Day 1 – Fly to Colombo

Today you will start your Sri Lankan adventure by flying to Colombo International Airport.

Day 2 – Arrival → Cultural Triangle – Dambulla

“Ayubowan” & ‘’Vanakkam’’ Welcome to tropical paradise. You will be welcomed and greeted by your guide or The Earth Trip representative on arrival at the waiting area at Colombo International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel in Dambulla. Travel time approximately 3 hours.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 3 – Ritigala & Kaudulla

In the morning you will visit the Ritigala jungle Monastery & Nature Reserve which is nestled deep inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve. Ritigala is a fascinating nature reserve which harbours countless species of rare flora and fauna. Moreover, one finds the partially excavated ruins of a large Buddhist monastery. The ruins date from the pre-Christian times. The monastery was abandoned following the South Indian invasions in the 10th and 11 Centuries, but today holds a special charm with its strange mixture of Archaeology – atmosphere. Walking around the beautiful ruins will certainly give you a sense of adventure in search of the mythical past. It is easy to imagine yourself as Indiana Jones as you clamber the boulders and walk among the moss-covered relics of a bygone civilization.

Afternoon safari at Kaudulla National Park, the most recent to be added to the list of 15 parks in Sri Lanka. Famous for its elephants and bird population, species include the nation’s largest bird, the Lesser Adjutant and the Pompadour Green Pigeon. Built around the year 300 A.D, the tank slowly fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in 1959, and with its variety of plant life it has now become home to 24 species of mammals, 25 species of amphibians and countless bird types. The endangered Rusty Spotted Cat can be spotted in Kaudulla National Park, as well as large herds of Asian elephants, elusive leopards and both Sambar and Axis Deer.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 4 – Cultural Triangle – Polonnoruwa

Today your family will enjoy a bicycle tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, and today it is one of the most beautiful centres of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and a UNESCO Heritage site. With its comparatively brief history and a dozen rules, it has far more complete preserved ruin than Anuradhapura. Visit the ancient ruins and Gal Vihara complex, where 3 gigantic Buddha’s statues are carved out of a single rock. You also will be able to see the toque macaque monkeys, found only in Sri Lanka.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 5 – Cultural Triangle – Sigiriya → Kandy

Climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock and drive to Kandy. Travel time approximately 2 hours.

In the morning you will visit Sigiriya which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is proposed to be the 8th wonder of the world. Sigiriya, a massive rock in the green scrub jungle, is perhaps the most memorable place for visitors to Sri Lanka. The site was known from ancient times as a hermitage for Buddhist monks. A well-planned monastic complex included caved temples, bathing pools, lovely ponds and Asia’s oldest surviving landscaped gardens. The “Lion stairway”, the “mirror wall” and the “water gardens” are its other highlights. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 370 m high also known as ‘Lion’s Rock’, which dominates the jungle from all sides.

Afternoon drive to the cultural capital of Sri Lanka – Kandy.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Rangala House

Rangala House is a converted tea-planter's bungalow offering top class accommodation in the Hill Country of...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 6 – Kandy – Knuckles Hike

In the morning you will hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range.

The Knuckles Mountain Range is one of the least explored areas by tourists in Sri Lanka. You will be rewarded with spectacular scenery and authentic villages. The Knuckles Mountain Range is located towards the North East of the city of Kandy. The name derives from its shape of a clenched fist and it offers one of the most breathtaking climbs among the Sri Lankan hill country. A paradise for those who love to hike, the range offers numerous mountainous trails that journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, past flowing waterfalls, lush tea plantations, paddy fields and traditional small mountain villages.

The Knuckles Range is characterised by its striking landscapes often robed in thick layers of cloud. The area comprises of 34 clearly identified ranges within 62 square miles, and 3000-6500 feet in height. In addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic capsule of the rest of Sri Lanka. The conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited here. Its forested peaks harbour a variety of flora and fauna, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island’s total area it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country’s biodiversity. The Knuckles Range has been declared a ‘National Heritage and Wilderness Area’.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Rangala House

Rangala House is a converted tea-planter's bungalow offering top class accommodation in the Hill Country of...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 7 – White Water Rafting & Climb Adam’s Peak (Optional)

Experience white water rafting in the Kelaniya River from 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids with the rafting stretch approximately 6.5 kilometres in length and taking between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on water levels. This is for anyone over the age of 12 with safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing provided. Alternatively, you can choose the more relaxing flat water rafting.

You’ll start to climb Adam’s Peak around 2am. Adam’s Peak or Siri Pada (sacred footprint) or Samanalakande (Butterfly Mountain) is a beautiful and fascinating place with a view to die for! It rises abruptly from the lower valley, to an altitude of 2,243m (7,360 ft) above sea level, and offers a panoramic 360 degree view over land and sea. According to Christians and Muslims, Adam first set foot on earth after being cast out of heaven. On the top human-foot-shaped hollow on the pinnacle boulder marks one of the personal appearances of Buddha, according to Hindu’s god Siva. The sunrise produces the famous spectacle of the Shadow of the Peak. The north east winds that blow in the pilgrim season have laid, some thousands of feet below it, a layer of misty cloud. Over this the sun casts the vast dark triangular shadow of the huge summit pyramid. Its point lies, at first, upon the infinitely distant horizon, then as the sun waxes, races backward, foreshortening the shadow, until it is swallowed altogether in the rock of the peak itself.

