en
- Adventure
- 18-day trip
- From €3,885 p.p.
Sri Lanka trip | Adventure trip Sri Lanka pristine
On this Sri Lanka trip, go off the beaten track. Camp at the undiscovered Wilpattu National Park and go in search of elephants, leopards and a host of other animals early in the morning. Travel by train to Jaffna and experience a totally different side of Sri Lanka. Hike through the tea plantations near Kandy. Hike through rice fields, traditional villages, jungle and rocky formations to Base Camp in the Knuckles Mountain Range. Unwind under a palm tree in Pasikudah and see Colombo from a local's perspective.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Sri Lanka
- Day 2 Journey to Wilpattu National Park
- Day 3 Safari in Wilpattu National Park
- Day 4 Train journey from Anuradhapura to Jaffna
- Day 5 Jaffna city tour
- Day 6 Delft Island boat trip
- Day 7 Journey to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
- Day 8 Excursion to the Pidurangala rock formation
- Day 9 Excursion to the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Days 10–12 Beach destination in Sri Lanka
- Day 13 Journey to Kandy
- Day 14 Hike to Knuckles Base Camp
- Day 15 Digan and Kandy
- Day 16 Kandy : cultural tour
- Day 17 Journey to Colombo
- Day 18 Departure from Sri Lanka
Air travel to Sri Lanka
“Ayubowan!” We warmly welcome you to Sri Lanka! Your first encounter with the island will be upon your arrival in Colombo. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our local representative and taken to your hotel by private transfer. Once you’ve arrived, you can take a moment to relax after your long journey and explore the surroundings at your leisure.
Included:
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Private transfer to the hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Exclusief:
- International flight
Travel to Wilpattu National Park
After breakfast, you’ll head to Wilpattu National Park for a nature walk!
You’ll be camping close to the edge of the National Park. Enjoy the surroundings and experience an authentic camping adventure. Big Game Camps is home to a wide variety of birds. It is situated close to the southern boundary of Wilpattu National Park, bordering a lake and completely surrounded by woodland and scrub. It’s a very photogenic setting, so don’t forget to bring your camera, spare batteries and memory cards – you’re bound to be taking plenty of photos here.
Included:
• Private transfer to accommodation
• Excursion: Nature Walk
• Overnight stay on a half-board basis
Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Early in the morning, you’ll set off for a full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu National Park (NP) is a popular destination renowned for its abundant wildlife sightings! Keep an eye out for herds of elephants, leopards, crocodiles, peacocks, mongooses and much more! An unforgettable wildlife experience.
Included:
• Excursion: Full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park
• Accommodation on a half-board basis
Anuradhapura - Jaffna train journey
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to Anuradhapura railway station to catch the train to Jaffna. The wonderfully named ‘Queen of Jaffna Express’ only resumed services five years ago. Jaffna, and the north of Sri Lanka, were cut off from the rest of the country and the world for over 30 years. Now this area has finally been opened up, and Jaffna and its people are delighted to welcome you!
On arrival in Jaffna, it’s time to freshen up and rest at your hotel. The city is just opening up, and the contrast with southern Sri Lanka is striking. Next, you’ll set off in search of some adventure! As most people around Jaffna get about by bike, you’ll do the same. Enjoy your Jaffna cycle tour.
Dinner will be arranged in a traditional Jaffna home, where you’ll have the chance to exchange cultural insights and gain an understanding of a local family’s way of life. Our local guide will accompany you, providing explanations and speaking the language, so all you need to do is enjoy yourself.
Includes:
• Train journey from Anuradhapura to Jaffna on the Queen of Jaffna Express, including private transfers
• Excursion: Jaffna cycle tour
• Dinner at a Jaffna home
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Jaffna city tour
Start the day with a visit to Nallur Temple. You will be provided with the traditional ‘shalve’ or ‘veddi’, which you can wear whilst visiting the temple. Today, you will learn more about the Hindu faith. You will then explore Jaffna’s culture in greater depth, looking at its similarities and differences with South Indian culture, the scars left on Jaffna by the war, and the consequences of migration and exile.
Lunch will be served on banana leaves – a traditional Jaffna-style meal. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and unwind on the peaceful Casuarina Beach.
Included:
• Excursion: Jaffna city tour including lunch
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Delft Island boat excursion
Today, you will travel by boat to Delft Island. It is an hour by boat from the port in Jaffna, but you will find that it feels like you have arrived in another country. Discover the remains of the colonists.
