Highlights
- Go whitewater rafting on the wild rapids of the Kelani River near Kitulgala
- Hike to the top of Adam's Peak to see a famous footprint (and the sunrise)
- Have an afternoon tea party in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's "Little England"
- Ride a 5-6 hour scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to the sacred city of Kandy
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kitulgala | Kitulgala |
Day 2 | Rafting, Abseiling & Cycling in Kitulgala | Kitulgala |
Day 3 | Transfer to Adam's Peak, Overnight Hiking Adventure | Adam's Peak |
Day 4 | Visit Sri Lanka's First Tea Estate, Transfer to Hatton | Hatton |
Day 5 | Free Day in Hatton | Hatton |
Day 6 | Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, Tea Plantation Tour, Factory & Tea Party | Nuwara Eliya |
Day 7 | Scenic Train to Kandy, Tour the Sacred & Historic City | Kandy |
Day 8 | Climb the Magical Tower of Ambuluwawa | Kandy |
Day 9 | Depart Colombo |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kitulgala
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo's airport, head outside to meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel in Kitulgala, nestled in the lush rainforests of the western foothills and considered one of the most important holdings of the country's biodiversity. Recently, this area has attracted outdoor enthusiasts to its beautiful setting, used in 1956 to film the Academy Award-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai." Trek along its nature trails and forests ideal for bird watching, or go canyoneering through rocky gorges.
Day 2: Rafting, Abseiling & Cycling in Kitulgala
Kitulgala's wet, year-round climate makes it an ideal whitewater rafting destination. Complete a safety briefing given by your professional guides, don your gear, and then jump in the raft to navigate the dramatic Kelani River's rocky gorges and rushing rapids up close with a memorable whitewater rafting excursion. Suitable for both beginners and experts, the 90-minute runs travel along 4 miles (6.5 km) of incredible Class II and III-rated rapids, with names like the "Rib Cage," "Head Chopper," and "Butter Crunch."
The adrenaline rush continues in the afternoon as you abseil alongside Kitulgala's thundering waterfalls. Start with a half-hour hike through the tea country to the Sandun Ella Waterfalls, which offer panoramic views of the jungle-clad mountains. After some basic training and safety tips, you'll step off the ledge and make a thrilling descent along the 100-foot (30 m) cascade to reach the natural infinity pool below.
Your adventurous day wraps up with a cycling tour through the pristine countryside around Kitulgala. Bike through dense tea and rubber plantations, and continue through charming local communities to experience rural life in Sri Lanka. Eventually, you'll reach Beli Lena Caves, one of the largest prehistoric caves in Sri Lanka. Cool down with a refreshing dip under the waterfall that drops over the mouth of the main cave, then return to Kitulgala for the evening.Day 3: Transfer to Adam's Peak, Overnight Hiking Adventure
Today, meet your driver, get back on the road, and continue to the central highlands and your hotel near Adam's Peak. Known as Sri Pada or the "sacred footprint," the mountain is a place of pilgrimage for all of Sri Lanka's ethnic communities. Buddhists believe that the peak features a footprint made by the Buddha; to Christians, it's the spot where Adam first set foot on earth, and for Hindus, it bears the footprint of Lord Shiva. Get to bed early tonight, and set your alarm—in the early morning hours, you'll ascend the mountain to reach the summit for sunrise.
Start your climb up Adam's Peak under the cover of darkness to reach the top in time for sunrise. Join pilgrims from all walks of life as you summit this sacred mountain, one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. When you start, you'll notice a line of lights and candles leading up to the top of the mountain. Stop along the hike for hot, sugary tea and samosas at little tea shops and stalls. Watch the countryside below come to life as the sun rises, with mountains, valleys, and distant lakes revealed in the sun's rays.
Day 4: Visit Sri Lanka's First Tea Estate, Transfer to Hatton
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After watching the sunrise from Adam's Peak, descend to your hotel for a leisurely breakfast. Check out, then meet your driver for a ride to Sri Lanka's first tea plantation, the Loolcondera Tea Estate, established by Sir James Taylor, who introduced tea to Sri Lanka in 1867. As you tour, you'll gain more insight into the history of Sri Lanka's most famous export.
Along the way, your host and resident tea planter will passionately delve into all things "tea"— including the history of Ceylon tea, the lifestyle of early colonial settlers, the workings of a historic tea factory, and the secret to crafting refined and remarkable flavors. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea with biscuits, then climb to the top of nearby Kondagala Rock for incredible views over the Knuckles Mountain Range and Hanthana.
