Compare Sri Lanka - 8 Nights Tour/6 Nights Beach by Goa Way & Czech-It-Out vs Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Colombo – Arrival

Accommodation: Overnight in Colombo

You will be welcomed by our driver and be transferred to your hotel for check in. Upon arrival

you are free at your leisure to sight see or relax at the hotel. Colombo has long been the traditional gateway to the orient. Today, it is a fascinating city with a happy blend of eastern and western influences with a charm of its own. The main seaport of Sri Lanka is in Colombo and adjoining it is Pettah which is the local bazaar and trading area.

Day 2: Colombo – Free and Easy

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Colombo

After your breakfast, you are free at your leisure to explore Colombo and sample the cities charming array of attractions or perhaps visit a local restaurant.

Day 3: Sigiriya – Full day tour

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Sigiriya.

AM. After breakfast proceed to Habarana via Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. This unique Elephant Orphanage situated near Kegalle, 20 km (12 miles) west of Kandy on the Colombo highway is home to young orphaned or abandoned elephants. The herd usually numbers about 50, from tiny infants to hefty adolescents and young adults where they are cared for and trained. The best time to visit is between 10:00am - 12:00pm, and 14:00pm - 16:00pm, when the keepers bring their charges down to the river to bath and play. PM. Excursion to the medieval capital Polonaruwa. This Medieval capital of Sri Lanka rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man made reservoirs, veritable seas the most famous of which is the “Parakrama Samudra” or the “Sea of Parakrama”, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. Don’t miss the “Gal Vihare Complex”, with the fine sculptures of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha’s.

Day 4: Sigiriya – Full day tour

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Sigiriya.

This morning you will leave on a full day excursion to Anuradhapura. The best known of Sri Lanka’s cities, it was the capital of the island for more than a thousand years from the 5^th Century BC. A number of Buddhist monuments here date back over 2000 years. “The Brazen Palace”, the “Sri Maha Bodhi” which is a sampling of the original Tree at which the Buddha sat as he attained nlightenment, “Ruwanwelisaya” & “Jethawanaramaya Dagoba” are some of the main highlights.

Day 5: Sigiriya – Kandy

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Kandy

After early breakfast, transferred to the magnificent Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. The remains of Sigiriya, constructed by King Kasapa I, whom the Mahavansa introduces as a preside, lie five miles off Inamaluwa on the Dambulla-Habarana Road. On the west of the rock are ponds, the remains of summer palaces and other structures, and the first part of the ancient road, which led to the summit. In the past the entire western face of the rock had been covered with plaster and painted upon, but only those paintings in two sheltered pockets now survive. The last lap of the ancient path to the summit had been through the mouth of a lion. At present only parts of the lion's legs and some of the lime stone steps from within the lion's mouth survive. Thereafter proceed to Kandy visiting a batik factory and spice garden en-route. Kandy, whilst being the last independent kingdom of the Singhalese kings, it is the most important place of worship for the present day Buddhist as the sacred “Temple Of The Tooth Relic” is situated in Kandy. It is also termed as the most beautiful city of Sri Lanka due to its location, where the city is surrounded by hills with its picturesque lake built by the last king. Some of the highlights in the city are its devales, the oldest being the “Natha devale” belonging to the 14th century, the palace of the last king of Kandy, which are now the districts courts and the Archaeological museum. This is also the centre for Buddhist cultural affairs. On reaching Kandy, check in to your hotel. Late afternoon, city tour of Kandy including visits to the bazaar and market place, upper lake drive, sacred Temple of the Tooth and ending with a traditional cultural dance performance in the evening.