Includes:
• Visit to Delft Island, including lunch
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Travel to Cultural Triangle Sri Lanka
Continue your journey to the Cultural Triangle. On the way, you’ll visit the archaeological monastery of Ritigala. The ruins of Ritigala lie hidden deep in the jungle, and the place feels like an undiscovered world, far removed from Sri Lanka’s well-known cultural sites!
Afterwards, you’ll proceed to your accommodation, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel
• Excursion: Sacred grounds of Ritigala
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Excursion Pidurangala rock formation
Early this morning, visit a massive rock formation which the ancient Sri Lankans called Pidurangala. This is said to have been the royal temple during the time when King Kashyapa ruled from Sigiriya Fortress. The climb takes about an hour – the final section is a bit tricky over the rocks, but it can be managed perfectly well with a little care. It’s all worth it once you’ve reached the top and are rewarded with the breathtaking views. This really is another undiscovered gem that few tourists have visited before you.
Head back to the Kasspa Lions Rock and enjoy the rest of the day by the pool or in the spa, for example.
Includes:
• Excursion: Visit to Pidurangala
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Dambulla cave temple excursion
After breakfast, you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.
The cave temple near the town of Dambulla is one of the country’s highlights. Along with Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the temple is situated within Sri Lanka’s cultural region. Dambulla is regarded as the country’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex, boasting a vast collection of statues, stupas, wood carvings and breathtaking paintings.
Includes:
• Excursion: Dambulla Caves
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Beach destination Sri Lanka
Today it's time to head to the beautiful beach resort of Pasikudah, located in the north-west of Sri Lanka. You are free to spend the next few days here. Enjoy the comfortable resort and should you wish to undertake anything, your private driver will be at your service (maximum 80km per day).
Included:
• Private transfer to the resort
• Private driver for up to 80 km on days 11 and 12
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Travel to Kandy
After a lovely stay on the beach, you’ll continue on to Digana. Here, you’ll stay in an eco-lodge surrounded by nature. Later in the day, a village walk is on the programme, during which you’ll also have the chance to go for a swim at a waterfall. You’ll set off from the lodge and take a leisurely stroll through the villages. Along the way, you’ll make several stops to, for example, take a look inside a local house.
In short, it’s a walk that gives you a good insight into local life. It takes about 4–5 hours, covering 4 km downhill on village paths, 3.5 km on tarmac roads and 2.5 km on a jungle trail. If the walk is too long, we can also cover part of the route by tuk-tuk. You can discuss your preferences with the guide.
Includes:
• Excursion: Polwatta Village walk
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Hike Knuckles Base Camp
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off. Climb into the jeep with the Polwaththa staff, who will accompany you on this special experience. Brace yourself, as this could be a bumpy ride as you head into the central mountainous region. Once you’ve arrived at the starting point, you’ll begin the hike. Walk through rice fields, villages, jungle and rocky formations, stopping along the way to take photos of the stunning views.
You’ll have lunch by a small waterfall along the way. Today’s trek ends at Base Camp. Enjoy the lovely campfire in the evening.
Includes:
• Excursion: Hike to Knuckles Base Camp, including lunch
• Accommodation on a half-board basis
Digan and Kandy
Wake up early in the morning and take a moment to enjoy the stunning views over breakfast. After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Diksan, the lovely owner of the base camp, and set off for the town of Rangala. It’s about a 5.5-kilometre walk through the tea plantations.
You’ll then have the choice of travelling to Digana by jeep or by public transport, just like the locals do. From Digana, your driver will take you to Kandy – the last capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom. Although it remained independent for a long time during the Dutch and Portuguese occupations, it fell under British rule in 1815.
Includes:
• Jeep to Digana or public transport
• Private transfer to hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Kandy cultural
Visit the Temple of the Tooth this morning, as this is the best time to witness the locals performing their Puja/Pooja! Make sure you’re dressed in white. The Temple of the Tooth is, without a doubt, the city’s greatest pride.
The courtyard is filled with worshippers of all ages, holding offerings in their hands: leaves from a young coconut, flowers and fruit. As the door opens, they stream up the dark, narrow staircase towards the silver and ivory doors behind which the tooth is kept.
In the afternoon, carry on with an authentic cookery class with Sulochana, the lady of the house. Sulochana, the hostess of the homestay, is a wonderful hostess and is more than happy to share her centuries-old secret recipes whilst taking you on an interesting culinary journey.
Sulochana’s Kitchen is equipped with a traditional wood-burning stove and a ‘miris gala’, an ancient device used as a grinding machine. These machines are rarely found in modern homes anymore. You’ll be cooking in clay pots, as there’s no better way to make a delicious curry – it adds even more flavour alongside the spices and rich coconut milk. After a few hours in the kitchen, you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Enjoy this unforgettable meal. After the cookery class, you’re free to spend the rest of the day as you wish.
