Tours Couples Northern Wanderer – Active
11 Days from $3150 per person

Northern Wanderer – Active

OVERVIEW

Spend more days and explore the northern regions and eastern beaches of sri lanka at more relaxed phase.

Travel from Negombo to sigiriya and experience the 1500 year old fortress built on top of a granite rock set amongst tropical dry evergreen forests and surrounded by national parks. Here you will ascend sigiriya rock for sunset and pidurangala rock for sunrise allowing for spectacular views. Cycle through village footpaths to immerse yourself in the vibrant village life. Afterwards, embark on a thrilling safari to spot elephants and take a night walk to seek out the elusive loris.

Indulge in a few leisurely days at the beach in Pasikuda, renowned for having one of the longest shallow reef coastlines globally. Experience the tranquil and peaceful waters by paddling on a stand-up kayak or paddle board. Dive into the clear turquoise waters for a snorkeling adventure in the Kayankerni coral reef.

On your return journey, traverse through the Knuckles mountains, where you'll hike amidst lush cloud forests, terrace rice fields, and ancient villages nestled within the tropical jungle. Experience a stay at a charming trekkers' lodge tucked away in a remote mountain area, or opt for a luxurious bush camp surrounded by serene tree plantations.

Conclude with a return to lagoon front luxury resort for your final night, indulging in sunshine, and a rejuvenating spa massage.

Journey Highlights

  • 10 Nights accommodation
  • 10 Dinners & breakfasts + 5 lunches
  • Dambulla 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
  • Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela - Cycle Ride and Lunch & swim
  • Night Loris watching walk 1.5hrs
  • Double kayaks or stand up paddles - approx. 2 hours
  • Snorkeling Kanyankerni reef or glass boat ride: approx. 3 hours
  • Evening Lagoon Ride and Fishermans Dinner on the lagoon shore.
  • Knuckles Mountains: Kumbukgolla Trek or Heel Oya Trek with guide
  • Negombo: Massage at Ayurveda Spa
HIKE
SAFARI
SNORKEL
FOOD

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 1 NEGOMBO

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

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

Drive to Sigiriya | 3.5 hrs | 152 km
Hotel : Back of Beyond Pidurangala
Meal : Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Highlights

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.

En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple.

The popular cave temple complex in Dambulla dated to the 2nd century BC is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. There are over 80 caves in Dambulla, some of which are used for meditation by monks. The Famous Rock temple has five separate caves containing 153 magnificent Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 Hindu deities.

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

To day is a day of activities
Hotel : Back of Beyond Pidurangala
Meal : Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

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 SIGIRIYA

To day is a day of activities
Hotel : Back of Beyond Pidurangala
Meal : Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Highlights

Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela – Cycle Ride and Lunch & swim – 20km return 4 – 5 hours

After breakfast you will start your morning cycle ride.

Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela is an amazing bush camp set on a 60-acre property, located deep in the forests at the confluence of two rivers. The ride here will take you through shady village roads, passing teak plantations and traditional chena farms (a slash-and-burn farming technique used in the country for over 5000 years). You will then cross a forest path to arrive at the property

You will be welcomed by the property manager with a welcome drink, and they will show you around the place: its gardens, amazing tree houses, and the natural river pools. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a bike ride

You will be served a traditional sri lankan rice and curry lunch at the lobby.

There are plenty of hammocks and armchairs available for a relaxing afternoon siesta before your cycle ride back to the hotel.

Night bush walk – Find the elusive Slender Loris – 1.5 hrs

You will be taken on a guided night-time walking safari where we will track the Grey Slender Loris as it wanders through its natural environment. 

Your chance to witness one of the world’s most rare mammals – the Grey Slender Loris – an endangered nocturnal primate and one of the most elusive species of the wild. You will be guided by an expert naturalist who will explain this fascinating animal to you, its behaviours, call and other features. Your guide will lead you down the main road for few meters and then enter the scrub jungle and follow thin footpaths. You will be carrying head torches that gives out a reddish light as any white light is harmful to their eyesights.   

Tip: This walk is best done on a night with least moon light.

DAY 5 PASIKUDA BEACH

Drive to Pasikuda | 2.5 to 3.0 hrs | 125 km
Hotel : Amaya Beach Pasikudah
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast, make your way to Pasikuda.

