General Information
Tour Highlights
- Travel to the unique peaks and folds of the Knuckles Mountain Range, uncovering the paths to remote villages and camping by secluded waterfalls.
- Soak up the stunning vistas from atop Sri Lanka’s Rockstar monument, Sigiriya, after climbing the 1200 steps to the summit of the ancient rock fortress.
- Connect with a side of the Teardrop Isle traversing off the tourist trail and trek the diverse landscapes making up this island slice of paradise.
- Venture to the summit of Adam’s Peak under the moonlight and be rewarded with a mind-blowing sunrise that will be imprinted in your memory for years to come.
Tour Details
Tour Route: Negombo – Sigiriya – Knuckles Mountain Range – Kandy – Hatton – Haputale – Bandarawela – Unawatuna – Colombo
Duration: 14 Days/ 13 Nights
Departure Date: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!
Start/ End: Colombo/ Colombo
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interests
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Negombo Arrival
Day 02: Negombo – Sigiriya
Day 03: Knuckles Mountain Range 1st Day
Day 04: Knuckles Mountain Range 2nd Day
Day 05: Knuckles Mountain Range 3rd Day
Day 06: Kandy Arrival
Day 07: Discover Kandy
Day 08: Kandy – Hatton
Day 09: Hatton – Haputale
Day 10: Haputale – Bandarawela
Day 11: Bandarawela – Unawatuna
Day 12: Discover Unawatuna
Day 13: Colombo Arrival
Day 14: Colombo Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 01: Negombo Arrival
Upon arrival, our representative in Sri Lanka will be waiting to meet and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day you will spend relaxing. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 02: Negombo – Sigiriya
After breakfast, leave the beaches of Negombo behind and travel inland by private vehicle (approximately 4.5 hours) to Sri Lanka’s rock-star monument – Sigiriya. Formed from the magma of an extinct volcano, the dramatic rock fortress’s near-vertical walls soar 200 meters above the lush central plains and surrounding jungle and are crowned by the ruins of an ancient civilization at the plateau.
Once the heat of the Sri Lankan sun has begun to diminish, take the time to explore Sigiriya’s elaborate fifth-century complex – a fine example of ancient urban planning – with its cave shrines, intricate frescoes, splashing fountains as well as some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. But the highlight of Sigiriya does not come easy, and it’s here that the first test of your trekking legs comes into play.
Prepare yourself for the 2.5-hour round trip as you climb 1200 steps across a series of winding, steep staircases that grasp the vertical facade of the fortress until you reach the wonderful old-aged remains resting on the plateau. It’s here that you experience the highlight of Sigiriya – pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and reap the well-earned reward of jaw-dropping views over the vast jungle canopy as well as distant misty mountain peaks stretching far out into the Sri Lankan sunset.
Day 03: Knuckles Mountain Range 1st Day
Today, we take a drive to Illukkumbura Forest Conservation Centre (approximately 2 hours), where the real trekking begins! The 234-square-kilometer Knuckles Mountain Range gets its name from the landscape’s unique folds and peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist.
This hiking haven houses beautiful trails overlooking terraced rice paddies, thundering waterfalls, an abundance of rare and elusive animals, and a scattering of quaint villages hidden within the mountain creases. The hike starts with a picturesque trail up to Manigala. As you walk, soak up the beauty of the Riverston mountains and river valley on your right and the mountain forest patches of the Knuckles Conservation Forest on your left – a clear day on the trail rewards you with a stunning view of Doovili Ella Waterfall, as it cascades 40 meters down through the lush jungle. Continue to trek to your campsite, located on the banks of Thelgamu Oya river and freshen up with a dip in the cooling waters. This evening, why not join the group for an optional evening walk to Pitawala Pathana plains to witness the magnificent vistas from the ‘mini world’s end’.
Day 04: Knuckles Mountain Range 2nd Day
After breakfast, cross the river and venture further away from civilization to the recently abandoned Walpolamulla village. The origins of this remote hamlet date back up to 5000 years and it was, at one time, the world’s smallest and most ancient village – that is until elephants forced the residents from their home and into a neighboring community! During the dry season, you may be lucky enough to see elephants in the distance. Continue to trek deep into the dense flora and fauna until you reach a beautiful waterfall, which marks the location for tonight’s camp. The closest village, isolated in the heart of the thick jungle, is a 6 – 7-hour walk away.