Included:
• Excursion: Visit the Temple of the Tooth
• Excursion: Cooking experience with a local family, including lunch
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Travel to Colombo
After breakfast, you will head towards Colombo, and in the afternoon you will go on a tour with Rashan (or one of his colleagues). He will show you Colombo from the perspective of a local. For instance, he will take you to several bustling streets that tourists don't often visit, but will also take you to different historical spots in the city. Eating street food is often advised against for tourists, however, Rashan knows the right places where you can safely eat street food.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel
• Excursion: Colombo city walk with Rashan
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Accommodations
Ambarella Lodge & Spice Garden
Located in the heart of a fully functional, 25-acre coconut estate, just 25 minutes. From the airport and en route to major cultural attractions, Ambarella Lodge is an ideal starting or ending point for your Sri Lankan experience.
Large, well-equipped rooms and terraces with...
Located in the heart of a fully functional, 25-acre coconut estate, just 25 minutes. From the airport and en route to major cultural attractions, Ambarella Lodge is an ideal starting or ending point for your Sri Lankan experience.
Large, well-equipped rooms and terraces with pool and garden views ensure a comfortable and relaxing holiday.
The local village that can be reached by Tuk-Tuk offers visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with authentic Sri Lankan village life and numerous excursions, from half-day tours to longer trips, are also organised. Negombo and its beach are just a 30-minute drive away and Colombo is close enough to be visited during the day.
A pavilion by the pool hosts the Ambarella Café, which offers fresh fruit and delicious local dishes, all based on ingredients produced mainly on the estate.
Your stay: 1 night
Big Game Camp Wilpattu
The Big Game Wilpattu Tented Safari campsite is close to the oldest and largest national wildlife park in Sri Lanka. The Wilpattu National park is known for its populations of leopards, elephants, bears and a host of other wildlife, all fuelled by a rich ecosystem that provides a wide range of...
The Big Game Wilpattu Tented Safari campsite is close to the oldest and largest national wildlife park in Sri Lanka. The Wilpattu National park is known for its populations of leopards, elephants, bears and a host of other wildlife, all fuelled by a rich ecosystem that includes a wide range of exotic flora and fauna.
The campsite is close to the southern border of Wilpattu National Park, on the edge of a lake, and is surrounded by forest. The campsite often serves meals near the lake, where customers can be enchanted by the serenity of nature while enjoying delicious meals. The entrance to the park is just 7 km from the campsite and is a matter of a 5-10-minute drive.
Your stay: 2 nights
Fox Jaffna
Fox Jaffna by Fox Resorts is basking in its new glory as a chic boutique hotel in Jaffna. Once the family home of a leading family in Jaffna, the property has a colourful history.
Rooms are beautifully decorated in keeping with the colours and landscape of the peninsula....
Fox Jaffna by Fox Resorts is basking in its new glory as a chic boutique hotel in Jaffna. Once the family home of a leading family in Jaffna, the property has a colourful history.
Rooms are beautifully decorated in keeping with the colours and landscape of the peninsula. The property is spread over three acres and has a swimming pool and a restaurant in addition to the four suites and 24 rooms. The restaurant serves western cuisine, but specialises in local dishes from Jaffna.
Your stay: 3 nights
Kassapa Lions Rock
Located near the beautiful Sigiriya Rock, in the middle of the small village of Digampathaha, the Kassapa Lions Rock takes you back to an era of lavish grandeur. The resort has a freshwater swimming pool where one has a view of the Lions Rock! The open-air restaurant and bar are perfect for sipping wine or...
Located near the beautiful Sigiriya Rock, in the middle of the small village of Digampathaha, the Kassapa Lions Rock takes you back to an era of lavish grandeur. The resort has a freshwater swimming pool where one has a view of the Lions Rock! The open-air restaurant and bar are perfect for sipping wine or dining while enjoying views of the Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rocks. There is also an Ayurveda spa offering traditional herbal treatments and therapies. Located just 20 minutes from the beautiful town of Dambulla, the Kassapa Lions Rock Resort offers excursions to many picturesque sites of historical and cultural interest, such as Anurahapura, PoIonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Ritigala. National parks famous for wild elephants, such as Minnariya, Kaudulla and Eco Park, are also nearby.
Your stay: 3 nights
Sun Siyam Pasikudah
The Sun Aqua Pasikudah is a 5-star boutique resort. It offers quiet and comfortable suites and beach villas. Furthermore, the resort is surrounded by lush greenery and features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking....
