Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the beachside town of Negombo, located close to Colombo's international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.

Leave early and travel by private vehicle (approximately 3 hours) to Dambulla, home to the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. After checking into your accommodation take the short drive to Sigiriya for your first activity – a hike up the 1200 steps of the famed Lion Rock. This ancient carved-rock fortress rises dramatically above the surrounding plains, as the near vertical walls elevate the ancient city of Sigiriya high into the air, keeping the secrets of the Kassapa Kingdom inaccessible save for a rigorous climb along steep staircases. On the way you’ll visit the water and boulder gardens, frescoes and the mirror wall. The next section of the climb takes approximately 30 mins along steep walkways and steps all the way up to the rocky plateau, soaring 200 metres above the jungle below. From here the views over the surrounding area and the nearby Pidurangala Rock are jaw-dropping. Make your way back down and head back to Dambulla for a relaxing evening.

Today is a gentle one as you enjoy a relaxed jeep safari (approximately 2-3 hours) in the nearby Minneriya National Park. The park plays host to a mix of evergreen forest and scrublands, not to mention the sambar deer, leopards and elephants that can often be spotted roaming the wild. After the safari travel by private vehicle (approximately 2 hours) to the Knuckles Mountain Range, your home for the next two nights. Named after its striking visual likeness to human knuckles, this mystical UNESCO World Heritage Site features 34 dramatic mountains that range from 900 to 2,000 metres, surrounded by dense forest, waterfalls and terraced rice fields, and is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning hiking trails. Tonight, get closer to nature as you set up camp next to the pristine waters and natural rock pools of the Thelgamu Oya stream. To keep you fresh for tomorrow’s hike your activity is limited to a delightful evening walk around the village before relaxing by the riverside and an included dinner.

Today you’ll head out early on a rigorous full day guided hike along the Manigala Trek through the Knuckles region. Start hiking after breakfast and wind your way through emerald green forests and hillsides, past sheer cliffs and alongside fast-flowing rivers, perhaps stopping at villages surrounded by verdant rice terraces along the way. Enjoy lunch by the river and continue up the stone and dirt trail all the way up to the imposing Manigala Rock, where spectacular panoramic views of the valley below and adjacent peaks await. After taking in the views make your way back down to camp to enjoy a hearty dinner after a long but rewarding day’s hiking.

Begin the day with a moderate 2 to 3-hour hike through beautiful forest to Knuckles’ renowned Mini World’s End, a dramatic observation point overlooking the Thelgamuwa Valley and a sheer drop of 1192 metres (4000ft) to the forest floor below. The panoramic views over the misty green valley and distant mountain peaks are truly spectacular. After the hike enjoy a picturesque vehicle transfer to Kandy (approximately 2.5 hours). Lying in the hills of the Kandy plateau, this major city previously served as the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries – maybe find a spot by the scenic lake in the centre of town and while away the afternoon or opt to visit the golden roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Housed inside, the relic of the tooth of the Buddha has played an important role in local politics due to the belief that whoever holds the relic holds governance of the country. Kandy’s temple and its status as the last city of the Sri Lankan Kings have landed it as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Start your day with a scenic train journey to Hatton (approximately 3 hours). After arriving, cycle directly from the train station, enjoying the undulating scenery of vast tea estates lying in the flowing, tree-lined hills, as you make your way to the small but picturesque village of Norton Bridge. After arriving at your hotel, those feeling energetic can opt to hike up to Adam’s Peak. The peak is often visited by pilgrims who climb a candle-lit trail in the evening, passing shrines and food stalls along the way. Or simply put your feet up with a nice cup of Ceylon tea – the choice is yours.

After breakfast, it’s back on your mountain bike for a mostly downhill ride through the heart of tea country. Pedal from Hatton through Bogawantalawa, home to premium Ceylon Tea, to Balangoda, cycling through the sculpted green hills of ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’. Your cycling will be broken up with snack breaks and a lunch stop, providing plenty of fuel (and photo opportunities) for your ride. At the end of your ride, transfer to the delightful coastal town of Mirissa (approximately 3 hours). This dual personality town, part fishing village and part beachside resort, is the perfect place to simply sit back and relax by the beach after a few vigorous days. For those looking to stay active, Visit nearby Weligama, the ideal place to hit the waves at one of the local surf or bodyboarding schools.

Start your day with a short drive (approximately 1 hour) to the small town of Unanwitiya, your jumping off point for an exciting day kayaking down the Gin River. After instruction from our expert guides, cruise down the clear waters of the river as it winds its way downstream on a mixture of occasional white but mostly flat water. Paddle past dense forests, huge sandbanks, tea plantations and rice paddy fields while keeping an eye out for monitor lizards, colourful birds and the occasional troop of monkeys. After the kayaking, head to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage coastal city of Galle. Once the main port for the cinnamon trade, this former Portuguese then Dutch colonial city features a maze of rambling streets, colonial buildings, mansions, ancient churches, a characterful lighthouse, and it’s crowning jewel, the imposing 17th-century fort. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean this is surely one of the most dramatic structures in all of Sri Lanka. Start your exploration on an afternoon cycling tour Galle Fort then get to know the city more intimately on a walking tour along the ramparts and winding streets of the Fort. Return to relaxed Mirissa in the evening for a well-earned rest after an active day.

Depart Weligama after breakfast with a transfer to Colombo (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, check into your hotel and then take a city walk past the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. Your walk finishes with a shopping opportunity at the Barefoot fairtrade store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. Tonight, there's an optional final group dinner to celebrate your journey. This comes in the form of a food crawl along the city's tantalising market stalls.

Today marks the end of your adventure and there are no activities scheduled after breakfast. You are free to depart at any time or stay on an further explore this fascinating city.