If you love getting off the beaten track, challenging yourself and getting up close and personal with Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, this trekking holiday will tick all the boxes! You will love the variety of the unique treks that are lined up for this tour, and along the way you will have exciting encounters with wildlife, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines too!
During this holiday you will explore the highly diverse landscapes of the Knuckles mountain range across 3 days, head to the top of Kirigalpotta – the second highest peak in Sri Lanka, trek up the the highly venerated Adam’s Peak mountain, cut across the diverse landscape of the mountain range in Belihuloya and follow a river down from the mountains, through the forests and down into the plains of Udawalawe.
Read MoreThese treks will take you up the mountains, across rivers, through forests, fields, tea estates and villages and leave you with many amazing memories. You will also encounter waterfalls, wildlife, sun soaked beaches, and go on an exciting safari to meet wild elephants!
The difficulty level of the treks in this holiday will range from Medium to Medium-Hard. Anyone with intermediate experience or even beginners with excellent fitness levels can experience and enjoy it.
Ideal for:
Anyone who would want to experience trekking and exploring Sri Lanka. A moderate level of fitness is important for this tour. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Small groups consisting of friends who trek regularly.
Highlights at glance
- Multiple treks across 3 days in the spectacular Knuckles mountain range.
- Tackle Sri Lanka’s 2nd tallest mountain, Kirigalpotta, during your visit to Horton Plains National Park.
- Go on a Night Hike up the 4th tallest mountain – Adam’s peak – and investigate its legends.
- Hike across the diverse landscapes and elevation changes in your journey from Bogawantalawa to Galpothuthenna.
- Trek down from the mountains, follow a river and encounter the spectacular Duwili Ella waterfall.
- Experience a hike in the tea country and tour a tea factory, when you stay overnight in Hatton Town.
- Witness age-old Buddhist rituals in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy.
- Journey into the hills on a nostalgic train ride on 19th century British-built train tracks.
- Relax on golden sandy beaches and experience the vibrant marine life of the South Coast.
- Stay at a Tented Safari Camp bordering the Udawalawe National Park and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served by a roaring campfire.
- Encounter wild Asian Elephants during a private, guided safari in Udawalawe National Park.
1st Night - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to your tropical trekking holiday to Sri lanka. Your first night will be spent at the coastal fishing town of Negombo which is a short distance away from the airport. Although your time here will be brief, there is much to explore here, either on your own or with your trusty personal chauffeur. With golden beaches, churches and buildings influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, art galleries and a fascinating mix of cuisines, Negombo is a great place to get lost in and make memories.
The first day of your private, trekking tour of Sri Lanka can be enjoyed at your own pace. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your hotel. If you arrive during the day, you can visit the local art galleries to view their amazing collections, explore the town, go on a boat ride along the famous Dutch canal and of course, catch some sun on the wide, golden beaches. At night, the best place to visit is ‘Hotel Road’, which is packed with bars, seafood restaurants and hotels. You can do all of these activities by yourself or accompanied by your chauffeur.
2nd & 3rd Nights - Knuckles mountain range
Swathed in layers of clouds, it’s easy to understand why the Sinhalese call Knuckles Dumbara Kanduvetiya (mist laden mountains). However, the British surveyors of the past saw a resemblance to a clenched fist, and the moniker has stuck ever since. It is a range full of soaring peaks, vast valleys, panoramic views, rivers, waterfalls, forests, villages and more. Knuckles is a wonderful place to seek adventures, find spiritual enlightenment, immerse yourself in nature, or to just chill, relax and be. Your treks through the cloud forests and the diverse landscape of Knuckles are sure to be quite memorable!
After an early breakfast, you will set off on the drive to the Matale region, where the Knuckles range begins. You will arrive in time for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients. You will then head to an isolated rural village in the foothills of the Knuckles mountain range, to begin your first hike. This hike will take you to the beautiful Satiny Falls and will be an easy trek that will get you acclimated to the conditions quickly. Before dinner, your hiking guide will conduct a briefing on the trail for the next day, what to expect on the hike and the safety arrangements that are in place.
After breakfast the next day, a short drive will get you to the start of the Elephant’s Head Trekking Trail. The highlights of this Moderate graded trekking trail are the amazing scenery, diverse forest patches, and different species of flora and fauna that are unique to this region. The trail takes you through a number of small, age-old villages where you will encounter and experience the village life, smiles and warmth of the villagers of this valley. After reaching the top, you can enjoy your packed lunch and take in the panoramic views. This 12.5 Kilometre trail will take around 6 – 7 hours to complete, including stops, and your chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel at the end of it.
