12 Days Culture, Wildlife & Adventure
A perfect balance of culture, raw nature, and adventure. Explore Anuradhapura and Mihintale, raft down turbulent rapids, and track wild elephants.
Overview & Full Itinerary
This 12-day tour takes you deep into Sri Lanka's history, raw nature, and thrilling adventure. Whitewater raft down the Kelani River in Kitulgala, safari through Minneriya and Yala to see wild elephants and leopards, climb Sigiriya & Pidurangala rocks, take the mountain train to Ella, and relax on Hikkaduwa beach.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Journey
Arrival & Transfer to Sacred Anuradhapura
Welcome at Colombo Airport and direct transfer to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Check in and unwind in a tranquil tropical setting. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura Ancient Ruins & Mihintale Rock
Explore Anuradhapura's UNESCO ancient ruins including Ruwanwelisaya stupa, Twin Ponds, and Sri Maha Bodhi tree. In the afternoon, climb Mihintale, the sacred mountain rock recognized as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Mihintale to Sigiriya & Pidurangala Sunset Climb
Journey to Sigiriya. In the late afternoon, climb Pidurangala Rock for a breathtaking 360-degree sunset view overlooking the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Climb & Traditional Village Lunch
Ascend the famous 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Afterward, experience an authentic village trek featuring a bullock-cart ride, catamaran river crossing, and traditional clay-pot cooking demonstration with lunch. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Dambulla Golden Caves to Kandy Tooth Relic Temple
Visit Dambulla Golden Cave Temple and a Matale spice garden en-route to Kandy. Check into your hotel and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic for evening prayers. Overnight in Kandy.
White Water Rafting & Stream Sliding in Kitulgala
Drive to Kitulgala, Sri Lanka’s premier adventure hub. Gear up for an exhilarating white-water rafting trip down grade 3&4 rapids of the Kelani River, followed by natural rock stream sliding and waterfall jumps. Overnight in Kitulgala.
Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya Hill Station & Tea Factory
Travel from Kitulgala up into the cool tea country of Nuwara Eliya. Tour a working tea factory and plantation, walk around Gregory Lake, and admire colonial-era architecture. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Scenic Highland Train Ride to Ella & Little Adam's Peak
Board one of the world's most famous scenic train rides from Nanu Oya to Ella through tea plantations and cloud forests. In Ella, hike up Little Adam's Peak for stunning valley panoramas. Overnight in Ella.
Ella Nine Arch Bridge & Yala National Park Safari
Early morning visit to the famous Nine Arch Bridge to watch trains cross. Drive down to Yala National Park for an afternoon 4x4 safari to track leopards and wild Asian elephants. Overnight in Yala.
Yala to Hikkaduwa Beach & Coral Sanctuary
Travel to the vibrant beach town of Hikkaduwa. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling in the coral reef sanctuary, or relaxing on sandy beaches. Overnight in Hikkaduwa.
Galle Dutch Fort Walking Tour & Madu River Boat Safari
Explore the historic cobble-paved streets and ramparts of Galle Dutch Fort. Later, take a boat safari through the mangrove channels of Madu River in Balapitiya. Overnight in Hikkaduwa.
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery & Colombo Airport Departure
Visit Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery to see baby turtle conservation. Drive to BIA Colombo Airport for your departure flight.