Compare Sri Lanka Express by G Adventures vs Sri Lanka Adventure by World Expeditions

Day 1 Negombo

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 Negombo/Kandy

Drive to Kandy, visiting a spice plantation en route. Enjoy lunch at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Later, explore Temple of the Tooth.

Day 3 Kandy

Explore Kandy with a free day.

Day 4 Kandy to Ella area

Travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy some free time. Continue the journey to the rolling green valleys of the Ella area and spend 2 nights at the G Adventures-supported AMBA estate, an organic farm and guest house.

Livelihood opportunities in the valley of Bandarawela, Sri Lanka are limited for low income community members. Many rely on agricultural work, especially in the tea plantations, which can be arduous with little financial gain. Amba Estate came to the area with the purpose of promoting economic growth through their organic tea plantation, paying fair wages, sharing their profits with their workers, and creating opportunities for growth. Having established its place in the travel market, Amba is now ready to support community cooperatives as a means of better spreading the income of tourism throughout the valley. Planeterra is working alongside Amba Estate by supporting the initial investment for the first community-led microenterprise that will work in partnership with Amba. Planeterra’s catalyst grant covers the equipment, training and setup costs for a group of six women to formally become a chutney co-operative. The chutney will be sold back to Amba Estate for travellers to consume, as well as sold to guests and in markets throughout Sri Lanka. G Adventures travellers began visiting Amba in July 2018. They now have the opportunity to eat the delicious chutneys, meet the women and see how it’s made!

Day 5 Ella area

In the morning, enjoy a tour through the tea plantation and learn about one of the nation's most popular exports followed by a tea tasting. After enjoy free time to soak in the stunning scenery, opt to hike to Ella Rock, or visit Ella town by tuk tuk. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration of classic homestyle Sri Lankan dishes, a delicious mixture of savoury and sweet.

Day 6 Ella/Udawalawe National Park

Depart Amba Estate in the morning after enjoying a delicious home cooked breakfast. Begin the journey to Udawalawe National Park and visit the Elephant Transit home before enjoying an afternoon wildlife safari through Udawalawe National Park. Afterwards, head to a tented camp by the lake on the boundary of National Park and relax with a BBQ dinner around the campfire.

Day 7 Udawalawe National Park/Unawatuna

After breakfast transfer from Udawalawe to Galle for a tour of the fort and city. Later, head to Unawatuna, on the south coast.

Day 8 Unawatuna

Depart at any time.

The Colombo airport can be reached by taxi or there are train and bus connections from nearby Galle for much less. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer.

Day 1 Join Colombo, transfer to Negombo

Upon arrival at the Colombo Airport, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel in Negombo. In the afternoon we take a boat ride in the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve, a unique tropical wetland located between Colombo and Negombo. This reserve covers an area of 7000 hectares and includes wetland marshes and mangrove forests. During the boat trip relax and enjoy the birdlife including herons, storks, waders and brilliantly coloured kingfishers. Overnight: Earls Regent Hotel or similar.

meals : Array

Day 2 Drive to Salgala Buddhist Monastery

After breakfast we visit the Salgala monastic complex, a haven for monks who have renounced worldly pleasures to lead a life of austerity and meditation. This evening we cross the river and hike through coconut estates, rubber plantations, rice fields, and remote villages. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving and 2 hours walking. Overnight: Kandyan Reach Hotel or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 3 Drive to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura

After breakfast we journey by road to Anuradhapura - the 1st capital dating back to the 5th Century BC. On the way we visit the ancient Buddhist library building in Padeniya Temple. Discover Yapahuwa with its beautiful ornamental stairway that climbs to a natural terrace and magnificent views. We then contunue to Anuradhapura. Today we have approx. 3.5 hours driving and 2.5 hours walking. Overnight: The Lake Forest Hotel or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 4 Visit Buddhist monuments en route to Habarana

It is an early start this morning at 7.00am as we visit the historical and cultural sights of Anuradhapura. This will include the Sacred Bo Tree – the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world grown from the sapling of the Bo Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Also, Ruwanweliseya Dagaba; Thuparama - the first Dagaba built enshrining the Collar Bone of the Lord Buddha, Isurumuniya Rock Temple - famous forts sculpture of lovers; Jethawanarama- which is said to have been higher than the great Pyramid at Giza in its original form and which is now a World Heritage Site; Samadhi Statue sculpture depicting the meditation posture of the Lord Buddha; Royal Pleasure Garden; Moonstone and the Twin Ponds. Here we stop to relax and enjoy lunch before making our way to Mihintale. Our vehicle will drop us three quarters of the way up the climb, leaving 300 steps to reach the sacred location of Mihintale, after which we continue traveling to Habarana. En-route we stop at the famous Avukana Buddha image. Today we have approx. 1.5 hours walking. Overnight: Elephas Hotel or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 5 Day trip to Sigiriya via Polonnaruwa

