Video about the tour
In this video, the highlights of the journey are presented – from lush tea plantations and majestic mountain landscapes to cultural treasures such as the Sigiriya Rock and the colorful temples.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport in Colombo, you will be welcomed by our local partner, who will be ready to receive you. From here, the journey continues north through Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes towards Habarana, where you will spend your first night.
Habarana is centrally located in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and is surrounded by jungle, lakes, and small villages. The town is an ideal base for the many experiences awaiting you over the coming days – and with a bit of luck, you may already spot monkeys, peacocks, or even elephants along the way.
Category B - Hotel (example): Kassapa Lion Rock Hotel
Category A - Hotel (example): Amaya Lake Resort
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Aliya Resort & Spa
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to Pidurangala Rock Temple, located just a few kilometres from the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Pidurangala is far less visited than its well-known neighbour, but rewards you with a more rugged and challenging hike – and in return, some truly spectacular views across the landscape and directly towards Sigiriya Rock.
The ascent takes you through forest trails, rocky formations, and past an ancient temple area before reaching the summit, where giant boulders and open viewpoints create a very special atmosphere. Historically, Pidurangala has been closely linked to Sigiriya and served as a monastery for Buddhist monks more than 2,000 years ago.
After lunch, the day continues to Ritigala Nature Reserve, home to the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery hidden deep within the jungle. The area is known for its untouched nature, rare plant species, and rich birdlife. Moss-covered paths and old stone ruins give the reserve an almost mystical feeling – and according to local stories, wild elephants and leopards still roam the deeper parts of the forest.
At the end of the day, you will be driven back to your hotel in Habarana after a day filled with nature, history, and some of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric locations.
Category B - Hotel (example): Kassapa Lion Rock Hotel
Category A - Hotel (example): Amaya Lake Resort
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Aliya Resort & Spa
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the impressive Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions. The enormous rock rises almost 200 metres above the jungle and hides the remains of a royal palace dating back to the 5th century.
The climb to the top is relatively short, but the stairs can be challenging in the heat. Along the way, you will pass the famous lion paws, ancient frescoes, and viewpoints with panoramic views across the lush green landscape. At the summit, the ruins of the ancient palace await, along with spectacular views over forests, lakes, and small villages.
After lunch, the day continues to the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa, which served as Sri Lanka’s capital during the 11th and 12th centuries. Here, you will explore the archaeological sites by bicycle – the perfect way to move between the many historical landmarks.
You will cycle past ancient temples, royal palaces, Buddha statues, and remarkably well-preserved ruins while the guides share stories about the city’s glorious past. Along the route, you will also pass the vast Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, which still plays an important role in the region’s agriculture today.
At the end of the day, you will be driven onwards to your next hotel after a day filled with history, culture, and experiences on two wheels.
Category B - Hotel (example): Sudu Araliya Hotel
Category A - Hotel (example): Sudu Araliya Hotel
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Ekho Lake House
The day begins with sightseeing after breakfast as you are driven to Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara – one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. According to tradition, this was the site of Buddha’s first visit to the island, making it a place of great religious significance for many Sri Lankans.
The distinctive white stupa is beautifully surrounded by green hills and palm trees, and the visit also provides fascinating insight into the country’s culture and history. You will also learn about the Vedda people, regarded as Sri Lanka’s indigenous population. Vedda culture has existed for thousands of years and is still surrounded by many traditions and stories.
After lunch, the journey continues towards the scenic Knuckles Mountains – a mountain range known for its misty forests, deep valleys, and spectacular views. Here, your first real hike of the journey awaits.
The route leads to Mini World’s End, a perfect introduction to the area with approximately 10–12 kilometres of hiking through lush nature and open viewpoints. The trails are relatively easy to follow, and you may choose whether to hike with a guide or enjoy the route at your own pace.
After the hike, you will be driven onwards to your hotel, where there is time to relax after a day filled with culture, nature, and active experiences in Sri Lanka’s beautiful highlands.
Category B - Hotel (example): Oruthota Chalets
Category A - Hotel (example): Wild Glamping
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Simpson Forest Resort
Today brings one of the journey’s greatest nature experiences and a true day of hiking in Sri Lanka’s spectacular highlands.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the starting point for today’s hike in the Knuckles Mountains. The route begins at a tea plantation at the foot of the mountains, where trails lead you through a varied landscape of jungle, forest areas, and lush green mountain slopes.
Along the way, you will follow uneven trails and small mountain roads as the scenery gradually changes while descending towards the valley on the eastern side of the mountains. The area is known for its remarkable biodiversity, and with a bit of luck, you may spot colourful birds, monkeys, and exotic plants along the route.
The destination for today’s hike is the isolated village of Meemure, hidden among the mountains and accessible only on foot or via very primitive roads. The village is known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional way of life, far removed from Sri Lanka’s larger towns and cities.