4th Night - Corbet's Gap
With stunning views of the Knuckles mountain range, Corbet’s Gap – named after the British surveyor who mapped the area – is a popular destination for visitors who drive there. Your journey there, however, will be much more scenic and eventful. Beginning at Lakegala, which plays a significant role in the legend of King Ravana, your trek will take you to its peak and once again feature breathtaking landscapes. It will then pass through the quaint, isolated village of Meemure, before eventually concluding at the spectacular Corbet’s Gap. The grading for this hike is Medium-Hard, so good fitness levels are quite necessary to enjoy it.
An early morning drive will get you to Narangamuwa, your starting point for the hike. Your hike up to the 1,310 metre Lakegala peak will be somewhat challenging, but the view from the summit is incredible and well worth the climb. After spending some time there, you will descend down to Meemure village. The people of this isolated village depend on the cultivation and sale of several staple crops including pepper, cardamom, paddy and ginger to bring them revenue and support their simple way of life. After spending some time with them, you will continue your hike and end it at the spectacular Corbet’s Gap. This will take around 8 to 10 hours to complete depending on your fitness levels.
5th Night - Kandy
After a few days of trekking through the mountains, it’s time to take a brief breather in the colourful city of Kandy. Steeped in historical and religious significance, Kandy is full of legends, mediaeval palaces, and sacred temples. Even though its days as a royal city have long since passed, it is reverently known as the hill capital, and has the serenity of a land where time has slowed down. It’s a great place to take a break from your trekking tour of Sri Lanka and slow things down before getting back to more exciting encounters!
After breakfast, a scenic drive will get you to the city of Kandy. After enjoying an authentic Sri Lankan lunch, you are free to explore the city and surroundings at your own pace. From the colourful vegetable stalls to historic buildings, arts & crafts and the lifestyle of the people, there’s plenty to take in here. Towards the evening, we recommend that you head over to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic to witness the Thewawa, a daily evening ritual and drumming session. We also highly recommend trying out some of the local Arrack (alcohol made from fermented coconut flower sap) cocktails at the hotel bar later on in the night.
6th & 7th Nights - Nuwara Eliya
All aboard! It’s time to hitch a ride on a train and head further up the picturesque hill country. The ride itself is wonderfully scenic, and will give you the opportunity to chat and connect with locals. Tea estate draped mountains, waterfalls, delicious food, cold weather and hot tea are just some of the highlights of Nuwara Eliya. The Horton Plains National Park, a high altitude nature reserve, will be the destination for the trekking part of your tour here. This reserve is rich in biodiversity and features the second highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Kirigalpotta.
After breakfast you will catch the train to Nuwara Eliya. Travelling on 19th century British-built train tracks, you will encounter the usage of Single Line Train Tablets during your ride. This is a method devised in the late 19th century to avoid collisions on a single railway line, which is still in use today on some railway lines in Sri Lanka. After reaching Nuwara Eliya and enjoying an authentic Sri Lankan lunch, you will head out on a guided walking tour. Nuwara Eliya town has a great mix of colonial and Tudor architecture, historical sites and temples, amazing views, and cuisines, all of which you will encounter on your walking tour.
A pre-dawn start will see you heading up to Horton Plains. This vast National Park spans approximately 10,000 hectares and is home to a variety of animals such as sambar, deer, wild boar, wild hares, and leopards. Along the 14 kilometre circular trail to the peak of Kirigalpotta and back, you will encounter wet grasslands, cloud forests, scrubs and other unique vegetation. This hike is graded Medium-Hard so, once again, good fitness levels are quite necessary to tackle it. After returning from the hike and resting, you are free to explore and experience your surroundings at your leisure.
8th & 9th Nights - Hatton
Adam’s Peak, your next big hike may be short in length, but it makes up for it in height and it takes place at night! The temple at the peak of the 2,243 metre tall mountain is built around a footprint that is highly significant to Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Hindus. Graded Moderate, the climb is quite steep but the 5 Kilometre trail to the top is largely paved, lit up and should take only around 4 hours of trekking to complete (timing is dependent on fitness levels). This World Heritage Site is surrounded by the Peak Wilderness sanctuary and is home to many animals, so you may have some encounters on the way.
