Compare Bliss of Sri Lanka by Direct Traveller vs Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak by Intrepid Travel

Day 1:

Accommodation: Heritance Negombo.

You will be met and assisted on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, by Direct Traveller representatives and then introduced to your English speaking chauffeur guide. Transfer from Airport to Negombo (approx. 30 minutes)

(One night stay in a Standard room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast at Heritance Negombo Hotel

Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa

Transfer from Negombo to Anuradhapura (approx. 4 hours)Anuradhapura holds the distinction of being the third capital (after Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara) and the greatest city in the history of Sri Lanka. This glorious city is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. The Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree), which is over 2200 years old, was brought here as a sapling (from the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment). This tree is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. To add to this glory, the famous dagoba in Sri Lanka, Ruwanweliseya (2nd century BC) and The Brazen Palace too are found in Anuradhapura. Other major attractions include the Samadhi Buddha statue and the Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd Century BC), which is famous for its rock carvings.Transfer from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya (approx. 2 hours)

Overnight Stay at (Three nights stay in a Deluxe room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa

After breakfast at Aliya Resort & Spa this morning you head to world heritage site Polonnaruwa. (approx. 1 hour & 15 minutes)Polonnaruwa became capital of Sir Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura. It was declared a capital by King Vijayabahu the 1st who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070.  The golden age of this glorious city was under the reign of King Parakramabahu the 1st who oversaw the construction of one of the greatest irrigation systems the country has seen, the Parakrama Samudhraya, which covers an area of 6,000 acres. The ruins of the Royal Palace and various buildings and structures can be seen even today. Other highlight of this city is the Gal Viharaya which has 3 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the former Temple of Tooth Relic, Shivan Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, Galpotha, and Kiri Viharaya.Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Minneriya (approx. 30 minutes)Spanning over 8,800 hectares, the Minneriya National Park is located alongside the vast, renovated Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir. As a part of the corridor which joins Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks, Minneriya offers an amazing sightseeing experience where one may see herds of elephants throughout the year. In October, you will witness the famous gathering of the wild elephants which is the largest known meeting place of wild elephants in the world. The park is also home to about 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species.Transfer from Minneriya to Sigiriya (approx. 45 minutes)

Day 4:

Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa

Following the breakfast at Aliya Resort & Spa, you will get an opportunity to climb 5th century rock citadel, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka's most popular historic site, Sigiriya is 200 meters citadel was home to his palace on top of the rock and derives its name as it appears to resemble the outline of a lion from distance. King Kasyapa built his palace and decorated its walls with colorful frescoes which can even be seen today. These frescoes, along with India¿s Ajantha cave frescoes are world renowned for lasting through the ages and their awe-inspiring beauty. When you climb along the side of the rock, about halfway up, you will encounter a gateway that although in ruins, resembles a gigantic lions paw.

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast at Aliya Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Earl's Regency Hotel.

And then a transfer from Sigiriya to Dambulla (approx. 30 minutes)The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as Jambukola Viharaya is a World Heritage Site and is the largest, preserved cave temple complex in the country. It is believed that King Valahambahu converted these caves into a temple during the 1st century BC. Although there are more than 80 documented caves in the area, the temple itself is spread over five. These caves contain statues and paintings that chronicle Lord Buddha and his life. There are 153 Lord Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan Kings and 4 statues of Gods and goddesses found here. The latter include those of Hindu Gods Vishnu and Ganesh. The murals cover over 2,000 square metres in area. The largest image of Lord Buddha is a carving that spans over 14 metres. Transfer from Dambulla to Matale (approx. 1 hour)Matale, known for its welcoming climate is world famous for its spice gardens.  Here one may experience the intricate processes that result in Sri Lanka producing some of the best spices in the world. What¿s more, a cookery demonstration too will be held allowing visitors to learn to prepare traditional curries using local spices. Transfer from Matale to Kandy (approx. 1 hour & 30 minutes)

 (Two nights stay in a Deluxe room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 6:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Earl's Regency Hotel

