Active Sri Lanka
Holy mountains cloaked in green, azure seas fringed by golden beaches, tropical jungles teeming with wildlife and the ruins of fabulous ancient cities - Sri Lanka is the perfect setting for our unique activity-focused exploration.
BACK-ROAD CYCLING & JUNGLE RUINS
Our adventure begins as we take to two wheels, exploring the tranquil back-roads and villages; affording the perfect opportunity to get to know the friendly and hospitable Sri Lankans. At Sigiriya we ascend to the top of the vast flat-topped Lion Rock, a natural fortress rising starkly out of the surrounding plain. We take in the superb views of the surrounding jungle into which we trek on an expedition to discover the fabulous ruined monastery of Ritigala.
HIGHLAND TREKS & RAFTING
We make for the Central Highlands, cloaked in tea plantations and high montane forest, the cooler air refreshes us on our ascent of “Adam's Peak” (2260m). A popular pilgrimage route since ancient times for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims; we make a moonlit ascent (Dec-Apr only) to the summit to see the sun rise behind its conical peak and cast an extraordinary shadow across the misty plains below. Next its time for some exhilarating white-water rafting on the Kelaniya river, an area of outstanding beauty.
ELEPHANTS & BEACHES
Large herds of elephants roam the teak forest and open woodlands of Udawalawe National Park and we hope to spot these magnificent creatures on our jeep safari as well as maybe macaque, langur, jackal or the elusive leopard. Prolific birdlife abounds in the Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve as we're privileged to trek in some of the island's last remaining stretches of virgin rainforest. We spend our final days on the coast where the seas are tropically warm and you can take your pick from swimming, snorkelling and diving or even try your hand at surfing!
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MT-6212-P) |
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Flights |
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Accomodation |
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10 breakfasts |
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3 dinners |
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Price Excludes |
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Local Payment 110 USD |
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Suitability / Level |
Easy |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS - Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
DAMBULLA
Visit old cave temples.
SIGIRIYA
Visit to the dramatic “sky fortress” of King Kassapa.
RITIGALA
Ruined jungle monastery.
HORTON PLAINS
Trek to the World’s End, Sri Lanka’s highest plateau.
TEA PLANTATION
Stay in the Central Highlands on a tea plantation.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Reaft thrilling rapids in the heart of the island.
ADAMS PEAK
Pre-dawn climb along ancient pilgrimage route.
UDAWALAWE NP & SINHARAJA FOREST
Game drives and treks in stunning jungle settings.
BENTOTA
Relaxing & water sports on the southwest coast.
ITINERARY
DAY 1. FRIDAY. JOIN TOUR NEGOMBO; AFTERNOON CYCLE RIDE
This afternoon there will be the opportunity this afternoon to take a short cycle ride along the coast. Set amongst coconut palms and fishing boats, Negombo is a perfect place to start our trip and this evening there should be a chance to sample some of the excellent seafood available. Total cycling distance 15km.
DAY 2. CYCLE TO KURUNEGALA; DRIVE TO GIRITALE VIA CAVE TEMPLE
We drive to Dankotuwa this morning, from where we begin our morning’s cycle ride, along the tranquil backroads to Kuliyapitya. Passing through the green and fertile countryside provides our first glimpse of life in rural Sri Lanka. Arriving in Kuliyapitya we transfer by bus to Kurunegala for lunch, after which we continue on to Sigiriya and check into our hotel.
Later this afternoon we drive out to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Dambulla, where a great series of caves have been turned into temples (dating from the 1st century BC). The caves are a mecca for crowds of worshippers and we visit five separate caves, containing a large number of Buddha images, as well as a few sculptures of Hindu Gods. Total cycling distance 38km.
DAY 3. CLIMB LION ROCK; JUNGLE TREK TO RITIGALA SANCTUARY
A short drive this morning takes us to the start of our ascent up the imposing Lion Rock and the climb up to the amazing “sky fortress”. The ruins of this 5th century fortress, declared a World Heritage site in 1982, are one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. A switchback series of steps (sometimes very steep and somewhat precarious) ascend to the top, and halfway up, tucked beneath a sheltering overhang of rock, are the famous Sigiriya Damsels. These frescoes, their ancient colours still glowing, once covered an area of some 140 metres in length and are the only ancient non-religious paintings to have survived into modern times.
On arriving at the summit (200m) we are presented with some magnificent views of the surrounding country, as well as the remains of what is left of the palace of King Kassapa. This afternoon we will drive on to Ritigala, where we trek to the ruins of the remote forest monastery. Located on the dense forest slopes of the Ritigala Nature Reserve, the area has been the remote hideaway for monks, hermits and rebels from as far back as the 3rd century BC. Today the ruins of the monastery, much of it dating from the 9th century AD, exude a magical solitude very much in keeping with its jungle isolation. After our visit we shall return to Sigiriya. Total walking approx 4 hours.
