Sri Lanka 17 Days – Trekking and Monuments

Welcome to Bandaranaike International Airport! Upon your arrival, our professional driver-guide will be there to warmly welcome you and ensure a smooth transfer to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. On the way, you’ll take a relaxing break in Kurunegala to enjoy refreshments by the serene city lake, offering a chance to experience the local charm and a peaceful surroundings before continuing on to your destination.

Accommodation: MIRIDIYA LAKE RESORT hotel in Anuradhapura.

Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura by bicycle in approximately 4 hours. Founded in the 4th century BC, it served as the first capital of Sri Lanka and remained an important center until the 10th century AD. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura is home to numerous ancient landmarks, including impressive stupas, palaces, and sacred temples. Cycling through this historic city allows you to experience its rich cultural heritage up close while enjoying the beautiful surroundings at a relaxed pace.

Accommodation: MIRIDIYA LAKE RESORT hotel in Anuradhapura.

Explore Polonnaruwa on foot in (approximately 4 hours), immersing yourself in a city that flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa preserves an impressive collection of ancient buildings, temples, and monuments that reflect the height of medieval Sri Lankan civilization. Among the most remarkable features are the intricately carved rock statues of Buddha and King Parakrama, renowned for their exceptional beauty and grandeur. Walking through this historic site offers a rich cultural experience, allowing you to appreciate the artistry and history that have stood the test of time.

Accommodation: KASSAPA LIONS ROCK Sigiriya hotel.

Sigiriya Rock is a remarkable natural formation, a nearly rectangular mountain rising to a height of 360 metres. This site is considered as one of the eight wonders of the ancient world, drawing visitors from across the globe who come to admire its historical and cultural significance. After exploring the heights of Sigiriya, an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park provides a wonderful contrast, offering the chance to observe large herds of elephants in their natural environment. This combination of inspiring history and vibrant wildlife makes for an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: KASSAPA LIONS ROCK Sigiriya hotel.

Trekking in Ritigala takes (approximately 4 hours) and takes you through the Ritigala reserve, where you can discover the ruins of an ancient temple dating back to the 1st century BC. Standing at 766 metres above sea level, Ritigala is the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. The area is protected due to the belief that it contains sacred and healing herbs, which adds both historical and ecological importance to the site.

Accommodation: KASSAPA LIONS ROCK Sigiriya hotel.

Explore Dambulla Golden Temple, dating back to the 1st century BC and flourishing in the 12th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into history. After visiting, you can take a gentle trek through Matale, passing a village surrounded by rice fields and pepper gardens. The route winds through lush crops of cashews, pepper, cocoa, coffee, and natural rubber, leading to a river perfect for a refreshing dip. Along the way, you’ll also discover the hidden wonders of a Spice Garden, making it a rich and immersive experience.

Accommodation: JUNGLE TIDE hotel in Kandy.

Begin your day with an early morning visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa, the revered Temple of the Tooth of Buddha, which houses the sacred relic of the Buddha’s Tooth. This relic has been a cornerstone of Sri Lankan spirituality and culture since ancient times, symbolizing the nation’s heritage and faith. Following this profound experience, embark on a two-hour excursion into the Udawatakale Forest, where you’ll be immersed in the serene atmosphere created by towering trees and lush tropical vegetation. After reconnecting with nature, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Take a peaceful walk around the city, explore the scenic lake that surrounds the Temple of the Tooth, or dive into the vibrant local market, soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of the area.

Accommodation: JUNGLE TIDE hotel in Kandy.

Trekking in Hantana (approximately 5 hours) Embark on a hike through the mountains that surround the southern part of Kandy city. You will walk along scenic tea trails and visit the mountain where the famous film "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" was filmed in 1984. After the trek, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the nearby small villages where tea pickers live, offering a unique glimpse into their daily lives. These villages are located very close to your accommodation, making it easy to experience the local culture and environment at your own pace.

Accommodation: JUNGLE TIDE hotel in Kandy.

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, also known as the Royal Gardens, date back to the 14th century and are one of the most impressive attractions in Sri Lanka. This vast park features trees and plants from all over the world, offering a peaceful and scenic experience. On your way to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, which sits at an elevation of 1,868 meters, you’ll pass through expansive tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. You can also take a short excursion to climb to the Ramboda Waterfalls, which takes about an hour and involves a 100-meter elevation gain. To complete the experience, visit a tea factory to see how some of the world’s finest tea is processed.

Accommodation: HEAVEN SEVEN hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Depart from the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and enjoy a picnic breakfast next to the cliff known as the "end of the world." Spend the morning trekking in Horton Plains National Park, a vast area covered with mountain grasslands and cloud forest. Walk along a trail (approximately 9 kilometers) long, which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, where you can see the famous cliff and Baker Falls. Afterwards, take the train from Nanu Oya station in Nuwara Eliya to Bandarawella. The journey lasts over three hours and winds through tea hills and tall forests, offering beautiful scenery.

Accommodation: VILLA PERPETUA hotel in Bandarawela.

After breakfast, you will make your way to Haputale to begin an exciting two-day trek. To reach this destination, take a short train ride that will transport you to one of the most beautiful and lesser-known mountain ranges in Sri Lanka. On the first day, the trek will commence at 7 a.m., guiding you through scenic tea plantations and rolling mountain landscapes. You will continue your journey until you arrive at a cozy mountain hut by mid-afternoon. This hut is family-run, offering a warm and authentic experience in this remote and little-explored area. After settling in, you can enjoy dinner prepared at the hut, surrounded by the tranquility of the mountains.

Accommodation: Mountain REFUGE in the mountains

On the second day of your trek, you’ll set out early to explore some breathtaking waterfalls, with the highlight being Bambarakanda Falls. This waterfall is the tallest in Sri Lanka, towering at an impressive 263 meters, which places it as the 299th highest waterfall in the world. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the beauty and snap some memorable photos. After soaking in the natural wonders, you’ll transfer to the nearby town of Ella, known for its relaxed vibe and stunning views. It’s the perfect spot to rest and recharge after your adventurous day in the mountains.

Accommodation: ELLA'S EDGE RESORT in Ella.

After your rest in Ella, take a gentle hike up Little Adam’s Peak. It’s an easy climb through scenic tea plantations, offering incredible views over the mountains that stretch across this part of Sri Lanka. Then, prepare for an exciting safari at Yala National Park, the country’s most popular and second largest reserve. Here, you might spot a variety of wildlife like deer, wild boars, elephants, peacocks, and if luck is on your side, even the elusive leopard hiding in the wild.

Accommodation: MAGAMPURA ECO VILLAGE SAFARI hotel in Tissamaharama.