Day 6: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy. The Royal Botanical Gardens, located 460m above sea level, close to Kandy and surrounded from three sides by the River Mahaweli, Paradeniya Botanical Gardens was founded in the year of 1824. Some of the best and most valuable collection of plants and trees in the world (More than 4000 species, indoor and outdoor) can be found here. Giant trees of “Ficus” family, different species of bamboo and palm trees of the world and rare Ayurvedic plants are just some of them.After an upper lake drive, visit the bazaar area and the arts and crafts centre after which you will proceed to “Little England” or the town of Nuwara Eliya. P.M. City tour of Nuwera Eliya, Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill resort at 5199 ft above sea level is renowned for its perennial spring like climate, pretty waterfalls, and carpets of lush green tea between deep chasms. Once the favourite town of British planters, the buildings still resemble old English cottages.

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya – Tissamaharama Free and Easy

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Tissamaharama

After your breakfast, you will check out of your hotel to then be met by our driver. He will then transfer you to Tissamaharama, home to the Yala National Park where you will check in to your hotel. From there you are free to wonder and explore at your leisure.

Day 8: Tissamaharama Full day park tour

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Tissamaharama

Early morning jeep safari of the Yala National Park.Yala National Park is Situated 309 km. south of Colombo. Yala is approximately 1,259 sq/km in extent and is located in the south eastern corner of the island. Its northern boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus of a scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is varied flat plains alternating with rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open park- land to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide water for the animals and birds. The specialty here is the large numbers of elephants and the Leopard population.P.M. Free to explore the surrounding.

Day 9 – 14: Tissamaharama – Beruwala via Galle

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Beruwela

Following your breakfast and check out from hotel, your driver will meet you where you will be transported to your beach hotel. En-route visiting the historical city of Galle. Galle (pronounced “gawl” in English and 'gaar-le' in Sinhala) is the big omissible destination in the south. It's at once endlessly exotic, bursting with the scent of spices and salty winds, and yet also, with its wonderful collection of Dutch-colonial buildings, a town of great beauty. Classic architecture melds with a dramatic tropical setting to create a reality that is endlessly interesting. From Galle you will then be transferred to the City of Beruwala where you will enjoy the entirety of your stay relaxing on its simply stunning beaches.

Day 15: Beruwala – Departure

After your breakfast, you will then proceed to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your international flight back and complete your journey

Day 1 Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the beachside town of Negombo with a welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Known for its centuries-old fishing industry, Negombo is a historic port city close to Sri Lanka's international airport. If you arrive early, maybe watch the fishing boats head out to sea, stroll along the beach to see the daily catch drying in the sun or indulge in a seafood feast. The surrounding countryside, with its network of canals, is a fascinating slice of Sri Lankan rural life and is best explored by bicycle.

Day 2 Sigiriya

Leave bright and early this morning and travel to Dambulla – home to the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. After checking into your accommodation, make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya for your first activity – a hike up the 1200 steps of the famed Lion Rock. This ancient carved-rock fortress rises dramatically above the surrounding plains, elevating Sigiriya high into the air. On the way you’ll visit the water and boulder gardens, frescoes and the mirror wall. The next section of the climb takes about half an hour along steep walkways and steps all the way up to the rocky plateau, which soars 200 m above the jungle. From here, the views over the surrounding area and the nearby Pidurangala Rock are jaw-dropping. Make your way back down and head back to Dambulla for a relaxing evening.

Day 3 Minneriya National Park & Knuckles Mountain Range

Today you’ll head out on a relaxed jeep safari for about 3 hours through the nearby Minneriya National Park. The park is home to a mix of evergreen forest and scrublands – look out for sambar deer, leopards and elephants roaming the wild. After the safari, travel by private vehicle to the Knuckles Mountain Range – your home for the next two nights. Named after its striking visual likeness to human knuckles, this UNESCO World Heritage site features 34 mountains that range from 900 to 2000 m. Surrounded by dense forest, waterfalls and terraced rice fields, they are home to some of Sri Lanka’s best hiking trails. Tonight, get closer to nature as you set up camp next to the pristine waters and natural rock pools of the Thelgamu Oya stream. To keep you fresh for tomorrow’s hike your activity is limited to an evening walk around the village before relaxing by the riverside with a group dinner.