After breakfast you will be driven to your hotel in Hatton and the rest of the day is left free for you to enjoy your surroundings at leisure. After an early dinner, you will be driven to the town of Dalhousie which is at the base of Adam’s Peak, to commence your night hike. Your hiking guide will do the trail briefing before you start the climb. An earlier start time will be required during the pilgrimage season from December to May, as the climbing duration increases due to the sheer number of pilgrims heading up the mountain. After exploring the temple at the peak, you will have a short wait for sunrise.
At dawn you can experience a spectacular sunrise and watch the light leap from peak to peak on the mountains around you. You can begin your descent soon after and head back to your hotel to refresh and tuck into a hearty breakfast. After a well deserved rest and a hearty Sri Lankan lunch, you will head out on an easy half-day trek. This trek will take you through some beautiful tea estates in Hatton and at the end of it, you will go on a tour of a tea factory, where you will find out how tea goes from being a leaf on a bush, to a warm cup of golden goodness!
10th & 11th Nights - Belihuloya
Next up, we’re heading to the scenic town of Belihuloya, but we’re not taking the easy way! The trek is 18 Kilometres long and winds its way through diverse landscapes including steep jungles, flat open spaces, tea estates, a river crossing, Leopard and Sambar country, grasslands and villages. At one point, it even passes through the Non Pareil estate, which is located just below the infamous World’s End of Horton Plains – a sheer 1.2 Kilometre cliff drop. It’s a wonderful trek that will take you across a variety of experiences and even though it may sound challenging, don’t worry, the trail is graded as Moderate.
It’s another early morning start for you, and this time you will be heading to Bogawantalawa to begin the hike. The drive will take you to the start of the trail where your hiking guide will conduct a briefing on the trail, what to expect on the hike and the safety arrangements. There will be a few breaks during the 8 to 10 hour trek for you to rest, admire the scenery, capture photos, and of course, enjoy your breakfast and lunch. The descent towards the end is rather steep, but it comes with amazing views of the surrounding areas. The trail ends at Galpothuthenna, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you to your campsite in Belihuloya.
Today, the agenda is in your hands. You can choose to use it a rest day or engage in another hike. If you choose the latter, your accommodation provider will discuss the trekking options they provide and you can pick one of them. Belihuloya has great natural beauty and features a diverse landscape that is part wet zone and dry zone; hill country and low country; montane forests, savannah forests, grasslands and waterfalls all in one region, making it an amazing place to hike. Your trek down to Elephant Country begins early the next day.
12th Night - Udawalawe
Your destination for the night, Udawalawe National Park, is famous for its population of over 400 wild elephants. As you make your way towards it, you will pass through uninhabited forests encountering only animals, birds and the occasional gem miners. This Moderate grade trek will take around 5 to 7 hours to complete and ends at the spectacular Duwili Ella waterfall. Your accommodation in Udawalawe will be quite unique as you will be staying in a tent, glamping style, with all the modern amenities. The secure campsite is situated right on the border of the Park, which means that there will be plenty of safe encounters without even leaving the camp premises.
Your early morning start will take place at the 350-year-old Kumbalgama wooden temple. After a chat with the monks and receiving their blessings, your trek will begin with the usual briefing by your guide. You will follow the Walawe river for parts of your journey, pass through varied landscapes and encounter plenty of animals and birds. Your trek will end at the spectacular Duwili Ella falls, where you will enjoy a river bath and a sumptuous lunch. A vehicle will pick you up from this point and take you the rest of the way to Udawalawe National Park. At night you will be treated to an alfresco candle light dinner experience under the stars at your campsite.
13th Night - Unawatuna
It’s time to head out of the jungles, and journey to the golden beaches of Unawatuna on the South Coast. Undoubtedly, the most famous feature in this area is the culture-rich Galle Fort which is located a short distance away. The Fort was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries frequented by travellers, artists, writers, photographers and designers. The Unawatuna Bay, where you will be staying, is a great place for lazing in the sea, grabbing a quick tan and indulging in some amazing, fresh seafood!
An early morning start will see you set off on a morning safari in a private jeep, along with a professional and experienced naturalist and tracker. After some excellent elephant sightings you will head to Unawatuna, and engage in a guided walking tour of the Galle Fort after lunch. On your Galle Fort tour, you’ll get an insight into the colonial history, legends and mysteries of the Fort. You are free to explore and experience the fort thereafter or head back to Unawatuna, to enjoy the wide golden beaches and the calm and warm waters of the Bay.
