Sri Lanka for Flash Packers

Guided Tour | With Excursions

Negombo | Sigiriya | Kandy | Kithulgala | Ella | Mirissa

Arrival and transfer to Negombo

Arrive in Sri Lanka and transfer to the coastal town of Negombo. This is an ideal introduction to Sri Lankan culture with its multiethnic community. Here in Negombo you find the Islands main ethnic and religious communities living in harmony and as a result there are many Cathedrals, Buddhist temples, Hindu Temples (known as Kovils) and Mosques in proximity. Spend the evening at leisure or explore the Negombo town.

Negombo to Sigiriya

Start off your day by visiting the Negombo fish market early in the morning. After breakfast transfer to Sigiriya. You will arrive at your accommodation in Sigiriya in the afternoon. After lunch visit the Minneriya National Park. The Minneriya National Park is famous for its large herds of elephants and is also home to a large number of fauna and flora. Spend the day observing the wild life in a safari jeep.

Sigiriya rock fortress

After breakfast visit the Sigiriya rock fortress. Sigiriya is famous for the ancient rock fortress from the 5th Century. This magnificent complex was built by a prince who was fleeing from the consequences of patricide. Today it is a tourist hot spot where visitors come and marvel at the royal palace complex and fortress built upon a rock that rises 200 meters above the surrounding landscape this was an ideal vantage point for the troubled prince. There are many architectural, artistic and engineering marvels to explore in Sigiriya. The Sigiriya complex consists of a royal palace and citadel consisting of an inner city and outer city with the palace surrounded by three ramparts and two moats. Within the palace there are elaborate gardens with fountains watered by elaborate water retaining systems together with surface and sub-surface hydraulic systems. One of the crowning highlights is the beautiful frescos of heavenly maidens which are painted on the western rock face about 100 meters from ground level. They are remnants of a much larger collection that covered an area nearly 140 meters long! Arrive back at the hostel in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Sigiriya to Kandy

Travel to Kandy from Sigiriya, the last Capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Kandy is a remarkable city known for its natural beauty with a scenic lake at its center. The palace buildings, shrines and the British period buildings give it a special character. With the fall of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms the capital and the royal residence moved to the hill country. The geographical location of Kandy was critical in creating a natural defense strategy and the city was built in a valley surrounded by three mountain ranges and encircled by the Mahaveli River. This evening you will have a chance to visit the sacred shrine that houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is the former royal palace and a marvelous example of Kandyan architecture. There are also some colonial structures in close vicinity that are definitely worth a visit. In the evening return to the hostel for some rest and relaxation.

Explore Kandy

After breakfast spend the day sight-seeing in Kandy. You can visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya which is one of the finest gardens in Asia. The Royal Botanical Gardens covers a land extent of 147 acres and has a collection of over 4000 species of orchids, bamboo, ferns, spices, palms and many more plants. The history of the gardens dates back to the era of the Kandyan Kings. Enjoy the morning exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens. You can go for a walk around the Kandy Lake and if time permits in the evening witness a Kandyan dance performance which is complete with acrobatic performances such as fire walking!

Kandy to Kithulgala

This morning transfer to Kithulgala. Kithulgala is on enroute to the island’s tea country. This region is lush and scenic with many forested mountains surrounding this small town. Kithulgala is a famous white water rafting destination and also the location for the 1957 blockbuster film “Bridge on the river Kwai”. The Kelani River which flows through the valley adds to the adventure and beauty of this location.

Kithulgala

Set off on an early morning bird walk. You will have a chance to cross the river in a local canoe and trek into the rainforest. Your birding guide will help you spot some of the region’s magnificent birdlife and some of the endemic birds as well. Return to the campsite for breakfast. Thereafter experience white water rafting in the picturesque Kelani river in Kitulgala covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. This activity is for anyone above the age of 12 years with safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing given by our white-water rafting instructors beforehand. The distance covered is around 5 km. The river and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable experience. Later, hike through the forest once again and enjoy a canyoning session in a naturally formed rocky surface complete with its own natural water slides. You can spend the late afternoon at leisure or head out to explore a prehistoric cave which has its entrance covered by a waterfall. There has been evidence of a prehistoric community living at this site. The more adventurous can embark on an optional abseiling expedition where trained instructors will facilitate you to descend the face of another nearby waterfall. Return to camp after for a relaxed evening by a bonfire for a BBQ dinner.

Kithulgala to Ella

Travel by bus to Hatton leaving Kithulgala. This will be a unique experience travelling on board a public bus to the hill country. Upon arriving in Hatton you will transfer to a train and travel to Ella via train. This is one of the most scenic train rides in Asia and winds through the lush tea estates in the hill country. Upon reaching your hostel in Ella relax and enjoy the beauty of the town. You may walk around the town and try some of the street food in the evening.

Scenic Ella

Today you can do some sight-seeing in Ella. Start early and visit the Little Adam’s Peak to witness the sunrise by taking a slight hike up the mountain. Following this visit the Nine Arch Bridge also known as the Bridge in the Sky located in Demodara. After sight-seeing try out some Zip lining in Ella. This will be an adventurous end to your stay in Ella.

Ella to Mirissa ( Via Udawalawe )

After breakfast proceed to Udawalawe. Visit the Elephant Transit Camp at Udawalawe. This unique site plays a key role in rehabilitating and re-introducing displaced, injured and orphaned elephants back to the wild. It functions as a temporary recovery and transit facility and the staff has minimum interaction with the animals to avoid bonding. So far this has been a success story with many elephants being released back into the wild. Continue to Mirissa. Upon arriving you can make your way to the beach to enjoy the beautiful sunset as you relax at the beach. Explore the local neighborhood that has many lovely restaurants and pubs. Top your beach experience by dining at a cozy seafood restaurant.

Whale Watching

Spend the morning whale watching on a boat departing from Mirissa harbor (which leaves at 6.30 a.m.) where it is possible to see the great blue whale, the largest mammal on earth. Whales and dolphins are most frequently seen from November to early April.

Surfing in Mirissa

After Breakfast you can try out some Surfing and spend time at the beach. You can rent a Surf board and if you’re not an expert in surfing you can attend some lessons that are offered by some of the experienced surfers who you would meet at the venue.

Departure

Today, transfer back to Colombo Airport for your onward flight.