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Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure

Highlights

  • Spot elephants, buffalo, and if you're lucky leopards on an incredible safari
  • Ride one of the most scenic train routes on earth through lush hillsides and tea country
  • Hike to remote villages and ancient temples in the jungle
  • Experience true local Sri Lankan life and hospitality at an authentic homestay
From £1770 pp*
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10 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Discover the very best of Sri Lanka on this once in a life time adventure. Visiting one of the most beautiful destinations on earth where you are guaranteed a warm welcome and wonderful hospitality. Get under the skin of the country's culture, cuisine and community whilst visiting the stunning natural wonders which abound from lush jungles and mountains, to beautiful wildlife in national parks.

Tour Summary:
Day 1 Negombo
Day 2-4 Habarana (Cultural Triangle)
Day 5 Gammaduwa
Day 6 & 7 Riverstone/Knuckles Conservation Range
Day 8 Nuwara Eliya
Day 9 Train to Ella
Day 10 Ella
Day 11 Departure

On arrival, you’ll be met by your local host and taken straight to your hotel accommodation, a short drive from the airport. Time to relax and freshen up ready for the start of your adventure.

Then, you’ll set off on a number of different adventures that we have combined to create a unique immersive tour. From the moment you land in beautiful Sri Lanka to the end of your adventure packed trip, you’ll discover the very best of Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, wildlife, visit its ”must see” UNESCO sites and the very best of the island’s landscapes, all from the perspective of the locals.

You’ll start by exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, to really get you under the skin of the country’s history and people and give you an understanding of how modern Sri Lanka has evolved. From centuries-old ancient capitals to jaw-dropping fortresses in the sky, this is a deep dive into a colourful weave of history at magical ancient sites.

The second section of your adventure takes you to Tea Country and the lush, green hills of the interior. You’ll visit a tea plantation, sweep through dramatic valleys on an awe inspiring train journey, spot peacocks, elephants, monkeys and more at traditional villages you won’t find in the guidebooks, and enjoy unusual experiences like a frog walk with a local naturalist.

From there it’s Hill Country, where you’ll be embarking on unforgettable hikes through dense jungle, small farms, past waterfalls and, if you’re lucky, you may find elephants wandering through the undergrowth. You’ll also have the chance to spot leopards, buffalo, crocodiles and sloth bears on a safari in the renowned Wasgamuwa National Park.

Along the way you’ll have the opportunity  stay at unique stylish boutique hotels and  colonial estates in the hills as well as a  quality locally run homestay for a flavour of true Sri Lankan culture. You’ll taste the food the locals eat, meet people who live an authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle, and return home having not just toured Sri Lanka taking in the sights, but having really got to know the country and the people who live there, made new friends and created memories that will last a lifetime.

*From price based on travel for 2 people between 1st September 2025 until 31st October 2025. For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

*Please note*
All accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.
This is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

Arrive Sri Lanka

On your first night, arrive and you will be met at the airport by your local host and drive to your accommodation for your first night in Sri Lanka.

It’s just a short drive to your hotel in Negombo where you can relax and enjoy the hotel pool or swim in the sea, take a stroll to explore the old Dutch canals and wake refreshed and ready for your awesome adventure to begin!

Accommodation: Jetwing Blue

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Cultural Triangle

Today you’ll head North to Anuradhapura, the UNESCO world heritage site which was the  capital of Sri Lanka from the 5th century BC to the 10th century AD. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. The sprawling city contains an abundant collection of ancient buildings and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (stupas), Buddhist bathing  pools and the ruins of temples dating back to Anuradhapura thousand year of rule over Sri Lanka. Several sites are still in use as holy places and temples where regular ceremonies and processions create  a vibrant atmosphere.

Explore the ancient brick dagobas, and walk in the footsteps of ancient people centuries ago.

The jewel in the crown of the city is the sacred Bo Tree, the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world, planted 2250 years ago. It is said that it grew from a branch of the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment.

At the end of your day of exploring, you’ll head to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Cycling and Monkeys

Today you’ll visit another World Heritage Site, the capital of Sri Lanka from 11th–13th Centuries, Polonnaruwa.

The city contains splendid and spectacular statues and the medieval capital was fortified with inner & outer moats and walls.

Explore royal palaces, audience halls and other spectacular examples of ancient Sri Lankan architecture on a guided bike tour, the best way to see as much of possible of the city.

In the afternoon, head out on a guided walk of the ruins with a local primatologist. You’ll learn about the different monkey species that make their homes in the ruins, an atmospheric tour you’ll never forget!

Accommodation Cinnamon Lodge

Meals Breakfast and dinner

Sigiriya - Lion Rock

Today you’ll head south to Sigiriya and Dambulla. Though you may have see many pictures of ‘Lion Rock’, nothing can quite prepare you for the real thing.