The Sun Aqua Pasikudah is a 5-star boutique resort. It offers quiet and comfortable suites and beach villas. Furthermore, the resort is surrounded by lush greenery and features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking. L
Discover Sri Lanka's best diving spots or get your heart racing with incredible water sports. Enjoy the natural coral reef or just take a relaxing stroll along the private golden beach.
Your stay: 3 nights
Polwaththa Eco Lodges
Polwaththa (pronounced pol'watha) is a unique and authentic experience that offers you the best of nature and traditional Sri Lankan village culture. Polwaththa means "coconut estate" indicating that you are surrounded by coconut palms and a variety of other trees that create a lush green environment....
Polwaththa (pronounced pol'watha) is a unique and authentic experience that offers you the best of nature and traditional Sri Lankan village culture. Polwaththa means "coconut estate" indicating that you are surrounded by coconut palms and a variety of other trees that offer a lush green environment all year round, giving you a 'living-in-the-jungle' feel.
Your stay: 1 night
Knuckles Base Camp
Located near Knuckles Mountain, Knuckles Base Camp offers guests accommodation in the form of campsites, mud houses and luxury cabanas. The accommodation is ideal for guests who want to hike and birdwatch.
Your stay: 1 night
Thotupola Residence
Located on the banks of the Mahaweli River, Thotupola Residence offers quiet and comfortable accommodation with free Wi-Fi in all areas. Rooms have a balcony with river or garden views. The private bathroom is equipped with towels and a shower.
The accommodation is located about 6 km from...
Located on the banks of the Mahaweli River, Thotupola Residence offers quiet and comfortable accommodation with free Wi-Fi in all areas. Rooms have a balcony with river or garden views. The private bathroom is equipped with towels and a shower.
The accommodation is about 6 km from Kandy Railway Station and 3.5 km from the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kandy. Bandaranaike International Airport is about 100 km away by car.
The accommodation offers its own restaurant, which serves delicious local dishes. Special diet meals can be prepared for you upon request.
Your stay: 2 nights
Taru Villas - The Lake Lodge
Located on a quiet residential avenue in the heart of Colombo, Lake Lodge is one of the first accredited tourist accommodations in Sri Lanka. Totally renovated with a creative flair, this is genuinely a 'home away from home'. Lake Lodge features 12 stylish double rooms with en-suite bathrooms,...
Located on a quiet residential avenue in the heart of Colombo, Lake Lodge is one of the first accredited tourist accommodations in Sri Lanka. Totally renovated with a creative flair, this is genuinely a 'home away from home'. Lake Lodge has 12 stylish double en-suite rooms equipped with all modern conveniences. Notably, the ambience of this accommodation makes it a special stay!
Your stay: 1 night
Destinations
Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital and largest city, is a city that travellers have mostly avoided for years. The city has a reputation for being boring, but today it has so much to offer! Unlike Jakarta or Bangkok, it is an orderly city and therefore easy to explore. Traffic is as in any Asian capital - chaotic. But, once you have had some time to get used to this and can proverbially 'look past', you will see a brilliant side of the country.
Kandy
Kandy is a special city: When Sri Lanka fell under Portuguese and later Dutch rule, Kandy remained independent under the leadership of several kings. Only during British colonisation did Kandy also fall. It is Sri Lanka's second largest city after Colombo and there is a lot of history to be found there. The city's most famous landmark is the Temple of the Tooth, but we recommend you also stroll along the lake and through the streets. A visit to one of the local markets is also worthwhile.
Sri Lanka
Negombo
This bustling fishing village on Sri Lanka's west coast (and close to Bandaranaika International Airport) has a fairly turbulent colonial history, involving Dutch, Portuguese and British trade. The wild cinnamon that grew in the region was described as 'the best in the universe'. You can see the remnants of this colonial period in the city's strong Catholic influences. The Negombo Lagoon and its many canals offer beautiful spots for bird watching. The city's old quarter is well worth a visit; the community is friendly and welcoming.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a place in the central Matale district, close to the city of Dambulla, Sri Lanka. The name Sigiriya usually refers to a historical site of great archaeological significance, namely the huge rock nearly 200 metres high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 - 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated the sides of the rock with colourful frescoes. Welcome to this UNESCO site, also known as the Lion Rock!
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles Mountain Range, named after its knuckle-like shape, lies in the heart of the island and is surrounded by two national parks and a reserve. Part of the Knuckles National Heritage and Wilderness Area, this mountain range is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna species. With its breathtaking beauty, the area attracts nature lovers from all over the world, as well as animal lovers hoping to spot mammals such as wild boar, spotted deer, giant squirrels, barking deer, purple-grey slender monkeys, mongooses and porcupines, as well as several endemic lizard species. One of the highlights of the Knuckles is Mini World's End, a precipice on the southern side of the mountains, which offers panoramic views of the mountains and the picturesque villages in the foothills.
