ALL-OUT ADVENTURE TOUR
This expedition will take us through 4 climate zones, starting in the hill country, leading north to the ancient cities and then high into the mountains, before we start our descent through luscious rain forest, on onto the plains. After this we will traverse rice paddies and enter the mangrove swamps, ending our trip on the sun-drenched sandy beaches of the south.
For most of our trip you’ll need lightweight clothing and hiking boots. Waterproofs and warm clothes will be required for our time in the mountains, but don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and sun tan lotion!
Guide price $1,950 based on two sharing*
*Actual price depends on season and accommodation preferences
Day 1: The Path to Sigiriya
(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
We start our expidition traveling north to Sigiria, calling on the way at the Temple of the Golden Buddha and Cave Temples at Dambula. Once at Sigiriya, we will explore the ancient ruins before climbing Sigiriya rock to enjoy the breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 2: Ancient Cities
(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Join us as we walk among the walls of Polonnuruwa – one or the world’s best preserved ancient cities. Explore the Royal Palace, the famous statues of the Buddha and capture the mystery, ambience and magical beauty of the countless monuments, temples and statues.
Day 3: Into the Hills
Our day begins with a visit to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage, where you will get up close and personal with the elephants. From there we will take you to the historic city of Kandy and the ancient Temple of the Tooth; a Buddhist Temple which is reported to contain the actual tooth of Siddhartha, the Buddha. In the evening we will visit a Sri Lankan Cultural Show and see masked artists performing their traditional music and dance.
Day 4: The Tea Trail
Departing Kandy we start our drive to Nuwara Eliya (City of Light). Our route will pass rustic villages and mighty waterfalls along spectacular winding roads as we travel high into the mountains. On the way we will visit a tea plantation, where you can take a guided tour of a 19th century tea factory. At Nuwara Eliya we will take you to visit the local market.
Be sure to pack warm clothes for this leg of the trip!
Day 5: Cloud Gardens
From Nuwara Eliya (City of Light), we will make an early start to head to Horton’s Plains National Park (2,389m) passing through the mystical cloud forests. When we reach the park we will trek to World’s End, a sheer precipice with an 870m drop! The spellbinding views over the surrounding countryside will mesmerize and inspire you!
After stopping at a scenic lake for lunch before leaving for Dalhousie and the next stage of our adventure!
Day 6: Pilgrim Paths
From an early start (5am) we will descend into luscious jungle, passing by majestic lakes and waterfalls to the beautiful village of Maskeliya. There we will start our accent to the top of Sri Pada (2,243m) “the sacred foot” (Adam’s Peak), a pilgrimage site and a place revered as holy by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike. Our climb should take 4-6 hours depending on group fitness levels. While traversing the steps we will catch spectacular 360 degrees views of the surrounding countryside.
After descending the mountain, we will travel through the tea terraces into virgin rainforest, passing through remote villages until we reach the riverside village of Kitulgala. There we will take ditch our kit and take a refreshing sunset plunge in the Kelani river, at a spot made famous for being the place where the Academy Award-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed.
Day 7: Wild River Rides
After a late breakfast and a well deserved rest we’ll journey upstream with our rafting and canyoning equipment, where we’ll take to the rapids on the mighty Kelani river. Our guides will take on a series of adrenaline-packed white-water rapids, as well as peaceful stretches where you’ll be able to relax and take in the beauty and diversity of the rain forest flora and fauna.
Part way along the rafting route, we will stop on the riverside and go on a short trek through the jungle arriving at the top of a cascading waterfall. Here we begin our canyoning experience, where you will face a series of confidence jumps and water slides down the waterfall.
You will then continue your rafting tour downstream and finish with some fun and games before retiring to our riverside camp to enjoy the sunset on the river.
Day 8: On Safari
After breakfast and a scenic drive to the low-lands we’ll enter Uda Walawe National Park. Here you’ll be switching to an open-top jeep and taking to the plains on a safari. We’ll get you face-to-face with wild elephants, giant monitor lizards and hunt (with our cameras) all manner of flora and fauna.
Day 9: Magical Mangroves
We’ll leave the plains and enter the low-lands, crossing rice paddies and farmland before we arrive at the mangrove swamps adjoining the coastline. From here we’ll use kayaks to explore the depths of the mangroves, which are home to an enormous array of wildlife. We’ll finish our day with a well-deserved dip in the ocean.
Day 10: Sea, Sand and Sunsets
Along the beautiful coastal road we pass through small settlements, fishing villages and alongside deserted beaches arriving at the southern town of Matara for lunch. From here we’ll continue along the scenic coastal road until we reach the sleepy village of Mirissa, touted by many as the most beautiful beach on the island, and arguably so.
In the afternoon we will arrange sea-kayaking or surfing lessons for you, or you may just prefer to relax with a cocktail on the white sandy beach. We’ll enjoy the stunning sunset together on the rocky outcrop at the end of the beautiful bay, then hold a party on the beach to mark the end of our adventure and give you fantastic send-off!