. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 7: Tea Country Cycling & Mirissa (B, L)
After breakfast, hop back on your mountain bike for a mostly downhill ride through Sri Lanka’s picturesque tea country. Cycle from Hatton through Bogawantalawa, a region renowned for its high-quality Ceylon Tea, and into Balangoda.
As you pedal through the lush, rolling hills of the ‘Golden Valley of Ceylon,’ you’ll take breaks for snacks and lunch, offering both refreshment and stunning photo opportunities. Later, transfer to the charming coastal town of Mirissa, where you can unwind on the beach after your active adventures. If you're still feeling energetic, head to nearby Weligama, a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding.
Day 8: Gin River Kayaking & Galle (B, L, D)
Begin your day with a short drive to Unanwitiya, where you’ll kick off an exciting kayaking adventure down the Gin River. After receiving guidance from expert instructors, paddle through clear waters, passing lush forests, sandbanks, tea plantations, and rice fields while spotting monitor lizards, birds, and playful monkeys.
After your river journey, enjoy a delicious local lunch at the boathouse before heading to the UNESCO-listed city of Galle. Once a key hub for the cinnamon trade, Galle boasts colonial-era mansions, ancient churches, a lighthouse, and the impressive 17th-century fort. Explore its winding streets and coastal ramparts on a guided walking tour, then wrap up the day with an included dinner before returning to Mirissa for a well-earned rest.
Day 9: Colombo (B)
After breakfast, depart Mirissa and transfer to Colombo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before heading out on a guided walk through the city’s highlights, including the vibrant Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, the Old Parliament Building, and the National Museum.
Conclude your walk with a visit to the Barefoot fairtrade store, where you can browse a selection of handcrafted goods that support local artisans. In the evening, you have the option to join a group dinner and embark on a lively food crawl, sampling delicious street food from Colombo’s bustling market stalls.
Day 10: Colombo (B)
After breakfast, your adventure concludes, and there are no scheduled activities for the day. You’re free to depart at any time after check-out. If you wish to extend your stay, contact us in advance to arrange extra accommodation.
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