Pasikudah
Pasikudah, located about 35 kilometres northwest of Batticaloa in Sri Lanka, is a small seaside resort known for its expansive golden bay with one of the longest, shallow coastal stretches in the world. This beautiful coastal environment provides an ideal setting for a range of water sports, including snorkelling around the coral reef teeming with exotic marine life, diving around the wreck of the HMS Hermes, a WW2 British naval ship, water-skiing or an exhilarating deep-sea fishing adventure. Sailing trips are also available and include sunset cruises, whale-watching excursions and overnight charters. Inland activities include adventure safaris where you can trek through nature reserves where elephants and other animals can be spotted.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast, close to the historic city of Anuradhapura. The dry zone has remarkably thick jungle. The history of the park is of great importance to the country, it e.g. ancient ruins discovered in Wilpattu National Park. In terms of wildlife, about 30 species of mammals can be found in Wilpattu National Park, including the Sri Lankan elephant, leopard, Lankan sloth bear, spotted deer, and buffalo. In addition, they are home to many special birds!
Jaffna
Located at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Jaffna is the capital of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka's least visited region. From more than two decades of isolation and civil war, visitors can now explore this fascinating region with its many beaches, temples, forts and rich archaeological history. This port city has retained its unique character and offers a captivating mix of vibrant Tamil culture and colonial charm. Jaffna offers an excellent base from which to explore the picturesque Jaffna Peninsula and surrounding islands. Visitors can stroll through the tree-lined streets; see the golden arches of the Nallur Kandaswamy temple; explore the impressive star-shaped Jaffna fort, a 17-century Portuguese fort; and visit the Jaffna Archaeological Museum, which features Dutch cannons from pre-colonial artefacts.
Gampaha District
Gampaha District is located in the western province of Sri Lanka, north of the bustling city of Colombo. It is one of 25 districts in the country and the second most populous district in Sri Lanka after Colombo district. Gampaha has a picturesque west coast, historic towns and spectacular landscapes. Visitors can look out for the old Henarathgoda railway station, one of the oldest stations in Sri Lanka and an archaeological protected monument in Gampaha town; explore the 100-year-old Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, where the island's first rubber tree was planted; and admire the Asgiriya Rajamaha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple. Other highlights include the Yatawatte Purana Vihara temple, Wathumulla Ketawala Ambalama and Ketawala Anicut.
Nochchiyagama
Nochchiyagama is a small settlement in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, surrounded by vast, breathtaking natural landscapes of forests and plains. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find this place a fantastic base to explore the wild, untamed surroundings - with Wilpattu National Park within easy reach.
Digana
Digana is set in Sri Lanka's central province and offers a peaceful retreat amid lush hills and greenery. This village, away from city chaos, promises an authentic Sri Lankan rural experience. Its stunning natural beauty makes it perfect for those seeking tranquillity. Hiking and bird watching amid scenic landscapes are popular here. Close to the historic city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Digana invites exploration of the Temple of the Tooth and traditional Kandyan dances. The village is also a gateway to local tea plantations and community-based tourism, offering insights into Sri Lanka's rich culture and daily life. For a serene escape into the heart of Sri Lankan village life, Digana is an idyllic choice.
Hunumulla
Lush greenery spreads across the rolling terrain of Hunumulla, a village in central Sri Lanka, nestled in the rural landscape of the Kandy District. Located about 20 kilometres from the bustling city of Kandy, this serene destination is often overlooked by tourists but offers a peaceful escape into authentic Sri Lankan culture. The village has historical significance as it is considered the birthplace of King Walagamba, a prominent figure in Sri Lanka's ancient history. Hunumulla's rich culture is reflected in its ancient temples, such as Hunumulla Temple, where ancient relics are kept. Visitors can explore the village's peaceful surroundings on foot or by bicycle and interact with locals eager to share their traditions. Popular activities include hiking through the surrounding hills for beautiful views and visiting nearby historical sites. For those seeking relaxation, boat trips on the Victoria Reservoir offer a soothing experience and a glimpse of the region's natural beauty and birdlife.
Sri Lanka trip | Adventure trip Sri Lanka pristine
We offer the described trip from €3,885 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Accommodation in charming lodges and hotels
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions as listed in the ‘itinerary’, including a safari in Wilpattu National Park
• Private transport with an English-speaking private guide/driver
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Entrance fees where applicable
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Cooking experience with a local family
• City walk in Colombo
Not included
• International flights
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Contingency Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)