Itinerary
- Day 1
Colombo
You'll meet your Adventure Leader at the Colombo hostel for a pre-departure briefing and drop off your luggage. Spend time getting to know the other travelers in your group before heading out for an evening walking tour through the old town of Colombo to see the city's history and culture firsthand.
- Start point
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (Hostel in Central Colombo , 14:45 - 15:00)
Included Activities
- Evening walking tour of the old town of Colombo
Optional Activities
- Arrival/departure transfer from airport (approximately 58-74 USD for up to 2 people in a car)
Landmarks Old Town Colombo 
- Day 1
Colombo
You'll meet your Adventure Leader at the Colombo hostel to drop off luggage and catch up with the rest of the group at a pre-departure briefing. After that, hop on a coach for a city tour of Colombo where you'll walk around the capital and check out its history, culture, and key sights.
Included Activities
- Evening walking tour of the old town of Colombo
- Day 2
Colombo to Dambulla
Early start takes you to Negombo to visit the fish market (Lellama), where you can talk with local fishermen and watch the daily fish auction happen. From there, you'll travel to Dambulla to check out the Dambulla Cave Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with caves turned into temples around 2,000 years ago. You'll check in at your hostel for the night.
Included Activities
- Visit to Negombo fish market (Lellama)
- Dambulla Cave Temple complex tour
Landmarks Negombo Fish Market (Lellama) Dambulla Cave Temple Complex 
- Day 2
Dambulla
Start your morning at the Sputnik Centre doing half-day volunteer activities focused on youth community engagement. From there, head to Dambulla to see the Cave Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll check into your hostel for the evening.
Included Activities
- Community volunteering at the Sputnik Centre
- Dambulla Cave Complex visit
- Glass of Sri Lanka's favourite alcohol, Arrack
Landmarks Dambulla Cave Temple - Day 3
Sigiriya
After breakfast, head northeast to Sigiriya, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb the historic rock fortress that held the ruins of the capital built by King Kashyapa I between 477 and 495. The views across the surrounding lowlands are great from up there. This afternoon you can take it easy or join an optional bicycle tour of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site. Later, you'll wind down at your guesthouse in Dambulla with a glass of arrack, a traditional Sri Lankan spirit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress hike
- Glass of arrack at guesthouse
Optional Activities
- Bicycle tour of Polonnaruwa ancient city - USD 55 per person (includes transport to site and back)
- Free time exploration in Sigiriya
Landmarks Sigiriya Rock Fortress Polonnaruwa Ancient City 
- Day 3
Sigiriya
After breakfast, head northeast to Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Climb the ancient rock fortress and take in the views of the surrounding lowlands. The afternoon is yours to relax or choose between cycling through Polonnaruwa or hiking Pidurangala Rock. Wind down at your hostel in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress hike
- Glass of Sri Lanka's favourite alcohol, Arrack
Optional Activities
- Excursion to the old city of Polonnaruwa by bicycle - USD 55 per person (includes transport to site & back)
- Hike up Pidurangala Rock
Landmarks Sigiriya Rock Fortress Polonnaruwa Pidurangala Rock - Day 4
Knuckles Mountain Range to Kandy
After breakfast, head south to the Knuckles Mountain Range, a geographical formation with peaks that look like knuckles of a closed fist. You'll hike along the scenic Manigala Trail through cloud forest, seeing diverse plants and animals, and eat a packed lunch with great views around you. Late afternoon brings a travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital and second largest city, where you'll spend the rest of the day walking around and seeing the mix of old and modern architecture before checking out a local pub.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Packed lunch during hike with views)
Included Activities
- Hike along the scenic Manigala Trail at Knuckles Mountain Range
- Packed lunch during hike
Landmarks Knuckles Mountain Range Manigala Trail 
- Day 4
Kandy
After breakfast, head south to the Knuckles Mountain Range for a scenic hike along the Manigala Trail through the cloud forest where you'll spot diverse plants and wildlife. You'll have a packed lunch with views partway through. In the late afternoon, travel to Kandy and walk through the hill capital's mix of ancient and modern architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Packed lunch)
Included Activities
- Hike along the scenic Manigala Trail
- Sunset visit to Kandy Lake
Optional Activities
- Any activities during free time in Kandy
- Excursion to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya (Kandy) - USD 30 per person (includes transport to site & back)
Landmarks Kandy Lake Knuckles Mountain Range - Day 5
Kandy
