Tours Couples Mountains to the southern beaches
11 Days from $ 6750 total

Mountains to the southern beaches

OVERVIEW

On your first night, unwind at a beachfront accommodation before driving up to Kandy, the last royal capital of the country. Visit Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage listed temple within the royal palace complex, housing the sacred relic of a tooth of Lord Buddha. The following day, explore the tropical wet zone mountains of Kandy and immerse yourself in lush greenery.

Catch the world-famous train to Ella the next day, enjoying splendid views as you journey through the mountains, slowly climbing up along the way. Stroll through lush tea plantations, hike the Pekoe Trail 16, or trek up to Little Adam's Peak. Enjoy magnificent views and gain insight into the working life of a tea estate and its workers, appreciating the effort behind every cup of tea.

Leave the lush mountains for the dry zone forests of Thanamalvila. Encounter a different climate, plant life, wildlife, and village culture compared to the wet zone mountains. Explore the surrounding nature by lake boat and go on a safari to watch elephants, deer, crocodiles, elusive leopards, and numerous bird species in the national park. Marvel at the 1000-year-old rock carvings of the Buduruwagala temple complex located within a forest reserve. Lastly, experience cooking a Sri Lankan lunch together with a chef.

End your trip with couple of relaxing days at a beachfront hotel in south coast and cool down with a dip in the ocean or the pool.

Journey Highlights

  • 10 Nights accommodation
  • 10 Dinners & breakfasts + 3 lunches
  • Historical: Temple of the Tooth & Cultural dance 
  • Mountain walk Kandy: Pekoe Trail stage 1 with guide or Udawattakele guided walk
  • Train ride: Kandy to Ella
  • Mountain walks Ella: Pekoe Trail stage 16 or Little Adams Peak with guide
  • Historical: Exploring the surroundings at Buduruwagala Rock Buddha statues.
  • Bird watching: Sunset boat tour
  • Cook lunch with Chef
  • Lunugamvehera National Park Safari
  • Beachfront stays
WALK
SAFARI
COOK
BEACH

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 1 NEGOMBO

Arrive at airport
Drive to beach front resort | 30 mins | 13km
Hotel : Goldi Sands
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your local representative.

Transfer to your beach front hotel in Negombo

After your long flight, we’ve selected a beachfront hotel near the airport for your comfort. Relax by the warm Indian Ocean, surrounded by swaying coconut trees, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. The beachfront garden, dotted with coconut trees, provides ample space for kids to run around and play. As evening falls, simply unwind with a drink, soaking in the tropical atmosphere.

DAY 2 KANDY

Drive to Kandy | 3.0 to 3.5 hrs | 116 km
Hotel : Hanthana House
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Kandy.

As you drive into Kandy, you’ll ascend the hills, witnessing the transition from a dry to wet climate with denser vegetation. The city boasts hills adorned with buildings and houses nestled among lush greenery, surrounded by towering mountain ranges and the Mahaweli River. Serving as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy captivates visitors with its revered grounds, centered around the last royal palace. Expect bustling streets that signify Kandy’s status as the central economic hub of Sri Lanka’s hill country, even to this day.

Check into your mountain top homestay experience

Hanthana House, nestled in the Hanthana Hills of Kandy, offers breathtaking views of the Knuckles Mountain Range. This unique home-stay provides period furnishings and custom-designed fittings, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. With spacious rooms featuring plush king beds and tranquil rain shower enclosures, guests can relax and indulge in luxury. The authentic Sri Lankan home-cooked meals and interaction with the friendly local family add to the cultural experience. Situated just a short drive from Kandy, Hanthana House provides a tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery.

Temple of the Tooth & Cultural dance | approx. 2 hours

In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO world heritage listed temple located within the royal palace complex that houses sacred relic of a tooth of Lord Buddha.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 world.

DAY 3 KANDY

Today is day of activities
Hotel : Hanthana House
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

Udawattakele Guided Walk | approx. 4 hours | easy

Walk Through Udawattakele Sanctuary with a guide early in the morning.

You will be starting your tour at 6:30 am from the entrance of Udawattakele Sanctuary. After getting the tickets your naturalist guide will take you on an interesting trail through the forest. You will be stopping periodically to rest and refresh yourselves. The 104-hectare Udawattekele Forest Reserve in Kandy has an interesting history behind it. Historical records state that the caves within the forest were used by monks as dwellings for millennia. Your naturalist might take you for a visit to some of these dwellings. Later during the Kandyan kingdom, the forest was beautifully maintained with wide avenues for taking walks and was used as a pleasure garden reserved for the Royal Family. As such, the forest was forbidden for all except these family members and those who received a special invitation from them.

or Pekoe Trail Stage 1 | approx. 5 hours | moderate – 13km

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 4 ELLA

Travel by Train to Ella | 7 hrs
Hotel : Ella Mount View Guest Inn
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast, depart for Kandy Train Station to embark on the iconic Kandy to Ella train journey. Traverse scenic mountains, waterfalls, and lush tea plantations. Experience local life up close with vendors selling vade (deep-fried chickpea snack) and other treats. Built by the British in the early 1900s, this train offers a nostalgic journey through time. Your chauffeur will be at Ella station with all baggage to pick you up and transfer to hotel.