DAY 4. DRIVE TO KITULGALA & TREK TO WATERFALL
Today we drive for approximately 6 hours to Kitulgala. Set amidst a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and wild water, Kitulgala is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whitewater rafting. Today though we intend to cross the river and hike to a magnificent hidden waterfall located deep in the jungle. Total walking approx 2 hours/6km.
DAY 5. WHITEWATER RAFTING; DRIVE TO TEA PLANTATION
The waters of Kelani Ganga are grade 2-3 rapids and we intend to spend around 2 hours today rafting through the dramatic landscape. The jungle setting around here was used as the backdrop for the 1957 film Bridge on the River Kwai. Back on dry land again we head for the lush hills of the Central Highlands, for some, the most beautiful landscapes in Sri Lanka.
Dotted with tea estates the hill country is a fertile region of majestic scenery and colonial charm and we intend to sample a little of that today. Staying in a tea plantation house near to Bogawantalawa, we will be perfectly situated to enjoy the splendour of the mountain scenery and the old world charm of a bygone era. Please be aware that space is limited in the house and it will be necessary to share the few available rooms, but that should not detract from the unique experience.
DAY 6. EARLY MORNING ASCENT OF ADAM'S PEAK; AFTERNOON DRIVE TO EMBILIPITIYA
From the Full Moon in December until the Full Moon in April we plan a pre-dawn ascent of Adam’s Peak, returning the same route and an afternoons drive to Embilipitiya, near Udawalawe National Park. Outside this season, we will drive for approximately 1.5 hours to Horton Plains National Park, located on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau between altitudes of 2000m and 2300m. Traditionally names, “Mahaeliya” the park’s main attraction is the thrilling escarpment known as World’s End which offers stunning views across the tea plantations.
We aim to trek to World’s End in the morning when the air is clear and the views are best. Although the area is now devoid of elephants, we may be lucky enough to see other flora and fauna such as the Samber deer. Afterwards, we continue to Embiliptiya. The site has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims for over a millennia. At the top of the mountain is a ‘footprint’, believed by Muslims to be that of Adam (hence the name). Be aware that during the pilgrimage season between December and May the number of pilgrims making the ascent often makes progress slow. Total walking approx 10-11hours and is strenuous and steep in places.
DAY 7. EARLY MORNING GAME DRIVE IN UDAWALAWE N.P; AFTERNOON FOREST TREK IN SINHARAJA
Making the short journey to the entrance of Udawalawe National Park, we shall enjoy an early morning game drive through the park. Designated a national park in 1972, Udawalawe covers some 31,800 hectacres and, surrounded by mountains, is a mix of rolling grasslands, teak plantations, rain forest and scrub. Renowned for its large herd of elephants (this is in fact one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see them) and the Elephant Foster Parents Scheme which Explore supports by sponsoring a baby elephant, the park is also home to deer, wild boar, buffalo, jackal, even the odd leopard.
Its resident bird population is also second to none, including a magnificent collection of birds of prey, chief amongst them being the impressive white-bellied sea eagle. After our game drive we will continue on to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts. Accompanied by experienced and dedicated guides we get a glimpse of the various endemic forms of fauna and flora abundant in this verdant forest, one of Sri Lanka last remaining areas of virgin rainforest. Some 60% of the trees here are endemic to the area, as are an amazing 830 species of flora and fauna. Camping this evening beside the river, we have a magical view of the forest canopy, where monkeys are regularly seen playing amongst the high branches. Total walking approx 2 hours.
DAY 8. MORNING FOREST TREK; DRIVE TO BENTOTA
Taking the opportunity to enjoy another trek through this pristine wilderness this morning, we hope to see purple-faced langurs and giant butterflies, flame-stripped jungle squirrels and colourful spiders, and perhaps, if we are lucky even the elusive leopard.
Then, leaving behind this magnificent jungle wilderness we head for the southwest coast, and the settlement of Bentota, where we finish our days by the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Situated off the main highway between Colombo and Galle, Bentota is a small coastal community which has managed to avoid the main influx of tourists to some of the more southerly towns. It is also an ideal place from which to indulge in a number of water-based optional activities.
DAY 9 & 10. IN BENTOTA; OPTIONAL WATERSPORTS
With a wealth of activities to choose from you can spend your day swimming and snorkelling in the tranquil waters of Bentota Lagoon, or perhaps try something more energetic, such as surfing, water skiing or jet skis. Snorkelling is normally available between the months of November and May and again during July and August. For those looking for a more tranquil end to their trip you might like to explore the surrounding area, or take a boat safari along the Bentota River, where you may well come across huge water monitors and crocodiles swimming amongst the mangroves.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of the numerous dive shops along this coast will need to remember to bring their log books and dive cards with them. The capital, Colombo, is easily reached on the coastal train service for those wishing to see the metropolis or maybe snap up some bargains in the markets and shops
DAY 11. MONDAY. TOUR ENDS BENTOTA |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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7nights hotel
1night plantation bungalow
1night lodge
1night tented camp |
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Holidays
Extras |
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