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Exploring Sri Lanka

Active in Sri Lanka

If you enjoy being active while on holiday, then Sri Lanka has endless pursuits to challenge you and some stunning scenery to enjoy while doing so.

This holiday itinerary includes white water rafting and canyoning in Kitugala, an overnight hike to the top of Adam’s Peak, time to explore paddy fields and tea plantations near Galle and finally a restful few days of yoga and surfing on the south coast at Talalla Retreat.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Sri Lanka!

On arrival in Colombo you will be met by your private driver who will transfer you to the Galle Face Hotel, the oldest hotel in Sri Lanka.

Enjoy the pool and soak up the rich history, or explore the city a little. Be sure to rest before the adventure really begins tomorrow.

 

Day 2 - White Water Rafting & Canyoning

Wake up and head to Borderlands Adventure Camp in Kitugala after breakfast.

The camp sits on the banks of the Kelani River and will be your home for the next 2 nights. You will stay in a bamboo hut on stilts and relax in the camp’s Long House enjoying communal meals.

Spend the afternoon white water rafting and canyoning. Half way down you will pause and trek up into the canyon of a tributary river. From the top you can make your way back down to the rafts by navigating a series of plunge pools and natural watersides.

Day 3 - Rainforest Hike

Spend the day on a guided trek in the Makandawa Rainforest. The reserve has rich birdlife including the endemic Orange Billed Babbler and a series of waterfalls you can swim in. Packed lunches are provided.

Day 4 - Adam's Peak Overnight Climb

Today your driver will transfer you to a guesthouse at the base of Adam’s Peak.

Adam’s Peak (Sri Prada) is the third highest peak in Sri Lanka and a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. The 5200 steps up to the temple are climbed overnight, in order to reach the summit for sunrise.

Spend the day at rest and head to bed early, as you will start at 2am and be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking sunrise scenery in Sri Lanka. After you descend you will transfer to Galle.

Day 5, 6 & 7 - Enjoy Galle, and take a bike tour

Welcome to Galle, it’s a perfect base for some local biking if you would like, or presents a perfect opportunity to simply relax for a couple of nights after the hike and before transferring to the coast.

You can explore UNESCO Heritage site Galle Fort, visit secluded temples overlooking rice paddies, tour tea plantations, traditional villages, and fields of cinnamon, rubber and cashews.

Keen bikers might be interested to add a more challenging tour, staying in plantation bungalows while we arrange for your luggage taken ahead.

Days 7, 8 & 9 - Surfing & Yoga on the Beach

End your trip with a couple of nights at Talalla Surf & Yoga Retreat. The retreat is perfect for people of all ages, couples, groups and families. They offer daily surf and yoga lessons on a secluded beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast with safe waters. You also have easy access to Mirissa for whale watching and Uda Walawe National Park for safaris if you would like.

Day 10 - Travel home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

What's included?

Includes:
  • 1 Night at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, on a B&B basis.
  • 2 Nights accommodation at Borderlands Adventure Camp, on a Full Board basis.
  • 1 Nights accommodation at Adams Peak, on a Half Board basis.
  • 2 Nights accommodation at Fort Bazaar, Galle on a B&B basis
  • 3 Nights accommodation at Talalla Retreat, on a Full Board basis.
  • All road transfers and transport for the excursions mentioned, excluding your time at Talalla Retreat.
  • Daily Activities at Borderlands Adventure Camp
  • Complimentary Yoga Classes at Talalla Retreat.
  • All hotel taxes and service charges.

All prices correct at the time of writing and based on 2 people sharing. The price fluctuates seasonally and excludes peak season dates (15th Dec – 10th Jan, Chinese New Year & Easter).

Please call us or email us at srilanka@fleewinter.com  to discuss prices for your exact dates and occupancy requirements.

Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay –  including significantly more luxurious accommodation options.

Excludes:
  • International Flights.
  • Visas and any other prevailing entry requirements at the time of travel
  • Entrance fees to the points of interest.
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned above.
  • Gratuities for drivers or guides.
  • Personal allowances.
  • Additional tours and activities

Please note that climbing Adam’s Peak is only possible at certain times of the year due to weather. Discuss this in detail with our specialist if this is a priority of the trip for you.

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Colombo
There is only one word to describe Colombo and that is hectic! It can be fun with a handful of good shops and restaurants to explore but we wouldn't overly recommend it as the first point of call for newcomers to Sri Lanka. It isn't a must see. More
Kandy
Kandy is 3 hours from Colombo and the religious heartland of Sri Lanka. It was made a world heritage site in 1988. The city's main attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka 's most precious Buddhist relic which becomes the focus of a fortnight long festival known as the Perahera each July. Other points of interest include the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Royal Botanical Gardens and the Commonwealth Cemetery. More
Negombo
Originally a fishing town the long beaches of Negombo are nowadays dominated by tourists who like the short transfer times from Colombo International Airport. With a few good hotels, Negombo is a popular jumping off point for visitors but it is by far the most touristy town in Sri Lanka and so may not appeal to everyone. More
Bentota
Bentota is just 2 hours from the airport and as such has a good range of facilities such as watersports and local restaurants. There are a number of larger hotels along the main beach, but your likely to have the smaller beaches to yourself. The area is ideal for families with elephant rides on the beach, banana rides year round and Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery nearby. More
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is traditionally a surfer town and so has a number of laid back beachfront bars and restaurants, as well as two of the only discos on the island. We have a few accommodation options in Hikkaduwa and recommend it as a day trip from both Bentota and Galle for the glass bottom boat and chance to swim with turtles in the bay. More
Galle Fort
The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Dutch colonial past and makes a great day trip from a coastal villa. It has a real cosmopolitan feel due to boutique gift shops and hotel restaurants, mixed with Moorish, Portuguese, Dutch and British history. It is possible to stay in the fort and definitely fun for a few nights. It is approx 3 hours from the airport.
Adam's Peak
Adam's Peak at 7500 ft high is the most famous physical feature in Sri Lanka and a place of pilgrimage. Sri Lankans come mainly in the month of April to pay their respects to the mountains deity Sumana, while foreigners come to admire the sunrise. The climb takes several hours and is done at night, therefore only suitable for the physically fit. More
Yala National Park
Yala National Park on the southeast tip of the island is the most well known of Sri Lanka 's 15 wildlife reserves. Yala is prime leopard spotting territory, especially in August when the area is at its driest, but it is also home to a healthy population of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild boar, buffalo, jackal and an abundance of bird life. More
Ella
Ella has one of the best views in Sri Lanka - through the Ella Gap to the Kirinda Lighthouse on the coast 1000m below. Ella can be reached by road or rail, 7 hours from Colombo. Home to some lovely waterfalls, working tea estates and mini Adam's Peak you can happily spend a few nights in this charming little hill town. More
Kitugala
Home to the Kelani River, Kitugala is a pretty riverside village dedicated to white water rafting, canyoning and kayaking. More
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka is a surf paradise, popular with backpackers during the months of April - September. Best avoided in the off season when most of the local businesses close down. More

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