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Walking Trail of Sri Lanka

15 Nights & 16 Days

Overview

This two weeks trip is one of the most comprehensive ways of doing Sri Lanka. There is little that the itinerary leaves out. The best part is that you get to see this paced out, as there are ample sections on foot. The hikes to places like Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains and Sigiriya add a new dimension to the trip. The last few days are spent in the tropical sun, unwinding on the beach. This trip touches, heritage and nature, both.

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Highlights

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Colombo / Day 01

On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A representative from Indo Asia Tours will welcome you and will help transfer to Colombo. Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet […]

Colombo – Mihinthale – Anuradhapura / Day 02

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Anuradhapura. Check-in to the hotel and relax. In the evening visit Mihinthale. Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The site is essentially a rock riddled with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway […]

Anuradhapura – Dambulla / Day 03

Breakfast at the hotel, after which the whole day is spent sightseeing. Anuradhapura was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. […]

Dambulla – Hiriwaduna – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla / Day 04

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Habarana. Start the Hiriwaduna trek through Sri Lankan villages. The trek begins transferring the clients in Land Master vehicles. You can see the amazing birdlife, butterflies and crocodiles, along with villagers as they go about their morning tasks of fishing. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and […]

Dambulla – Sigiriya – Matale (Riverston) / Day 05

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sigiriya. Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a World Heritage Site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. […]

Matale – Knuckles / Day 06

Breakfast at hotel and start the half day Knuckles Trek. Christened Knuckles, because its appearance resembles a set of knuckles in a closed fist, this is a major eco tourism venue of Sri Lanka and has been declared a conservation area. The region stretches over an impressive 155 sq km that contains five major forest […]

Matale – Kandy / Day 07

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Kandy. Enroute, visit a spice garden in Matale. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy […]

Kandy – Pinnawela – Peradeniya – Kandy / Day 08

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Pinnawela Elephant orphanage. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage was inclined towards tourism, but it soon became a conservation […]

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya / Day 09

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located […]

Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya / Day 10

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Horton Plains. The Horton Plain Plateau is a secluded wilderness sanctuary (2130 m high) that offers one of Sri Lanka’s most unforgettable views. Here the land plunges down a dizzy gorge to the southern foot hills and on clear days, even a glimpse of the sea more than […]

Nuwara Eliya – Maskeliya – Adams Peak / Day 11

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Maskeliya. Check-in at the hotel and relax. At midnight, start the climb to Adams Peak. Adams Peak is known locally as Sri Pada and is Sri Lanka’s fourth highest mountain at 2,243 metres. It is one of the island’s most important pilgrimage sites. The giant footprint at the […]

Maskeylia – Kithulgala – Sinharaja / Day 12

Climb down from Adams peak and rest at the hotel. Thereafter transfer to Sinharaja. Enroute visit Kitulgala. The Kelani River (the broadest river in Sri Lanka) flowing through Kitulgala was the main location where the Oscar winning movie “Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed. On the hill above this town, a prehistoric cave was […]

Sinharaja / Day 13

Trekking through the Sinharaja rainforest is the plan for the day. This is Sri Lanka’s only remaining primeval rain forest. A single foot path cuts through the heart of its 50 sq. miles. Rare orchids blossom and cicadas chirp incessantly through the walk. The only other sound is that of rain; 200 inches of it […]

Beach Stay / Day 14 - 16

Breakfast at hotel and days spent at leisure on the beach to relax. Transfer to airport for the departure flight.

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Walking Trail of Sri Lanka

15 Nights & 16 Days

Colombo - Colombo – Mihinthale – Anuradhapura - Anuradhapura – Dambulla - Dambulla – Hiriwaduna – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla - Dambulla – Sigiriya – Matale (Riverston) - Matale – Knuckles - Matale – Kandy - Kandy – Pinnawela – Peradeniya – Kandy - Kandy – Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya – Maskeliya – Adams Peak - Maskeylia – Kithulgala – Sinharaja - Sinharaja - Beach Stay