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Tooth, one of Sri Lanka's most famous sights and the most sacred temple in the country, which houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Your afternoon is open to explore Kandy on your own or you can opt for a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, about 5.5km west of Kandy, known for its orchid collection. Late afternoon brings you to Kandy Lake, the centerpiece of the city, where you can catch the golden hour views. Spend a relaxing evening exploring Kandy before heading back to your hostel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sunset visit to Kandy Lake
Optional Activities
- Visit to Temple of Tooth (Dalada Maligawa)
- Excursion to Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - USD 30 per person (includes transport to site and back)
- Free time exploration in Kandy
Landmarks Temple of Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya Kandy Lake - Day 5
Kitulgala
After breakfast, you have the option to visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka's most well-known sights. In the late afternoon, head to Kitulgala for white-water rafting through the rainforest. You'll settle in for a peaceful night surrounded by jungle sounds.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- White Water rafting
Optional Activities
- Visit to Dalada Maligawa a.k.a. The Temple of the Tooth (Kandy)
Landmarks Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) 
- Day 6
Kurunegala to Kandy
After breakfast, travel to Kurunegala and spend the day at The Sputnik Centre, where you'll learn about the nation's efforts to engage their youth community. The center offers language courses, community programs, and table tennis classes run by inspirational volunteers. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Kandy and have downtime to hang out with your fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to The Sputnik Centre
Landmarks The Sputnik Centre - Day 6
Ella
After an early breakfast, head to Nanu Oya railway station and board the iconic train to Ella, traveling through rolling tea plantations, misty forests, and charming hilltop villages. Once you arrive, walk to your hostel to drop off your bags and relax. Later, lace up your shoes for a hike to Little Adam's Peak.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train from Hatton to Ella
Optional Activities
- Any activities during free time in Ella
- Yoga lesson (Ella) - USD 25 per person
Landmarks Little Adam's Peak - Day 7
Kandy to Ella
You'll say goodbye to Kandy and head to Ella with exciting activities along the way. In the morning, travel about 2 hours south for white water rafting through the Kitulgala rainforest, followed by a hearty Sri Lankan lunch. Then you'll travel to Hatton to board an afternoon train to Ella on one of the world's most beautiful train routes (75°F/24°C). The scenic journey passes through tea plantations, forests, and villages in the central hills. Spend the evening checking out Ella on your own with shops, pubs, and restaurants to pick from.
- Meals
- Lunch (Hearty Sri Lankan lunch after white water rafting)
Included Activities
- White water rafting through Kitulgala rainforest
- Train journey from Hatton to Ella
Landmarks Kitulgala Rainforest Hatton Train Station - Day 7
Ella
Start early with a packed breakfast as you hike along the Pekoe Trail beginning at the peaceful Makulella Buddhist Temple. Ascend to Ella Rock summit for views of Ella Gap and Little Adam's Peak before the trail winds back into town. Spend your evening exploring Ella at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Packed breakfast)
Included Activities
- Ella Rock hike at sunrise
- Hike to Mini-worlds end at sunrise
Landmarks Ella Rock Makulella Buddhist Temple - Day 8
Ella
Start with a 4-hour round hike to Ella Rock at sunrise, an early wake-up that rewards you with nice views over rolling mountain landscapes and valleys glowing golden as the sun comes up. After the hike, take a short drive to Ravana Falls to see the cascading waters and rock pools. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore Ella on your own, or you can join an optional local Sri Lankan cooking class or yoga lesson if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ella Rock hike at sunrise
- Visit to Ravana Falls
Optional Activities
- Local Sri Lankan cooking class
- Yoga lesson - USD 25 per person
- Free time exploration in Ella
Landmarks Ella Rock Ravana Falls - Day 8
Ella
Start your day with a hands-on cooking class diving into Sri Lankan flavors. The afternoon is yours to explore Ella at your own pace, whether that's relaxing with yoga, trying the Flying Ravana Zipline, or simply wandering around this charming hill town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cooking class
Optional Activities
- Yoga lesson (Ella) - USD 25 per person
- Flying Ravana Zipline
- Any activities during free time in Ella
- Day 9
Ella to Udawalawe