The horseshoe shape of Pasikuda beach, with its clear warm waters and sandy shores, is renowned as one of the longest shallow reef coastlines globally, allowing visitors to walk into the ocean without fear. Unlike many of the southern beaches in Sri Lanka, which can have rough waves, Pasikuda offers a calm and tranquil beach experience, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling, sea kayaking or paddleboarding.

There are two beautiful reefs nearby that you will get to explore over the next days.

Historically, it was a small Tamil hamlet adjacent to nearby Kalkudah. Pasikuda used to be a popular tourist destination; however, it faced significant devastation following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Double kayaks or stand –up paddle experience

Paddle your way on the calm turquoise waters of Kalkudah Bay in late afternoon with double kayaks or stand –up paddles.

 

DAY 6 PASIKUDA BEACH

To day is a day of activities
Hotel : Amaya Beach Pasikudah
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

Today after breakfast start your morning adventure on the sea. We have two options your you to select from; 

Snorkelling in Kayankerni reef – 3 hours

This coral reef is part of the larger Palk Bay reef system, which stretches across the shallow waters between Sri Lanka and India. And is accessible by a brief boat trip from Pasikuda, this secluded oasis promises a tranquil escape.

The reef is home to a wide variety of marine species, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional sightings of rays and reef sharks.

Glass Boat Ride – 3 hours

If snorkeling isn’t your cup of tea, and you don’t want to miss out on the magical underwaters, glass boat rides in Sri Lanka are just the choice for you. It’s the best way to explore the colourful reefs without getting wet

DAY 7 PASIKUDA BEACH

To day is a day of activities
Hotel : Amaya Beach Pasikudah
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

Today is for relaxing by the ocean or the pool and going for a swim to cool down from the heat.

Evening Lagoon Ride and Fishermans Dinner on the lagoon shore.

Enjoy an evening boat ride on a nearby lagoon to catch the sunset while sipping a sundowner, feat on a typical home-cooked fisherman’s dinner in a beautiful setting on the shore.

DAY 8 KNUCKLES MOUNTAINS

Drive to Knuckles Mountains | 4.0 to 4.5 hrs | 165 km
Hotel : Coberts Rest or Wild Glamping Knuckles
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Knuckles Mountains.

Today, we embark on a journey to the northern boundary region of Sri Lanka’s central mountains, a terrain characterized by winding roads that ascend through scenic vistas. As we traverse, the landscape transforms, with dense vegetation and terraced paddy fields set against the backdrop of lush green mountains.

Taking a break for a drink of king coconut is an excellent opportunity to pause, stretch your legs, and refresh yourself along the way.

Before the 1800s, much of this region was cloaked in primary rainforests and cloud forests. Even today, the Knuckles Mountain Range stands as a testament to this heritage, preserving remnants of these pristine forests. Here, a diverse ecosystem thrives, encompassing semi-evergreen, sub-montane, montane, riverine, and pathana and savannah grasslands. Nestled within these verdant landscapes are ancient villages, their existence shrouded by the dense foliage, connected by footpaths that meander through the jungle.

You are here o trek through these mountains, to explore these ancient footpaths, forests, and encounter the vibrant life of butterflies, birds, and villages, immersing yourself in their rich tapestry of nature and culture.

You have the option to stay at Coberts Retreat, a rustic hiker’s lodge nestled deep in the Knuckles Mountain Range, surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery. The views from this lodge are breathtakingly beautiful. Managed by Mr. Sarath and his wife, Ms. Sundari, along with other friendly staff, this lodge offers a simple yet cozy and comfortable stay in the remote mountainous area. Here, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine prepared by Ms. Sundari, and Mr. Sarath will be your guide for exploring the surrounding area on hikes.

Choose to stay at Wild Glamping Knuckles, a luxurious camping retreat nestled among the lush tea plantations of the Knuckles Mountains. Wake up to the sounds of birdsong and breathtaking views from your safari tent. With attentive staff and modern amenities, you can relax in tranquility and enjoy nature’s beauty. Whether you’re lounging by the campfire or exploring the wilderness, Wild Glamping Knuckles offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

DAY 9 KNUCKLES MOUNTAINS

Today is a day of activities
Hotel : Coberts Rest or Wild Glamping Knuckles
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

Today is a day for outdoors and walking and to get right in the middle of these tropical forests.

