Don’t Miss
- Strip down for an abundance of water-sports on some of Sri Lanka’s finest beaches
- Sail into the deep seas in search of whales and dolphins
- Soar above the dry-zone plains in a hot air balloon at dawn
- Go mountain biking in the hills
- Trek through stunning hill country landscapes
- Camp in Kitulgala and go white-water rafting down the Kelani River
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Accommodation in a shared double / twin room
- Chauffeur-guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (including leisure days)
- Both airport transfers
- Expert advice and support prior to and during the tour
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Price shown is a starting price and is subject to change, depending on travel dates / the number of people travelling etc.
- Price shown is based on two people sharing a double / twin room
- See our Booking Conditions for more details
Day 1 & 2 Kalpitiya, North-West Coast
Kalpitiya lays claim to being the kite-surfing centre of the world. This narrow sandbar on Sri Lanka’s north-east coast has consistently breezy conditions for the bulk of the year, just perfect for a downwinder or two. Discover a laid-back spot bursting with soul. Beginners or novices can kite-surf on Puttalam Lagoon or on the ocean, guided by experts. We have a lot to cram into this activity holiday so we propose a three-hour journey to Kalpitiya after your arrival at the airport, but we can slow down your itinerary on request.
Accommodation: Khomba House
Recommended Activities: Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka
Day 3 & 4 Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Head inland to the Cultural Triangle, home to many of the island’s most spectacular ancient ruins. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel before heading out in the cooler evening air to climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. The following day, work off that excess energy with an exploration of Ritigala ancient monastery, or a game drive in search of elephants at Minneriya.
Accommodation: Aliya Resort and Spa
Recommended Activities: Sigiriya Rock Fortress , Minneriya National Park
Day 5 Knuckles, Kandy
Rise in the early hours and begin the day with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at dawn. As the sun begins to stain the sky red and gold, soar above the arid plains and jungle landscape and gaze in wonder at the ruins which still jut proudly up from the earth. Upon landing enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. The rest of the morning is spent transferring to a remote village in the Knuckles Mountain Range So named because of its resemblance to a set of knuckles on a clenched fist, the Knuckles Conservation Range consists of five mountain peaks and several other smaller peaks, with the highest point about 6,000 ft above sea level.
Accommodation: Sir John's Bungalow
Recommended Activities: Knuckles Mountain Range , Sri Lanka Hot Air Ballooning
Day 6 & 7 Knuckles, Kandy
The next two days will be spent trekking in the Knuckles alongside terraced paddy fields and tea plantations, rivers and waterfalls, through dense forests and small rural village communities – all of which boast beautiful animal and plant life. The backdrop to this remote wilderness could not be more picturesque: panoramic views of misty mountains and spectacular valleys, ancient rock formations, lush forests and gurgling streams. Knuckles is an unmissable, unique blend of nature, culture and adventure.
Accommodation: Sir John's Bungalow
Recommended Activities: Hike in the Knuckles
Day 8 & 9 Ella, Hill Country
A journey to the hill country – and its liveliest and youngest town – Ella. From here you can enjoy an evening trek to Little Adams Peak to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Hike up to Nine Arches Bridge or to Ella Rock, a two-hour mildly strenuous climb with panoramic views at the summit. Go on a mountain bike trip to Ella Waterfall and ride through rural lanes and tea plantations. Tread in the footsteps of Sir Thomas Lipton, an early developer of Sri Lanka’s tea industry with a walk up to his favourite viewpoint at Lipton’s Seat.
Accommodation: 98 Acres Resort
Recommended Activities: Lipton's Seat , Sri Lanka Waterfalls , Walking in Ella , Little Adam's Peak
Day 10 & 11 Kitulgala, Sinharaja & Kitulgala
A satisfying morning winding westwards through wonderful hill country scenery ends by lunchtime at Kitulgala, the centre of Sri Lanka’s river sports. Kitulgala Forest Reserve owes its popularity to the Kelani River, which offers exciting Grade 3 rapids for rafting – as well as rapids suitable for beginners. Rise early to the sound of bird call and the gushing river before indulging in some of the exhilarating activities on offer here, which include kayaking, rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, abseiling and hiking. We propose camping here, but a selection of the best eco-retreats is also available.
Accommodation: Borderlands
Recommended Activities: White-Water Rafting and Canoeing
Day 12, 13 & 14 Mirissa, South Coast
We finish how we started – with some blissful beach days. Sri Lanka’s south coast offers plenty of water-based activities. Learn to surf at Weligama, or take a boat into the deep seas in search of whales and dolphins. Mirissa Water Sports offers water-sports activities including river cruising, sailing, fishing, sea kayaking and snorkelling. All-day catamaran cruises are also available from our reputable suppliers.
Accommodation: Villa Oceane
Recommended Activities: 6 Best Water-Sport Activities in Sri Lanka , Take a Sri Lanka surfing lesson , Whale Watching in Mirissa
Khomba House
Alankuda, North-West
Khomba House is a beautifully-designed two-bedroom beach villa situated within the Bar Reef Resort in Alankuda on the North West coast. The house is furnished with Dutch-period antiques, colourful soft furnishings, and opens on to the secluded sandy beaches. Dolphin spotting off the coast of Alankuda is utterly rewarding during the season from December to April.
Aliya Resort and Spa
Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Aliya Resort and Spa is a modern, eco-friendly resort which offers a range of good accommodation including luxury tents and interconnecting rooms for families. It is perfectly situated for excursions in the Cultural Triangle and has a variety of facilities including a spa and an infinity pool with stunning views.
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Sir John's Bungalow
Knuckles, Kandy
Sir John’s bungalow is a century-old planter’s bungalow that was opened for guests in May 2011 following a complete refurbishment by caring Sri Lankan owners. Nestled into the north face of the Knuckles, the bungalow is surrounded by picturesque mountains and the Knuckles wilderness
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98 Acres Resort
Ella, Hill Country
The 98 Acres Resort is a 12 room eco-friendly, boutique hotel in Ella set amidst tea covered hills with magnificent views of the southern plains, Ella rock and Little Adam’s Peak. Accommodation is in individual stone chalets and the lounge and restaurant pavilion has breathtaking views.
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Borderlands
Kitulgala, Sinharaja & Kitulgala
Borderlands camping is based in Kitulgala, a riverside village that offers Sri Lanka’s best white-water rafting experience. Accommodation is in tents and wooden cabins on stilts and built right over the river.
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Villa Oceane
Matara, South Coast
Villa Oceane is a charming five-bedroom property hidden away by the Madiha surf point, between Matara and Mirissa on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. This is a convivial, well-run place with the extra attraction of possessing a secluded spot a short distance away from the coastal road.
Following are recommended optional activities
Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka
Kalpitiya, West Coast
The best place to go kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is along the north-west coast, in Negombo and Kalpitiya, both of which are laidback beach towns that are also home to a vast lagoon.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring and stunning historical locations in the world, built in the 5th century AD by ‘mad’ King Kasyapa.
Minneriya National Park
Habarana, Cultural Triangle
Minneriya National Park is a small but popular wildlife park home to a wide range of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. It is also the site of the world-renowned wildlife event ‘The Elephant Gathering’.
Knuckles Mountain Range
Knuckles, Kandy
Trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range, named thus because of its resemblance to a clenched fist, five mountain peaks spanning 155sqkm which host a wide range of rare endemic flora and fauna.
Sri Lanka Hot Air Ballooning
Kandalama, Cultural Triangle
Rise at dawn and soar above the wide plains and clusters of jungle which cover the Cultural Triangle, an area of Sri Lanka which is littered with dramatic ancient ruins dating back over 2,000 years.
Hike in the Knuckles
Knuckles, Kandy
The Knuckles Mountain Range is perfect for hiking – a land of mystical peaks, chattering waterfalls and hidden hillside villages, with breathtaking visas and a remoteness that will appeal to experienced and novice hikers alike.
Lipton's Seat
Haputale, Hill Country
The favourite viewing point of Sir Thomas Lipton, Lipton’s Seat offers one of the most spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Drive to the top, or walk up through the surrounding plantations.
Sri Lanka Waterfalls
Hill Country
More than a hundred waterfalls are scattered across Sri Lanka’s verdant central hills, and whilst some are fairly small or inaccessible, many are worth hiking to. We've highlighted our top five.
Walking in Ella
Ella, Hill Country
Ella is one of the most beautiful spots in the hills for walking, offering trails of varying levels of difficulty – make the short climb up Little Adam’s Peak or hike to the summit of Ella Rock.
Little Adam's Peak
Ella, Hill Country
Although this climb is relatively easy, the views from the top of Little Adam’s Peak are sensational. Begin the climb with a gentle stroll through a sloping tea field, passing endless neat rows of terraced tea plants.
White-Water Rafting and Canoeing
Kitulgala, Sinharaja & Kitulgala
Enjoy an exciting rafting adventure in a jungle paradise. The Kelani River is famous for its white-water rafting and boasts rapids suitable for beginners and those with more experience.
6 Best Water-Sport Activities in Sri Lanka
Island-wide
Discover the 6 best water-sport activities in Sri Lanka, from athletic surfing, kite-surfing and windsurfing to laidback snorkelling and sailing trips.
Take a Sri Lanka surfing lesson
Weligama, South Coast
Learn to surf the waves at Weligama Bay on Sri Lanka's blissful south coast with the extra assurance of your own instructor to guide you every step of the way. For beginners and those seeking to improve their style.
Whale Watching in Mirissa
Mirissa, South Coast
This modern catamaran complete with professional crew sets out from Mirissa Harbour at 6:30am, beating the other boats in order to have the best dolphin and whale sightings.