Sigiriya, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the 5th century “Fortress in the Sky” is perhaps the most jaw-dropping single wonder on the island. It’s known as Lion Rock because it was said there was a huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace, on the summit of the 600-foot high rock.

The walk to the summit leads you on paths and staircases through some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, past pools, statues, carvings and caves with ornate frescoes. There are plenty of stopping places on the ascent and you should stop to admire the stunning panoramic views.

The whole climb to the top is around 1200 steps, but these are spread across 3 sections. It normally takes about 1 hour for the entire climb with multiple stops for pictures, explanations, and breaks.

Once you reach the summit you can still find the foundations of the Royal Palace, which you will explore with your guide and learn the many fascinating stories about what took place in this incredible location.

Lunch is at your leisure at the hotel before we head to Dambulla Cave Complex, the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the cave complex, and its many statues and paintings before heading back to the hotel for dinner.

Accommodation Cinnamon Lodge

Meals Breakfast and dinner

Hiking in Hill Country

Today you will you’ll take the short drive to Andawala, where you will begin your guided hike to the remote village of Gammaduwa, a spot where you’ll get a taste of true Sri Lankan culture.

You suitcases will be transported to your hotel and you will take the rest of the journey on foot.

Your hike starts on tiny village paths and then leads you across small paddy farms, you will walk along narrow irrigation streams for the first 2 kilometres before turning off into the forest. The trek continues through patches of forest interspersed with pepper farms until you  reach the village of Hanguranketa. Here you will take a short break and refill your water bottles before the next stretch through this lush green landscape to reach the forest bungalow where you will spend the night.

This is an 8 kilometers hike, which normally takes around 3-4 hours. The trail is through small village paths, farms and alongside a canal. There is a small waterfall mid-way through the trail and the last 3 kilometers are on a flat jeep track.

You’ll stay at Gammaduwa Heritage Bungalow, a beautiful building on an old tea plantation, and a great base from which to start your journey to Riverstone.

Accommodation: Gammaduwa Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Hiking from Gammaduwa to Riverstone

Today your hike starts from the remote Gammaduwa village, winding along trails to an extremely remote village named Kargastene. Getting properly off the beaten track, you’ll then hike with a local guide across wide open grassland, before heading back into the jungle.

The total distance of the walk today is 15 kilometers, and it usually takes 5-6 hours. You will start through pine forests walking along jeep tracks before descending to the remote village of Kargastene. From here you will walk through open scrub plains, before entering the jungle. We then come out through the paddy fields to the village of Puwakpitiya.

You will stop at Puwakpitiya, a village with beautiful waterfall in the jungle, where you can swim and help to prepare a lunch of delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine using fresh local ingredients. Your afternoon trek takes you to Riverstone, through jungle where elephants are often seen freely roaming.

Alternatively there is a shorter section through the pine forests and then transport by vehicle to Riverstone.

In the afternoon you will return to your hotel in Riverstone , Sir John’s Bungalow, to shower and relax after your amazing day of wonderful jungle trekking.

Accommodation: Sir John’s Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Hiking to Manigala Rock

Today from your base at Riverstone you’ll head to the famed Manigala Rock. You will start off on the village road before turning off onto narrow back roads, passing through bright green paddy fields with 360 degree panoramic views over the lush green landscape.

You’ll see the awe inspiring paddy terraces that use “step farming” or “Helmalu”, necessary in hilly areas where flat land is in short supply. Your climb then takes you through the forests criss-crossed with numerous silver streams, before you begin your climb to the top of Manigala Rock.

This can be a hike of between 3 kilometers to 10 kilometers hike depending on your preference. The trail is through stepped paddy fields and forest canopy.

From the top you can see the famous and mighty Knuckles range. After spending some time on the peak, begin your leisurely hike down, and in the afternoon you will enjoy a stunning safari game drive through the world-renowned Wasgamuwa National Park.

Spot the elephants that roam freely as well as wild buffalo, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles and leopard, for an unforgettable afternoon searching for Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

Accommodation: Sir John’s Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Transfer to Nuwara Eliya

Over the next two days you will explore the tea capital of the country, and the stunning areas within it, in a way most tourists won’t, as you head to  The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka – Nuwara Eliya. Set against beautiful backdrop of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is one of the coolest places on the Island, with temperatures similar to an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages and Queen Ann style mansions.

Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also a good place for bird spotting as some rare bird species are found  in this Park. 

Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk like to visit Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity.

You will take a guided tour  of a typical tea plantation in the afternoon, learning everything there is to know about this vital Sri Lankan drink, from its production to its place in culture, and come away having of course taste some incredible teas grown right there on the plantation.

In the evening, head out on a frog walk with a local naturalist, and get a quirky yet fascinating insight into the lives of these vibrant creatures.

Accommodation: Tranquil Villa

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Adams Peak and the Train to Ella

Today you will leave Nuwara Eliya and take the famous blue train to Ella where you will stay overnight at the Waterfall Homestay. The train ride is one of the most iconic in the world, crossing deep valleys and skirting along vibrant green mountain sides, and is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

In Ella, you’ll hike up mini Adam’s Peak with a local guide for a stunning view of the sunset, before heading to your homestay accommodation – another opportunity to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture, cuisine, comfort and hospitality.

Accommodation: Waterfall Homestay

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Village Experiences

Today you will embark on a truly unique experience, visiting the traditional village of Chena. The village is surrounded by a natural forest reserve with elephants and monkeys roaming freely, giving the entire place a magical atmosphere.

There’s also a beautiful lake in the midst of the village, which you will explore on a wonderful boat trip with a local guide.

Accommodation: Waterfall Homestay

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 

Departure Day

Today, your amazing Sri Lankan adventure will come to an end when your guide transfers you back to the airport.

This has been a truly immersive adventure covering iconic sights and wonderful landscapes, mountains and paddy fields, from Buddhist temples to free roaming wildlife staying in unique and stylish accommodation and enjoying delicious authentic food overlooking bucket list views.

We hope you’ve had an unforgettable time in Sri Lanka, and head home feeling as though you haven’t just visited Sri Lanka, but experienced it like a local, supporting local communities.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • All transfers in an Air Conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide
  • 1 night in Negombo HB*
  • 3 nights Habarana HB
  • 1 night Gammaduwa HB
  • 2 nights Riverstone HB
  • 1 night Nuwara Eliya HB
  • 2 nights Ella HB
  • Guided tour of Anuradhapura - ancient capital of Sri Lanka
  • Cycling tour of Polonnaruwa -ancient capital of Sri Lanka
  • Guided walk of the ruins of Polonnaruwa with a local primatologist
  • Tour of Sigiriya with a local guide
  • Guided hike from Andawala to Gammaduwa
  • Guided hike from Gammaduwa to Riverstone
  • Guided hike from Riverstone to Manigala Rock
  • Safari at Wasgamuwa National Park
  • Tour an authentic tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya
  • Evening frog walk with a local naturalist in Nuwara Eliya
  • Scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella ( *first or second class subject to availability at time of booking)
  • Guided hike up to mini Adam's Peak
  • Visit to the authentic village of Chena and take a boat trip on a lake
  • *HB - Breakfast and dinner included

Accommodation

Jetwing Blue (or similar)

Sitting on the bronzed sand of Negombo Beach, Jetwing Blue Resort has two spectacular outdoor pools, a spa and two dining restaurants.

Jetwing Blue Hotel's restaurant serve a wide variety of international dishes, while refreshing beverages are offered at Centre Point Bar located by the pool.

Cinnamon Lodge (or similar)

Located amidst green forests in a expansive 27 acre hideaway, the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offers a large outdoor pool, a butterfly garden and 3 dining options which include the Ehala restaurant offering buffets with international and themed dishes, The Lotus caters Western culinary delights and local contemporary cuisine. Beverages can be enjoyed at cafe Veranda or bar Tuskers.

Enjoy an exhilarating safari to watch herds of Elephants roam free over the land.

Guests can unwind at Svastha Serene Spa, enjoy a round of tennis or play a game of billiards.

Gammaduwa Bungalow (or similar)

The bungalow lies in 7 acres of tea estate land with glorious mountain views, with the opportunity for hill country tea trail walks or mountain biking.

The luxurious guest house accommodation offers superb Sri Lankan food cooked in traditional ways within a tranquil rural village environment.

The property features a garden and inner courtyard with views, outdoor dining area, guests can relax in the on-site bar or lounge or play darts at the guest house.

Sir John's Bungalow (or similar)

Nestled within Knuckles Mountain Range, Sir John's Bungalow offers peaceful and comfortable accommodation with views of the landscaped gardens and beautiful countryside.

There is a restaurant serving a delicious selection of local and western dishes.

Tranquil Villa (or similar)

Tranquil Villa offers breathtaking views overlooking Kande ella reservoir, ideal location to see picturesque mountain views including Sri Lanka's tallest mountain, mount Pedro, Kande Ella and watch beautiful birds found in this iconic forest.

There is a on-site restaurant.

Waterfall Homestay (or similar)

Perched high upon a hill in Ella, the purpose built Waterfalls Homestay, is a large open planned guesthouse designed to provide you with the best possible views of the local waterfall, surrounding jungle and wildlife.

At Waterfalls you can relax on the sundeck and watch the squirrels perform amazing aerodynamic feats, be entertained by the highly amusing antics of the macaque’s as they play in their jungle garden or see if you can identify one of the many colourful birds, all this while sipping on a cup of delicious Sri Lankan up country tea!

Take a stroll along one of the many spectacular trails that wind through the beautiful hill country that Ella is famous for.

Enjoy a local cuisine dinner within the on-site restaurant or pizzas on the terrace whilst watching the sunset.

Your local host

Prateeque

Hi! My name is Prateeque, your host. I grew up in India, in Bangalore and after completing an engineering degree, I decided to not actually follow this path and chose to follow my passion of travel. I quickly got a job as an actual tour guide in the wonderful southern region of Kerala, India, for a few months and ended up staying for 2 years.

An opportunity opened up to go to Sri Lanka to become manager for the country, so when I was offered it, I jumped at the chance. During my time working in travel, I’ve travelled the majority of both India and Sri Lanka and discovered almost place you could possibly explore in these crazy, yet amazing countries.

I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and exploring, even as a kid. ... Read All

Hi! My name is Prateeque, your host. I grew up in India, in Bangalore and after completing an engineering degree, I decided to not actually follow this path and chose to follow my passion of travel. I quickly got a job as an actual tour guide in the wonderful southern region of Kerala, India, for a few months and ended up staying for 2 years.

An opportunity opened up to go to Sri Lanka to become manager for the country, so when I was offered it, I jumped at the chance. During my time working in travel, I’ve travelled the majority of both India and Sri Lanka and discovered almost place you could possibly explore in these crazy, yet amazing countries.

I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and exploring, even as a kid. I would go out on my bike and get lost and then try to find my way back. I grew up in an urban setting, so any chance I could get I was out exploring. The feeling of release you get from the outdoors, is completely different to anything you can feel.

The one thing that inspired me to work in travel and pursue it as a long term career, is the feeling of pure amazement when discovering something new or seeing something spectacular for the first time. It’s an indescribable feeling, but you’re just totally immersed in this place and you just forget about everything else for a while.

And seeing this look on people’s faces and being with them when they’re doing this, is something I found out very quickly when I was tour guide I absolutely loved and just had to pursue this further.

Another thing is, you always learn in travel, there’s always something new that comes up, whether it be an experience, untapped location, or new people, you’re always learning and this pushes me to find new things to do.

It’s fair to say that Sri Lanka is oversaturated, there are plenty of companies here offering the same tours to the same places. We however, like to go off the beaten track. It’s unbelievable how much there is to see in this wonderful country away from the main sights. For example, the busy national parks e.g. Udawalawe National Park can have up to 600 jeeps a day on it’s roads. But if you go just 2 hours away at Gal Oya national park, it’s much less busy and you can get much closer to the wildlife.

Prateeque image

Location

Your Sri Lankan adventure begins when your host meets you at Bandaranaike International Airport, where you will be met by your local host and taken straight to your first accommodation.

From there you’ll head inland and northwards towards the centre of the island, where you’ll find the unforgettable cultural triagle including Auradhapura, Polonnaruwa and  Sigiriya, then to Gammaduwa for some trekking through stunning scenery and  Wildlife spotting in Wasgamuwa National Park. Here you’ll turn south towards Nuwara Eliya, before  taking a train to the relaxed town of Ella, nestled in the lush green hills of Sri Lanka’s interior.

On your last day you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

 

FAQs

How long are the hikes?

Day 4 – Climbing Sigiriya and Dambulla

Sigiriya Rock

While this is not really a hike it does involve climbing some stairs. The whole climb to the top is around 1200 steps, but these are spread across 3 sections. It normally takes about 1 hour for the entire climb with multiple stops for pictures, explanations, and breaks.

Dambulla Cave Temple complex also is at the top of a flight of approx. 200 stairs, again these can be climbed at leisure with stops.


Day 5 – Andawala to Gammaduwa:

This is an 8km hike. It normally takes 3-4 hours. The trail is through small village paths, farms and alongside a canal. There is a small waterfall mid-way through the trail and the last 3 kilometres are on a flat jeep track.


Day 6 – Hike to Riverstone

The total distance is 15 kilometres. It normally takes 5-6 hours. Start through pine forests and on jeep tracks, before descending to the remote village of Kargastene. From here you will walk through open scrub plains, before entering the jungle. We then come out through the paddy fields into the village of Puwakpitiya. A nearby waterfall is an excellent place to enjoy lunch and swim. Picnic lunch will be provided.
Alternatively, the guests could do a shorter section through the pine forests and then transfer by vehicle to Riverstone

Day 7 – Hike to Manigala Rock

This could be 3 kilometres to 10 kilometres hike depending on the guest’s preference. The trail is through stepped paddy fields and forest canopy.

NOTE: ALL our hikes are led by trained hiking guides. We are flexible to modify the hikes and make changes on the day based on the guests. During the hikes there will be multiple water and snack breaks. Our guides are able to gauge how the clients are doing and set an appropriate pace and number of breaks.

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