On your first night, arrive and you will be met at the airport by your local host and drive to your accommodation for your first night in Sri Lanka.
It’s just a short drive to your hotel in Negombo where you can relax and enjoy the hotel pool or swim in the sea, take a stroll to explore the old Dutch canals and wake refreshed and ready for your awesome adventure to begin!
Accommodation: Jetwing Blue
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Jetwing Blue
Welcome to Jetwing Blue, nestled in the popular resort town of Negombo, where time stands still as the rhythmic waves of the vast blue ocean caress the golden sands under the tropical sun. As you enter our trendy coastal getaway which embodies a contemporary taste of luxury living, you will be greeted by an enchanting view of the sun kissed beach.
Today you’ll head North to Anuradhapura, the UNESCO world heritage site which was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 5th century BC to the 10th century AD. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. The sprawling city contains an abundant collection of ancient buildings and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (stupas), Buddhist bathing pools and the ruins of temples dating back to Anuradhapura thousand year of rule over Sri Lanka. Several sites are still in use as holy places and temples where regular ceremonies and processions create a vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the ancient brick dagobas, and walk in the footsteps of ancient people centuries ago.
The jewel in the crown of the city is the sacred Bo Tree, the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world, planted 2250 years ago. It is said that it grew from a branch of the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment.
At the end of your day of exploring, you’ll head to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Habarana is the centre of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle that is made up of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy; therefore the perfect epicentre to explore the glorious past of Sri Lanka.
Today you’ll visit another World Heritage Site, the capital of Sri Lanka from 11th–13th Centuries, Polonnaruwa.
The city contains splendid and spectacular statues and the medieval capital was fortified with inner & outer moats and walls.
Explore royal palaces, audience halls and other spectacular examples of ancient Sri Lankan architecture on a guided bike tour, the best way to see as much of possible of the city.
In the afternoon, head out on a guided walk of the ruins with a local primatologist. You’ll learn about the different monkey species that make their homes in the ruins, an atmospheric tour you’ll never forget!
Accommodation Cinnamon Lodge
Meals Breakfast and dinner
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Habarana is the centre of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle that is made up of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy; therefore the perfect epicentre to explore the glorious past of Sri Lanka.
Today you’ll head south to Sigiriya and Dambulla. Though you may have see many pictures of ‘Lion Rock’, nothing can quite prepare you for the real thing.
Sigiriya, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the 5th century “Fortress in the Sky” is perhaps the most jaw-dropping single wonder on the island. It’s known as Lion Rock because it was said there was a huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace, on the summit of the 600-foot high rock.
The walk to the summit leads you on paths and staircases through some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, past pools, statues, carvings and caves with ornate frescoes. There are plenty of stopping places on the ascent and you should stop to admire the stunning panoramic views.
The whole climb to the top is around 1200 steps, but these are spread across 3 sections. It normally takes about 1 hour for the entire climb with multiple stops for pictures, explanations, and breaks.
Once you reach the summit you can still find the foundations of the Royal Palace, which you will explore with your guide and learn the many fascinating stories about what took place in this incredible location.
Lunch is at your leisure at the hotel before we head to Dambulla Cave Complex, the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the cave complex, and its many statues and paintings before heading back to the hotel for dinner.
Accommodation Cinnamon Lodge
Meals Breakfast and dinner
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Habarana is the centre of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle that is made up of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy; therefore the perfect epicentre to explore the glorious past of Sri Lanka.
Today you will you’ll take the short drive to Andawala, where you will begin your guided hike to the remote village of Gammaduwa, a spot where you’ll get a taste of true Sri Lankan culture.
You suitcases will be transported to your hotel and you will take the rest of the journey on foot.
Your hike starts on tiny village paths and then leads you across small paddy farms, you will walk along narrow irrigation streams for the first 2 kilometres before turning off into the forest. The trek continues through patches of forest interspersed with pepper farms until you reach the village of Hanguranketa. Here you will take a short break and refill your water bottles before the next stretch through this lush green landscape to reach the forest bungalow where you will spend the night.
This is an 8 kilometers hike, which normally takes around 3-4 hours. The trail is through small village paths, farms and alongside a canal. There is a small waterfall mid-way through the trail and the last 3 kilometers are on a flat jeep track.