Day 4 Knuckles Mountain Range Hiking

Today you’ll head out early for a full-day guided hike along the Manigala Trek through the Knuckles region. Start hiking after breakfast and wind your way through emerald forests and hillsides, past cliffs and alongside fast-flowing rivers. Maybe stop to explore a few of the villages along the way, which are surrounded by sweeping rice terraces. Have lunch by the river and continue up the stone and dirt trail all the way up to the imposing Manigala Rock, for the panoramic views of the peaks and valley below. After taking in the views, make your way back down to camp to enjoy a hearty dinner after a long but rewarding day of hiking.

Day 5 Kandy & Knuckles/Mini World’s End Hiking

Begin the day with a moderate hike through the forest to Knuckles’ renowned Mini World’s End – an observation point overlooking the Thelgamuwa Valley and a sheer drop of 1192 m (4000 ft) to the forest floor below. The panoramic views over the misty valley and distant mountain peaks are truly spectacular, you’ll want your camera today! After the hike, you’ll drive to Kandy, passing the gorgeous scenery along the way. Lying in the hills of the Kandy plateau, this city previously served as the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries – maybe visit the golden roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Housed inside, the relic of the tooth of the Buddha has played an important role in local politics due to the belief that whoever holds the relic holds governance of the country. Kandy’s temple and its status as the last city of the Sri Lankan Kings have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6 Hatton & Tea Country Cycling

Start your day with a scenic train journey to Hatton. When you arrive, cycle from the train station to the small village of Norton Bridge, passing vast tea estates and scenic, tree-lined hills along the way. Check in to your hotel and if you’re still feeling energetic, maybe opt to hike up to Adam’s Peak. The peak is often visited by pilgrims who climb a candle-lit trail in the evening, passing shrines and food stalls along the way. Or you can simply put your feet up with a nice cup of Ceylon tea – the afternoon is yours.

Day 7 Tea Country Cycling & Mirissa

After breakfast, it’s back on your mountain bike for a mostly downhill ride through the heart of tea country. Pedal from Hatton through Bogawantalawa – home to premium Ceylon Tea – to Balangoda. Cycle through the sculpted green hills of ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’. Your ride will be broken up with snack breaks and a lunch stop, providing plenty of fuel (and photo opportunities) for your ride. Then, transfer to the delightful coastal town of Mirissa. This town is part fishing village, part beachside resort and is the perfect place to sit back and relax by the beach after a few active days. For those looking to keep their heart rate up, you can visit nearby Weligama – the ideal place to hit the waves at one of the local surf or bodyboarding schools.

Day 8 Gin River Kayaking & Galle Cycling

Start your day with a short drive to the small town of Unanwitiya – your starting point for an exciting day of kayaking down the Gin River. After instruction from your expert guides, you’ll cruise down the clear waters as it winds its way downstream. Paddle past dense forests, sandbanks, tea plantations and rice paddy fields while keeping an eye out for monitor lizards, birds and the occasional troop of monkeys. After kayaking, head to the boathouse for a delicious local lunch and then head to UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle for a countryside cycling tour. Once the main port for local cinnamon trade, this city features a maze of streets with mansions, ancient churches, a lighthouse and the imposing 17th-century fort. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, this is surely one of the most dramatic structures in all of Sri Lanka. Start your exploration of Galle Fort on a walking tour along the ramparts and winding streets of the Fort. Return to Mirissa in the evening for a well-earned rest tonight.

Day 9 Colombo

Depart Mirissa after breakfast and transfer to Colombo. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then take a leader-led walk past the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. Your walk finishes with a shopping opportunity at the Barefoot fairtrade store. Here, you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. Tonight, there's an optional group dinner to celebrate your journey – if you opt in, you’ll go on a fun food crawl along the city's many market stalls.

Day 10 Colombo

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.