Upon arrival in Meemure, there is an opportunity for a refreshing swim at a beautiful waterfall – the perfect break after the day’s hike.
The Knuckles Mountains are considered one of Sri Lanka’s finest hiking regions and offer routes in a wide range of difficulty levels. Today’s hike lasts approximately 4–5 hours, and your local guide will accompany you throughout the journey through the mountains.
After the hike, you will be driven back to the hotel, pleasantly tired and filled with memories from a day spent in the heart of Sri Lanka’s wild nature.
Category B - Hotel (example): Oruthota Chalets
Category A - Hotel (example): Wild Glamping
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Simpson Forest Resort
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to Kandy, considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The city is beautifully surrounded by green hills and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its great historical and religious importance.
After arriving at the hotel, you will have time to explore the atmosphere of the city on your own. Kandy is known for its lively markets, small shops, temples, and the charming lake in the centre of town, where locals and visitors gather towards the end of the day. As the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, the city still retains a unique atmosphere where tradition and everyday life blend together.
In the evening, you will meet your guide and visit the famous Temple of the Tooth – one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism. According to tradition, one of Buddha’s teeth is kept here after the relic was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD. The temple was built during the reign of the Kandyan kings and today remains one of the country’s most important religious landmarks, featuring beautiful halls, intricate carvings, and a truly special atmosphere.
The visit concludes with a colourful cultural performance at the Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre located next to the temple. Here, you will experience traditional Sri Lankan dance and drumming – a lively and atmospheric ending to your day in Kandy.
Category B - Hotel (example): Thilanka Hotel
Category A - Hotel (example): Grand Kandyan Hotel
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Hanthana Boutique Hotel
Today, one of Sri Lanka’s true classics awaits – the legendary train journey through the highlands.
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the railway station in Kandy, where the train to Hatton awaits. The journey takes approximately two hours and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Along the way, you will pass lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, small villages, and deep valleys as the train slowly winds its way through the landscape.
Upon arrival in Hatton, you will be met by your driver and driven onwards to Aberdeen Falls. Here, a short hike of approximately 3 km return begins, leading down to the impressive waterfall. The route takes around 30–40 minutes and is relatively easy to follow, allowing you to choose whether to hike with a guide or explore the area independently.
Aberdeen Falls is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls, plunging nearly 100 metres through the green Kehelgamuwa Mountains. Although the water flow varies throughout the year, the scenery and views remain a wonderful experience in the heart of the highlands.
After the visit, you will be driven to your hotel in Nallathanniya, where you will spend the night surrounded by mountains and lush nature – ready for the next adventure in Sri Lanka’s highlands.
Please note that the train journey is currently not possible due to extensive damage to the railway tracks caused by Cyclone Ditwa. Confirmation will only be possible closer to the departure date. Alternatively, a similar scenic train journey may be offered.
Category B - Hotel (example): Wathsala Inn
Category A - Hotel (example): Norton Grange Bungalow
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Norton Grange Bungalow
After breakfast, you will set out on the most challenging – and for many, also the most memorable – hike of the journey: the ascent of Adam’s Peak, known locally as Sri Pada.
The mountain is one of Sri Lanka’s most important pilgrimage sites and holds great significance for several religions. Buddhists believe the footprint at the summit belongs to Buddha himself, while other religions associate the site with both Adam and Shiva. The spiritual atmosphere is unmistakable along the route, where pilgrims and hikers climb the mountain side by side.
Most of the trail consists of long stairways built from stone and concrete, and the entire route is illuminated, making it easy to navigate through the mountain landscape. The hike takes approximately 5 hours and is the most demanding stage of the trip, with significant elevation gain and thousands of steps.
You may choose whether to hike with a guide or make the ascent at your own pace. At the summit, the effort is rewarded with spectacular views across the highlands and a truly unique atmosphere that makes Adam’s Peak one of Sri Lanka’s most special experiences.
After the hike, the journey continues to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England.” The town lies high in the mountains, surrounded by tea plantations, green hills, and cool temperatures that contrast sharply with Sri Lanka’s tropical lowlands. Colonial-era buildings, well-kept gardens, and misty mountain scenery give the area its distinctive charm.
Category B - Hotel (example): Mirage Kings Cottage
Category A - Hotel (example): Araliya Green Hills
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Grand Hotel
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to Horton Plains National Park, located high in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Covering around 10,000 hectares, the national park is known for its open grasslands, misty forests, and spectacular scenery.
The area is home to rich wildlife, and along the way there are good chances of spotting deer, wild boar, giant squirrels, and many different bird species. Leopards also live within the park, although they are rarely seen by visitors.
Together with your guide, you will follow a beautiful circular hiking trail through the park while learning about the area’s nature and wildlife. The route passes through changing landscapes of forest, open plains, and small streams before reaching the famous World’s End viewpoint.
