Trekking & Culture in the Heart of Sri Lanka
Explore Sri Lanka on foot, from ancient cities to tea plantations, through mountains, jungle and encounters with nature.
Duration
14 days
From
€1,920/pers.
The spirit of travel
Discover Sri Lanka on foot, following an itinerary that emphasizes hiking, nature and culture. From the Cultural Triangle to the Knuckles mountains, you alternate between Buddhist sites, ancient ruins and trails through lush landscapes. The ascent of Adam's Peak at sunrise marks one of the highlights of this adventure.
In the Highlands, hikes continue at Horton Plains, Ella Rock and through tea plantations. You also discover another facet of the island during a safari at Minneriya and a train journey through the mountains. The Sinharaja rainforest completes this immersion, combining hiking and wildlife and flora observation.
An active trip to explore Sri Lanka in the heart of its landscapes, culture and nature.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Sri Lanka and discovery of Negombo
Aéroport international de Bandaranaike → Negombo
Upon your arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Negombo.
You enjoy a first visit to Negombo to discover this coastal town and soak up its local atmosphere (duration 2 hours).
In the evening, it's time for dinner, followed by a presentation of your stay and a first briefing to prepare for the days ahead.
From Negombo to the Cultural Triangle
You leave Negombo heading towards Sigirîya, in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Along the way, you cross landscapes dotted with coconut trees and rice fields.
The day begins with the discovery of the Negombo fish market, a true local institution.
You then continue towards Pidurangala for a hike offering a clear view of the Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding landscapes.
Lion Rock and Minneriya Safari
You start the day with a visit to Sigiriya, the famous "Lion Rock", listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You explore its gardens, caves and frescoes before heading to the ruins of Kasyapa's royal palace.
You then head off for a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, renowned for its many elephants.
Ritigala, Dambulla and Kandy
You leave Sigiriya heading towards Digana, with several stops dedicated to Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage.
You first discover the ruins of Ritigala, nestled in the heart of a forest and nature reserve. A jungle hike takes you to the remains of an ancient Buddhist monastery.
You continue with the discovery of Dambulla, a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rock temples and Buddha statues spread across five sacred caves.
You then head to Kandy to visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a temple housing the famous Tooth Relic of Buddha.
Trekking in the Knuckles
Digana → Knuckles Mountain Range
You join the Knuckles Mountain Range to begin your immersion on foot in this mountainous region.
This first day of hiking takes you towards Corbet Gap, before reaching your base camp.
Once settled, you enjoy rest time and free moments at the campsite. The day ends with a local dinner based on rice & curry.
Hiking between rice fields and the Knuckles mountains
The day begins with the sunrise, followed by breakfast.
You then set off for your second day of hiking, with views of the western valley of the Knuckles Range. The route crosses second-growth forests, terraced rice paddies and villagers' vegetable gardens, until reaching the site called Mini World's End.
Knuckles Mountain Range → Kandy
After your hike, you leave the Knuckles Mountain Range to reach Kandy.
Peradeniya Garden and Aberdeen Falls
After the day's visits, you head to Nallathanniya.
You start with a stroll in the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya, located on the banks of the Mahaweli river.
You continue with the discovery of the Aberdeen waterfall, nearly 100 meters high, before your transfer to Nallathanniya.
Ascent of Adam's Peak and Nuwara Eliya
After climbing Adam's Peak, you head towards Nuwara Eliya.
Indeed, you leave at night for the climb toAdam's Peak, a major pilgrimage site, to watch the sunrise.
You then head to Nuwara Eliya, nicknamed "Little England". The town retains a charm marked by British influences, particularly in its architecture.
The day continues with a visit to a tea factory.
Hiking on the Horton Plains highlands
You set off on a 10 km hike along a marked trail across the highlands of Horton Plains, between plains, forests and waterfalls.
Your walk takes you to World's End, a rocky plateau dropping over 800 meters, from where you enjoy a clear view of the surroundings.
You also make a stop at Baker's Falls.
Train in the mountains and climb Ella Rock
You travel by train in the heart of the Sri Lankan mountains, before a car transfer from Haputale station to Ella.
Hiking between Bandarawela and Haputale
You dedicate this day to a walk between Bandarawela and Haputale, through tea plantation landscapes.
Immersion in the Sinharaja Tropical Forest
Haputale → Sinharaja Forest Reserve
You leave Haputale to reach Sinharaja.
You are leaving for a day of hiking in the heart of the Sinharaja Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The forest is particularly renowned for bird watching, with nearly 160 species recorded.
Trek in Sinharaja and route to Colombo
You enjoy a half-day trek dedicated to discovering fauna and flora.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve → Colombo
After your morning trek, you leave Sinharaja heading towards Colombo.
Last moments in Sri Lanka
Colombo → Aéroport international de Bandaranaike
You enjoy your last moments in Sri Lanka before your transfer to Bandaranaike Airport for your departure.
You leave the island after these two weeks of discovery and immersion.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Sri Lanka for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must obtain a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization) before arriving in Sri Lanka. There is no visa exemption on arrival for a tourist stay.
The ETA can be obtained online via the official Sri Lankan government portal and allows a tourist stay of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending your stay in the country up to a maximum of 90 days with the Sri Lankan Immigration Department.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Before your arrival, you must obtain a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), issued by Sri Lankan authorities.
This electronic visa must be requested online on the official Sri Lankan government website. Required information includes:
passport information
flight and itinerary details
address of your first accommodation in Sri Lanka
personal information and contact details
The ETA is generally issued within a few hours to a few days. It is recommended to submit your application at least 48 hours before departure. The digital confirmation must be presented to immigration on arrival.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Sri Lanka from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended by health authorities, particularly against:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of risk activities or extended stay in rural areas).
Precautions against malaria and dengue may be recommended depending on the regions you visit. Consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ETA.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, a territorial exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should check with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the proper procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required and must be obtained online before departure (approximately 50 USD, valid for 30 days). A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date is required. Processing is typically fast (within 72 hours). Please verify current requirements on the official Sri Lankan portal.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, budget between 130 and 210 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1,100 euros return) are additional. Sri Lanka combines beaches, culture, nature and tea in a compact territory.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Sri Lanka
Itinerary Designer in the Heart of Sri Lanka, based in Colombo
Sri Lanka is a country that constantly shifts in scenery and atmosphere. You can go from tea plantations to temples, then to the ocean, while always keeping that sense of gentleness in your journey.
— Catherine
