Culture and hiking in Sri Lanka

You arrive at Colombo Airport, where you will be greeted by our team in Sri Lanka. From here, you’ll be driven to Habarana, where you’ll spend your first evening in Sri Lanka.

If you arrive early – and have the energy – you can stop along the way at the Dambulla Cave Temple, filled with Buddhist statues and decorated with some of Sri Lanka’s finest murals.

Dambulla is famous for its five cave temples set into a rock. The first three caves are larger, older, and more impressive than the last two, with some dating back to the 1st century BC. The walls and ceilings of all five caves are completely covered in Buddhist murals, and there are more than 130 statues of Buddha, as well as statues of gods and kings.

Hotel (example): Acme Grand hotel

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Pidurangala Rock Temple, a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya.

Pidurangala Rock has an interesting history closely tied to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is smaller and more challenging to climb, and therefore often overlooked by tourists. Like Sigiriya, Pidurangala was formed by volcanic activity. Although it appears larger than Sigiriya, its steeply sloping surface of solid rock made it unsuitable for large-scale construction.

After lunch, you will visit Ritigala Nature Reserve, where the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery sit on a small mountain peak.

This reserve is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, being home to several endangered species such as the black eagle, the grey hornbill, the Sri Lanka spurfowl, the Malabar pied hornbill, and the spot-winged thrush. Ritigala is considered a biodiversity hotspot in the dry zone. The steep, evergreen-clad mountain is covered in dense jungle and serves as a watershed for the Malwatu Oya River.

Beyond the point where human trails end, the jungle is said to be home to wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a rich variety of birdlife.

You will then be driven back to your hotel in Habarana.

Hotel (example): Acme Grand Hotel

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a short but challenging hike to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. The fortress complex includes the remains of an ancient palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, large gardens, ponds, canals, pathways, and fountains.

After lunch, you’ll explore Sri Lanka’s second kingdom, Polonnaruwa (11th century AD). The best way to experience the city is by bicycle, so upon arrival you’ll be given your bikes before setting off to visit the many archaeological and historical sites in this sacred city. Highlights include the statue of Parakramabahu, the Quadrangle, the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, Kumara and Lotus Ponds, Thiwanka Image House, and more. You will also see one of the country’s largest reservoirs, Parakrama Samudraya.

After the visit, you’ll be transferred to your next hotel.

Hotel (example): Sudu Araliya Hotel

Today begins with a bit of sightseeing. After breakfast, you will be driven to Mahiyangana, home to a famous stupa well worth a visit.

The Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Mahiyangana, believed to be the site of Gautama Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. It is one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred religious sites of the country. You will also enjoy a visit with Sri Lanka’s first people, the Vedda (or Adivasi), who have a fascinating history and unique way of life.

After lunch, you continue to the Knuckles Mountains, where your first real hike is a gentle warm-up to Mini World’s End. This is a short trek of about 10–12 km in total, but with absolutely stunning views. The trail is straightforward to follow, so you can decide whether you prefer to bring a guide along or not.

After the hike, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Hotel (example): Wathsala Inn

This is a true hiking day in the Knuckles Mountains. After breakfast, you will be driven to the trailhead, which begins at a tea plantation at the foot of the mountain range. The hike starts along uneven paths through the plantation, then continues through jungle and forest, descending into the valley on the eastern side of the range, until you reach the small farming village of Meemure – accessible only on foot. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing dip at a beautiful waterfall.

The Knuckles Mountains are a hiking hotspot in Sri Lanka, offering routes of all difficulty levels. Today’s trek takes about 4–5 hours, and your guide will accompany you along the way.

After the hike, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Hotel (example): Wathsala Inn

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel to drop off your luggage, after which you’ll have time to explore Kandy on your own. The city is full of attractions well worth visiting.

In the evening, your guide will take you to the magnificent Temple of the Tooth, which, according to legend, houses a relic taken from Buddha’s cremation pyre. The relic was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamali, who fled from invading Hindu armies in India.

The temple was originally built by the Kandyan kings between 1687 and 1707 but was later heavily damaged during the colonial wars with the Portuguese and the Dutch. After the wars, the original wooden structures were restored in stone.

Your temple visit concludes with a traditional dance performance at the Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre, located right next to the temple.

Hotel (example): Thilanka Hotel

Taking the train in Sri Lanka is simply fantastic. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the station, where you board the train from Kandy to Hatton. The journey takes about two hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

In Hatton, your driver will meet you and take you to Aberdeen Falls, where you will hike down to the waterfall. The hike is about 3 km in total and takes around 30–40 minutes. The trail is easy to follow, so you can decide whether you prefer to go with a guide or on your own.

Aberdeen Falls is located six kilometers from the Nuwara Eliya district in the Kehelgamuwa mountain range, near the town of Laxapana. The falls are part of the Kehelgomu Oya River and plunge 98 meters down a cliff before joining the Maskeli River at Kalugala, eventually flowing into the ocean via the Kelani River.

In the past, the waterfall carried a greater volume of water, but the construction of the Norton Bridge Dam, part of the Lakshapana hydro project, has significantly reduced its flow. Nevertheless, the falls still flow year-round, except during severe drought conditions when they can nearly dry up.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in Nallathanniya, where you will spend the night.