Here, the landscape suddenly drops away dramatically hundreds of metres down towards Sri Lanka’s lowlands, creating one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island. On clear days, it is possible to see all the way to southern Sri Lanka.
After the hike, you will be driven back to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure and can be spent relaxing in the cool surroundings of the highlands.
Category B - Hotel (example): Mirage Kings Cottage
Category A - Hotel (example): Araliya Green Hills
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Grand Hotel
After breakfast, you will be driven to the railway station in Haputale, where another of Sri Lanka’s famous train journeys awaits. The train travels through the lush highlands towards Ohiya, passing green tea plantations, small mountain villages, and deep valleys along the way. This stretch is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and offers spectacular views for almost the entire journey.
Upon arrival in Ohiya, today’s hike begins towards Bambarakanda Falls – Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, with a dramatic drop of 263 metres. The route takes you through mountain landscapes, forest trails, and paths with panoramic views across the highlands and the region’s characteristic tea plantations.
Along the way, you will pass a smaller waterfall hidden in the forest, where there is an opportunity for a refreshing swim and a lunch break surrounded by nature.
Today’s hike lasts approximately 4–5 hours. Experienced hikers may choose to walk the route independently, while others can follow the local guide – the pace and experience are entirely up to you.
After the hike, you will be driven back to Haputale, where you will spend the night after another day filled with classic nature experiences in Sri Lanka’s beautiful highlands.
Please note that the train journey is currently not possible due to extensive damage to the railway tracks caused by Cyclone Ditwa. Confirmation will only be possible closer to the departure date. Alternatively, a similar scenic train journey may be offered.
Category B - Hotel (example): Olympus Plaza Hotel
Category A - Hotel (example): Melheim Resort
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Dreamcliff
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the starting point for today’s hike through Sri Lanka’s famous tea-growing region.
You will follow the beautiful Tea Estate Trail, winding through endless green tea plantations, narrow paths, and rolling mountain landscapes. Along the way, you will meet local tea pickers and gain fascinating insight into the tea production for which Sri Lanka is world-famous.
There will also be opportunities for guided visits to tea plantations, where you can learn more about the entire process from tea leaf to finished cup – and perhaps even try picking tea yourself on the steep hillsides. Your guide will accompany you throughout the hike, sharing stories about the area’s history and daily life in the highlands.
The hike lasts approximately 5 hours and offers countless views of green valleys, small villages, and mist-covered mountain peaks.
After the hike, the journey continues to Ella, idyllically located among the tea plantations of Sri Lanka’s southern highlands. This small mountain town is known for its relaxed atmosphere, cosy cafés, and spectacular views across the green valleys of Badulla. Ella is also one of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations for hiking and nature experiences.
Category B - Hotel (example): La Breeze Ella
Category A - Hotel (example): Hotel Onrock
Category Charm - Hotel (example): The Mountain Heaven
After breakfast at the hotel in Ella, another beautiful day of hiking in Sri Lanka’s highlands awaits. Together with your guide, you will make your way towards Ella Rock – one of the area’s most popular viewpoints.
The hike takes approximately 3–4 hours and offers varied terrain as well as wonderful nature experiences along the way. The route begins alongside the railway tracks that wind through the mountains before continuing past small waterfalls, through dense vegetation, and along twisting jungle paths towards the summit.
The final section of the ascent can be challenging, but the views from Ella Rock make the effort more than worthwhile. From the top, you will enjoy panoramic views across green valleys, tea plantations, and the mountains surrounding Ella.
If you still have some energy left later in the day, there is an opportunity for another shorter hike to Little Adam’s Peak. This walk is easier than the morning’s hike and leads through tea plantations and open mountain slopes with beautiful views over the Ella region and the surrounding highlands.
Category B - Hotel (example): La Breeze Ella
Category A - Hotel (example): Hotel Onrock
Category Charm - Hotel (example): The Mountain Heaven
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven towards Udawalawe in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Along the way, you will stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls, cascading through lush vegetation surrounded by cliffs and jungle.
You will also visit Buduruwagala Temple, famous for its impressive rock carvings. Here, seven figures have been carved directly into the cliff face, including a giant Buddha statue standing more than 15 metres tall, considered one of the tallest standing Buddha figures in Sri Lanka.
The journey then continues to Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in the country to experience Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife. The park is especially famous for its large herds of wild elephants, which are often seen close to the safari routes.
Before the safari, you will visit the elephant transit home, where orphaned elephant calves are cared for before eventually being released back into the wild when they are ready.
Later in the day, you will head out on safari through the national park by jeep. Along the way, there are excellent opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles, deer, buffalo, and a rich variety of birdlife in their natural surroundings. And with a bit of luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard that also inhabits the area.
After the safari, the journey continues to Weligama on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, where the coming days offer beach life, relaxation, and views across the Indian Ocean.