Your second sunrise hike takes you to Little Adams Peak, a spectacular viewpoint with panoramic views and an adrenaline rush because of its sheer 1,192-meter drop. After you return to the hostel to freshen up, travel to Udawalawe. On the way, stop at Buduruvagala Ancient Temple, an incredible Buddhist complex set in a tranquil forested area with seven statues carved into a rock face dating back to the 10th century. You'll check in at the campsite before heading out on a jeep safari around Udawalawe National Park to see wild elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, and birds.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Little Adams Peak at sunrise
- Visit to Buduruvagala Ancient Temple
- Jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park
Landmarks Little Adams Peak Buduruvagala Ancient Temple Udawalawe National Park - Day 9
Udawalawe
After breakfast, head to Udawalawe, famous for incredible wildlife. Along the way, visit the ancient Buduruwagala Temple. Arrive at your campsite on the edge of Udawalawe National Park where you can keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, and colorful birdlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit the Buduruvagala Ancient Temple
- Jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park
Landmarks Buduruwagala Temple Udawalawe National Park - Day 10
Udawalawe to Unawatuna
After breakfast, travel about 2 hours southwest to the Handunugoda Tea Estate where you'll learn about how tea is made from field to cup, tour the old tea factory and museum, and have a freshly made cup of tea. Then head 30 minutes along the beautiful southern coastline to Unawatuna, one of the world's best beach spots. Take time in the evening to check out this vibrant surfing town before relaxing at your hostel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Handunugoda Tea Estate with tea-making process tour and factory visit
- Freshly made cup of tea at tea estate
Landmarks Handunugoda Tea Estate Unawatuna Beach 
- Day 10
Unawatuna
After breakfast, visit the Handunugoda Tea Estate to learn about how tea gets made. Then travel about 30 minutes along the southern coastline to Unawatuna, a popular beach destination with plenty to offer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Handunugoda Tea Estate
Optional Activities
- Any activities during free time in Unawatuna
Landmarks Handunugoda Tea Estate - Day 11
Unawatuna
This day is all about sun, sand, sea, and surfing. Start with relaxing time on the beach before taking a surfing lesson on the waves. In the afternoon, try your hand at traditional mask painting, a Sri Lankan craft believed to have healing and protective powers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Surfing lesson
Optional Activities
- Traditional mask painting - USD 38 per person (includes activity and transport)
- Free time beach exploration
Landmarks Unawatuna Beach - Day 11
Unawatuna
Spend your day in the sun with relaxing beach time before taking to the waves for a surfing lesson. In the afternoon, you can try your hand at traditional Sri Lankan mask painting if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Surf lesson
Optional Activities
- Traditional mask painting (Unawatuna) - USD 38 per person (includes activity & transport)
- Any activities during free time in Unawatuna
- Day 12
Galle
Start with a tuk-tuk ride to Galle, Sri Lanka's busiest southern city, home to Galle Fort City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and shows how architectural styles and South Asian traditions mixed together. Walk around the well-preserved fort ramparts, including a lighthouse, clock tower, houses, churches, and various buildings, many of which now have restaurants, private villas, boutiques, and guesthouses inside them. Explore the city on foot and catch the sunset on the fort's ramparts before heading back to Unawatuna.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tuk-tuk ride to Galle
- Galle Fort City exploration
Landmarks Galle Fort City 
- Day 12
Galle
Start your morning with an early trip to a local fish market in Galle. After exploring, transfer to Galle Fort City, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through it and enjoy the sunset on the fort's ramparts before heading back to Unawatuna.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Galle Fish Market visit
- Tuk-tuk ride to Galle, for Galle Fort City
Landmarks Galle Fort - Day 13
Galle to Colombo
Your final day begins with the journey back to Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. On the way, stop at a temple to meet a Buddhist priest and take part in a pooja (blessing ritual) before your journey ends. Say goodbye to your new friends and prepare to head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Temple visit to meet Buddhist priest and participate in pooja (blessing ritual)
Landmarks Buddhist Temple (unspecified location on route to Colombo) - Day 13
Colombo
On the final day of your tour, start your journey back to Colombo. Along the way, stop at a temple to meet a Buddhist priest and participate in a pooja (blessing ritual) before saying goodbye to your new friends and heading home.
- End point
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (Colombo, 15:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit temple to meet a Buddhist priest and take part in a pooja (blessing ritual)