And then a transfer from Kandy to Pinnawala (approx. 2 hours)The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage provides visitors with the best chance of seeing a large number of elephants at close quarters. The orphanage was established in 1975 and commenced with seven orphaned elephants. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their calfs born in the same location. Assisted by local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala commenced a successful captive breeding programme and the first baby elephant was born in 1984. It is most interesting to visit at feeding time to see the baby elephants being bottle fed and the entire herd taken for a bath thereafter to the river nearby. Transfer from Pinnawala to Kandy. Do a city tour in this afternoon.The World Heritage Site, Kandy, was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings, before the country was brought under British rule in 1815. Famous for its rich heritage and splendour, this magnificent city was last ruled by Sri Wickramarajasinghe. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the most significant highlight of the city along with the Kandy lake, the town and other attractions. Visit the Kandy Town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre and a gem museum and a lapidary. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and thereafter, witness a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance.

Day 7:

Meals: Breakfast at Earl's Regency Hotel

Accommodation: Jetwing Yala

Transfer from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, en-route you will visit a Tea Planation (approx. 3 hours)Visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Upon your visit you will observe how the quality of tea is graded and also have a walk-through of the manufacturing process. The highlight of your visit will be enjoying the taste of a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory. Overnight Stay at Grand Hotel

(One night stay in a Deluxe room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 8:

Meals: Breakfast at Grand Hotel

And then a transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe (approx. 5 hours)The park is adjacent to the Udawalawe reservoir and Walawe river. The region is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the mountain range that wind endlessly on the Balangoda, Kalthota and Haputale escarpments. Spread over 30,821 hectares, the Park has an annual rainfall of 1,524 mm and an average year-round temperature of 29.4 C.  The Udawalawe National Park is famous for its many herds of elephants which can be observed in their natural habitats. You will see the spotted deer, sambur, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal which are also inhabitants of the park.Later on you will visit the Elephant Transit Home which is a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Consevation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild.Transfer from Udawalawe to Yala (approx. 2 hours)

 (Two nights stay in a Superior room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 9:

Accommodation: Jetwing Yala.

Early this morning you will proceed on a game drive of Yala National Park by jeep(You will have the option of either taking a long a picnic breakfast provided by the hotel or having a late breakfast back at the hotel).Do a jeep safari of Yala National Park which is undoubtedly the largest and most popular in Sri Lanka. It consists of five blocks, all of which are at present open to the public. Block 1, Ruhuna is the most visited of the five. Visitors can expect to see wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer and crocodiles.  Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here. Thereafter you will return to the hotel and be at leisure, relaxing by the pool and later this afternoon proceeds on another game drive of Yala National Park.

Day 10:

Meals: Breakfast at Jetwing Yala

Accommodation: Ramada Colombo

And then transfer from Yala to Colombo. Overnight Stay at Ramada Colombo

(One night stay in a Standard room on bed breakfast basis)DAY 11:   This day you will proceed to the Airport in time to connect with your departure flight or transfer to a beach resort can be organised.

Day 1 Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the beachside town of Negombo with a welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Known for its centuries-old fishing industry, Negombo is a historic port city close to Sri Lanka's international airport. If you arrive early, maybe watch the fishing boats head out to sea, stroll along the beach to see the daily catch drying in the sun or indulge in a seafood feast. The surrounding countryside, with its network of canals, is a fascinating slice of Sri Lankan rural life and is best explored by bicycle.

Day 2 Sigiriya

Leave bright and early this morning and travel to Dambulla – home to the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. After checking into your accommodation, make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya for your first activity – a hike up the 1200 steps of the famed Lion Rock. This ancient carved-rock fortress rises dramatically above the surrounding plains, elevating Sigiriya high into the air. On the way you’ll visit the water and boulder gardens, frescoes and the mirror wall. The next section of the climb takes about half an hour along steep walkways and steps all the way up to the rocky plateau, which soars 200 m above the jungle. From here, the views over the surrounding area and the nearby Pidurangala Rock are jaw-dropping. Make your way back down and head back to Dambulla for a relaxing evening.

