Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak

10 days4.9101 reviews
Multi-active
From
AUD $2,795

Through forest, seaside and mountain peaks, get active and explore the countless UNESCO sites of Sri Lanka

On a 10-day active adventure in Sri Lanka, you’ll see the best UNESCO World Heritage sites and varied landscapes of this beautiful country. Cycle through tea plantations, kayak down rivers and hike to ancient fortresses from Negombo to Colombo. Explore Sigiriya’s Lion Rock, wander through the Knuckles Mountain Range and feel the breeze in your hair as you fly past the Golden Valley of Ceylon on two wheels. Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations and it’s not hard to see why – with expansive coastlines, ancient ruins, rugged mountain peaks and wildlife-filled national parks, it’s a dream for travellers who like to get outdoors and experience a truly wild landscape.

Map of Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Sri Lanka
Trip code: HPXM
Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
End
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Destinations
Sri Lanka
Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Jeep, Taxi, Kayak, Mountain Bike
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Camping with basic facilities (2 nights)
Days
10
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Multi-active
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 30 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Kayak down the Gin River on a half day paddle through Sri Lanka’s ever-changing landscape. Float past forests, sandbanks and plantations while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Come face with one of Sri Lanka’s most storied sites as you hike to the ancient carved rock fortress of UNESCO World Heritage site – Sigiriya, which rises dramatically from the surrounding plains.

Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Knuckles Mountain Range and encounter Sri Lanka's lush scenery and amazing biodiversity. Visit the observation point ‘Mini World’s End’ and see the sheer drop into the Thelgamuwa Valley and its forest floor below.

Cycle a mostly downhill route through the green heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country in ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’.

Get to know the layered history of Galle during a walking tour, uncovering the city’s maze of streets, historic buildings, lighthouse and the famed 17th-century fort.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Sri Lanka

Inclusions and activities

Meals

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Jeep, Taxi, Kayak, Mountain Bike

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Camping with basic facilities (2 nights)

Included activities
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Minneriya National Park
  • Knuckles Mountain Range - Village Walk
  • Knuckles Mountain Range guided trek
  • Knuckles Mini World's End Guided Trek
  • Hatton Tea Country Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Kandy - Scenic train ride from Kandy to Hatton
  • Golden Valley of Ceylon Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour
  • Gin River Kayaking
  • Colombo - City walking tour

Optional activities
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth - USD7
  • Adam's Peak Trek - per group - USD20

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip requires a good level of fitness to be able to enjoy the physical activities included.
  • While the activities are diverse, they are all run at a relaxed pace and do not require a high level of expertise/experience to participate in. All travellers will need to be competent swimmers to take part in the kayaking section of this trip.
  • The weather in this region varies seasonally. Be prepared to get sweaty, and for the occasional rainstorm which may require a change of plans. Drink plenty of water and remember a good quality hat and sun block.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.

2.Some travellers have reported being approached by locals offering excursions before their Intrepid trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Intrepid and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We advise customers against joining any tour offered by the unauthorised guides.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3 & 4 (Camping). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in the included outdoor activities, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary.

5. You do not need to bring a sleeping bag or sleeping mat. Your luggage will transported by vehicle and will meet you at the camp site.

6. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

7. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. E-bike hire only applies to days 6 & 7. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 101 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Bernadette · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 22 Oct 2024

Cheryl · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 07 Oct 2024

Scott · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 07 Oct 2024

Nathaniel · Traveled September 2024
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Peter · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 07 Oct 2024
Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak
From
AUD $2,795