Best of Sri Lanka
Kultur · National Park · Mirissa
14 Days / 13 Nights
July 2018
Day 1
Arrival at Colombo Airport, Transfer to Negombo
After arriving at Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo, we'll meet each other and drive together to Negombo, where we can relax from the long flight over a cozy meal. In the afternoon, we'll take a city tour through Negombo.
Day 2
Habarana and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
The day begins with a hearty breakfast, providing the energy needed for our subsequent visit to Pinnawala. At the elephant orphanage there, we can watch the young and old members of a large elephant herd (50–100 in number!) being fed and bathed — and even help out ourselves. Afterward, we'll drive on to Habarana. In the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time to enjoy the hotel's amenities and explore the surrounding
Day 3
Dambulla Cave Temple, Pindurangala Rock Trekking
There are approximately 80 cave temples in Dambulla, five of which are large. Covering an area of 2,100 m², this is the largest temple complex in the country. Many of the temples house historical paintings and statues. In total, there are 153 Buddha statues, three statues of kings, and four statues of gods. After a relaxed lunch, we'll hike through Hiriwadunna village before making the short but rewarding climb up to Pindurangala Rock. Here, we're rewarded with a fantastic view of the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Day 4
Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Haputale
Heute wollen wir die idyllische Zugfahrt von Kandy nach Haputale antreten. Wir durchkreuzen Teeplantagen und
wunderschöne Hügellandschaften und werden mit fantastischen Ausblicken auf Sri Lanka belohnt.
Von der Zugstation aus werden wir von unserem Fahrer abgeholt und gemütlich zu unserem Hotel in
Haputale oder Bandarawela gefahren. Am Nachmittag besuchen wir die berühmte Lipton Tee Fabrik mit dem Tuktuk.
Day 5
Pekoe Trail (Stage 11) Horton Plains National Park and World's End
Today is dedicated to an extended hike through Horton Plains National Park. From there, we continue on to World's End and Baker's Falls, where we'll settle in for a classic tea break. The roughly 11km route to Udavariya leads through Sri Lanka's highest-altitude tea gardens, where we'll stop for a refreshing picnic. Our destination is a wonderful lodge nestled among the tea gardens, offering a breathtaking view over an indescribable panorama.
Day 6
Bambarakanda Waterfall
The highlight of this hike is Bambarakanda Falls, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. But the journey there is an experience in itself, leading over mountain passes with truly unique views. Especially charming are the numerous smaller waterfalls that cross our path, perfect for a secluded dip. After a refreshing break and a bite to eat, we'll finally continue on to Bandarawela.
Day 7
Tuk-Tuk Safari Through the Tea Gardens
Here's an improved English translation: Today we explore Sri Lanka's tea gardens by tuk-tuk — the classic three-wheeler (rickshaw) — as it carries us through dramatic gorges and landscapes. Along the way, we'll stop at natural springs for a swim and, of course, for a picnic. After exploring further waterfalls in the area, we'll return to our hotel in the afternoon.
Day 8
Train Ride Through Sri Lanka's Hill Country
Diesmal geht es mit dem Zug los in Richtung Ella, von wo aus unsere heutige Wanderung durch vielfältige und artenreiche Wälder startet. Diese Strecke ist eine der verborgenen Routen, die den gewöhnlichen Touristen in der Regel verschlossen bleibt. Wir durchkreuzen Teeplantagen und wunderschöne Hügellandschaften und werden mit fantastischen Ausblicken auf Sri Lanka belohnt. Die Wanderung wird zwar ungefähr 4 Std. dauern, belohnt die Teilnehmer am Ende aber mit einzigartigen Eindrücken und Aussichten.
Day 9
Ella Rock Trekking
Here's an improved English translation: The day begins with an early breakfast, as a particularly early start is essential to experience the morning birdlife at its best. This makes it the most rewarding excursion for bird lovers. The trail winds through Sri Lanka's forests and past fields worked by local farmers. Ella has become a popular destination for tourists, with Ella Rock and the so-called Little Adam's Peak serving as both a highlight and a hiking destination. It's a simple yet interesting hike, offering a small glimpse into everyday local life — passing small gardens and fields set against a wonderfully rural, distinctly tropical backdrop.
Day 10
Udawalawe National Park, Private Jeep Safari
After the transfer to Udawalawe, we'll dedicate a full day to fully immersing ourselves in nature and its abundant wildlife. We'll head into the park by jeep to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Here, we can typically spot elephant herds of up to 40 animals roaming free in the wild. This is certainly one of the highlights of our trip.
Day 11
Beach Escape
We leave the national park on our way to our 3-day beach retreat, where we can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach in Mirissa or Tangalle.
12. Tag
Beach Retreat in Mirissa or Tangalle
Here, we have a few days to simply relax and enjoy all the amenities the hotel has to offer. These are our rest days, giving us one final chance to recharge before the trip winds down. From here, small excursions into the surrounding area can also be arranged with our driver and organized spontaneously, should we wish.
13. Tag
Beach Retreat in Mirissa or Tangalle
One last day to enjoy the beach. From here too, small excursions into the surrounding area can still be organized.
Day 14
Transfer to the Airport, Return Flight
It's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport — about a 3-hour drive from Mirissa. As you head home, we hope you're taking with you unforgettable memories of the mountains, temples, wildlife, and beaches that made this journey so special. We wish you a pleasant flight home!
Tour 1 Best of Sri Lanka Round Trip – Trekking & Beach Holiday 14 Days / 13 Nights
1 Traveler
- Private solo tour — fully personalized just for you
2 Travelers
- Private tour for couples
4 Travelers
- Perfect for families and small groups
6 Travelers
- Private group tour
Our services include:
Accommodation (Half Board – Breakfast & Dinner) 13 nights in upscale mid-range hotels (HB), including 2 nights in trekking lodges
Air-Conditioned Vehicle (Car or Van) + English-Speaking Driver/Guide
English-Speaking Licensed Trekking Guide and Packed Lunches During the Hikes
Flexible, Personalized Program
All Entrance Fees IncludedElephant Orphanage, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy–Haputale Train Ride, Thangamalay Reserve, Horton Plains National Park, Udawalawe National Park + Jeep Safari
Airport Transfers
All prices shown above are per person, based on a private tour exclusively for your group.
Hotel Overview
| Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Negombo | Serendib Village |
| Habarana | Sigiriana Resort**** |
| Kandy | Thilanka Hotel**** |
| Haputale | Leisure Mount View |
| Horton Plains / Ohiya | Hill Safari Eco Lodge |
| Udawalawe | Kottawatta Village*** |
| Mirissa | The Spice House |