Compare Walking Trails of Sri Lanka by Exodus Travels vs Rural Sri Lanka: off the beaten track by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 3,300 | $ 3,827 |
| Price Per Day | $ 220 | $ 273 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, five lunches and one dinner are included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow. | N/A |
| Description |
When the typical tourist route takes in dazzling beaches, fragrant spice gardens, emerald tea hills, safari wildlife and a glut of Unesco-listed landmarks, it’s no wonder few leave the well-worn path in Sri Lanka. But go beyond the classic circuit and you’ll discover a wealth of beauty and intrigue that you don’t need to share with anyone else. This two-week walking adventure combines the can’t-miss highlights, including the Sigiriya rock fortress, sacred Adam’s Peak and the wildlife of Yala National Park, with the lesser-visited trails of the Knuckles Mountain Range, where we pass rice paddies and villages virtually undiscovered by the tourist hordes. Journey off the tourist track to discover a lesser-seen side to the teardrop island |
An incredibly diverse but relatively small island nation, Sri Lanka offers magnificent wildlife, world-class cultural attractions and glorious beaches. With no long distances to cover, even a short trip can include a wide range of experiences and activities such as spotting leopards and elephants on safari, observing whales and dolphins off the south coast or marvelling at the wonders of the Golden Triangle. Step back in time with a visit to the ancient capitals of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa or the Dambulla cave temples. Visit colonial Galle or simply relax beneath swaying palms on the golden beaches of the southwest or less-visited northeast. |
Day 1 Start Dambulla
The group flight arrives at Colombo's Katunayake Airport and we transfer to our hotel at Dambulla (100mi/160km, four hours' drive). Those not flying with the group can meet us at the hotel or the airport in time for the transfer. Please be aware, if you are meeting the group at the airport for a transfer you might need to purchase a ticket outside to enter the arrivals hall. We make our way to the hotel in Dambulla (100mi/160km, four hours’ drive). Accommodation: Pelwehera Village Resort (or similar)
Day 2 Visit Dambulla Caves, village walk towards Sigiriya; afternoon visit to Lion Rock fortress
After breakfast, we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, one of the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, well-preserved paintings and statues of Buddha inside, dating to the first century BCE. We then have a short, gentle, warm-up walk through villages and rice paddies and on towards Sigiriya, where we have lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the imposing fifth-century rock fortress, which rises 590ft (180m) from the plains overlooking the countryside with far-reaching views. The route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 655ft (200m) and pass an overhanging rock, under which superb portraits of indigenous maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the walls. Crowning the flat-topped summit are extensive remains of the King's Summer Palace from where there are breath-taking views of the countryside. The descent is much easier and we have a final 35-minute drive back to our hotel in Dambulla. Accommodation: Pelwehera Village Resort (or similar)
Day 3 Drive to Illukkumbura; walk the Manigala Trail in the Knuckles Mountain Range
The next two days takes us across the Knuckles Mountain Range. We start early with a three-hour drive to the start of our walk, where we begin with an easy descent past paddies and through the villages of Pitawala Patana and Etanwala. Descending to the river, we cross a small bridge and climb up through more farmland. Finally, emerging at the top of an escarpment, we are rewarded with great views of the countryside. An easy trail takes us along the escarpment to Manigala Top at 3,660ft (1,115m), the high point of today. Next, we descend to the Mahalakotuwa village area, which leads to the main road and then it’s a 20-minute walk to our campsite by the river where we can bathe in the cool, refreshing water. Accommodation: Camping at Knuckles with Eco Team (or similar) (Occasionally, we use an alternative campsite due to high water levels, which is about 40 minutes’ drive from Illikumbura).