After breakfast we visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - the medieval Capital of Sri Lanka - 11th Century AD. Polonnaruwa rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. We will visit the ruins of the King’s Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, and the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing. Plus, we will see Kiri Vehera the best preserved of all Sri Lanka’s un-restored stupa’s and visit Gal Vihare the colossal Buddha carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height. In the afternoon as the sun goes down, we make our way to the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya, which consists of over 1200 steps. In the afternoon as the sun goes down we make our way to the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya, which consists of over 1200 steps. Today we have approx. 2.5 hours driving and 4 hours walking. Overnight: Elephas Hotel or similar

meals : B,D

Day 6 Drive to the cultural centre of Kandy

This morning after breakfast we drive to the nearby village of Hiriwaduna, to see the farmers Chena cultivation - wading the waters of the Habrana Tank in a farmers canoe exploring the rice fields. We enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan sweet served with Belli mal or fresh Sri Lankan King coconut, within the farmers humble homes. After this we make our way to Kandy, stopping en-route to explore the Dambulla Caves Temple, to witness some of the most spectacular caves of Buddhist art and sculpture, dating back to the 1st century. We will also stop at Matale to learn about Sri Lankan spices and herbs and indigenous medicines. Here we will also be served a simple traditional farmers lunch of boiled green gram with grated coconut and onion sambal. Today we have approx. 3 hours driving time and spend approx 3.5 hours exploring Hiriwaduna and Dambulla Caves involves 350 steps) Overnight: Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 7 Explore Kandy

The name Kandy conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. The Kandy Lake built by the last King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 adds colour to the city. It is a city for arts and crafts as well as culture and history. Today we visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, where we explore this historic location of significant Buddhist influence. We will also make our way to Upper Lake Drive (for a great view of the city), the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, (one of the finest of its kind in Asia with more than 4000 species of flora, and once the headquarters of Lord Mountbatten) and a Gem Museum. In the evening we will enjoy a cultural performance of traditional Kandyan dancers and drummers, including devotional fire walking rituals. Today we have approx. 2 hours walking. Overnight: Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 8 Train Journey & Rafting the River Kalani then to Adams Peak

After breakfast we leave for the Peradeniya Railway Station, where we travel to Nawalapitiya. We then travel by private vehicle from the train station of Nawalapitiya towards the region of Kithulagala, where a spectacular white water Rafting Experience awaits us on the River Kalani. Following this, we make our way towards Nallathanniya to the base of Adam’s Peak – the Holy Mountain, where our climb commences not later than 0.130am in expectation of seeing the sunrise at around 05.45am. Adam’s Peak (2224m ASL), has attracted pilgrims for more than 1000 years, due to the legend that it was here that Adam first stepped onto the earth after being expelled from Heaven. Whilst pilgrims climb to the top to view the enormous ‘footprint’, claimed by various groups to bethat of Adam’s, Buddha’s and even Lord Shiva, the view at the top at dawn is spectacular, making it well worth the effort. As the weather can be quite cold before the sunrise, it is advisable to bring warm, windproof clothing. White water rafting for duration of 90 minutes. Adams Peak Climb involves 5600 steps Overnight: Punsisi Inn or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 9 Adam's Peak Climb, to Nuwara Eliya

After the climb we descend by 09.00am and sit down for a late breakfast before driving through the regions of NuwaraEliya, where we will take a break to explore a working Tea Factory, to educate one’s self on all aspects of the production of Ceylon Tea. A detailed city tour also visiting the municipal Markets, the regions of Lake Gregory and the famous Bale Bazaar will be enjoyed as well. This evening, should one have energy after the Climb of Adams Peak, join your guide in a comfortable stroll at a very easy and relaxed pace around the Race Course of Nuwara Eliya. Overnight: Glendower Hotel or similar

meals : B,D

Day 10 Hortons Plains Hike, then to Ella

This morning we have an early start with a wake up call at 5:00am, as we board our vehicle with a packed breakfast in hand no later than 5:30am. We will drive to the Horton Plains where by 7:00am, we will commence our nature walk within the spectacular game reserve which covers a distance of over 9.5kms, we take in the marvelous view points and beautiful Bakers Falls, there are more waterfalls within this region of unique climate and flora and fauna. Ella is a town set at 1100ms and the landscape falls dramatically to the plains 1000ms below, offering spectacular views. After this we make our way back to our vehicle and drive to our hotel to enjoy lunch and some time to relax. This afternoon we will explore the nearby Nine Arches Bridge. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving and 4 hours walking within Horton Plains Overnight: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel or similar

meals : B,D

Day 11 Drive to Udawalawe National Park

After a relaxed breakfast we venture out on a two hour nature walk through the tea plantations to the fantastic view point of Mini Adams Peak. After this we make our way to our hotel for a simple comfort stop and to refresh before setting out the Udawalawe in time for lunch and undertaking a jeep safari in the Udawalawe National Park. This park is approximately 30,821 hectares in extent and lies within the Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts. It acts as the catchment to the Udawaalawe Reservoir and is located in the Dry Zone. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees are found within it. Large herds of Elephants and Deer species, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Jackal and Birds are some of the prominent wild animals found in this Park. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving and 2 hours walking. Overnight: Athgira Riverside Camp or Elephant Trails Hotel or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 12 Elephant transit home then drive to Galle

After breakfast we visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home for baby elephants. We'll witness the many elephants who have been placed destitute being bottle fed and provided for and protected. After this we continue towards Walasmulla Hakkmana to reach the main road to Galle, passing through the stilled fisherman of Waligama. We undertake a detailed city tour walking along the rampart walls, exploring the Dutch heritage and the 36 hectare Dutch Fortress, constructed in 1663. This evening we hope to see a wonderful sunset. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving. Overnight: South Lake Resort or similar

meals : B,D

Day 13 Drive to Colombo

After a relaxed breakfast we commence our journey towards Colombo. On our way we stop in Blapitiya to explore the waters of the Madhu River, as we venture out on a unique boat safari, wading through the mangroves. Here there are prawn traps, monkeys, birds, monitor lizards and more. Continuing on we explore Colombo with a brief city tour and indulge in any last minute shopping before settling into our hotel. Today we have approx. 2 hours driving. Overnight: The Fairview Hotel, Colombo or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 14 Trip concludes

After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport for departure, where the trip concludes.

meals : B