We’ve reached the end of your 13-night trekking tour of Sri Lanka and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- Additional Safaris in Udawalawe National Park (requires an additional night stay).
- A private boat charter for a Whale Watching boat ride in the seas off Mirissa.
- Additional nights in Unawatuna (beach stay).
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 3,237
1-2 persons
$ 2,708
3-4 persons
$ 2,489
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Morning Star Guest House
Set in Negombo, this property is a 2-minute walk from the Negombo beach.
Alki Bungalows – Riverstone
Alki Bungalow in Riverstone, Matale, is a charming, cosy retreat that offers guests a unique and authentic jungle resort experience.
Wild Glamping Knuckles
Knuckles Mountain, locally referred to as Dumbara Mountain, is situated north of Kandy in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands.
Viyana Boutique Kandy
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Galway Heights
Galway Heights is a hotel nestled in the lush vegetation of Sri Lanka's central hill area that invites guests to enjoy the country's wonderful...
The Argyle
A luxurious sanctuary tucked away among Sri Lanka's hill country's emerald green tea blankets, The Argyle is a haven for rest, renewal, and complete...
Big Game Udawalawe by Eco Team
The Big Game Safari Campsite at Udawalawe is set within dense jungle overlooking a man-made reservoir on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National...
Thaprobhan Beach House
The Thaproban beach house is located in the balmy hamlet of Unawatuna, near to some of the island's most magnificent beach attractions and "reggae...
Plush
Accommodation
$ 4,208
1-2 persons
$ 3,679
3-4 persons
$ 3,459
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Jetwing Lagoon
Jetwing Lagoon, an innovative Ayurveda & wellness resort, is an attractive and stylish five-star destination that offers unforgettable experiences.
Sir John’s Bungalow
Sir John's Bungalow is situated on the north side of the Knuckles mountain range, one of the most picturesque regions of Sri Lanka. It...
Wild Glamping Knuckles
Knuckles Mountain, locally referred to as Dumbara Mountain, is situated north of Kandy in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands.
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Golf Course and surrounded by cool tropical greenery, akin to an English summer, the Grand Hotel...
The Argyle
A luxurious sanctuary tucked away among Sri Lanka's hill country's emerald green tea blankets, The Argyle is a haven for rest, renewal, and complete...
Big Game Udawalawe by Eco Team
The Big Game Safari Campsite at Udawalawe is set within dense jungle overlooking a man-made reservoir on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National...
Thaprobhan Pavilion Waves
Thaproban Pavilion Waves is a tropical-themed modern hotel located on the gorgeous Unawatuna coastline.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 0
1-2 persons
$ 0
3-4 persons
$ 0
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 13 nights on BB at all hotels except at campsites (all 3 meals), Big Game (FB). All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Specialised and experienced hiking guide.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Hiking guide’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- First Aid and pre-planning for emergencies.
- Jeep Safari in the Udawalawe National Park in a Private Jeep including private guide, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
5 - 6 Hours
Explore Negombo
Engage in an exciting series of activities in the fishing town Negombo, famous for its golden sandy beaches and lagoon, located just a few...
Negombo
Colombo
5 - 6 hours
Trekking Adventure in the UNESCO Heritage site: Knuckles Mountain
The Knuckles Mountain range, a beautiful UNESCO Heritage site, is located towards the northern end of the central highlands of Sri Lanka, adjacent to...
Knuckles
Kandy
4 - 5 Hours
Pilgrimage up the Sacred Mountain – Adam’s Peak
Climb with pilgrims and witness the mystical sunrise.
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
3 - 4 Hours
Ceylon Tea Experience at a Working Tea Plantation
Experience the art of renowned Ceylon tea-making by visiting a beautiful tea garden and an award-winning factory.
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Knuckles
5 hours
Destination Adventure: Trekking, Canoeing, and Mountain Biking – Belihuloya
Follow the trail on foot to a village with a secret, paddle through the butterfly reservoir on a canoe, and traverse the chilly mountain...
Nuwara Eliya
4 Hours
Majestic Beast Safari – Udawalawe National Park
Observe endless herds of wild elephants roaming the grasslands of Udawalawe National Park – the world’s best place to guarantee elephant sightings on every...
Udawalawe
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast