Active Sri Lanka

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Cycle, hike and paddle around the island of Sri Lanka on this two-week active adventure. Discover the sites of the cultural triangle by bike, try out a sunrise yoga session, hike in the Knuckles Range and whitewater raft on the Kelani River before relaxing on Hikkaduwa's pristine beaches. Sinhajara - Hike through primary rainforest with a specialist park g...
19%
$3,469
From$2,820
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Get active in Sri Lanka as you hike, bike and paddle your way around this beautiful island
    • Search for leopard, elephant and birdlife on jeep safaris in National Parks
    • Relax at the end on Hikkaduwa's pristine beaches

What's this trip about?

    Cycle, hike and paddle around the island of Sri Lanka on this two-week active adventure. Discover the sites of the cultural triangle by bike, try out a sunrise yoga session, hike in the Knuckles Range and whitewater raft on the Kelani River before relaxing on Hikkaduwa's pristine beaches. Sinhajara - Hike through primary rainforest with a specialist park guide to bring the natural world to life Paddleboard, kayak and raft - Get active and explore rivers and lagoons then refuel with delicious local meals Wildlife - Search for leopard, elephant and birdlife on a Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityNegombo
End CityColombo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Sri Lanka

Attractions

  • Colombo
  • Hikkaduwa
  • Kandy
  • Kelani River
  • Matale
  • Minneriya National Park
  • Negombo
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Sigiriya

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Negombo

The trip begins today in the coastal town of Negombo, famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. Located north of the airport it's a great place to relax after the journey and watch fishing boats bring in the day's catch or a stunning sunset over the ocean. ...

Day 2 Cycle along the coast road to Chilaw. Relax by the river at our lodge

We'll start the day by setting up our bikes and driving the short distance to Nainamadama where we'll begin our morning ride. We follow the coast road and get to enjoy a constant view of the ocean to our left and villages and palm trees to the right. It's a gentle ro...

Day 3 Sunrise yoga session then explore village and paddy fields on foot. Sunset kayaking on the Wadiya River

Today starts with a yoga class suitable for complete beginners through to experienced yogis. We will work through some gentle poses as the sun rises and the birds are chirping, a great way to start the day. There is also the option to skip the class and sleep in, or j...

Day 4 Search for leopard, elephant and birdlife on a Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park. Afternoon relaxing

We're up early this morning for a Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park. It's a short transfer and we'll leave just before sunrise so we can be in the park as the wildlife wakes and the light is ideal for photography. The park is known for leopard, elephant and spotte...

Day 5 Drive to Anaradhapura and explore this ancient city on an easy bike ride

After breakfast we'll drive for around 2 hours to Anuradhapura where we'll get on our local bikes and explore the ancient ruins at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Said to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world it dates back to 500 BC. We'll cy...

Day 6 Walk up Mihintale Mount, search for elephant in Minneriya National Park and learn how to cook a traditional Sri Lankan dish

Early this morning we travel a few miles to the mountain peak of Mihintale that stands proud (310 metres/1020 feet above sea level) above the largely flat lands of the cultural triangle. It is believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mah...

Day 7 Climb Sigirya Lion Rock and explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa by bike

The ruins of King Kassapa's Sky Fortress are our starting point for today. The ruins of this 5th century fort are located on top of a dramatic rocky outcrop known as Lion Rock or Sigiriya. We'll climb the 1200 steps (around 200 metres ascent) to the top for beautiful ...

Day 8 Trek in the Knuckles Range. Drive to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth

A very early start this morning sees us travelling south for around 2 hours as we make our way in to the beautiful central highlands to the Knuckles Mountain Range. The range gets it's name from it's resemblance to a clenched fist and as we walk we'll have dramatic vi...

Day 9 Morning visit to tea plantation and factory. Afternoon bus and train ride back into Kandy

After breakfast this morning we take a scenic 2 hour drive up into tea country. Sri Lanka has a long tradition of growing quality tea and this morning we will visit the Blue Field tea plantation, walking through the hilly and beautiful estate. Our guide will explain t...

Day 10 Spend the morning whitewater rafting on the Kelani River. Scenic drive to Sinharaja Rainforest

Our drive this morning takes us to Ginigathhena, set amongst the fertile and lush western highlands, and should take us around 2.5 hours. Set amidst a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and wild water, the Kelani River provides some of the best whitewater rafting i...

Day 11 Hike in UNESCO Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve. Afternoon drive to Hikkaduwa on the coast

We rise very early this morning for the best wildlife viewing conditions and an early breakfast. The reserve opens at 7am and after a 5 minute drive we reach the entrance. The 7km hike on trails through the rainforest is in the company of a specialist park guide who w...

Day 12 Stand up paddleboarding or sea kayaking. Afternoon free. Sunset visit to Galle Fort

We'll take to the water this morning with the chance to try out stand up paddleboards or sea kayaks. Leaving from the Old Pier in Galle we'll take a gentle paddle along the coast, stopping for lunch on a beach before paddling back. Suitable for beginners and those wit...

Day 13 Travel to Colombo and explore the city on foot

After a late breakfast we'll travel north to Colombo and explore the capital on a walking tour. The city is packed full of Portugues, Dutch and British influences and after exploring we'll stop at a roof top bar for a drink as the sunsets over the city.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Tour ends in Colombo

Our tour ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Colombo at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport tran...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,820
Price per day$201
Last Updated: 4/25/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
24 Jul 2024
06 Aug 2024
$2,820
$730
12 spots left
07 Aug 2024
20 Aug 2024
$3,220
$870
7 spots left
21 Aug 2024
03 Sep 2024
$3,090
$730
9 spots left
18 Sep 2024
01 Oct 2024
$3,090
$730
16 spots left
16 Oct 2024
29 Oct 2024
$2,820
$730
14 spots left
30 Oct 2024
12 Nov 2024
$3,090
$730
15 spots left
13 Nov 2024
26 Nov 2024
$3,090
$730
9 spots left
27 Nov 2024
10 Dec 2024
$3,380
$730
7 spots left
11 Dec 2024
24 Dec 2024
$3,150
$780
15 spots left
08 Jan 2025
21 Jan 2025
$3,210
$760
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,561
Great
2,178
Average
375
Disappointing
116
Terrible
56
T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Active Sri Lanka!

The trip was marketed as 'Active' but the active parts weren't very active! A 'hike' in the Knuckles Ranges was little more than a 2km stroll along a paved road and ...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Active Sri Lanka!

Holiday was very well organised from start to finish.,with a great variety of...

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2023

Written on

Active Sri Lanka!

Brilliant Explore! trip, great combination of SriLanka historical sights, farming, religion, food, wildlife with loads of physical activities in-between. We walked m...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on

Active Sri Lanka

George our guide was fabulous, the food was sensational and the itinerary was perfect

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Daniel

May 2024

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD, Bicycle,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD, Bicycle
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Activity Guide(s), Driver(s), Naturalist(s), Safari Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Sri Lanka: All foreign nationals who intend to visit Sri Lanka for a short stay of up to six months, including transit passengers, must apply for travel authorization online prior to travel to the country. All UK, EU, US, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationals can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a fee of approx 100USD. You must apply for this prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that you print and bring a copy of the ETA approval notice with you. The Sri Lankan authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Sri Lanka. https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ In addition to this, Sri Lanka has discontinued the use of paper land cards, and passengers are now required to fill out the following online arrival form, prior to arriving in Sri Lanka: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/emb/eEmbarkation/'#/home-page All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A plus Polio and diptheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. We strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellents containing DEET as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-ASL

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