Sri Lanka is an island teeming with an abundance of flora and fauna and it is often regarded as a nature lover’s paradise. With our exciting adventure holidays in Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all the experiences of this rich country.
| day | Location/Route | duration | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival and transfer to Kalpitiya | Two nights in Kalpitiya | Value: Dolphin Beach Signature: Aarya Lagoon |
| Day 02 | Kalpitiya | Last night in Kalpitiya | Value: Dolphin Beach Signature: Aarya Lagoon |
| Day 03 | Kalpitiya to Sigiriya | Two nights in Sigiriya | Value: Fresco Water Villa Signature: Heritance Kandalama |
| Day 04 | Sigiriya | Second night in Sigiriya | Value: Fresco Water Villa Signature: Heritance Kandalama |
| Day 05 | Sigiriya to Kegalle | Two nights in Kegalle | Gasnawa Estate Bungalow |
| Day 06 | Kegalle | Last night in Kegalle | Gasnawa Estate Bungalow |
| Day 07 | Kegalle to Mount Lavinia | One night in Mount Lavinia | Value: Berjaya Hotel Signature: Mount Lavinia Hotel |
| Day 08 | Mount Lavinia to airport for departure |
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Established in 1975, with the noble intention of providing care for orphaned elephants, today it serves as a nursery and a captive breeding ground for Asian elephants. Countless visitors from all over the island and the world visit this charming attraction throughout the year.
Built by King Kasyapa (477 to 495 CE), the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a testament to the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s glorious past. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it features stunning boulder and water gardens and world-famous frescoes. At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of the king’s palace and a breath-taking view of the surroundings.
Did you know? The waters off Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts are along the annual migration route of the Humpback, Sperm and colossal Blue Whale. Towns such as Mirissa, where our excursion begins, are considered global hotspots for whale sightings. The best time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea is between December and March.
Set off on your whale watching adventure at 06:00am in the morning with a snack of a selection of nibbles and beverages while you scan the waters for your prize. Keep an eye out for playful Spinner Dolphins, a common sight. You will be out at sea for around four to five hours. An onboard washroom will be available for your use.
Conquer the cascading rapids in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka’s premier white-water rafting destination. Located in the island’s wet zone, the town lies on the scenic banks of the Kelani River. Navigate your way along a 6.5 km stretch, past the river’s seven, grade two and three rapids. Catch your breath, with a leisurely swim in the slow-flowing waters between the falls.
White-water rafting can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the months from May to December are ideal. Seasoned rafters may prefer the monsoon season when the waters swell significantly. Sessions last two hours and take place in the morning and afternoons.
Ayubowan!
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your guide from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet and assist you to your vehicle.
You could change your currency before departing the airport as this may come handy during your holiday. Banks are open 24 / 7.
A pleasant drive to Kalpitiya with less traffic on the road at this hour along the western coast through coconut plantations and rice paddies will take you to your hotel in approx. 2.5 hours.
Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure unwinding from your journey!
Should you wish to take a stroll on the beach or explore the area around the hotel, the vehicle will be at your disposal to do so or you may simply relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset by the pool! Meals served on a half board basis in Kalpitiya.
Local attractions: Music Festival at Palagama Beach (Mar 2018 –tickets to be booked in advance).
This morning with an early start after breakfast, we will set off on a cycling expedition in and around Kalpitiya – you will be cycling for up to 30 km, which will take you approximately two-three hours with stops for photographs. https://youtu.be/iLjcfXNCtRo
After a leisurely breakfast, you will make your way to Sigiriya (three hours). A scenic drive that takes you through a rural countryside of dry zone vegetation stretches of forest, cultivation and irrigation tanks. En route you will pass through the salt farms in Puttalam. Feel free to ask your guide to make a quick stop if this is of interest to you.
Settle into your hotel, rest and relax from your journey.
This evening you will set off on the sunset hike to the Pidurangala rock – the hike up to Pidurangala is about one km each way and should take you no longer than two-2.5 hours for the entire experience. The elevation gain would be a little less than 150 meters. Once at the top, enjoy a stunning sunset and a mesmerizing 360 view of the surrounding landscape.
An early start today is recommended to beat the warm weather. You will set off on a 20-km cycling expedition through the adjoining village into the Jungle, which will take two 2.5 hours through a landscape of paddy fields, country roads, little villages & irrigation tanks. An authentic Sri Lankan lunch will await you at a local home.
This afternoon you will proceed on a game drive to one of the National Parks in the area either the Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla Eco Park, depending on where the elephants are detected on the day as they keep moving between these parks.
During their migrations between the various parks when water levels dry up, as many as three hundred or more come to the irrigations tanks ever-receding shores to drink, bathe, socialize and feed on the fresh grass that grows up from the lake bed as the waters retreat. Other mammals found in the park include a small number of leopard, sloth bear, sambar, spotted deer and macaque and purple-faced langur monkeys. The park boasts an enormous variety of bird life too.
You will return to the hotel late evening for dinner.
Local attractions: a tour of the ancient dagobas beautifully lit up at night is a surreal experience - no crowds and very tranquil / exotic cocktails at Graffiti Bar – Jetwing Vil Uyana / afternoon hike to the Aligala Caves / spend the evening with the locals at Purangama Village / visit the animal rehabilitation center at the Heritance Kandalama.
Enjoy a late leisurely breakfast this morning before you make your way to Kegalle. Notice the changing landscape from dry zone to wet zone vegetation and larger towns that serve the farming communities of this area.
Your drive takes you to the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage (Approx. 2.5 hours’ drive). Lunch at Pinnawala
An early start today, with light snacks and tea before you head out for the hike up Bible Rock. This will be a half a day’s experience and will take you 1.5 hours each way, with an elevation gain of 390 meters in three km.
You leave after breakfast and will make your way to Kitulgala for your last adventure in the countryside – white water rafting before you proceed to your final destination - Mount Lavinia.
Your drive takes you through a rural countryside providing you with a glimpse into village life in this area. Your white-water rafting expedition covers seven rapids in a distance of five km and will take you less than two hours based on the water speed and conditions. Your rafting experience will be followed by lunch.
We will take you to the airport, to arrive two-three hours before your flight home.