Colombo / Day 01
On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A representative from Indo Asia Tours will welcome you and will help transfer to Colombo. Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar - where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) – a gift to Sri Lanka from the People’s Republic of China.
Colombo – Mihinthale – Anuradhapura / Day 02
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Anuradhapura. Check-in to the hotel and relax. In the evening visit Mihinthale. Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The site is essentially a rock riddled with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made out of granite slabs, 15'' wide lead to the summit from where one can get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
Anuradhapura – Dambulla / Day 03
Breakfast at the hotel, after which the whole day is spent sightseeing. Anuradhapura was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. It is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect 'bubble shape" that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. 'Samadhi' Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of 'Samadhi' or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings. Proceed to Dambulla and in the evening visit Dambulla Rock Temple. Dambulla rock temple was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and it is a World Heritage site.
Dambulla – Hiriwaduna – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla / Day 04
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Habarana. Start the Hiriwaduna trek through Sri Lankan villages. The trek begins transferring the clients in Land Master vehicles. You can see the amazing birdlife, butterflies and crocodiles, along with villagers as they go about their morning tasks of fishing. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran. You can even enjoy a bullock cart ride and finally a tasty Sri Lankan meal made at home by the villagers. After this, visit Polonnaruwa and explore the site on bicycles. Polonnaruwa, which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, is a World Heritage Site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures are carved out of rock. Other features include, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya - a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great.
Dambulla – Sigiriya – Matale (Riverston) / Day 05
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sigiriya. Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a World Heritage Site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens, ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Transfer to Matale.
Matale – Knuckles / Day 06
Breakfast at hotel and start the half day Knuckles Trek. Christened Knuckles, because its appearance resembles a set of knuckles in a closed fist, this is a major eco tourism venue of Sri Lanka and has been declared a conservation area. The region stretches over an impressive 155 sq km that contains five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery. It is a real paradise for those who love to hike or mountain bike. Numerous trails journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, waterfalls and lush tea plantations, paddy fields and colorful Kandyan home gardens.
Matale – Kandy / Day 07
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Kandy. Enroute, visit a spice garden in Matale. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the bazaar area, arts & crafts centre, a Gem museum and a lapidary. In the evening visit Temple of the Tooth Relic. The day ends with a cultural show.
Kandy – Pinnawela – Peradeniya – Kandy / Day 08
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Pinnawela Elephant orphanage. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage was inclined towards tourism, but it soon became a conservation and educational centre. Also visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya / Day 09
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara-Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia.
Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya / Day 10
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Horton Plains. The Horton Plain Plateau is a secluded wilderness sanctuary (2130 m high) that offers one of Sri Lanka's most unforgettable views. Here the land plunges down a dizzy gorge to the southern foot hills and on clear days, even a glimpse of the sea more than 80 km away, is possible. The Horton Plains are the habitat of giant Rhododendrons (an evergreen shrub with large clusters of trumpet shaped flowers), tree fern primrose and daffodil orchids with birds such as the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and Arrenga chuntering on tree tops, the Shaggy Bear monkey and the Blue Mormon butterfly.
Nuwara Eliya – Maskeliya – Adams Peak / Day 11
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Maskeliya. Check-in at the hotel and relax. At midnight, start the climb to Adams Peak. Adams Peak is known locally as Sri Pada and is Sri Lanka's fourth highest mountain at 2,243 metres. It is one of the island's most important pilgrimage sites. The giant footprint at the top is the main attraction and is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. The conical shaped mountain is worth the climb for the views and spiritual experience regardless of your belief.
Maskeylia – Kithulgala – Sinharaja / Day 12
Climb down from Adams peak and rest at the hotel. Thereafter transfer to Sinharaja. Enroute visit Kitulgala. The Kelani River (the broadest river in Sri Lanka) flowing through Kitulgala was the main location where the Oscar winning movie "Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed. On the hill above this town, a prehistoric cave was recently discovered containing large middens of shells from an unknown civilization.
Sinharaja / Day 13
Trekking through the Sinharaja rainforest is the plan for the day. This is Sri Lanka's only remaining primeval rain forest. A single foot path cuts through the heart of its 50 sq. miles. Rare orchids blossom and cicadas chirp incessantly through the walk. The only other sound is that of rain; 200 inches of it falls annually. Transfer to beach stay.
Beach Stay / Day 14 - 16
Breakfast at hotel and days spent at leisure on the beach to relax. Transfer to airport for the departure flight.