Adam’s Peak was the landmark of the ancient sea-faring Arabs, who came to Sri Lanka, to trade in gems, spices and ivory. Having sighted the conical mountain miles off shore they prayed to God for having brought them safely to the island.

Join the thousands of local pilgrims and tourists to visit Adam’s Peak during the night to climb. The pleasant climb takes on average about 3- 4 hours (Climbing & stopping at tea or snack stops). You will be there at the top of the summit to see the amazing early sun rise around 6am.
The path is illuminated with lights during this period you are going as it is the pilgrimage season. Take some warm clothes as it will very be cold when you reach the top.

*Even the professional climbers will feel the pain in the feet even after for some days. Do climb slowly and stop wherever possible. There will be young and old Sri Lankan’s climbing as it is the religious site of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims. Every religion has their story of Adam’s Peak. Climbing down will be more painful than the actual climb, take your time and do it slowly.

*Prior to the climb do not consume so much alcohol, as the alcohol will make you very tired in the high altitude.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

The Farm Resort

A breathtaking location in a tranquil ambience. The location makes it easy to make trips to...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 8 – Relax

Day of leisure after your climb.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

The Farm Resort

A breathtaking location in a tranquil ambience. The location makes it easy to make trips to...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 9 – Train Journey to Haputale

Today you will experience one of the most breathtaking train journeys. You will travel from Hatton to Haputale through tea plantations and rolling hills on a scenic train. This train journey is recorded in the Guinness Books of Records as one of the world best scenic train journeys. Your guide will pick you up at the Haputale Station upon arrival.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

Melheim Resort Haputale

It is nothing more than a perfect getaway destination taking you into the heavens of tranquillity...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 10 – Haputale – Lipton Seat & Tea Plantations

After breakfast you will visit Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory.

Lipton’s Seat is located on the top of Poonagala hill; this is quite literally the point from which the Scottish tea baron Thomas Lipton would often proudly survey his tea plantations. On a clear day it offers a spectacular view of the mountain ranges, lakes and valleys all the way to the southern coast. You can hike to the point through lush tea plantations or you can opt to drive up in comfort with your guide.

Visit to Dambatenne Tea Factory – it was built in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton himself, this colonial tea factory is still in operation today. The term “Ceylon Tea” was coined here, and Lipton’s Tea was founded and sold its first pound of tea from the precincts of this very factory. The factory tour is an education in the intricate processes involved in the fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and grading of tea, and the comprehensive tour culminates with an authentic tea tasting experience. Please note it is closed on Sundays.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

Melheim Resort Haputale

It is nothing more than a perfect getaway destination taking you into the heavens of tranquillity...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 11 – Haputale → Udawalawe

For lunch you can visit a local village. Enjoy a hands on experience preparing traditional Sri Lankan food from the lower valleys including Gotu Kola Sambol with red rice.

Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park. An area of 31,800 hectares and surrounded by mountain ranges, the terrain of Udawalawe National Park is a mixture of grassland, shrub jungle, wild tea plantations and two important factors which make this park special – the large Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walewe River, which ensure a supply of water for the fauna within. Internationally renowned for its large herd of elephants, the park is also known for several species of deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, jackal and very rare sightings of leopards.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Galle & the South

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

The Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, offering 4-star facilities, is the only hotel of its’ class in...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 12 – Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe → Ambalangoda

Today you will visit the Elephant Transit Home en route to Ambalangoda. The Elephant Transit Home (ETH), where the orphan wild elephants are treated, raised and released back to the wild, is located at Udawalawe. You can observe how the elephants are taken care of, twice a day. The total number of orphaned elephants exceeds 40, of which most of them are calves and juveniles. When the animals become mature enough to live on their own, they are released back to the wild. Park authorities keep constant vigilance on the newly released animals, until they get used to the new life in the wild.

After lunch you will travel to the South of the island stopping to the see Mulkirigala Rock Temple if you wish.

The Mulkirigala Rock Temple is a magnificent ancient monastery situated on a boulder that rises virtually perpendicularly from the surrounding plains, except for one slopped side. Terraces across the sloped side of the rock lead to caved temples nestling beneath ledges of overhanging rock. The beautiful ancient wall paintings of the monastery are breathtaking as is the panoramic view from the summit.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

R Degrees

Invite yourself over to R°, a luxury boutique villa nestled in the serene and beautiful landscape...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 13 – Whale Watching (Optional)

You will have an early morning start in order to watch the Blue Whales; you will leave around 06:00am from your hotel to see the Blue Whales (optional).

Mirissa is the most reliable site in the world for seeing the difficult and desired Blue Whale. It may also be the best place for seeing Sperm Whales too. Blue Whales are the largest animals to have ever lived on earth growing up to some 33 metres long, weighing up to 150-180 metric tons. They live individually or in very small pods or groups and frequently swim in pairs. Large Baleen Whales and Toothed Whales also come within sight of the shore. The calm ocean is abundant with krill which Blue Whales feed. From December through to April; there is an outstanding window of opportunity for observing Blue Whales and Sperm Whales close to the shore.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

R Degrees

Invite yourself over to R°, a luxury boutique villa nestled in the serene and beautiful landscape...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 14 & 15 – Ambalangoda – Relax

Full day at leisure on the beaches of Ambalangoda.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

R Degrees

Invite yourself over to R°, a luxury boutique villa nestled in the serene and beautiful landscape...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 16 – Ambalangoda → Departure

You will be transferred to Colombo Airport to fly home.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast