Sigiriya, Kandy & Adam’s Peak Sonnenaufgang
Highlights of Sri Lanka, Round Trip 16 Days – Culture, Safari & Adam's Peak
Trekking, Nationalpark-Safari & Strand in Tangalle
16 Days / 15 Nights
December 2018
Day 1
Arrival at Colombo Airport, Transfer to Negombo
Our driver will meet us at Colombo Airport and set off with us toward Negombo. There, we can relax from the long flight over a leisurely breakfast or lunch and a refreshing coconut. Our driver and vehicle remain at our disposal throughout the trip. In the afternoon, we'll take a light city tour through Negombo. (A direct start to the tour without a stop in Negombo is also possible upon request.) (Ein direkter Tourstart ohne Aufenthalt in Negombo ist nach Absprache auch möglich)
Day 2
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage / Pidurangala Rock
The day begins with a hearty breakfast, providing the energy for our visit to Pinnawala. At the elephant orphanage there, we can watch — and even help with — the feeding and bathing of a large elephant herd (50–100 in number!), both young and old. Afterward, we drive on to Habarana. Following check-in and a relaxed lunch, we hike through Hiriwadunna village before making the short but rewarding climb up Pidurangala Rock, rewarded with a fantastic view of the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. By afternoon, we're back at the hotel with plenty of time to enjoy its amenities.
Day 3
Polonnaruwa/Gal Vihara
On the third day of our journey, we visit Polonnaruwa, the capital of Sri Lanka's second-oldest kingdom, dating back to the 11th century. Here we can admire the remains of this vast temple complex — three massive Buddha statues carved from stone, numerous temples, and beautifully preserved gardens, parks, and palace grounds. We can rent bicycles on-site and explore the temple complex by bike.
Day 4
Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
Today we visit the temple complex of Sigiriya, built in the 5th century and one of Sri Lanka's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. King Kassapa I's rock fortress rises 200m out of the jungle floor, surrounded by elaborately designed gardens, ancient moats, and fortress walls — a truly unique experience on our trip. During our visit, we'll see the water gardens, historic frescoes, the mirror wall, and the Lion Platform. The somewhat strenuous climb rewards us with a breathtaking view.
Day 5
Kandy Town, Royal Botanical Garden and Temple of the Tooth
In the morning, we visit Kandy's classic sights — the world-famous Royal Botanical Garden "Peradeniya," idyllically situated on a peninsula in the Mahaweli River and considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, drawing countless visitors each year. Afterward, we visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, said to house one of Buddha's molars since the earliest days of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. In the evening, we enjoy cultural highlights such as traditional dance performances, paired with exotic culinary delights.
Day 6
Ella Rock and Ella Village
After breakfast, we set off on our hike through Ella. We visit nearby villages and pass through several rice paddies. Later, we continue on to Ella Rock, where we'll enjoy a fantastic panorama. We cross various forests on our way to Ella Village, where we'll meet our driver again, who will take us comfortably back to our hotel.
Day 7
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.
8. Tag
Pekoe Trail (Stage 12) Thangamalay Trek
The route leads us through eucalyptus, pine, and rainforest, and across the tea plantations of this stunning mountain landscape — Sri Lanka at its most beautiful. We hike for about 5 hours to our lodge in the mountains, far removed from any surrounding villages. Thanks to Sri Lanka's remarkably low light pollution, we can observe countless stars and shooting stars at night here — certainly another highlight of our tour. Overnight at Ohiya Hill Safari Eco Lodge.
Day 9
Descent to Bambarakanda Falls
After breakfast, we set off for Bambarakanda Falls, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The hike leads over mountains with endless panoramas, past further waterfalls, and finally to a natural pool where we can swim. Later, we meet our bus, which comfortably takes us back to the hotel.
Day 10
Train Ride Through Sri Lanka's Hill Country
This time, we set off early in the morning by train toward Hatton, from where today's hike through diverse and species-rich forests begins. This route is one of the hidden paths usually inaccessible to regular tourists. We pass through tea plantations and stunning hill country, rewarded with fantastic views over Sri Lanka. Afterward, we continue on to Maskeliya at the foot of Adam's Peak, where we can prepare for tomorrow's climb. (Ascent at a time of your choosing.)
Day 11
Sunrise at Adam's Peak
At our own pace, we climb Adam's Peak. This cone-shaped mountain is one of the most revered in the world, a pilgrimage site for Christians, Muslims, and Hindus alike. Those who reach the summit before dawn may, under good weather conditions, witness an unforgettable sunrise. After the descent and a shower at our guesthouse, we continue on to Udawalawe National Park — approximately a 3.5-hour drive. Countless birds can already be spotted in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. After checking in, we head out for a short walk through the local area, where binoculars and cameras really come into their own. We round off the day relaxing by the pool.
12. Tag
Udawalawe National Park, Private Jeep Safari
Today we dedicate a full day to fully immersing ourselves in nature and its abundant wildlife. We head into the national park by jeep to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Overnight in Udawalawe, right next to the park.
13. Tag
Strandaufenthalt in Tangalle
Wir verlassen Udawalawe auf dem Weg zu unserem abschließenden Strandaufenthalt, wo wir uns bereits den Rest des Tages am Strand von Tangalle entspannen können. 3 Tage zum reinen Entspannen und genießen aller Annehmlichkeiten, die das Hotel und die Umgebung zu bieten haben. Möglichkeiten sind beispielsweise professionelle Massagen, Tauchen und Schnorcheln, oder auch Whale-Watching, welches vor Ort organisiert werden kann. Dies sind die Ruhetage, an denen abschließend nochmals Kraft geschöpft werden kann.
14. Tag
Beach Retreat in Tangalle
Auch heute laden die glasklaren Wellen von Tangalle zum Baden oder Surfen ein. Zwischen puderweißem Sand und schattigen Palmen bleibt viel Raum zum Entspannen – ob beim Schwimmen im warmen Wasser, bei einer Massage oder einfach beim Genießen des Sonnenuntergangs über dem Indischen Ozean.
15. Tag
Beach Retreat in Tangalle
Free and easy. A real Holiday.
16.Tag
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 2 Highlights of Sri Lanka, Round Trip 16 Days – Culture, Safari & Adam's Peak 16 Days / 15 Nights
1 Traveler / Solo Tour
- 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
Hotel Overview
| Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Negombo | Serendib Village |
| Habarana | Sigiriana Resort**** |
| Kandy | Thilanka Hotel*** |
| Ella | The View Hotel |
| Maskeliya | Pekoe Lodge |
| Haputale | Leisure Mount View |
| Ohiya | Hill Safari Eco Lodge |
| Udawalawe | Kottawatta Village |
| Tangalle | Paradise Cabanas & Villas Beach Resort Tangalle |