Unexplored Sri Lanka

Day 1: Yapahuwa

Welcome at Colombo Airport, transfer to the Cultural Triangle of the island. The first stop is the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, a roughly 92 m high elevation offering a wonderful panoramic view. Then, continue to the hotel with the rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner and two nights in Sigiriya/Dambulla/Habarana.

Day 2: Ritigala

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by an excursion to Ritigala Mountain (approx. 766 m) with ruins of a former monastery where monks once led a secluded, abstinent life. Accordingly, the place is primarily known for tranquility and connection with nature. The cooler and more humid climate prevailing at the summit ensures unique vegetation, which is characterized by a stronger presence of medicinal/healing herbs, as otherwise found in the Himalayas. This is followed by an adventure tour through the village including an ox-cart and boat ride to the "Village House", where a refreshing drink awaits you. Return by a typical local Tuk Tuk.

Day 3: Kandy

After breakfast, continue inland. Upon arrival in Kandy, prepare an authentic lunch with a local family. Learn more about the peculiarities of Sinhalese cuisine and its preparation methods. Then, transfer to the hotel in Kandy. In the afternoon, city tour including a visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth, where, according to legend, a tooth relic of Buddha can be admired. Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Day 4: Mahiyanganaya / Dambana

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer to Mahiyanganaya and Dambana, where you will delve into the history of Sri Lanka's indigenous people. The Vedda tribe adheres to ancient ways of life and leads a self-sufficient life in close relationship with nature. Ask questions and learn more about the daily lives of the people living there and their activities such as hunting and honey gathering. Continue to the Mahiyanganaya Temple, which houses an urn that, according to legend, contains a lock of Buddha's hair, making it one of the most important Buddhist relics in Sri Lanka. Dinner and two nights in Mahiyanganaya.

Day 5: Ratna Ella Waterfall

Today, embark on a hike through picturesque nature to the impressive Ratna Ella Waterfall in all its beauty: lush landscapes, rice fields, and shady jungle paths followed by crystal clear, cold water. On the way back to the hotel, stop in a small village for an authentically prepared lunch with the villagers. The rest of the day is at your leisure for relaxation.

Day 6: Ella

After waking up, enjoy a morning boat ride on the lake, which gently starts your day. Then, breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Ella, a small town amidst hills and jungle landscapes. An easy hike takes you to the top of the approx. 2243 m high Adam's Peak, which offers a wonderful view. Continue to the Nine Arch Bridge, a bridge from the British colonial era. Stop at the famous Ella Gap with a unique panoramic view. Optional for adventurers: Zip Line attraction in the Ella mountains (surcharge about €18 (approx. UK £16 / USD $20)). Transfer to the hotel, dinner and two nights in Ella.

Day 7: Diyaluma Waterfall

After breakfast, an excursion to another waterfall: Diyaluma, the second highest waterfall in the country (approx. 220 m). Hike up to the top, where a kind of water park with naturally formed pools awaits you. Spend a stress-free day here, cooling off and relaxing. The trip is worth it!

Day 8: Udawalawa

In the morning, excursion to Udawalawa, with a visit to an elephant orphanage for motherless elephant calves. The tour ends with the transfer to the respective beach resort or airport. Optional morning yoga session at the hotel (surcharge €27 (approx. UK £24 / USD $30)).

Below you will find the illustrative itinerary as a PDF.