Active Fun in Kingdom of Ceylon, 8 days

This trip is designed to capture the best of Sri Lanka, the magical kingdom of Ceylon, learning about her colourful past, seeing breathtaking monuments and beautiful scenery in this specially curated trip.

Duration : 8 days

This trip can be fully customised to suit the requirements of your group, please <SUBMIT AN ENQUIRY> and tell us your requests.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Colombo – Negombo

Upon arrival, meet and greet, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Meal: nil

Stay: hotel

Day 2 Negombo – Pinnawala – Habarana

Transfer to Habarana. Enroute, we will make a stop at Pinnawala to visit the Elephant Orphanage.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka wildlife department in a 25 acres coconut property near the Maha Oya River. The orphanage was originally founded to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungle.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: hotel

Day 3 Habarana – Sigiriya / Dambulla Cave Temple – Habarana

Proceed to Sigiriya. Climb the Sigiriya rock fortress to visit the ancient palace.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle.

Continue to Dambulla to visit the Rock Cave Temple.

Located in the north central province this UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates to the 1st century BC, is an amazing complex of 5 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock, Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls, are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras.

Return to Habarana.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: hotel

Day 4 Habarana – Anuradhapura / Polonnaruwa – Habarana

Visit Anuradhapura, one the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. Let’s explore the ancient city on a bicycle! Bicycles, helmets and cycling guides will be provided.

(Optional)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north central part of the Island was the first capital (5th century BC – 9th century AD), the centre of the island’s Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. In antiquity and the interest, it is the equal of any ancient ‘buried city’ in the world. The oldest historically documented tree on earth (over 2,200 years old) – The Sri Maha Bodhi, brought as a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and the island’s oldest Buddhist shrines – some dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to Polonnaruwa for a sightseeing tour of the ancient city.

The 2nd capital of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries A.D, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya (three splendid statues of the Buddha in upright, sedentary, and recumbent postures carved out of rock). There are also ruins of famous places of worship such as the Shiva temple, the Lankatileka, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former temple of the tooth.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: hotel

Day 5 Habarana – Spice Garden (Matale) – Kandy

Transfer to Kandy.

Along the way, visit a spice garden in Matale. Witness and purchase well-known spices and herbs of Sri Lanka. You may also be able to enjoy a head and shoulder massage (own expense) at the spice garden.

A sightseeing tour of Kandy includes a visit to the Gem Museum, Temple of the Tooth, a Batik Factory and drive through the local Market.

The temple of the scared tooth relic is one of the most iconic landmarks in the history of Buddhism located within proximity to the Botanical gardens. The intricate architecture, historical paintings and the aura of peacefulness will captivate you from the moment you step in to the magnificent temple.

This evening, witness a cultural dance show performed by the famous Kandyan Dancers.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: hotel

Day 6 Kandy

Choose to relax in the hotel or pick from one of the below adventures.

(Optional)

Proceed to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Embark on a Nature trail hike and take the off beaten track inside UDAWATTHA-KALE rainforest and acquire more knowledge about endemic species of plants, birds, and animals.

Canoe through the renowned Mahaweli River. A canoe gives you a view of the banks from the river, where you will get a good view of both the wildlife and the local population going about their daily routines.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: hotel

Day 7 Kandy – Colombo

Transfer back to Colombo.

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the city with shopping.

Colombo, Sri Lanka‘s bustling capital, is located on the country’s west coast is by far the country’s biggest city, as well as its window on the world. Its natural harbour at the mouth of the Kelani River was a magnet for successive traders and conquerors – first Arab merchants, then Portuguese, Dutch and British imperialists. Colombo’s cosmopolitan side supports ever-more stylish eateries, galleries, and museums. Surprises abound in its old quarters where you can find great local food and discover a characterful shop or tiny, convivial cafe. The capital is an excellent start – or finish – to your Sri Lankan adventure.

This afternoon, there’s free time at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: hotel

Day 8 Depart Colombo

Relax and rest until check out (official check out time is 11 AM). Transfer to airport for your onward flight.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 7 nights accommodation;

~ 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners;

~ necessary transportation as required;

~ service of an English-Speaking Driver-Guide;

~ admission fees, national park fees (if any)

~ one (1) of the optional active experiences on Day 6;

~ necessary government taxes.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Sri Lanka;

~ tourist visa application (if required);

~ expenses of any personal nature;

~ camera permits at sites;

~ meals not specified in the itineary;

~ excursions / expereinces mentioned as ‘Optional’;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total trip quoted value is required at the time of booking.

~ Price may subject to change at the time of booking confirmation. You will be informed if there is any price increase, and you may withdraw within 3 days of notification. As such, your deposit will be fully refunded.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Sri Lanka when you have been informed to do so.

~ Group size: minimum 1-2 persons.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Sri Lanka, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the travellers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because hiking/cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for travellers with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Travellers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/cycle.

~ Your Driver-Guide’s primary role is to ensure your safety and comfortable transportation between destinations. While they provide general information and local insights during the journey, they are not a dedicated tour guide who provides detailed commentary at each site. At places of interest, you will explore independently. Your Driver-Guide will not accompany you inside attractions but will be waiting at a designated point for your return.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Cycling, Hiking
Country	Sri Lanka
Cycling Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner
Hiking Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner
Season	05 – May, 06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August, 09 – September

Active Fun in Kingdom of Ceylon, 8 days