Day 4 Walk through forests to Meemure; transfer to Orutota
We begin with a half-hour drive to the Narangamuwa Temple at Ranamuregama. Starting our walk, we pass paddies and coconut groves before we enter a heavily forested area. The trail climbs gently for an hour and then levels out before undulating though this lush forest. The only sound we can hear is the birdsong around us. Emerging from the forest in the village of Meemure, make sure to look back for a spectacular view of the Lakegala peaks. Passing farms growing pepper and other spices, we come to a small tea shop where we have lunch. After, we take a truck or rickshaws for a bumpy 90-minute ride to Corbett’s Gap, a much-loved viewpoint. Our bus meets us here for the 1hr 30min drive to our hotel at Orutota overlooking the Victoria Reservoir. Accommodation: Oruthota Chalets (or similar)
Day 5 To Kandy; visit the Temple of the Tooth
We enjoy a relaxing morning in the hotel garden and pool. Mid-morning, we have an 11mi (18km) drive to Kandy and the afternoon to explore. The town is located around a small lake and we can walk round to look for water birds and large water monitors. Later, we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka, the Tooth of Buddha, which was taken from the funeral pyre in India in 543 BCE and found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in July/August the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Accommodation: Hotel Suisse (or similar)
Day 6 - 7 Ascend Adam’s Peak
This morning, we drive to Dickoya (three hours), where we stay for two nights in a simple summer house with a wonderful view of the Castlereagh Reservoir. On a clear day, we can see the outline of Adam’s Peak in the distance. In the pilgrim season (December to May), we have the day to relax or you can take a walk around the lake (approximately 3.7mi/6km). We leave around midnight for the walk up Adam’s Peak (approximately 8.7mi/14km). This will take around four hours and we should reach the top with the many pilgrims at sunrise. In the off season (May to November), we spend the first day at Dickoya and can walk around the lake and we climb Adam’s Peak during daylight hours on the following day. (Day 6: B) (Day 7: B,L) Accommodation: Summer House Hatton (or similar)
Day 8 Drive to Nuwara Eliya; optional walk to explore the town
This morning, we have a wonderful drive through tea plantation districts to Nuwara Eliya. This was the favourite hill station during the British era, situated in the cool highland air. Known locally as Little England, it is dotted with British-style houses, hotels and a racecourse. There will be an optional walk into the hills around the town and also time to explore the bazaar. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Early morning to Horton Plains; walk to World's End viewpoint; to Ella by train
Today we drive to Horton Plains, a large plateau more than 6,560ft (2,000m) above sea level, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and best explored on foot. We trek through the rolling grasslands, seeing forest and unusual wildlife, such as the sambar deer and purple-faced monkey, all the way to World's End, one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka. Here the ground drops 3,445ft (1,050m) to the plains below. We then catch the train from the highest railway station in the country; within two hours we go from 6,197ft (1,889m) to 3,599ft (1,097m). The train travels through the cloud forest into the tea plantations, the views are spectacular; we disembark at Ella. Accommodation: Hotel Country Comfort (or similar)
Day 10 Morning trek to Ella Rock; Free afternoon
This morning, we set out to ascend the iconic Ella Rock, the highest point in Ella standing 3,743ft (1,140m). The round trip to Ella Rock takes about four to five hours. Starting off gently with flat trail where you walk through farm land, passing by locals as they get on with their day to day life. The second phase is a gradual ascent to reach the top. You look out over the Ella gap, a deep valley connecting the city of Ella with the low country. The afternoon is free to explore the vibrant and busy Ella town. Accommodation: Hotel Country Comfort (or similar)
Day 11 Drive to Yala National Park; afternoon game drive
We now head south of the hills to Tissamaharama down the plains. On the way, we stop at Ella Gap where the most of the southern part of the island is in view and the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible on a clear day . We continue on our journey visiting the spectacular Ravana waterfalls, which is 82ft (25m) tall and one of the widest waterfalls in the country. We also stop at the Buduruwagala Temple, where we see seven statues of Buddha carved out of a rock that dates to the 10th century. Tissamaharama is our base for visiting Yala National Park – its open terrain was well known for elephants for many years, but recently the park has become better known as a place to spot leopards. The park, which is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and freshwater lagoons, has one of the highest concentrations of leopard in the world. We have a game drive in the afternoon. (Please note, the sanctuary may be closed for four to six weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. In this instance, we visit a nearby alternative, usually Udawalawe National Park). Accommodation: Chaarya Resort (or similar)
Day 12 Walk around Yodakandiya Lake; transfer to the coast.
