7 Days Active Nature Tour Sri Lanka
OVERVIEW
Embark on a thrilling adventure with our 7 Days Active Nature Tour Sri Lanka! Travel from Negombo to Sigiriya, then Kandy, and return to Negombo, covering a 400 km loop that showcases three distinct climate zones and forest types of Sri Lanka, along with rich history and vibrant culture. This tour is tailored for active individuals who relish early morning adventures and immersive exploration of their surroundings. Packed with a variety of activities such as cycling, walks, and boat rides, all led by knowledgeable guides, it promises an unforgettable experience.
Your adventure starts with a tranquil beachfront stay, followed by exploration in Sigiriya's dry evergreen savannah forests. Ascend Sigiriya Rock at sunset and conquer Pidurangala Rock at sunrise for breathtaking views. Engage in village bike rides and exhilarating elephant safaris. Transitioning to Kandy's lush mountains, enjoy a serene retreat overlooking the Mahaweli River and invigorating hikes on Hanthana Mountain.
Conclude with a return to lagoon front luxury resort for your final night, indulging in sunshine, pool time, and a rejuvenating spa massage. With minimal transit time, immerse yourself fully in each location's charm and adventures across diverse ecosystems.
- 6 Nights accommodation
- 6 Dinners & breakfasts + 3 lunches
- Dambulla Rock Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Moat by bicycle and climb Sigiriya Rock at sunset
- Pidurangala Rock for sunrise
- Sigiriya village life - cycle Ride, village life, lunch
- Minneriya safari
- Temple of the Tooth & cultural dance
- Mountain walk - Pekoe Trail Stage 1 - with guide
- Massage treatment
ITINERARY DETAILS
Day 1 NEGOMBO
Highlights
Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your local representative.
Transfer to your beach front hotel in Negombo.
You’re probably exhausted after the long flight. That’s why we’ve chosen a beachfront hotel near the airport. You can relax by the warm Indian ocean, surrounded by coconut trees, and take a refreshing dip in the pool. And when the evening comes, simply unwind with a drink, soaking in the tropical atmosphere.
Day 2 SIGIRIYA
Highlight
After breakfast, make your way to Sigiriya. On the journey from Negombo, notice the transition from bustling roads to flat terrain stretching for miles as the climate gradually warms up. Take in the captivating drive through the green paddy fields and observe how the weather becomes warmer as you enter the dry zone.
Check into your tree house lodge.
In Sigiriya, you’ll experience the warm tropical weather, but nestled among the forest trees, this lodge will offer a shady, cool, and comfortable retreat, ensuring you feel refreshed.
Ride around the Sigiriya Moat by bicycle and climb Sigiriya Rock – approx 3 hours.
Exploring the Sigiriya area on a bike ride is one of the best ways to enjoy its peacefulness. This trail leads you through the forest reserves surrounding the Sigiriya rock and the nearby villages, guiding you around all four gates: North, South, East, and West. You’ll leave your bikes at the Western Entrance before exploring the gardens.
After your cycling adventure, begin your exploration of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Marvel at the ancient rock paintings and the massive lion paw entrance as you ascend. Upon reaching the summit, delve into the ruins of the 1500-year-old castle constructed by King Kasyapa and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 3 SIGIRIYA
Highlights
Pidurangala Rock – approx. 2 hours
Rise early to climb Pidurangala Rock for sunrise. Used as a forest monastery for thousands of years, it maintains its ancient aura and natural beauty. It’s a 30 min moderately challenging climb, walking up steps past an ancient temple, rock boulders, and caves. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with an impressive view.
It’s one of the top places to see the sunrise over Sigiriya Rock. As the sun rises, Sigiriya Rock gleams with golden rays, turning a stunning orange-gold color, a sight only visible during sunrise or sunset.
Village Life (Cycle Ride, village life, lunch) – 2 hours
Afterwards visit a local village to explore village life and lunch.
On this exciting village tour you will experience life as the villagers do! Guided by a local expert who is an experienced tour guide, you will be taken to the best village sights in Sigiriya and have the chance to cycle along beautiful village roads, cycle trails and along paddy fields. You will see a beautiful lake overlooking Sigiriya Rock and visit a village home in Sri Lanka where you can see how the locals live first-hand. You will also enjoy a delicious home-made village lunch prepared for you by the locals.