Category B - Hotel (example): Crystal Villa Weligama
Category A - Hotel (example): Mandara Resort
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Marriot Resort
Now it is time to slow the pace down and enjoy Sri Lanka’s tropical southern coast. You will stay in Weligama, known for its relaxed atmosphere, wide sandy beach, and beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
The days are at leisure, allowing you to choose exactly the pace that suits you best. Perhaps a peaceful day by the beach with the sound of the waves in the background is tempting – or maybe it is time for more adventures on and beneath the water.
Weligama is a popular destination for surfing, with excellent conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. There are also opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and fishing trips. During the season, whale safaris are organised from the coast, where you may be lucky enough to spot blue whales and dolphins in the waters off Sri Lanka.
The town also has a charming local atmosphere with small cafés, restaurants, and fishing boats lining the beach, giving the area its own unique character.
Category B - Hotel (example): Crystal Villa Weligama
Category A - Hotel (example): Mandara Resort
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Marriot Resort
You have another day to enjoy life along Sri Lanka’s southern coast and the relaxed atmosphere of Weligama. The day is at leisure, allowing you to decide whether the pace should be completely relaxed – or filled with activities.
There are opportunities for whale safaris, fishing trips, surfing, snorkelling, and diving in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Weligama is especially known as one of Sri Lanka’s best places to learn surfing, and the beach is often buzzing with life from surf schools and small cafés along the shoreline.
If you prefer a slower pace, it is the perfect opportunity to simply enjoy the sun, the beach, and the beautiful sunsets over the ocean.
For those interested in culture and history, it is possible to take the train to the charming coastal town of Galle. Here, you will find the old Dutch fort, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the ancient walls, narrow cobbled streets, small boutiques, cafés, and colonial-era buildings overlooking the sea create one of the most atmospheric places in all of Sri Lanka.
Category B - Hotel (example): Crystal Villa Weligama
Category A - Hotel (example): Mandara Resort
Category Charm - Hotel (example): Marriot Resort
Today the tour ends and you'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in time to catch your flight home or further afield.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
Price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 15 nights at hotels in the selected category
FOOD & DRINK
- Breakfast every day
WALKING AND EXPERIENCES
- 8 days of guided walking, approximately 85 km in total
- Accompanying English-speaking driver/guide
- Entrance fees to the attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Ascent of Sigiriya
- Ascent of Adam’s Peak
- Visit to Ritigala Nature Reserve
- Cycling tour and visit in Polonnaruwa
- Visit to Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
- Visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- Visit to Horton Plains National Park
- Safari in Udawalawe National Park
TRANSPORT
- All transport in an air-conditioned vehicle during the trip
- Train journey from Kandy to Hatton (if possible)
- Train journey from Haputale to Ohiya (if possible)
- Jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park
- Transfer from/to the airport
EVERYTHING ELSE
- All taxes
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a package holiday and is covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund and the Package Travel Act - see what benefits this brings you - click here
GENERAL
- International transport to/from Sri Lanka
- Handling fee (€25)
- Cancellation and travel insurance
REQUIRED AND PAYABLE LOCALLY
- Visa to Sri Lanka
- Lunch and dinner
- Possible mandatory Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner at the hotels
- Gratuities
Use the “Calculate price” function on this page to see the total cost of the trip, including the options you wish to add.
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. For safety reasons, this tour cannot be booked for solo travellers. There must be minimum two participants.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:
- Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
- Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
- See the price
Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.
The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.
Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.
Flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka are not included in the price of the holiday. We recommend that you find the flights yourself, for example via www.momondo.com or www.skyscanner.com.
We recommend that you wait to arrange your transport until we have confirmed your trip.
Here's how it works:
- You book the journey with us
- We confirm your journey (usually within 2-5 business days)
- You arrange your transport
Airport transfer
Transfers from/to the airport in Colombo are included in the price and you'll be picked up no matter what time of day you arrive. Return transfers to Colombo airport are also included and we'll make sure they match your return flight.
The primary accommodations are simple hotels and guest houses.
A visa is required to enter Sri Lanka. Visas can be purchased from home for $60 USD via this link https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
It can also be purchased on arrival in Sri Lanka for $60 USD.
It is always a good idea to bring an extra copy of the passport information page. It is kept in a different location from the passport itself.
This passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return.
Some vaccionations may be recommended when entering Sri Lanka. Check with your doctor.
When booking the tour, you will receive further practical information and a packing list for the tour.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
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Sri Lanka has a tropical climate where temperatures typically range between 25°C and 30°C all year round. In the south and centre of Sri Lanka, the weather can be hot and humid, especially along the coastal areas. The rainy season varies depending on the region, but typically more rain falls between May and September in the south of the country and between October and January in the north and east.
When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.
Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.
The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.
The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.
This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
