Compare Walking Trails of Sri Lanka by Exodus Travels vs Bestseller of Sri Lanka by Payless Tours India
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,300 | $ 1,350 |
| Price Per Day | $ 220 | $ 113 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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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 |
On this wonderful tour called Bestseller of Sri Lanka, one will have a unique opportunity to see the most significant and beautiful monuments, nature spots, mountain villages and beaches in this lush green country tasting Sri Lankan food and taking part in different attractions. This is a private tour organised by AC transport and a tour escort with accommodation in nice and comfortable three star hotels. There will be both time for sightseeing of the most popular and cultural spots as well as for relax on the serene and beautiful beaches of the Southern part of Sri Lanka at the end of this tour. |
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.
1 Day: Colombo
You will be picked up from the central location of Colombo or the International airport the Bandaranaike International Airport by the driver and the tour escort and transferred to the hotel for resting and sleeping.
After refreshing sightseeing of Colombo starts. You will be taken for sightseeing of Colombo visiting the clock tower, Pettah bazaar, a Hindu as well as a Buddhist temple as well as the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)- an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People' Republic of China. You will be taken to see a famous spot for a walk called Galle Face green promenade where you can observe life of the local people. Overnight at Colombo,
2 Day: Anuradhapura
After breakfast travel to the ancient city Anuradhapura. The place was the First Capital of Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BC. Declared as a World Heritage Site. It remained the residence and royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese kings till the year 1000 AC when it was abandoned and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest Dagoba of Sri Lanka, remains from palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo tree. This tree was grown from a sampling of the very tree under which more than 2500 years ago the Buddha found enlightenment. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Mihintale and Nilaveli Beach
After breakfast travel to Mihintale.Mihintale in the Sinhalese language means Mahinda’s hill – a Buddhist monk in the 11th century. This city was declared a wildlife sanctuary more than 2,200 years ago, making it the oldest of shelters in the world.
Later on travel to Nilaveli beach where you will have a perfect opportunity to relax. Overnight at the hotel in Nilaveli.
Day 4: Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa
After breakfast does the sightseeing of Trincomalee. Visit The Koneswaram Temple is a popular place of worship in Sri Lanka and is one of the Pancha Ishwarams (five abodes) of Lord Shiva. Next, you will see places like the Fort Frederick, Hoods tower museum and Kanniya Hot springs. After that travel to Polonnaruwa which is the second capital (846 AD-1302 AD) of Sri Lanka is a well-preserved city of ancient dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and stunningly beautiful statues. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Dambulla, Sigiriya
After breakfast do sightseeing in Dambulla which is a huge town in Sri Lanka and is popular for its rock cave temple which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla has just this world architecture. It is a signature tourist spot in Sri Lanka. The paintings, wall murals and statues related to Lord Buddha which you’ll find in this cave complex here are simply amazing.
Next, you will have to climb up 1200 steps to the Sigiriya Rock. There are several platforms that break up the steps and allow for a little break if you need it. From some places along the path you also get an amazing view of the surrounding area. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Kandy
After breakfast travel to the town of Kandy which is famous for a temple of the tooth, a Buddhist temple. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Next, you will enjoy the cultural dance show. Overnight at Kandy.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast travel up to the mountains to a picturesque town Nuwara Eliya famouse for its lush green scenic tea plantations. Visit a famous tea factory with the possibility of buying some very good quality tea. You will also visit the temple of Seetha in Seetha Eliya. This place is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by king Ravana, and where she prayed daily for Rama to come and rescue her in the Hindu epic, Ramayana.On the rock face across the stream are circular depressions said to be the footprints of Lord Hanuman. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Ella, Yala National Park
After breakfast drive to the city called Ella. On the way, you will have an opportunity to stop for a picture of the beautiful Ravana waterfall. Later on, drive to Yala National Park where you will enjoy a safari adventure. It’s an experience of epic proportions that brings you up, close and personal with the untamed world of wildlife. Whether you are an avid nature lover or visiting a wildlife park for the first time, if you come here with a mind that’s eager to explore and learn, you will go away with newfound meaning in life. Overnight at the hotel.
Please note that
On your request instead of car travelling, you can choose to travel by local train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella can be organised. Please note that due to a very big number of travellers we don't guarantee a sitting place on the train. The train journey takes around 4 hours and you will get a perfect opportunity to take pictures and admire the beautiful and lush green nature of Sri Lanka: tea plantations, mountain views, waterfalls and other landscapes. You will be dropped off by our driver at the Ella station.
Day 9: Galle
After breakfast travel to the city Galle. Enjoy sightseeing the places like the Turtle hatchery centre and enjoy walking in the beautiful Galle fort with the possibility of taking pictures of stunning landscape and doing the shopping. You can also visit the Dutch and English churches and the Lighthouse. After that, you will be taken for a boat safari during which you will be able to spot many bird species and admire the beautiful nature of Sri Lanka. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 and Day 11 Mirissa Rest
After breakfast, you will be dropped at a serene and beautiful Mirissa beach where you will have an opportunity to relax and do some of the most popular activities such as snorkelling, surfing, diving or whale watching.
Day 12: Colombo Drop Off
After hotel check out you will be dropped off at Colombo airport or another central location in Colombo.
Please note that there is a possibility of extending a relaxing stay on Mirissa beach.