You’ll stay at Gammaduwa Heritage Bungalow, a beautiful building on an old tea plantation, and a great base from which to start your journey to Riverstone.
Accommodation: Gammaduwa Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Today your hike starts from the remote Gammaduwa village, winding along trails to an extremely remote village named Kargastene. Getting properly off the beaten track, you’ll then hike with a local guide across wide open grassland, before heading back into the jungle.
The total distance of the walk today is 15 kilometers, and it usually takes 5-6 hours. You will start through pine forests walking along jeep tracks before descending to the remote village of Kargastene. From here you will walk through open scrub plains, before entering the jungle. We then come out through the paddy fields to the village of Puwakpitiya.
You will stop at Puwakpitiya, a village with beautiful waterfall in the jungle, where you can swim and help to prepare a lunch of delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine using fresh local ingredients. Your afternoon trek takes you to Riverstone, through jungle where elephants are often seen freely roaming.
Alternatively there is a shorter section through the pine forests and then transport by vehicle to Riverstone.
In the afternoon you will return to your hotel in Riverstone , Sir John’s Bungalow, to shower and relax after your amazing day of wonderful jungle trekking.
Accommodation: Sir John’s Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Sir John's Bungalow
Offering sweeping vistas of the North Eastern Knuckles mountain range, an area that is celebrated for its striking peaks, pristine waterways, bewitching cloud forests, and diverse flora and fauna, Sir John's Bungalow is situated at the threshold of a land before time. Built by the British during the colonial era as a residence for the Superintendent of the 1,300 acre Laggala tea estate, the Bungalow was once the holiday home of Sir John Kotalawala, the third Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. As the area is within the Knuckles conservation zone tea cultivation was abandoned thirty years ago allowing the jungle to reclaim its bounty.The planter's misfortune has thus become a dream come true for trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and all seekers of the sublime. During the dry months of June to September, elephants from the nearby Wasgamuwa National Park plains roam the estate in search of water and food. Wild buffaloes are abundant, with leopards and fishing cats making occasional nocturnal visits, and the sounds of the timid barking deer echoing in the surrounding forest. Committed to an ethos of environmentally sustainable hospitality, Sir John's Bungalow is carbon-neutral, harnessing solar energy for electricity and recycling all waste matter
Today from your base at Riverstone you’ll head to the famed Manigala Rock. You will start off on the village road before turning off onto narrow back roads, passing through bright green paddy fields with 360 degree panoramic views over the lush green landscape.
You’ll see the awe inspiring paddy terraces that use “step farming” or “Helmalu”, necessary in hilly areas where flat land is in short supply. Your climb then takes you through the forests criss-crossed with numerous silver streams, before you begin your climb to the top of Manigala Rock.
This can be a hike of between 3 kilometers to 10 kilometers hike depending on your preference. The trail is through stepped paddy fields and forest canopy.
From the top you can see the famous and mighty Knuckles range. After spending some time on the peak, begin your leisurely hike down, and in the afternoon you will enjoy a stunning safari game drive through the world-renowned Wasgamuwa National Park.
Spot the elephants that roam freely as well as wild buffalo, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles and leopard, for an unforgettable afternoon searching for Sri Lanka’s wildlife.
Accommodation: Sir John’s Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Sir John's Bungalow
Offering sweeping vistas of the North Eastern Knuckles mountain range, an area that is celebrated for its striking peaks, pristine waterways, bewitching cloud forests, and diverse flora and fauna, Sir John's Bungalow is situated at the threshold of a land before time. Built by the British during the colonial era as a residence for the Superintendent of the 1,300 acre Laggala tea estate, the Bungalow was once the holiday home of Sir John Kotalawala, the third Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. As the area is within the Knuckles conservation zone tea cultivation was abandoned thirty years ago allowing the jungle to reclaim its bounty.The planter's misfortune has thus become a dream come true for trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and all seekers of the sublime. During the dry months of June to September, elephants from the nearby Wasgamuwa National Park plains roam the estate in search of water and food. Wild buffaloes are abundant, with leopards and fishing cats making occasional nocturnal visits, and the sounds of the timid barking deer echoing in the surrounding forest. Committed to an ethos of environmentally sustainable hospitality, Sir John's Bungalow is carbon-neutral, harnessing solar energy for electricity and recycling all waste matter
Over the next two days you will explore the tea capital of the country, and the stunning areas within it, in a way most tourists won’t, as you head to The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka – Nuwara Eliya. Set against beautiful backdrop of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is one of the coolest places on the Island, with temperatures similar to an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages and Queen Ann style mansions.
Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also a good place for bird spotting as some rare bird species are found in this Park.
Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk like to visit Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity.
You will take a guided tour of a typical tea plantation in the afternoon, learning everything there is to know about this vital Sri Lankan drink, from its production to its place in culture, and come away having of course taste some incredible teas grown right there on the plantation.
In the evening, head out on a frog walk with a local naturalist, and get a quirky yet fascinating insight into the lives of these vibrant creatures.
Accommodation: Tranquil Villa
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Tranquil Villa Nuwara Eliya
Welcome to The Tranquil Villa, this unique styled and modern luxury villa is located in a breath taking position overlooking Kande Ela reservoir, Sri Lanka’s most clean water reservoir, Simply Located in the 5.8 km away from Nuwara Eliya, and 26 km kilometres to Horton Plains National Park
Today you will leave Nuwara Eliya and take the famous blue train to Ella where you will stay overnight at the Waterfall Homestay. The train ride is one of the most iconic in the world, crossing deep valleys and skirting along vibrant green mountain sides, and is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
In Ella, you’ll hike up mini Adam’s Peak with a local guide for a stunning view of the sunset, before heading to your homestay accommodation – another opportunity to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, comfort and hospitality.
Accommodation: Waterfall Homestay
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today you will embark on a truly unique experience, visiting the traditional village of Chena. The village is surrounded by a natural forest reserve with elephants and monkeys roaming freely, giving the entire place a magical atmosphere.
There’s also a beautiful lake in the midst of the village, which you will explore on a wonderful boat trip with a local guide.
Accommodation: Waterfall Homestay
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today, your amazing Sri Lankan adventure will come to an end when your guide transfers you back to the airport.
This has been a truly immersive adventure covering iconic sights and wonderful landscapes, mountains and paddy fields, from Buddhist temples to free roaming wildlife staying in unique and stylish accommodation and enjoying delicious authentic food overlooking bucket list views.
We hope you’ve had an unforgettable time in Sri Lanka, and head home feeling as though you haven’t just visited Sri Lanka, but experienced it like a local, supporting local communities.
Meals: Breakfast
This is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.
The from is price based on travel for 2 people between 1st September 2025 until 31st October 2025. For larger groups or solo travellers please contact our reservations team.
Tour Summary: Day 1 Negombo Day 2-4 Habarana (Cultural Triangle) Day 5 Gammaduwa Day 6 & 7 Riverstone/Knuckles Conservation Range Day 8 Nuwara Eliya Day 9 Train to Ella Day 10 Ella Day 11 Departure
Included:-All transfers in an Air Conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide1 night in Negombo HB*3 nights Habarana HB1 night Gammaduwa HB2 nights Riverstone HB1 night Nuwara Eliya HB2 nights Ella HBGuided tour of Anuradhapura - ancient capital of Sri LankaCycling tour of Polonnaruwa -ancient capital of Sri LankaGuided walk of the ruins of Polonnaruwa with a local primatologistTour of Sigiriya with a local guideGuided hike from Andawala to GammaduwaGuided hike from Gammaduwa to RiverstoneGuided hike from Riverstone to Manigala RockSafari at Wasgamuwa National ParkTour an authentic tea plantation in Nuwara EliyaEvening frog walk with a local naturalist in Nuwara EliyaScenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella ( *first or second class subject to availability at time of booking)Guided hike up to mini Adam's PeakVisit to the authentic village of Chena and take a boat trip on a lake*HB - Breakfast and dinner includedNot included:-International flightsTravel InsurancePersonal expensesTipsAny meals, drinks and snacks not mentioned in the itineraryAny optional extra activitiesVisa's
Please note - all accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.