Afternoon Minneriya safari – approx. 3 hours
Centered around the ancient Minneriya Wewa, the park encompasses a diverse range of habitats within its 88.9 square kilometers area, including scrub forests, tropical dry forests, grasslands, and wetlands.It’s regarded as one of the best spots in the country for witnessing wild elephants. The dry season, stretching from April to October, is regarded as the best time to visit as the receding water in the tank exposes grasses, attracting grazing animals. During this period, gatherings of elephants, sometimes numbering 200 or more, come to feed and bathe, a spectacle famously known as ‘the Gathering.’ Additionally, diverse bird species can be observed fishing in the shallow waters, while visitors may also catch glimpses of toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, and crocodiles.
Day 4 KANDY
Highlights
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Kandy. During your journey through Matale, you’ll gradually ascend the hills and notice the transition from dry to wet climate, with denser vegetation. Observing the change from flat to terraced paddy fields. As you near Kandy, expect bustling streets, as it’s recognized as the capital of Sri Lanka’s hill country. The mountains surrounding Kandy are adorned with buildings and houses nestled among lush greenery at the base, while their upper slopes are veiled in mist and boast pine forests and grasslands.
Welcome to Kandy! The hill capital and the venerated grounds of the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
Check into your mountain top retreat
Perched on a ridge with commanding views of the country’s longest river, the Mahaweli River.This beautifully designed hotel is a visual delight, equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay, and features an infinity pool where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the hills. It’s a haven for bird watchers. Keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles and serpent eagles gracefully soaring overhead.
Temple of the Tooth & Cultural dance – approx. 2 hours
5 to 10 minutes from your hotel is the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa), the most important shrine in the country, which houses a relic of a tooth of Lord Buddha extracted from his funeral pyre in 543 BC. It is renowned for its daily ‘Thewawa’ ceremony. Each evening, the day’s worship culminates when the casket containing the tooth relic is put on display to devotees who have travelled from all over the Buddhist world.
Day 5 KANDY
Highlights
Pekoe Trail Stage 1 – approx. 4 -5 hours
Lace-up your hiking boots for the very first stage of The Pekoe Trail taking you from Hanthana to Galaha.
Have a early breakfast and take 15 min drive to Hanthana where you will meet your guide. Begin your trek at the Ceylon tea museum and continue to walk in the shade of the tall trees that line the roads of the Hanthana Tea Estate, one of the oldest and largest tea plantations in Sri Lanka.
You will walk alongside the rocky ridge of ‘Katusu Konda’ (meaning Lizard’s back in Sinhala) with sweeping views of the seven peaks of the Hanthana range, as well as the nearby peaks of the Knuckles and Hunnas mountain ranges. On a clear day, you might even expect to see parts of the Victoria reservoir. Keep an eye out for eagles gliding across the mountainous ridges at some of the higher elevation points.
Stop for a picnic lunch.
As you approach Galaha, you will pass a dramatic mountain facade that was featured in the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’. In 1983 award-winning director, Steven Spielberg filmed scenes for his movie here in Kandy and the surrounding areas of Hanthana.
Towards the end of the trail, you will encounter smaller villages like the community of Kithul Mulla, which takes you to the end of Stage 1, near the post office in Galaha.
Your chauffeur will meet you at the end to drive you back to the hotel.
Day 6 NEGOMBO
Highlights
After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Negombo. Check into your room at Lagoon front Hotel.
Massage at Ayurveda Spa
Sink into the warmth and care of the trained therapists and in-house Ayurveda doctor at the hotel, who will recommend personalized treatments that uplift your overall well-being. Inspired by the ancient science practiced on our land for centuries, the Ayurveda Spa is a tranquil haven designed to share the healing energies of our traditional art with you, in the form of herbal massages and holistic packages among various other therapeutic experiences.
Day 7 AIRPORT - DEPART
We Say Goodbye
PRICE & INCULSSION
1st Nov - 16th Dec 2024
$2600 /Person
17th Dec - 20th Dec 2024
$2790 /Person
21st Dec - 31st Dec 2024
$2880 /Person
1st Jan - 6th Jan 2025
$2810 /Person
7th Jan - 13th Jan 2025
$2700 /Person
14th Jan - 30th April 2025
$2600 /Person
Price Inclusions:
Price Exclusions:
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY | LOCATION | HOTELS |
---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Negombo |
Goldi Sands |
DAY 2 | Sigiriya
|
Back of Beyond Pidurangala |
DAY 3 | Sigiriya |
Back of Beyond Pidurangala |
DAY 4 | Kandy |
Vila Rosa |
DAY 5 | Kandy |
Vila Rosa |
DAY 6 | Negombo |
Jetwing Blue |
DAY 7 | Airport |
MAPS
