Tours

Day 1

Starting from Negombo 8 am. The driver will take you to Sigiriya which takes about 4 hours depending on traffic. You will see wonderful scenery of coconut plantation and pineapple plantation. The driver guides you along the way and tells you all about the surroundings.

First visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple) it is from the 1st century BC. There is a 14 meter long Buddha that was sculpted directly from the mountain. The walls are covered with paintings showing different reincarnations.

In the afternoon you will go on Elephant Safari in Minneriya or Eko National Park depending on where the Elephants are. Staying one night in Sigiriya / Dambulla.

Day 2

After breakfast you will visit Sigiriya and possibly climb the Lion Rock. It belongs to the cultural triangle, once the capital of northern Sri Lanka. Walk 1202 steps up to the 380 m high cliff where the then King Kashyapa made a palace on the top. On the way up you will meet the Lion Gate, paintings, moats and gardens.

Further on to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second largest city, 500 meters above sea level. Takes about 3 hours depending on how long you stay at each attraction! On the way you visit spice gardens and get a guided tour. Visit Matale hindu temple.

At 5 pm you go to Kandy Dance, which is Sri Lanka’s traditional dance. They adorn themselves in masks and nice costume and walk on glowing charcoal.

After the dance, visit the famous tooth temple (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which is a world heritage site, and it is said that Buddha’s tooth is there. Staying one night in Kandy.

Day 3

Going to Kitulgala for river rafting that takes about 1-1.5 hours. It is an easy type of river rafting that both children and adults can do. Fantastic landscape surrounded by greenery and waterfalls.

Further to Adam’s peak which takes about 2 hours! The hotels in Adams peak are very simple as it is only a few hours’ sleep. Eat early dinner. Staying one night in Adams Peak.

Day 4

Early morning around 2-3.30, depending on the fitness, start climbing Adam’s Peak which is a pilgrimage. You will climb 5200 steps to get to the top of Buddha’s footprints and sunrise at 6 am. There are stands with tea and other drinks to buy on the way up and the higher up you are, the more expensive the drinks will get! It will be cold at night when you start walking, bring a jacket and longer shorts. Usually takes the same amount of time to go down!

Further to Nuwara Eliya which is an old English colonial city. On the way you pass Hatton and stop at St. Clair’s Tea Center which has a great view of Devon Falls. In Nuwara Eliya you can visit Grand Hotel, which is an old colonial hotel, for a snack or lunch. Also visit a bazaar who has winter clothes at great prices. Staying one night in Nuwara Eliya. Getting cold in the evening wear jacket and long pants!

Day 5

Early morning at 6 am you go to Horton Plains, also called World’s End. It is 2100 meters above sea level. The walk is about 9 km and takes about 3 hours. The wildlife is birds, deer, bear, monkeys etc. It is said that there is leopard! This is an important bird area that was designated a national park in 1988. If the weather is clear, it is a fabulous hiking to behold!

After the walk, the driver will take you to Nanu Oya Train Station if you want to take the train up to Ella last 2-2.5 hours. Great trip with nature and views. The driver meets you at the station in Ella. You can also choose to go with the driver.

Coming to Ella which is 1041 meters above sea level. Stay two nights.

Day 6

Driving 25 km to Lipton seat located in Haputale. The road is great with beautiful views and scenery, the driver park down at the Lipton Tea Factory. You can choose to walk 7 km through beautiful tea plantation to see and experience how the locals work. If you do not want to walk up, you can take a tuk tuk (tricycle). You can decide when you get there! The top, if it’s clear and nice weather, offers a 360 degree panoramic view of Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon you can walk up to Mini Adams Peak, which has a great view, to watch the sunset. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk up to Mini Adams Peak.

Day 7

After breakfast, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky, which is an old colonial railroad construction. Then on to the south and Hikkaduwa.

On the way you will stay at Rawana waterfall, then you will stop at Buduruwagala, where there are ancient rock carvings in the mountains. Then on to your end destination/southern part.