Check into your Mountain top Guest Inn

Conveniently situated just behind the bustling heart of town on a serene street, Ella Mount View Guest Inn offers uninterrupted views of Ella Gap. Run by a friendly owner-operator, this cozy retreat provides comfortable accommodations and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. Escape into tranquility and enjoy warm hospitality while immersing yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Ella.

Spend a leisurely evening watching the sunset over the mountains.

DAY 5 ELLA

Today is day of activities
Hotel : Ella Mount View Guest Inn
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

Today you can select any of the following options to explore Ella.

Pekoe Trail 16 with guide | Ella to Demodara |  9 km | moderately challenging

Pekoe Trail 16 offers a scenic and immersive trekking experience in Sri Lanka’s highlands. This trail, starting from the town of Ella, winds through lush mountain forests, tea plantations, and local villages. Highlights include the iconic Nine Arches Bridge and the picturesque Demodara Tea Estate. With breathtaking views and fascinating cultural insights along the way, Pekoe Trail 16 promises an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Explore Nine Arch Bridge & Little Adams Peak walks | Easy

For those seeking a less strenuous activity, exploring the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak is an excellent option. Both destinations offer breathtaking views and are easily accessible with only a short stroll from the car parks. Additionally, they can be reached by walking from your hotel, providing a longer but equally rewarding experience.

DAY 6 THANAMALWILA

Drive to Thanamalwila | 1.5 hrs | 70 km
Hotel : Tranquil Wild
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Thanamalwila.

You’ll descend from the cool, lush mountains into the warm, tropical dry zone. Forests here are home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gray langurs, toque macaques, various deer species, crocodiles, and a multitude of bird species.

Stop on way to visit  the 1000-year-old rock carvings of the Buduruwagala temple complex located within a forest reserve.You will find  seven figures of Buddha carved on the rock. The largest of these is a Buddha statue standing at an impressive 51 feet in a stance known as the “Abhaya Mudra”. The rock on which these images have been carved has an interesting shape – almost like a kneeling Elephant with its head bent towards the earth.

Arrive in Thanamalwila a village that borders the Lunugamvehera National Park and lies within the path of an elephant corridor connecting Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. It’s an ideal destination for safaris to observe these species and immerse in the rural life of dry zone villages.

Check into Tranquil Wild, a hotel nestled alongside a serene lake, exuding the ambiance of a safari game lodge. Enjoy cozy and comfortable rooms, along with friendly and attentive service. The expansive garden is adorned with majestic trees and frequented by resident peacocks, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

In the evening enjoy a boat tour | approx. 1 hour

Situated right in front of the hotel and bordered by a quaint village, lush paddy fields, and serene forests, the Ranawaranawa Lake epitomizes the tranquility of nature. Marvel at the golden hues of the evening light, observe the diverse birdlife, witness water buffalos leisurely swimming, and admire the flooded trees partially submerged in the water, creating a mesmerizing sight.

DAY 7 THANAMALWILA

Today is day of activities
Hotel : Tranquil Wild
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

Enjoy the morning to relax by the pool, walk through the garden or the lake shore and spot peacocks, many different kinds of herons and monkeys.

Cook Lunch with Chef  | approx. 1.5 hours

Learn from the chef about local produce and cooking methods, then prepare your lunch. Discover grains, vegetables, spices, and herbs grown locally and how they’re prepared. Cooking with a Sri Lankan chef and village lady will immerse you in the island’s vibrant flavors and techniques, telling the story of the culture, people, and place.

Lunugamvehera National Park Safari | approx. 3 hours

The Lunugamvehera National Park serves as a vital catchment area for the Lunugamvehera Reservoir and a sanctuary for local wildlife. Its landscape comprises a mosaic of shrubland and grassland forests. Acting as an elephant corridor between Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, it provides a habitat for elephants migrating from nearby Uva and Southern regions, making it an ideal spot for elephant sightings.

DAY 8 TANGALLE OR UNAWATUNA

Drive to Tanglle | 1.0 to 1.5 hrs | 85 km or
Drive to Unawatuna | 2.0 hrs | 140 km
Hotel : Palm Paradise Cabanas - Tangalle or Galawatta Beach Resort Unawatuna
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After beach drive to Goyambokka beach Tangalle.

