Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Intrepid Travel Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: N/A
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
10 days
From: $ 1,904 $ 190 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Kayak down the sparking Gin River, taking in Sri Lanka’s ever-changing landscape. Float past forests, sandbanks and plantations while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
  • Encounter Sri Lanka's amazing scenery and biodiversity while hiking through the Knuckles Mountain Range and on to the ‘Mini World’s End’.
  • Cycle a mostly downhill route through the green heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country in ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon
  • Slip down a few gears in the laidback coastal town of Weligama, where inviting sandy beaches offer a welcome break for sore muscles, and fantastic waves give you the chance to stay active.
  • Come face to face with one of Sri Lanka’s most storied sites as you hike to the ancient carved rock fortress of Sigiriya, rising dramatically from the surrounding plains.
  • Get to know the layered history of Galle during a cycle and walking tour, uncovering the city’s maze of streets, colonial buildings and famous 17th-century fort.

Short Description

Ride through tea plantations, kayak down rivers and hike to ancient fortresses on an active adventure from Negombo to Colombo. Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations and it’s not hard to see why. With pristine coastline, ancient ruins, rugged peaks and wildlife-filled national parks, it’s a dream for travellers who like to get outdoors. Explore the country’s premier sites while wandering through the wilds on this Sri Lankan experience.

Style Small group tour
Array
Itinerary Focus N/A
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Negombo
End City Colombo

Destinations

Sri Lanka

Attractions & Cities Visited

Colombo Dambulla Kandy Mirissa Sigiriya Weligama

Activities & Interests

N/A

Age Requirement

15-99

N/A
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Itinerary

Day 1 Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the beachside town of Negombo, located close to Colombo's international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.

Day 2 Sigiriya

Leave early and travel by private vehicle (approximately 3 hours) to Dambulla, home to the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. After checking into your accommodation take the short drive to Sigiriya for your first activity – a hike up the 1200 steps of the famed Lion Rock. This ancient carved-rock fortress rises dramatically above the surrounding plains, as the near vertical walls elevate the ancient city of Sigiriya high into the air, keeping the secrets of the Kassapa Kingdom inaccessible save for a rigorous climb along steep staircases. On the way you’ll visit the water and boulder gardens, frescoes and the mirror wall. The next section of the climb takes approximately 30 mins along steep walkways and steps all the way up to the rocky plateau, soaring 200 metres above the jungle below. From here the views over the surrounding area and the nearby Pidurangala Rock are jaw-dropping. Make your way back down and head back to Dambulla for a relaxing evening.

Day 3 Minneriya National Park & Knuckles Mountain Range

Today is a gentle one as you enjoy a relaxed jeep safari (approximately 2-3 hours) in the nearby Minneriya National Park. The park plays host to a mix of evergreen forest and scrublands, not to mention the sambar deer, leopards and elephants that can often be spotted roaming the wild. After the safari travel by private vehicle (approximately 2 hours) to the Knuckles Mountain Range, your home for the next two nights. Named after its striking visual likeness to human knuckles, this mystical UNESCO World Heritage Site features 34 dramatic mountains that range from 900 to 2,000 metres, surrounded by dense forest, waterfalls and terraced rice fields, and is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning hiking trails. Tonight, get closer to nature as you set up camp next to the pristine waters and natural rock pools of the Thelgamu Oya stream. To keep you fresh for tomorrow’s hike your activity is limited to a delightful evening walk around the village before relaxing by the riverside and an included dinner.

Day 4 Knuckles Mountain Range Hiking

Today you’ll head out early on a rigorous full day guided hike along the Manigala Trek through the Knuckles region. Start hiking after breakfast and wind your way through emerald green forests and hillsides, past sheer cliffs and alongside fast-flowing rivers, perhaps stopping at villages surrounded by verdant rice terraces along the way. Enjoy lunch by the river and continue up the stone and dirt trail all the way up to the imposing Manigala Rock, where spectacular panoramic views of the valley below and adjacent peaks await. After taking in the views make your way back down to camp to enjoy a hearty dinner after a long but rewarding day’s hiking.

Day 5 Kandy & Knuckles/Mini World’s End Hiking

Begin the day with a moderate 2 to 3-hour hike through beautiful forest to Knuckles’ renowned Mini World’s End, a dramatic observation point overlooking the Thelgamuwa Valley and a sheer drop of 1192 metres (4000ft) to the forest floor below. The panoramic views over the misty green valley and distant mountain peaks are truly spectacular. After the hike enjoy a picturesque vehicle transfer to Kandy (approximately 2.5 hours). Lying in the hills of the Kandy plateau, this major city previously served as the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries – maybe find a spot by the scenic lake in the centre of town and while away the afternoon or opt to visit the golden roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Housed inside, the relic of the tooth of the Buddha has played an important role in local politics due to the belief that whoever holds the relic holds governance of the country. Kandy’s temple and its status as the last city of the Sri Lankan Kings have landed it as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6 Hatton & Tea Country Cycling

Start your day with a scenic train journey to Hatton (approximately 3 hours). After arriving, cycle directly from the train station, enjoying the undulating scenery of vast tea estates lying in the flowing, tree-lined hills, as you make your way to the small but picturesque village of Norton Bridge. After arriving at your hotel, those feeling energetic can opt to hike up to Adam’s Peak. The peak is often visited by pilgrims who climb a candle-lit trail in the evening, passing shrines and food stalls along the way. Or simply put your feet up with a nice cup of Ceylon tea – the choice is yours.

