Sri Lanka's Scenic Splendours
Daily departures all year although Adam's Peak climbing season is end Nov-Apr.
PRIVATE tour
- Breakfast (packed breakfast on day 10). Dinner is also included on days 6,7,8,10 & 11.
- 4* Amari Colombo; 3* Fox Resort, Kandy; 3* Wild Glamping, Knuckles; 1* Wathsala Inn, Nallathanniya^; 4* Waraka, Udawalawe National Park; 3* The Merchant Galle Fort.
- The price shown includes international flights from the UK, private airport transfers, accommodation, private sightseeing as outlined and services of an English speaking guide, jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park and entrance fees.
- The trek on day 5 is considered high/moderate difficulty so may not suit all. ^Supplement for 5* Argyle Hotel in Hatton before Adam's Peak climb is £85. The tour can also include east coast beaches, although this affects the order of the tour. Please ask for details.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Discover the diverse beauty of Sri Lanka on this escorted tour, beginning in Colombo before exploring the cultural city of Kandy. Venture into lush Knuckles for three nights of breathtaking scenery and nature, followed by an overnight stay in Nallathanniya, with the opportunity to climb the sacred Adam’s Peak. Continue to Udawalawe for exciting wildlife safaris, with chances to spot elephants in their natural habitat, before ending with two nights in the historic coastal city of Galle. Combining culture, mountain adventures, wildlife and beautiful coastal scenery, this journey offers a memorable Sri Lankan experience.
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-2 Colombo
Fly to Colombo. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a personalised "Old Colombo" walking tour, that highlights Dutch and British colonial architecture.
Days 3-4 Kandy
Proceed to Kandy (approx 3½ hours drive). Lace up your walking shoes and head to the Pekoe Trails which, while it traverses some 200 miles it can be completed in short sections, and leads through hilltowns, tea plantations, remote villages, sanctuaries, viewpoints, forests and historical sites. You'll walk from the Ceylon Tea Museum on the Hantana Estate to Galaha Post Office, a route known for its ease typically taking about four hours. See Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth before watching a cultural show.
Days 5-7 Knuckles
Drive north to Knuckles (approx 2¾ hours drive), a magical destination of pristine wilderness. With a luxury glamping tent as your home, you'll have the opportunity to truly embrace the natural surroundings. Enjoy a scenic hike along the Thangappuwa Trail to Knuckles Peak. This challenging, but rewarding trek leads through diverse landscapes including flourishing forests, with the potential for spotting wildlife, waterfalls and has stunning views.
Day 8 Nallathanniya (Adam's Peak)
Bid farewell to the mountains and drive south to Hatton, a small town tucked away in the hills, to visit a tea estate and local tea factory for an insight to how the leaves for your daily cuppa are produced. Continue to Nallathanniya, for a few hours of relaxation before setting off at around midnight for an Adam's Peak hike (approx 5 hours drive). Accommodation in Nallathanniya is very basic, although we can offer a higher grade alternative at a supplement.
Adam's Peak, the most famed mountain in Sri Lanka, is a holy site for all the country's religions. Follow the popular Hatton-Nallathani trail, which can be quite challenging, with your reward being to watch the sun rise over the glorious surrounds. Later, travel on to Udawalwe and the rest of the day is free to laze (approx 4¼ hours drive).
Days 9-10 Udawalawe
Enjoy a village walk during which you'll encounter friendly locals, working farmers and magnificent scenery all with a backdrop of birdsong. Later, visit the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation centre for orphaned elephant calves where the primary objective is to release them back to the wild. Enjoy a game drive in Udawalawe National Park, home to a variety of exotic species, including Sri Lanka's gentle giants - the elephant. Travel on to Galle (approx 2¼ hours drive).
Days 11-12 Galle
On a city tour, visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Galle Fort, an old and culturally harmonious town resembling a quaint European village with cobblestone streets lined with cafés, bistros and boutiques. The rest of the day is free so if you choose, you can join an optional cycling tour along local paths and quiet roads or, a walking tour around the Galle Dutch Fort (both at extra expense).
Day 13 Depart
Return to Colombo airport for your onward journey (approx 2 hours drive).
Need to know
Departures
Daily departures all year although Adam's Peak climbing season is end Nov-Apr.
Meals
Breakfast (packed breakfast on day 10). Dinner is also included on days 6,7,8,10 & 11.
Accommodation
4* Amari Colombo; 3* Fox Resort, Kandy; 3* Wild Glamping, Knuckles; 1* Wathsala Inn, Nallathanniya^; 4* Waraka, Udawalawe National Park; 3* The Merchant Galle Fort.
Tour price
The price shown includes international flights from the UK, private airport transfers, accommodation, private sightseeing as outlined and services of an English speaking guide, jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park and entrance fees.
Notes
The trek on day 5 is considered high/moderate difficulty so may not suit all. ^Supplement for 5* Argyle Hotel in Hatton before Adam's Peak climb is £85. The tour can also include east coast beaches, although this affects the order of the tour. Please ask for details.