Located on the serene shores of Goyambokka Beach, Palm Paradise Cabanas offers a tranquil retreat away from the bustle. Nestled amidst a lush, well-maintained garden with towering coconut trees, the comfortable cabanas provide a perfect escape. With plenty of space for kids to roam and friendly service, families and relaxation seekers alike will feel at home. Wake up to the soothing sounds of waves and indulge in delicious meals at the restaurant.

Or

After beach drive to Dalawella Beach Unawatuna.

Located just a few kilometers from the renowned Unawatuna Beach and near the historic town of Galle, Dalawella Beach lies close to the main tourist hub. What sets this beach apart is its natural protection—a reef in front of it creates a shallow shoreline with calm waters, a rarity in the southwestern part of the island. Dalawella is also famed as a frequented spot by turtles, offering the chance to spot these gentle creatures while swimming.

Galawatta Beach Villa & Cabanas, nestled along the shoreline of Unawatuna, offers a unique beachfront experience. Cabanas are separated from the waves by only a thin strip of sand, providing uninterrupted ocean views. Enjoy the convenience of room service, beach chairs, and an on-site restaurant, ensuring a seamless stay by the sea.

Spend the day at leisure.

DAY 9 TANGALLE OR UNAWATUNA

Day at leisure
Hotel : Palm Paradise Cabanas - Tangalle or Galawatta Beach Resort Unawatuna
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

Spend a relaxing day by the pool and the ocean.

DAY 10 NEGOMBO

Drive Unawatuna to Tangalle | 3.5 hrs | 225 km or
Drive Unawatuna to Negombo | 3.0 hrs | 170 km
Hotel : Ging Oya Lodge
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast, depart for your lagoon-front hotel in Negombo, where you’ll spend your final night.

Surrounded by verdant greenery and bordered by the tranquil Ging Oya River, Ging Oya Lodge offers an eco-friendly retreat conveniently located just a 40-minute drive from the airport. Accommodations blend modern comfort with natural beauty, providing stunning views of the river. Guests can enjoy guided hikes, boat rides, or simply relax in the serene surroundings. The lodge’s restaurant serves delicious organic meals sourced locally, ideal for nature lovers and adventurers seeking tranquility and sustainability.

DAY 11 AIRPORT - DEPART

Drive to Airport | 40mins | 21 Km
Departure Flight

We Say Goodbye

PRICE & INCULSSION

Prices are inclusive of GST

Sharing a Triple Room

$ 6750 /Total

Sharing a Double/Family Room

$ 8300 /Total

What's Included:

Accommodation at hotels on specified meal basis as stated in itinerary
Transportation by an Air-conditioned Van with full insurance
Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide
Entrance fees and activity costs for all activities specified above

Price Exclusions:

Any activities/excursions which are not mentioned in the program
Hotels and transfers not mentioned above
Water on tour
Early check in & late check-out charges
Any expenses of personal nature such as Tips, Porterage, Laundry, IDD calls, etc
Costs related to health protocols & guidelines
Air fare & Visa Charges

ITINERARY SUMMARY

DAY LOCATION HOTELS
DAY 1

Negombo
Highlights:  Relax at beach front hotel upon arrival

Goldi Sands
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY2

Kandy
Highlights:  Temple of the Tooth & Cultural dance

Hanthana House
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 3

Kandy
Highlights:  Pekoe Trail stage 1 with guide – approx. 4 – 5 hours or Udawattakele guided walk – approx. 4 hours.

Hanthana House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4

Ella
Highlights:  Train Ride – Kandy to Ella -approx. 7 hours

Ella Mount View Guest Inn
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 5

Ella
Highlights:  Pekoe Trail Stage 16 with guide – approx. 3 hours or Little Adam’s Peak – approx. 1 hour

Ella Mount View Guest Inn
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6

Thanamalwila
Highlights:  Exploring the surroundings at Buduruwagala – approx. 1 hour, Boat Tour – approx. 1 hour

Tranquil Wild
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 7

Thanamalwila
Highlights:  Cook lunch with Chef – approx. 1 hour, Lunugamvehera National Park Safari – approx. 3 hours

Tranquil Wild
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8

South Coast
Highlights:  Relax at beach front hotel

Palm Paradise Cabanas – Tangalle or Galawatta Beach Resort Unawatuna
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9

South Coast
Highlights:  Relax at beach front hotel

Palm Paradise Cabanas – Tangalle or Galawatta Beach Resort Unawatuna
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10

Negombo
Highlights:  Relax at beach front hotel upon arrival

Ging Oya Lodge
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11

Airport
We Say Goodbye.

MAPS

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