Adventure holiday to Sri Lanka
| country: | Sri Lanka |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2009: 26 Dec 2010: 16 Jan, 13 Feb, 3 Apr, 16 Jul, 6 Aug, 16 Oct, 6 Nov, 26 Dec 2011: 15 Jan, 12 Feb, 9 Apr, 15 Jul, 5 Aug, 15 Oct, 5 Nov, 18 Dec |
| price: | From £1299 - £1879 (16 days) including flights from the UK. From £749 - £1039 excluding flights. Local payment 100 GBP. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
Discovery and adventure on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Fascinating culture, varied landscapes and abundant wildlife make this the perfect trip for those wanting a comprehensive exploration of the very best this tropical paradise has to offer, with a little relaxation at the end. Sri Lanka was also known by the ancient name of Serendip because of constant surprises and delightful accidental discoveries made on the island - it's sure to live up to its name.
Giant Buddhas & Ancient Sigiriya
Your exploration of Sri Lanka begins in the cultural north and ends on the island’s famous tropical coast with a series of unforgettable sights and adventures sandwiched in between. First stop is a nature walk and boat ride with local fishermen followed by a visit to the ancient ruins and giant Buddha statues at Polonnaruwa. Nearby lies distinctive Sigiriya Rock, where a climb to the top is rewarded with magnificent views of the lush countryside, later explored on an easy village to village bike ride.
Kandy, Jungle Camp & Beach
Kandy is home to the holiest Buddhist shrine - the Temple of the Tooth. You’ll explore the surrounding hills and tea country of Sri Lanka by local train. Then you can enjoy a walk to World’s End at Horton Plains,before descending to Yala National Park for a wildlife safari. Finally there is time for some relaxation by the Indian Ocean on the superb palm-fringed beaches Sri Lanka has to offer.
Primate Paradise – A Hands On Adventure
A number of our Sri Lankan Discovery departures are designated as Hands On Adventures. On these dates, as well as the seeing the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer, you will join researchers for three days and track monkeys in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, observing their behaviour and learning about valuable conservation work.
Adams Peak Itinerary Ref. SLa
Between January and April we vary our Sri Lanka discovery itinerary to include an ascent of Adam’s Peak – sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.
Giant Buddhas & Ancient Sigiriya
Your exploration of Sri Lanka begins in the cultural north and ends on the island’s famous tropical coast with a series of unforgettable sights and adventures sandwiched in between. First stop is a nature walk and boat ride with local fishermen followed by a visit to the ancient ruins and giant Buddha statues at Polonnaruwa. Nearby lies distinctive Sigiriya Rock, where a climb to the top is rewarded with magnificent views of the lush countryside, later explored on an easy village to village bike ride.
Kandy, Jungle Camp & Beach
Kandy is home to the holiest Buddhist shrine - the Temple of the Tooth. You’ll explore the surrounding hills and tea country of Sri Lanka by local train. Then you can enjoy a walk to World’s End at Horton Plains,before descending to Yala National Park for a wildlife safari. Finally there is time for some relaxation by the Indian Ocean on the superb palm-fringed beaches Sri Lanka has to offer.
Primate Paradise – A Hands On Adventure
A number of our Sri Lankan Discovery departures are designated as Hands On Adventures. On these dates, as well as the seeing the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer, you will join researchers for three days and track monkeys in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, observing their behaviour and learning about valuable conservation work.
Adams Peak Itinerary Ref. SLa
Between January and April we vary our Sri Lanka discovery itinerary to include an ascent of Adam’s Peak – sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London Depart London on overnight flight to Colombo. |
| Day 2: | Negombo After your flight, you make the short 20 minute transfer to your first night’s accommodation at Negombo. Here as elsewhere up and down the coast, a wide variety of fish are caught by local fishermen in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Coastal lagoons yield a rich harvest of prawn, crab and lobster and all are on the menu. Your hotel here is on the beach and makes an ideal location to watch the sun go down.Hotel - 1 night (B) NB: Although most Sri Lankan Airlines' flights arrive in the early afternoon, schedules sometimes dictate arrival in the very early hours. A hotel room and breakfast will be provided in these instances. |
| Day 3-4: | Habarana Leaving early in the morning, you’ll arrive at the dolphin watching base by 0730 hrs and be met by your local Dolphin Specialist who will guide you on board the cetacean watching vessels. We use 19 foot boats powered by outboard engines. The boats have a seating capacity of 06 – 08 persons depending on sea conditions. You’ll then take a 02 – 03 hour boat excursion to see Spinner Dolphins. If you are lucky you may have a school of over 200 dolphins spinning and jumping out of the water to give you an official welcome to Sri Lanka! Several species of whales too have bees spotted in the area, though sightings are rare. There is almost no wind during the months of November through April and the surface of the sea is often calm enough to allow an amazing view into the azure depths beneath. It’s possible to peep over the side of the boat and see several layers of dolphins gliding along below. Leaving Negombo behind you head inland to Habarana. In the evening, you will take a nature walk along the Habarana Lake where over 130 bird species have been recorded. If you are feeling adventurous, join a local fisherman on his catamaran and watch while he lays out nets which will be retrieved early the next morning. Gliding along the lake which is dotted by lush lily pads and vibrant water lilies while the sun sets and casts a crimson hue over the area is a magical experience. Overnight is spent in The Chaaya Village, Habarana. Early next morning, you can take the opportunity to join the fisherman at approximately 0600 hours when he goes out on the lake to retrieve his nets and the catch of the night before. In the soft light of dawn with a light mist lying on the water, the lake looks completely different to the previous evening. On returning to shore with the fisherman, the mood depends heavily on the size and value of the night’s catch! In the so-called ‘dry zone,’ north of the hill country is an area of fascinating lost cities. Here stand many Buddhist ruins dating from over a thousand years ago. A must on any trip to this area is a visit to the impressive ruins of 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa, a vast imperial city which became the capital of the occupying south Indian Chola dynasty, before being finally abandoned in 1288. UNESCO-sponsored restoration has carefully recreated the immense complex of temples, palaces and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. This is one of the best places to learn more about Buddhism, one of Asia’s most important religions, which even today guides a whole section of Sinhalese society in their day to day lives. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2) |
| Day 5: | Sigiriya Taking advantage of the cool of the morning, you climb the steep pinnacle of Lion Rock at Sigiriya to its imposing summit fortress. From the base, where a moat surrounds the lovely water gardens, you ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock. Underneath, some original portraits of native maidens still adorn the rock wall, having withstood the ravages of time. The climb is not for the fainthearted, but those who make it to the vertiginous Summer Palace on the flat-topped summit will enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. After your visit there’s the chance to explore the surrounding countryside on a cycle ride through nearby villages where, if you wish, you can stop and try local delicacies. Tonight you’ll return to your accommodation in the Chaaya Village, Habarana. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 6: | Dambulla/Kandy This morning you visit Dambulla, 30 minutes or so away, to learn its fascinating history. The Sinhalese King, Valagam Bahu, took refuge here when he was ousted from his capital. He transformed the five caves of this granite outcrop into a rock temple, decorated by statues of Buddha and frescoes, some of which are over 2000 years old. The steep 150m ascent to the top of the rock rewards you with more magnificent views. You then travel southward along the main trunk road to Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy, a journey of around two hours. You'll pass through a fertile spice-growing area and plantations where coffee, cacao and rubber are cultivated before finally arriving in Kandy. Hotel - 3 nights (B) |
| Day 7-8: | Kandy The royal city of Kandy was once the capital of a kingdom that resisted European dominance for a further 300 years after the coastal areas capitulated. It is pleasantly set on the edge of a lake, surrounded by hills. During your time in Kandy you visit the Dalada Maligawa, the famous Temple of the Tooth. This is the major shrine where pilgrims have revered Buddha’s tooth since the 16th century; its gilded roof seems to act as a beacon to visitors throughout the day and into the evening. You’ll also visit Peradeniya, home of Sri Lanka’s premier Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to a massive weeping fig tree (Ficus benjamina), a packed orchid house and some of the few specimens of the rare Coco de Mer coconut tree. In all there are 4000 labelled species of plants and trees and a visit makes an entertaining couple of hours. In Kandy there is plenty of free time to wander alone and discover its quiet corners. Take a walk around the lake to enjoy the lovely views or take a nature walk in nearby Udawattakele Sanctuary, a mini tropical rainforest. Others may prefer to explore some of the many other temples that dot the area. (Bx2) |
| Day 9: | Kitugala From Kandy you take a train that twists and turns through the lush hills, stopping at small village stations and, as you climb higher, passing through the green ranks of tea bushes which cover the higher hillsides. You disembark at Nawalapitiya and continue by road to Kitulgala. Located amidst thick forest on Sri Lanka’s second-longest river, the Kelani, Kitulgala was once renowned as the location used for filming ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’; today however it is rapidly developing a reputation as something of an adventure centre. The area offers you a variety of optional activities such as walks in the surrounding forests and white water rafting and you have a free afternoon to participate in some of them. Resthouse / hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 10: | Adam's Peak After breakfast you leave for Maskeliya and check in at a small roadside guest house at the base of Adam’s Peak where you will prepare for the night’s climb. Basic guesthouse – 1 night (B) |
| Day 11: | Kataragama Very early this morning, before any hint of light, you set out on foot for Adam's Peak - a beautiful place of great importance. There are many legends associated with the mountain; it is believed to be where Adam first set foot on earth, or is called Samanalakande, the ‘butterfly mountain’, where butterflies go to die; another name is Sri Pada - sacred footprint. You begin your climb at about 2:00am on a steep but largely stepped pathway. The peak (sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims) is one of Sri Lanka’s main centres of pilgrimage. The object of pilgrimage to the summit (2260m) is to witness the giant footprint of the Buddha, Adam or Lord Shiva - covered by a huge stone slab, in which has been carved another footprint. Teahouses and resting-places line the route to shelter weary pilgrims and the walk is lit by a string of lights that snake up the mountainside, though a head-torch is useful. At a fairly relaxed pace you should reach the summit by dawn and as the first rays of light pour over the holy mountain the view is breathtaking. But Adam’s Peak saves its real marvel for a few minutes after dawn when the perfect and eerie shadow of the peak, cast by the sun on the clouds below, is chased back into the mountain’s base by the rising sun. After your descent there’s time for a shower and breakfast in a local guesthouse before you drive on to Nuwara Eliya. Note: Anyone choosing not to climb the peak may spend the night at the guesthouse in Maskeliya. The timing of departure the following morning will also be dictated by the return of those climbing the mountain. The topography changes as you drive from Adam’s Peak and soon you are passing through the very heart of the tea growing area. The old British hill station of Nuwara Eliya (sometimes referred to as the Garden City), standing in the lee of the island’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala (2524m), feels curiously familiar due to its colonial houses, well-tended lawns and neat, colourful gardens. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 12: | Embilipitiya You set off down from the mountains making a couple of stops along the way. Your first stop is the Pedro Tea Estate where you can see every step of the tea making process from bush to cup. Today’s drive is one of the loveliest yet as you descend quickly towards Ella. Here you have a spectacular view through the Ella Gap and further on pass by the roadside Rawana Ella Falls. Leaving the hill country behind, you continue your journey south until you arrive at Embilipitiya, your base for exploring Uda Walawe National Park and the surrounding area. The hotel is wonderfully set on Lake Chandrika and there’s time to explore your natural surrounds on a guided walk or simply relax around the hotel itself. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 13: | Uda Walawe National Park/South Coast After breakfast you set off in jeeps to explore Uda Walawe National Park. The 308 square kilometres of park has a wide variety of animal and bird life; herds of wild elephant are more numerous here than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. The jeep safari should give you close encounters with elephants and if you are lucky you may catch sight of crocodile. After the safari, you will visit the Elephant Transit Home at nearby Uda Walawe National Park. Run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation and set up in 1995, it provides shelter for 30 orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, releasing them to the wild when they are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat. You will visit the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time (the only time visits are allowed) and see the elephants from a viewing deck approximately 10m away; a great chance to learn more about Sri Lanka’s national animal. This afternoon you continue your journey south to reach the coast at Nonagama. Here you’ll take the coast road west and soon arrive at the small fishing village of Ahangama, a total drive of approximately three hours. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 14: | Ahangama Beach Stay Sri Lanka is justifiably famous for its exquisite beaches, washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. At Ahangama you have plenty of time to unwind on the white sandy beach listening to the lapping of the waves after the previous day’s travelling. Here as elsewhere up and down the coast, a wide variety of fish are caught by local fishermen in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Coastal lagoons yield a rich harvest of prawn, crab and lobster and all are on the menu! Your time is your own here and you can either relax on the palm-fringed beach, or besides the hotel pool, or explore further afield. (B) |
| Day 15: | Colombo This morning you transfer to Galle’s railway station for the five-hour journey by local train to Colombo. The journey takes you along the coast and gives you yet another perspective as you travel north, catching glimpses of the Indian Ocean through swaying palm trees, passing rural villages and busy resorts. On arrival in Colombo, you will be transferred to your hotel in Negombo. As this is your last evening, your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’. Hotel (evening room only for ex-London clients) - 1 night (B) |
| Day 16: | Fly to London The trip ends for Land Only clients. Those on group flights to the UK transfer to the airport and fly to London. |
travellers' tales
Fantastic. The people, the places and the experiences made this one of the most memorable holidays I have had. The excellent guide, Ruwan, and my fellow travellers helped to make the experiences fun. (more)
small group cultural tours
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as experiencing new cultures.how this holiday makes a difference
|
On this trip: Our small group adventures are designed to impact as little as possible on the regions through which we travel – this trip is no exception. We work closely with a Sri Lankan agent who employs local guides, drivers and the Group Leader on our behalf and money from our visit reaches a wide range of people from local hoteliers to restaurateurs. Our small groups have minimal impact on the environment, and our interaction with local people helps demonstrate the importance of preserving the region’s cultural heritage whilst protecting sites of historical and natural importance
Following the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 we’ve been working hand in hand with our agent on a recovery project in Ahangama near Galle on the south coast. Like many other villages in this area, Galle was badly affected by the tsunami, with many homes, businesses and lives lost. Since early 2005 we have been supporting a project to build new community amenities, specifically a school, for use by some of the displaced families, there is hopefully the opportunity to visit this project during your stay. Groups also visit the Elephant Transit Home at Uda Walawe National Park (a project which works closely with the Born Free Foundation) which rescues orphaned elephants, returning them to the wild when they are ready; the home also works to maintain a vital programme dedicated to ensuring the welfare of Sri Lanka’s elephant population. For every person that visits this project we donate USD$5 per person to the home. Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Other charities that we work closely with include the Born Free Foundation, supported on our visits to Sri Lanka through donations and visits to the Elephant Transit Home (see above) and The Travel Foundation, a UK charity that has been established to promote responsible travel practises throughout the whole of the travel industry. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |