Example Itinerary

Thrills & Spills: Hikes & Watersports in Sri Lanka

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Sports
Destinations
Sri Lanka

From the highest peaks to the sandy white beaches, this action-packed adventure trail around beautiful Sri Lanka caters to intrepid explorers who are looking for the ultimate thrill-filled holiday. Starting with colonial coastal beauties in Negombo, you’ll later discover the historic and mystic magic of ancient capital Kandy. Next it’s up to the highlands to explore the country’s fabled tea plantations with verdant rainforest treks and mountain hikes, then rounding off the tour by returning to the ocean for two days of aquatic action.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Adam's Peak: The pilgrimage up to the summit of 7,359-foot Adam's Peak is significant in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian traditions, as the sacred footprint at the peak is said to belong to Buddha, Siva, Adam, or St. Thomas.
  • Bogawantalawa Valley: Choose your adventure in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, where there are options for hiking and biking through seas of verdant tea plantations, or mounting the Grade Three rapids of Kelani River on a white water rafting ride.
  • Underwater Exploration: Passekudah has one of the longest stretches of shallow reef coastline on the planet and combined with the weak currents, this destination is a snorkeler's dream.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Negombo

Arrive in Sri Lanka to be greeted and escorted by car to the pretty coastal town of Negombo. Check in to your hotel and explore the town at your leisure. Take in the colonial buildings, from the Dutch fort to the Catholic church, and enjoy the bustle of the fish market before a relaxing night’s sleep.

Hotel Options

Day 2

Map

Kandy »

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading inland to the historic city of Kandy. Take the afternoon to explore the town’s many treasures: a World Heritage Site, Kandy is set around a picturesque lake and home to a sacred Buddhist temple housing a Siddhartha tooth relic. Browse the bazaar and gem market before taking in a cultural show and resting up at your hotel. 

Hotel Options
Kandy
Kandy

Day 3

Map

Ella

Today, begin the leisurely and scenic journey up into the mountains to the picturesque town of Ella, located deep in the heart of tea country. Take a gentle trek around Adam’s Peak for views of the countryside and, after checking into the comfortable and cozy 98 Acres Hotel, explore the town at your leisure.

Hotel Options

Day 4

Map

Bogawantalawa Valley »

After your day spent enjoying Ella, an early night is in order so you’re ready for the hike up Adam’s Peak. Beginning just after midnight, it’s a four-hour trek to the summit where you’ll catch the dawn break across the valleys below. Then, make your way down the path and check in to the Tea Trails Bungalow for a relaxing afternoon.

Hotel Options
Bogawantalawa Valley
Bogawantalawa Valley

Day 5

Map

Bogawantalawa Valley »

The day is yours to leisurely explore the surrounding areas, hike the many routes across the hills, learn about the tea-making process, enjoy a game of croquet or tennis, and indulge in afternoon tea. Adventurous types can take on mountain biking, white-water rafting, and hiking.

Day 6

Map

Passekudah

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll say your goodbyes to the mountains and start on your journey to the coast. At Passikudah, check in to your comfortable beachside hotel and enjoy the ocean for the afternoon and evening.

Hotel Options
Passekudah
Passekudah

Day 7

Map

Passekudah

It’s time to gear up for an action-packed day of aquatic adventures. Enjoy the thrills and spills of a range of watersports and explore the submarine world with a spot of snorkeling. Then, relax back at your hotel after a busy day on the water.

Day 8

Map

Passekudah

Make sure you’ve got your sea legs for today because you’re setting sail on a boat trip to explore the crystal waters surrounding Passikudah. Stop off and dive into the sea to explore life beneath the waves, armed with your snorkel equipment.

Passekudah
Passekudah

Day 9

Map

Departure »

After breakfast at your hotel, say goodbye to the beach as you’re transferred back to Colombo for your onward flight to your next exciting destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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