Historic Sites Stunning Hikes: Exploring Cultural Gems of Sri Lanka
(14 days)
Tour Operator
Remote Lands, Inc
Negombo, Sri LankatoGalle, Sri Lanka
Valid for Departures Now Through: 01 Jun 2027
Virtuoso Benefits
For availability and pricing:
Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka with this all-encompassing tour of its World Heritage wonders. From the colonial cities of Negombo and Galle with their European infused architecture to the ancient capital of Kandy, discover Sri Lanka’s fascinating history. Explore the country’s many sites of interest including the Lion fortress of Sigiriya and the highland village of Ella with its neverending views of the surrounding tea terraces. From trekking into the biosphere and encountering the wildlife of the jungle to hiking up the soaring Adam’s Peak, you’re sure to fall in love with this stunning little country.
Highlights
Explore ancient sites of interest and discover Sri Lanka’s history
Visit historic Kandy and the famous temple of the tooth relic
Trek into the highlands and marvel at the stunning views
Experience the incredible European influence at the Dutch fort at Galle
Itinerary
Day 1
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Dinner
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted and escorted to your car for the transfer to the cultural city of Negombo. Centuries of colonial rule have had their effects here and you’ll see influences of the Dutch, Portuguese and British eras. Check in to your comfortable hotel and enjoy your first night in Sri Lanka.
Day 2
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to head to the World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa. Discover the statues and sacred sites of both Buddhism and Hinduism; explore a relic house and marvel at the intricate stone carvings. After a day of many wonders, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Kandalama Hotel.
Day 3
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll head to Sigiriya, the rock fortress of 5th century King Kasyapa. This breathtaking World Heritage Site, surrounded by moats, soars up from rock foundations to formidable ramparts, and houses original frescoes and carvings as well as a fascinating museum. After a leisurely day of exploring the marvels on ‘Lion Rock’, you’ll head back to Polonnaruwa and your hotel for the night.
Day 4
Matale, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say your goodbyes to the Kandalama Hotel and check out after breakfast, bound for Dambulla. Here you’ll discover the vast, first century rock cave temple built by King Walagamba, its walls covered in intricate paintings and home to an enormous carved Buddha. In the afternoon, depart for Matale and explore its exotic spice garden, then check in to your cozy lodgings at Sir John’s Bungalow.
Day 5
Knuckles, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a day of adventure. From your altitude at 1200 feet, you’ll be climbing to 1850 feet on a beautiful 10 mile trek. Along the way, encounter indigenous wildlife like deer, monkeys and lizards. At the halfway point, cool off with a refreshing swim in a beautiful waterfall lagoon before heading back to Sir John’s Bungalows, checking out the birdlife on the way.
Day 6
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you’re off to discover more of the wonders of ancient Sri Lanka as you head for Kandy. The country’s capital for many centuries, Kandy is set around a picturesque lake. Explore the town with its gem market, bazaar and famous temple housing the sacred tooth relic, before you settle in to Earl’s Regency hotel for the night.
Day 7
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set a course for the highlands where, at the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush green tea terraces. Take a tour of the city in the shadow of Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s highest peak, and spend the night at the Grand Hotel.
Day 8
Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, head into the countryside towards the towering Adam’s Peak. At dusk you’ll begin your climb, enjoying the cool of the evening. At the halfway point, you’ll find yourself at the picturesque Tea Trails Bungalow where you’ll bed down for the night.
Day 9
Ellakkala, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, continue your leisurely hike around Adam’s Peak to the beautiful village of Ella. After a morning spent enjoying nature, check into the 98 Acres Hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own pace, exploring or relaxing as you please.
Day 10
Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you’re in for a treat as you make your way to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to visit orphaned baby elephants in their cozy habitat. Here, they are fed and cared for until they are ready to be re-naturalized. Afterward, head into the Sinharaja Forest Reserve for a jungle trek in UNESCO World Heritage beauty. Spend the night amid nature in the Rainforest Eco Lodge Hotel.
Day 11
Galle, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in the jungle, leave the rainforest behind as you make your way down south to the historic city of Galle. Spend the afternoon exploring this port town, with its fascinating past as a crucial trading center, and check into the luxurious Amangalle for your overnight stay.
Day 12
Galle, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awake at your leisure and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel. Today is yours to spend exploring the walled city of Galle, from its port to its bazaars, restaurants and bars. Soak up the Sri Lankan city life and relax in the comfort of your hotel.
Day 13
Galle, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, head once more into the beautiful scenery surrounding the city to start your day with a picnic breakfast and hike in the Hiyare Rainforest. In the afternoon, head back to the city to explore Galle’s old Dutch fort, and then enjoy your final night in the Amangalle.
Day 14
Galle, Sri Lanka
Hotel:
None
Meals:
Breakfast
Say your goodbyes to beautiful Sri Lanka, as you’re met at your hotel to be whisked off to the airport for your outward bound flight.
Virtuoso Benefits
VIP Arrival
The following VIP services are complimentary for all Virtuoso guests upon arrival at participating airports.
Meet and greet as you disembark the aircraft
Luggage assistance
Escort through immigration and customs formalities
Escort to your private guide
Further services may be available, contingent upon individual airport regulations. Please enquire for further details.
Product Terms & Conditions
Payment Notes
Payment by wire transfer or by cheque; American Express, Visa and MasterCard also accepted.
25%
Refund Policy
Fully refundable, less a 15% of total trip price cancellation fee, if cancelled 91 days or more before departure, subject to the refund policies of each hotel, airline and other vendor
50% of total trip price refundable if cancelled 30-90 days before departure, subject to the refund policies of each hotel, airline and other vendor
No refund less than 30 days before departure
Please note that some vendors have onerous cancellation policies with substantial penalties for changes where funds paid are non-refundable