Compare Walking Trails of Sri Lanka by Exodus Travels vs Tour of Ancient Sri Lanka by Panoramic Tour & Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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0 | Poor
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| Duration | 15 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 3,300 | $ 1,077 |
| Price Per Day | $ 220 | $ 154 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| 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. |
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 3 Dinners |
| 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 |
We warmly welcome you to our ancient Sri Lankan tour of 08 days where you can view various ancient sites in 08 different locations and more just in 08 days. You will get a chance to visit Dambulla, the Sigiriya rock fortress, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Negombo. This Island is actually blessed with pristine culture and heritage where you can relish ancient history. Eat and walk around the country like a local and fall in love with the cultural triangle. |
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: Ayubowan! (Airport-Colombo)
Have a memorable Holiday! With a warm welcome by our professional chauffer guide and a Panoramic Tour representative we welcome you to Sri Lanka. After arriving at the Katunayake International Airport, we will accommodate you in a Hotel in Colombo. If time permits you can go on a city tour where you can visit Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Memorial Square and Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil and enjoy walking along the Galle Face Green. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Travel Duration- 1 Hour
Day 2: Off To Sigiriya (Colombo-Sigiriya)
After your breakfast proceed to Sigiriya. You can enjoy a village tour in Galewela, you will get a chance to experience a Tuk Tuk ride, bullock and catamaran ride. After an authentic Sri Lankan Lunch with a chilled beer involve yourself in a cooking demonstration, get a chance to learn and cook local rice and curry and learn the ancient secret recipe while cooking with the demonstrators, from there continue your journey towards Sigiriya. En route visit the Dambulla Cave Temple thereafter check in at the hotel, relax yourself in the pool, enjoy a complimentary dinner and for an overnight stay.
Travel Duration- 4 Hours
Day 3: 8th Wonder of The World (Sigiriya)
After breakfast get ready to climb the Sigiriya Rock, which is known as the 8th Wonder of the World, it has been formed by the lava of a wiped out spring of gushing lava, it stands at 200 meters in height, surrounded by wilderness. Thereafter off to Pidurangala rock where from the top, there is an astounding view of the surrounding scenery and an unbelievable view of the Sigiriya Rock and enjoy your lunch at a recommended restaurant Proceed to the Hotel and spend your night after a tiring day with a free dinner.
Day 4: Temple Ride (Sigiriya-Anuradhapura-Sigiriya)
Enjoy your morning breakfast and off to Anuradhapura. This city is well known as one of the major cities in Sri Lanka. Have your lunch at the suggested restaurant and view the ancient stupas and ancient reservoirs during the tour. Some of the main attractions are the glorious rock carvings of vast richness and remarkable beauty Ruwanwelisaya Stupa one of the hemispherical structures containing relics in Sri Lanka, Lovamahapaya is a set of ruins with hundreds and hundreds of stone pillars that lie between the stupa Ruwanwelisaya and the Great Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Thuparamaya Dagaba. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay after a free dinner.
Day 5: History Of Sigiriya (Sigiriya-Kandy)
After the breakfast, continue your journey to Kandy a cultural city surrounded by Hills and a Lake, enjoy your lunch in Kandy and check in at the hotel. Thereafter you can visit the famous sanctuary of the Scared Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is a Buddhist Temple in the city of Kandy, it is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the Tooth of the Lord Buddha. Go on a shopping spree around Kandy also get a chance to visit the batik factory, the oak ray gem shop and view the wood carvings and by 4:00pm witness a cultural dance show for some vibrant entertainment. Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Travel Duration-2.5 Hours
Day 6: Little Rome (Kandy-Negombo)
Have your breakfast and continue your journey towards Negombo. If interested en route you can visit the Surathura Spice Garden to witness the spices which are very imperative to Asian cuisine then proceed to Millennium Elephant Foundation, enjoy your lunch on your way to Negombo. Check in at the hotel and spend some time shopping and get back to the hotel to relax and for an overnight stay.
Travel Duration- 3 Hours
Day 7: Until We Meet Again (Negombo-Airport)
After having your breakfast andif time permits visit the Lellama to get to know the story of people engaged in their daily routine. Depending on your departure flight time check out of the Hotel. Don’t forget to take plenty of good memories of your unforgettable vacation home with you.
Travel Duration- 0.5 Hour