At the end of the day, you'll head to Hatton, a town in the Nuwara Eliya District. Situated high above sea level, this region has a climate unusual for Sri Lanka, with misty altitudes and cooler temperatures that make it a haven for growing flowers and teas.
Day 5: Free Day in Hatton
Today, you'll have a free day in Hatton, the perfect opportunity to explore more of this fascinating region. Visit historical sites such as Christ Church Warleigh or local temples, such as the Buddhist temple of Shri Nigrodharamaya or the impressive Sri Muthumariamman Hindu temple.
Stop by the Singha Malai Tunnel, or Poolbank Tunnel, Sri Lanka's second longest railway tunnel, to watch the trains pass by, or join an informative and entertaining guided tour of Dunkeld Tea Factory. Hatton is also known for its natural beauty, and you'll find hiking, waterfalls, and other outdoor tours available. Visit sites like St. Clair or Rajamalay waterfalls, kayak on Castlereagh Lake, or head to Senteliyas Viewpoint for incredible sunset views. You can also walk around town, checking out local restaurants and shops.
This evening, try the tea-focused dinner at Ceylon Tea Trails. Sit down for a series of tea-infused dishes, blending locally grown produce with traditional Sri Lankan dishes, while also learning more about the tea industry and its importance.
Day 6: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, Tea Plantation Tour, Factory & Tea Party
Today, you'll transfer from Hatton to Nuwara Eliya, a city known as "Little England" because its cool climate, misty atmosphere, and lush green landscapes reminded British settlers of England. Gregory Lake is an excellent place to start exploring for a peaceful stroll along the shore or a leisurely boat ride. Visit Victoria Park, filled with vibrant flowers, towering trees, and well-maintained pathways. If you're looking for an indoor activity, visit the museum within the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, housed in a charming Tudor-style building dating back to 1894 CE.
Like much of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is known for its surrounding tea country. For a fascinating look at Sri Lanka's most famous export, tour one of the region's best tea estates. Help the workers pick tea leaves in the rolling fields, then visit the factory to learn about fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving, and grading. There are machines for almost every part of the process except the all-important tea tasting at the end—where you'll discover how to taste the difference between varieties and qualities of world-class Ceylon tea.
Day 7: Scenic Train to Kandy, Tour the Sacred & Historic City
This morning, head to the railway station in Nanuoya and take a scenic train ride to Kandy, passing through tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The train journey, which takes around five or six hours, is said to be one of the most beautiful railway rides in the world. When you arrive in Kandy, the capital of the Hill Country, check into your hotel and settle in.
Hit the ground running on a guided city tour, starting at the Royal Palace. Admire the distinctive Kandyan architecture, with intricately carved wooden paths, elegant tiled floors, and expansive verandas overlooking the serene Lake Kandy. Nearby is the Dalada Maligwa (Temple of the Tooth), a popular pilgrimage site that purportedly contains the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Then, walk through the city's lively streets to get to the Canbuy Gem Museum, home to a vast collection of gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, and topaz.
You'll visit local batik factories to learn about the ancient art of dying traditional motifs and contemporary designs on cloth. End the tour at Bahirawakanda, home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, which is 88 feet (26 m) tall. From the temple's hilltop location, you can also take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and cityscape below. If you're not too tired, opt for a cultural show in the evening featuring traditional dances, energetic, acrobatic performances, and stunts like plate-spinning and a dramatic fire walk.
Day 8: Climb the Tower of Ambuluwawa
You'll need a hearty breakfast this morning to fuel you up, as today is the day you'll climb toward the clouds with a visit to fairy-tale Ambuluwawa, a mountaintop tower in the ancient town of Gampola. A 25-minute tuk-tuk ride will whisk you through the beautiful, biodiverse landscapes of evergreen forests and flowering creeper vines to reach this whimsical landmark, which sits at 3,567 feet (1,087 m) above sea level. If you can brave the dizzying heights, a 157-foot (48 m) ascent up a narrow spiral staircase takes you to the top of the tower for sweeping countryside views.Day 9: Depart Colombo
Bid the mountain air farewell this morning as you meet your driver for the transfer to Colombo. After about three hours, you'll arrive at the airport in Colombo for your flight home. Safe travels!
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