Day 3 Minneriya National Park & Knuckles Mountain Range

Today you’ll head out on a relaxed jeep safari for about 3 hours through the nearby Minneriya National Park. The park is home to a mix of evergreen forest and scrublands – look out for sambar deer, leopards and elephants roaming the wild. After the safari, travel by private vehicle to the Knuckles Mountain Range – your home for the next two nights. Named after its striking visual likeness to human knuckles, this UNESCO World Heritage site features 34 mountains that range from 900 to 2000 m. Surrounded by dense forest, waterfalls and terraced rice fields, they are home to some of Sri Lanka’s best hiking trails. Tonight, get closer to nature as you set up camp next to the pristine waters and natural rock pools of the Thelgamu Oya stream. To keep you fresh for tomorrow’s hike your activity is limited to an evening walk around the village before relaxing by the riverside with a group dinner.

Day 4 Knuckles Mountain Range Hiking

Today you’ll head out early for a full-day guided hike along the Manigala Trek through the Knuckles region. Start hiking after breakfast and wind your way through emerald forests and hillsides, past cliffs and alongside fast-flowing rivers. Maybe stop to explore a few of the villages along the way, which are surrounded by sweeping rice terraces. Have lunch by the river and continue up the stone and dirt trail all the way up to the imposing Manigala Rock, for the panoramic views of the peaks and valley below. After taking in the views, make your way back down to camp to enjoy a hearty dinner after a long but rewarding day of hiking.

Day 5 Kandy & Knuckles/Mini World’s End Hiking

Begin the day with a moderate hike through the forest to Knuckles’ renowned Mini World’s End – an observation point overlooking the Thelgamuwa Valley and a sheer drop of 1192 m (4000 ft) to the forest floor below. The panoramic views over the misty valley and distant mountain peaks are truly spectacular, you’ll want your camera today! After the hike, you’ll drive to Kandy, passing the gorgeous scenery along the way. Lying in the hills of the Kandy plateau, this city previously served as the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries – maybe visit the golden roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Housed inside, the relic of the tooth of the Buddha has played an important role in local politics due to the belief that whoever holds the relic holds governance of the country. Kandy’s temple and its status as the last city of the Sri Lankan Kings have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6 Hatton & Tea Country Cycling

Start your day with a scenic train journey to Hatton. When you arrive, cycle from the train station to the small village of Norton Bridge, passing vast tea estates and scenic, tree-lined hills along the way. Check in to your hotel and if you’re still feeling energetic, maybe opt to hike up to Adam’s Peak. The peak is often visited by pilgrims who climb a candle-lit trail in the evening, passing shrines and food stalls along the way. Or you can simply put your feet up with a nice cup of Ceylon tea – the afternoon is yours.

Day 7 Tea Country Cycling & Mirissa

After breakfast, it’s back on your mountain bike for a mostly downhill ride through the heart of tea country. Pedal from Hatton through Bogawantalawa – home to premium Ceylon Tea – to Balangoda. Cycle through the sculpted green hills of ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’. Your ride will be broken up with snack breaks and a lunch stop, providing plenty of fuel (and photo opportunities) for your ride. Then, transfer to the delightful coastal town of Mirissa. This town is part fishing village, part beachside resort and is the perfect place to sit back and relax by the beach after a few active days. For those looking to keep their heart rate up, you can visit nearby Weligama – the ideal place to hit the waves at one of the local surf or bodyboarding schools.

Day 8 Gin River Kayaking & Galle Cycling

Start your day with a short drive to the small town of Unanwitiya – your starting point for an exciting day of kayaking down the Gin River. After instruction from your expert guides, you’ll cruise down the clear waters as it winds its way downstream. Paddle past dense forests, sandbanks, tea plantations and rice paddy fields while keeping an eye out for monitor lizards, birds and the occasional troop of monkeys. After kayaking, head to the boathouse for a delicious local lunch and then head to UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle for a countryside cycling tour. Once the main port for local cinnamon trade, this city features a maze of streets with mansions, ancient churches, a lighthouse and the imposing 17th-century fort. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, this is surely one of the most dramatic structures in all of Sri Lanka. Start your exploration of Galle Fort on a walking tour along the ramparts and winding streets of the Fort. Return to Mirissa in the evening for a well-earned rest tonight.

Day 9 Colombo

Depart Mirissa after breakfast and transfer to Colombo. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then take a leader-led walk past the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. Your walk finishes with a shopping opportunity at the Barefoot fairtrade store. Here, you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. Tonight, there's an optional group dinner to celebrate your journey – if you opt in, you’ll go on a fun food crawl along the city's many market stalls.

Day 10 Colombo

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.