High Altitudes & Serenity in Sri Lanka - 9 Days

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 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.

Later in the day, head to the colonial-era Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya for a traditional afternoon tea in the tea lounge or among the beautifully manicured gardens. Enjoy a series of sweet and savory treats, like spring rolls, sliders, triangular sandwiches, scones, and dainty cakes, all presented on a tiered stand. Wash everything down with some delicious Ceylon tea before returning to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya. 

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.