This morning, we drive to the beautiful Yodakandiya Lake in Tissamaharama where we walk for approximately 3hr 30min (approximately 3mi/5km). This is an opportunity to see the day-to-day life of the local people plus a range of birdlife. In the late afternoon, we drive for approximately four hours to the coast and your beach front hotel. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 13 Free day to relax on the beach or optional activities including whale watching (November to April)
We have a free day to relax on the beach or by the pool. There are also numerous optional activities including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation or you can go whale watching off Dondra Head from November to April. This is one of the best places in the world for seeing blue and sperm whales. Accommodation: Insight Resort (or similar)
Day 14 To Galle; transfer to Colombo
We drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates to the 17th century and is now a Unesco World Heritage site. On the way, we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set among beautiful gardens. We continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our hotel in the late afternoon (the drive takes around two to three hours plus stops). Accommodation: Hotel Cinnamon Red (or similar)
Day 15 End Colombo
Today is the end of your journey. If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to the airport for the daytime international flight. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after breakfast. If you would like to continue the adventure with our post-trip extension to the Maldives or a beach stay in Ahangama, speak to your sales representative.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Colombo.
Day 2 : Wadumunnegedara
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by one of our representatives and then driven to your accommodation in the countryside. Horathapola Estate is an old planter's house set in the middle of a coconut plantation, surrounded by paddy fields.
Day 3 : Wadumunnegedara
Visit Yapahuwa this morning. Built around a granite rock, the remnants of this city show where one of the ancient capitals of medieval Sri Lanka once was. Explore with your chauffeur-guide before returning to Horathapola to relax this afternoon. The swimming pool and gardens are ideal to unwind.
Day 4 : Pallepola
After a leisurely breakfast you will be driven (approximately three hours) to your next hotel, a farmstay which is more luxurious than it sounds - an Audley favourite. Jim's Farm is a wonderful base for exploring within the cultural triangle. En route you will have chance to stop for photo opportunities or for a refreshment break.
Day 5 : Pallepola
This morning you will visit Sigiriya Rock accompanied by your chauffeur guide, who will be able to provide you with the history of the rock as you admire the views on the top. Ensure you wear sensible shoes and take water with you - although not the easiest of climbs, the views reward your hard work.Afterwards you will visit the Dambulla Caves, dating back to the 1st Century. All of the caves contain varying sizes of statues of Buddha and several have impressive ceiling frescos.
Day 6 : Pallepola
Today you will visit nearby Aluvihara and Matale. In Aluvihara, you can spend time exploring the rock temple, which is said to date back to the 1st Century BC. If you like temples, the Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale is also worth seeing. Otherwise, Matale is well known for its spice markets, which are fun to explore.
Day 7 : Pallepola
Your chauffeur guide will collect you after breakfast and accompany you to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second capital. The drive there takes around 90 minutes. The ancient city ruins have a mix of both Buddhist and Hindu influence, and are a great place to learn more about the history of Sri Lanka.
Day 8 : Anamaduwa
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you will drive north to The Mudhouse. The drive will take around three hours, but you will get to see more of the lovely Sri Lankan scenery en route. On arrival you will be made to feel very welcome by the staff who will show you to your accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 9 : Anamaduwa
Enjoy a leisurely day today taking in the surroundings of The Mudhouse. You can take kayaks out onto the lake, borrow bicycles to explore, or if you are interested in learning about Sri Lankan cookery you would be most welcome in the kitchen to watch or help out.
Day 10 : Alankuda
After a leisurely breakfast you will have the chance to visit Paramakanda Temple before being driven for around 90 minutes to the coast where you will then spend the last four nights of your holiday at leisure.
Day 11 : Alankuda
Day at leisure. If you wanted to see some wildlife, consider a day excursion to Wilpattu National Park - Sri Lanka's largest park who's name literally translates to 'land of the lakes'.
Day 12 : Alankuda
Day at leisure. If you're feeling active, take to the ocean to go kite-surfing (seasonal - weather dependent), lobster fishing or diving. The hotel will be happy to help with arrangements.
Day 13 : Alankuda
Day at leisure. If travelling between November and April, arrange a boat trip with the hotel to head out and be amongst the dolphins which play off this coast during these months. For a more relaxing day, book ahead and spend a day in the hotel's spa.
Day 14 : International return flight
You will be driven back to Colombo for your flight today. Depending on flight times, you may need to spend a night in Colombo as the drive from Alankuda takes around four hours. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