Coberts Rest – Kumbukgolla Trek – 10 km or 16 km loop

The descent begins under the watchful eye of “The Sphinx Rock” leading to the forest path to Kumbukgolla village. Here, hidden peaks are replaced by a lush canopy, home to butterflies and Giant Wood Spiders. Breaks in the forest reveal waterfalls, rice terraces. You will be walking along creeks and crossing rivers walking along footpaths that have connected these villages for generations.  At Kumbukgolla, the Village Headman or the Schoolmaster will talk to you about old village traditions and beliefs over a cup of tea with kithul juggery or a home cooked meal.

You could trek back to Corberts Rest or go further to Nitre Caves along narrow paths with isolated huts and its Chenas until you come to the Na Ela stream with its white water cascading down into the deep crevices and rock pools formed by its force. After a refreshing dip, the path to Niter caves is a steep climb of approximately 400 meters through fairytale virgin forest.

Wild Glamping Knuckles – Heel Oya Trek – approx. 4 hours

Trod along a comfortable and gentle downhill trail that takes you to the rural village of “Heel Oya” at the foothills of the Knuckles which is still unscathed by mass tourism.

Make your way through tea estates, pine forests, terraced paddy fields, waterways, misty hills and several viewpoints that are sure to revive the poet inside you. On your way to the village, treat yourself to a refreshing dip in the cooling waterhole. This is the ideal stop-over for those who are already in Knuckles, trekking their way into nature’s bliss. Experience the authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle of locals and learn traditional terraced paddy cultivation which uses farming methods that are still without the use of machinery.

Return to the hotel.

DAY 10 NEGOMBO

Drive to Negombo | 4.5 to 5.0 hrs | 170 km
Hotel : Jetwing Lagoon
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

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 11 AIRPORT - DEPART

Drive to Airport | 30mins | 15 Km
Departure Flight

Highlights

We Say Goodbye

PRICE & INCULSSION

Tour Pricing Options:

Value Eco Lodge

$ 3150 /Person

Mid Eco Lodge

$ 3300 /Person

Luxury

$ 3450 /Person

Pricing Options

Value Eco Lodge: Selected accommodation for days with multiple options
  • Coberts Rest Knuckles: Day 8 & Day 9
  • Ging Oya Lodge: Day 10
Mid Eco Lodge: Selected accommodation for days with multiple options
  • Wild Glamping Knuckles: Day 8 & Day 9
  • Ging Oya Lodge: Day 10
Luxury: Selected accommodation for days with multiple options
  • Wild Glamping Knuckles: Day 8 & Day 9
  • Jetwing Lagoon: Day 10

Price Inclusions

Total 10 nights accommodation as per pricing options above and other accommodation as stated for reminder of tour.
Meal Plan as specified | 10 Dinners & breakfasts + 5 lunches
Transportation by an Air-conditioned Vehicle
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

DAY 2

Sigiriya
Highlights:  Dambulla Cave Temple, Ride around sigiriya moat and climb sigiriya rock at sunset with guide

Back of Beyond Pidurangala
Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

DAY 3

Sigiriya
Highlights:  Climb – Sunrise climb pidurangala rock, Cycle Ride with guide – Village Life with lunch, Safari – to Minneriya national park after lunch

Back of Beyond Pidurangala
Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

DAY 4

Sigiriya
Highlights: Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela – Cycle Ride and Lunch & swim, Night Loris watching walk 1.5hrs

Back of Beyond Pidurangala
Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

DAY 5

Pasikuda
Highlights: Double kayaks or stand up paddles – approx. 2 hours

Amaya Beach Pasikudah
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6

Pasikuda
Highlights: Snorkeling Kanyankerni reef or glass boat ride: approx. 3 hours

Amaya Beach Pasikudah
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 7

Pasikuda
Highlights:Evening Lagoon Ride and Fishermans Dinner on the lagoon shore.

Amaya Beach Pasikudah
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8

Knuckles Mountains
Highlights:  Day at leisure

Coberts Rest or
Wild Glamping Knuckles
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 9

Knuckles Mountains
Highlights:  Kumbukgolla Trek at Coberts Rest or Heel Oya Trek at Wild Glamping

Coberts Rest or
Wild Glamping Knuckles
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 10

Negombo
Highlights:  Massage at Ayurveda Spa

Jetwing Lagoon
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11

Airport
We Say Goodbye.

MAPS

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