Hotel (example): Wathsala Inn

After breakfast, you will climb Adam’s Peak, where most of the trail from the base to the summit consists of countless steps built of cement or rough stone, illuminated by electric lights. Adam’s Peak, or Sri Pada, is one of Sri Lanka’s most important pilgrimage sites. Buddhists believe that the footprint at the summit is that of the Buddha himself.

Although it takes around five hours to reach the top on foot, followers of many different religions climb the mountain daily to seek blessings. The mountain is also known as Samanala Kanda, or “Butterfly Mountain.”

The ascent of Adam’s Peak is the most challenging hike of your journey, but the trail is straightforward to follow. Once again, you can decide whether to take a guide or complete the hike on your own.

Afterwards, you will be driven to Nuwara Eliya, one of the most scenic towns in Sri Lanka, often called “Little England.” Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights) is a holiday town in the central highlands, blessed with a cool climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains, and greenery. It is hard to believe that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 km away from the hot and humid capital of Colombo.

Hotel (example): Tea Bush Hotel

After breakfast, you will be picked up for an excursion to Horton Plains National Park & World’s End, covering around 10,000 hectares. The park is home to elk, deer, giant squirrels, wild boar, hares, porcupines, and a variety of migratory birds unique to this region. According to a recent count, there are 16 leopards in Horton Plains – and with a bit of luck, you might just catch a glimpse of one during your visit.

Inside the park, there is a beautiful circular hiking trail that takes you past World’s End, a dramatic cliff edge offering breathtaking views. Your guide will accompany you on this trek.

After the hike, you will be driven back to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Hotel (example): Tea Bush Hotel

After breakfast, you will be driven to the train station in Haputale, where you embark on the spectacular train ride to Ohiya. This journey winds its way through mountains and tea plantations, offering breathtaking views of the lush Sri Lankan landscape.

From Ohiya, you will hike to Bambarakanda Falls – the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The trail runs along a mountain path with panoramic views over tea plantations and plantation villages. Along the way, you’ll pass another small but beautiful waterfall in the forest, where you can take a refreshing swim and enjoy your packed lunch. The hike to Bambarakanda Falls takes about 4–5 hours. Experienced hikers will be able to do the trail on their own, but you can also choose to be accompanied by a guide.

After the hike, you will be transferred back to Haputale, where you will spend the night.

Hotel (example): Olympus Plaza Hotel

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the starting point of today’s hike. Today, you will walk the Tea Estate Trail, which winds its way through lush green tea plantations. The hike takes around five hours, and along the way you’ll also have the option to take guided tours of the tea estates. You may even try your hand at picking tea, visit the factories, and learn about the entire tea-making process. Your guide will accompany you on this hike.

After the trek, you will be transferred to Ella.

The village of Ella is dramatically situated amidst tea plantations on the edge of the hill country. Ella is a charming little town in southern Sri Lanka’s highlands, and it makes a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding mountains while enjoying breathtaking views over Badulla’s green valleys.

Hotel (example): Heavens Edge Hotel

After breakfast at your hotel in Ella, you are ready for another beautiful hike. Today’s trek takes you to Ella Rock, accompanied by your guide.

The hike is challenging and takes about 3–4 hours, but the view from the summit is well worth the effort. The trail begins along the railway line, where you’ll soon hear the sound of waterfalls in the distance. From there, the path winds through jungle trails until you finally reach the top.

If you still have energy in the afternoon, you can set out directly from your hotel to climb Little Adam’s Peak, walking through tea plantations and forests around Ella.

Hotel (example): Heavens Edge Hotel

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven towards Udawalawe. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Ravana Falls and the Buduruwagala Temple.

Buduruwagala Temple is a rock face with seven carved figures, dominated by a massive 51-foot Buddha statue at the center. The name Buduruwagala literally means “the rock with the statue of Buddha,” perfectly describing the site.

You will then continue to Udawalawe National Park, famous for its incredible wildlife, including large herds of elephants and a wide variety of bird species. You will also visit an elephant orphanage, where young elephants are rehabilitated.

On your safari, you’ll have the chance to spot numerous elephant herds as well as other animals such as crocodiles, deer, and birds. With a bit of luck, you may even catch a glimpse of a leopard or two.

After the safari, you will be transferred to Weligama, where your beach holiday begins.

Hotel (example): Crystal Villa Weligama

A holiday in Sri Lanka simply wouldn’t be complete without a few days at one of the island’s stunning beaches – and that part of your journey starts now.

You’ll be staying in Weligama, a charming coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches. Here you can unwind, enjoy the ocean breeze, and watch the spectacular sunsets.

There are also plenty of activities to choose from if you’d like a more active beach stay:

• Whale watching tours – set out on the ocean to spot blue whales and dolphins.

• Fishing trips with local fishermen.

• Surfing – Weligama is one of Sri Lanka’s best spots for both beginners and experienced surfers.

• Diving and snorkeling, discovering vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

• Or simply relax under a palm tree with a good book and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Hotel (example): Crystal Villa Weligama

Today is another day of pure beach bliss.

You can once again enjoy a wide range of activities on and by the water:

• Whale watching tours on the Indian Ocean

• Fishing trips with the locals

• Surfing the waves in Weligama

• Snorkeling or diving to explore the underwater world

• Or simply relax on the beach and take in the magical sunsets

If you’d like a little cultural adventure, you can also hop on the train to Galle. Here you’ll find the historic Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with charming old streets, colonial architecture, boutique shops, and ocean views from the fortified walls.

Hotel (example): Crystal Villa Weligama

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.