Day 7 Tea Country Cycling & Mirissa

After breakfast, it’s back on your mountain bike for a mostly downhill ride through the heart of tea country. Pedal from Hatton through Bogawantalawa, home to premium Ceylon Tea, to Balangoda, cycling through the sculpted green hills of ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’. Your cycling will be broken up with snack breaks and a lunch stop, providing plenty of fuel (and photo opportunities) for your ride. At the end of your ride, transfer to the delightful coastal town of Mirissa (approximately 3 hours). This dual personality town, part fishing village and part beachside resort, is the perfect place to simply sit back and relax by the beach after a few vigorous days. For those looking to stay active, Visit nearby Weligama, the ideal place to hit the waves at one of the local surf or bodyboarding schools.

Day 8 Gin River Kayaking & Galle Cycling

Start your day with a short drive (approximately 1 hour) to the small town of Unanwitiya, your jumping off point for an exciting day kayaking down the Gin River. After instruction from our expert guides, cruise down the clear waters of the river as it winds its way downstream on a mixture of occasional white but mostly flat water. Paddle past dense forests, huge sandbanks, tea plantations and rice paddy fields while keeping an eye out for monitor lizards, colourful birds and the occasional troop of monkeys. After the kayaking, head to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage coastal city of Galle. Once the main port for the cinnamon trade, this former Portuguese then Dutch colonial city features a maze of rambling streets, colonial buildings, mansions, ancient churches, a characterful lighthouse, and it’s crowning jewel, the imposing 17th-century fort. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean this is surely one of the most dramatic structures in all of Sri Lanka. Start your exploration on an afternoon cycling tour Galle Fort then get to know the city more intimately on a walking tour along the ramparts and winding streets of the Fort. Return to relaxed Mirissa in the evening for a well-earned rest after an active day.

Day 9 Colombo

Depart Weligama after breakfast with a transfer to Colombo (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, check into your hotel and then take a city walk past the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. Your walk finishes with a shopping opportunity at the Barefoot fairtrade store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. Tonight, there's an optional final group dinner to celebrate your journey. This comes in the form of a food crawl along the city's tantalising market stalls.

Day 10 Colombo

Today marks the end of your adventure and there are no activities scheduled after breakfast. You are free to depart at any time or stay on an further explore this fascinating city.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 1,904
Price Per Day: $ 190 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceAvailability 
Apr-02-2023Apr-11-2023$ 2,097Sold Out Reserve
Jul-23-2023Aug-01-2023$ 1,9048 spots left Reserve
Aug-27-2023Sep-05-2023$ 1,9049 spots left Reserve
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Nov-24-2024Dec-03-2024$ 2,33012 spots left Reserve
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4,260 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

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4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,217
Great 675
Average 134
Disappointing 68
Terrible 166
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak

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A brilliant trip

5.0
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Value5.0
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I can thoroughly recommend this Vietnam trip. The hotels were all very good and were well situated within walking distance of the city centres. There was a good variety of visits and activities which were very well organised. As with all the Intrepid trips we've been on, it was our brilliant trip leader Linh who brought the trip to life. He gave us so much information about Vietnam and its people it really enhanced the trip. He made sure everything ran smoothly and nothing was too much trouble - a great trip leader!
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Best guide ever...Thank You, Trang!

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A trip is only as good as the guide. And our guide Trang was fantastic. The best! She made our trip wonderful, and Intrepid is so brilliant to have hired her and have her represent Intrepid. The trip went smoothly and we were delighted with everything we saw. Getting through via phone to Intrepid is tough, but it is worth the wait. The hotels, the spots we visited, the transportation....all was well-planned and executed!
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Perfect for Solo Travellers

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I've travelled with Intrepid many times, most recently to Antarctica, and I can't recommend them enough. Great people, great destinations, great itineraries. Love that they pair you up with another traveller if you're travelling alone.
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Adventure and local interaction without the worry!

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With so many travel companies out there, and so much info on travel planning sites, Intrepid is still in a class of its own. I've often read their itineraries to get ideas, and even copy them, but this time I went with them on a trip. And it was everything that they say on their websites. So if you are reading to verify everything they say on their website, I say just don't hesitate, DO IT. Its all happening and its all true.
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WOW!

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Wow - Intrepid thought of everything. Great adventure, variety, safety, group dynamics, and an amazing guide Karni! He was knowledgeable and you could feel the pride he held for his country. My next adventure will definitely utilize Intrepid.
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What an amazing tour.

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What an amazing tour. So well organised from good accomodation, comfortable transport to boats waiting in the wilderness. A wonderful experience lead by an exceptional, knowlegable tour guide Quang Dang.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Private vehicle,Jeep,Taxi,Kayak,Mountain Bike

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 12

Accommodations

Hotel (7 nights),Camping with basic facilities (2 nights)

Guides

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 15

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • Fairway Colombo
  • No. 7, Hospital Street,
  • Colombo 01
  • Colombo
  • SRI LANKA
  • Phone: +94 (0)112153153

Trip ID#:

intrepid-HPXM

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