Day 05: Knuckles Mountain Range 3rd Day
Today is your longest day of walking (18 kilometers), so fuel up with a simple breakfast before embarking on the trek down to Narangamuwa village, located in the far north corner of the Knuckles Conservation Forest. For the first few hours, keep an eye out for the abundance of birdlife that inhabits the region, followed shortly after by an influx of fluttering butterflies as the midday sun approaches. If you’re lucky, you may also spot barking deer or a sambar deer frolicking among the greenery. Once you’ve reached the village campsite, perhaps join the locals for a friendly game of cricket – the most popular sport in Sri Lanka.
Day 06: Kandy Arrival
This morning, begin trekking towards the south side of the jungle – occasionally catching a glimpse of the colossal Lakegala rock in the distance. After approximately 6 kilometers, enter Meemure village, which is recorded as one of the most remote villages in Sri Lanka. Walk further up through the few local townships until eventually arriving at Corbert’s Gap for lunch with a view! Afterward, say goodbye to the nature of Knuckles and hello to the bustling big city as you hop in your private vehicle transfer and drive approximately 2 hours to Kandy.
Day 07: Discover Kandy
Kandy – a pleasant city covered by lush green countryside, houses a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market, and some great restaurants. Today, visit and indulge in some of Kandy’s natural and historical attractions – the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens offer both – the sculpted lawns were once a private playground for Kandyan royalty. Or simply lounge poolside in order to rest and recuperate ready for the hiking days ahead.
This evening, why not observe locals worshipping in Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines that houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, or perhaps contrast the holy hush of the temple with the booming, energetic drums that accompany the elaborately costumed performers of a Kandyan dance show. If you’re feeling puckish, you can follow the sound of rhythmic chopping to watch a chef transform a ball of dough into a huge sheet of wafer-thin roti, skilfully slice, griddle, mix with vegetables and spices and create Kotthu Roti – you’ve earned it!
Day 08: Kandy – Hatton
This morning, enjoy a scenic train ride to Hatton Station before taking a private vehicle to Dalhousie, a village within the beautifully landscaped Nuwara Eliya District, and the perfect base for avid hikers looking to climb Adam’s Peak. Rest up this evening before you begin a hike at 0:00 am, yes – midnight! There won’t be much of a view when you’re walking in the low-lit glow of moonlight, but witnessing the sunrise burst through the morning sky from the peak of the mountain is worth every step in the dark.
Day 09: Hatton – Haputale
After witnessing the epic sunrise, enjoy a packed breakfast on the peak before soaking up the incredible views over Sri Lanka’s southern valley as you descend the south side of the mountain, eventually reaching the city of Ratnapura. From here, jump into your private vehicle and perhaps catch up on some sleep as you drive approximately 3 hours to Haputale, a picturesque town surrounded by hills and covered with cloud forests.
Day 10: Haputale – Bandarawela
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s highlands as you embark on a picturesque hike from Haputale to Bandarawela – through the verdant surrounds of the region’s tea plantations and past the small Tamil villages that dot the undulating countryside. During the trek, there will be plenty of opportunities to witness the local tea pickers at work – and of course, the chance to reward your hiking efforts with a refreshing cup of Sri Lankan brew straight from the source! Arrive in Bandarawela and soak up the rural charm of the town and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Day 11: Bandarawela – Unawatuna
Today, in the early morning, transfer by private vehicle to Ballaketuwa where you will begin the hike towards Randeniya. For the first few kilometers, walk through the iconic tea plantations that define Sri Lankan countryside, while taking in continuous beautiful views of Ella Gap and the southern plains. After two hours, the dynamic shifts as you enter the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Meander through the mix of gardens as well as small jungle patches before following the river and paddy fields for the last leg of the trek. After lunch, head to the beachside town of Unawatuna in your private vehicle (approximately 4 hours) and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure in palm-fringed paradise.
Day 12: Discover Unawatuna
Sleep in! And enjoy a free day of rest and relaxation in the beautiful beach town of Unawatuna. Flop and drop on the golden sands, plunge into the salty sapphire waters or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. If your adrenaline is still pumping, perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest or pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing – alternatively you might like to simply unwind with an indulgent massage – treat yourself!
Day 13: Colombo Arrival
After breakfast, drive by private vehicle to Galle before catching the train to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival, join your leader on a visit to a local bazaar, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market – a local market full of stalls which is a showcase of social enterprises and responsible businesses. This evening, you might like to head out with the group for a final dinner to celebrate your journey together.
Day 14: Colombo Departure
Time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. Morning and breakfast at leisure until getting escorted to the airport for a flight coming home. The trip ends. Hope you enjoy the trip and wish that we could serve you next time when it comes to Sri Lanka holiday packages.
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