Sri Lanka: Hidden Treasures of the Sacred Island (Christmas Departure)

Sri Lanka: Hidden Treasures of the Sacred Island (Christmas Departure)

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14 Days From

$4988

Sri Lanka: Hidden Treasures of the Sacred Island (Christmas Departure)

14 Days Starting and ending in NEGOMBO

Visiting: Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Maduru Oya, Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, Dambana, Knuckles, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains (lasang), Belihuloya, Sinharaja Forest, Ahangama, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Colombo, Galle

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

LKH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $4988

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Meaning ‘Sacred Island’, Sri Lanka is blessed with a rich wealth of scenic beauty, endemic wildlife and World Heritage treasures. Home to the Sinhalese since the late 6th century BC and colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, this exciting, 14-day adventure takes us into the beating heart of this extraordinary island.

Aside from visiting some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic highlights, including the rock-cut fortress of Sigiriya and the UNESCO riches of Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Galle and Polonnaruwa, we’ll also meet Sri Lanka’s diverse and endemic wildlife, such as leopards, elephants and birdlife. We’ll embark on jeep safaris in Wilpattu and Maduru Oya National Park, nature trails in Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve and have the chance to see blue whales off the southern coast, as well as contribute to conservation with some tree planting.

A visit with the ancient Vedda tribe of Dambana, a cooking class in a local home and a discussion with a Buddhist monk provides an opportunity to delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s unique and ancient culture. We’ll hike to the World’s End in the misty grasslands of Horton Plains National Park and to hidden villages and waterfalls of Knuckles Forest Reserve, and also soak up the manifold splendours of the tea country before ending the tour on Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast.

Highlights

  • Go on safari in Wilpattu and Maduru Oya National Park, and walk a nature trail in Sinharaja Rainforest in search of native wildlife

  • Discover the ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress on foot, as well as Polonnaruwa by bicycle

  • Enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking class in a local home, meet the Vedda tribe of Dambana and a Buddhist monk in Kandy

  • Hike to the picturesque villages of Knuckles National Park and to the top of World’s End in Horton Plains National Park

  • End the tour on the beautiful beaches of the southern coast, with Galle’s colonial wonders and the chance to go on an optional boat trip.

  • Plant native trees and go on a night walk in search of endangered grey slender loris at Sam Popham Arboretum

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Negombo

Location: Negombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Goldi Sands Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

The tour starts this afternoon at the hotel in Negombo, the closest coastal town to Colombo Airport. In the evening we can enjoy a welcome dinner as we unwind with beautiful sunset views and ocean breezes.

Day 2: Negombo – Wilpattu

Location: Wilpattu National Park, Negombo

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Big Game Camp Wilpattu or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast this morning we depart Negombo and drive north to Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, stopping en route at a Kaffir Village. This afternoon we will go on a safari in the park following dirt tracks through mostly dry, dense forest, stopping at watering holes and lakes. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna including leopard, elephant, sloth bear, mongoose, buffalo, crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife. We then will enjoy an al fresco dinner at our tented camp, where there will also be the chance to go on a night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Day 3: Wilpattu – Anuradhapura – Dambulla

Location: Dambulla, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An hour’s drive takes us to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, dating to the 5th century BC, and the most celebrated of Sri Lanka's ancient ruined cities. We will explore the widespread site which includes the first temple to be built in the island, the largest stupa on the island and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree - which was planted from a sapling taken from the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Continuing to Dambulla, our next stop is at the sacred Buddhist caves, a UNESCO World Heritage setting and an important pilgrimage site that is home to a staggering collection of temples and statues that date back to the 1st century BC. We end the day at our hotel where we will spend the next two nights.

Day 4: Dambulla - Sigiriya, Village Trail & Arboretum

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We make use of the morning’s cooler temperature and begin the day summitting Sigiriya’s famous “Lion Rock”. Built during the 5th century and one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the fortress sits on top of the imposing granite monolith of Lion Rock, some 200 metres above the surrounding countryside. Accessed by way of a steep staircase, from its lofty heights the 360 degree views out across the lush landscapes are truly spectacular. This afternoon we learn more about rural life on a village walk, followed by tea and snacks provided by a welcoming family in their home. Our final stop of the day is at the Sam Popham Arboretum, a sanctuary for native flora and fauna in the area, including an endangered sub-species of the grey slender loris. We will plant a native tree in the arboretum before going on a night walk in search of the loris.
The walk to Lion Rock is a moderate/hard walk due to the amount of stairs required to reach the top. Generally the walk will take 4-4.5hrs

Day 5: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Maduru Oya – Mahiyanganaya

Location: Maduru Oya, Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla

Accommodation: Kevans Casa or similar

Accommodation Name: Kevan's Casa or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early start today sees us heading for the UNESCO setting of Polonnaruwa, the country’s old medieval capital. The ruins of the ancient city lie on the eastern shores of Topa Wewa Lake and a chance to explore it by bicycle provides a unique insight into its once great past. Following an early lunch, we continue on towards the Maduruoya National Park, where we can enjoy a three-hour jeep safari. Home to a variety of fabulous wildlife, this less-visited park is best known for its herds of Asian elephant. We will then transfer to our hotel in Mahiyanganaya for the evening.

Day 6: Mahiyanganaya – Dambana - Knuckles

Location: Mahiyanganaya, Dambana

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Sir John's Bungalow or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we head to Dambana village - home to the last remaining indigenous tribe in Sri Lanka. There, we will spend some time with the local Vedda chief, learning more about the traditions and history of Sri Lanka’s indigenous people and enjoying a walk around the village and surrounding area. This afternoon we journey into the highlands and Knuckles Forest Reserve, where we will settle into our hotel for the evening.

Day 7: Knuckles - Hiking - Kandy

Location: Knuckles

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Thilanka Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will spend the morning hiking through the picturesque landscapes of Knuckles Forest Reserve. Beginning in the remote village of Pitawala, we will be able to observe day to day life, visit the village temple and enjoy a cup of tea and snacks in a local house. The 4-hour trail will take us past paddy fields, beautiful landscapes and water streams. This afternoon sees us setting off for the nearby city of Kandy, the last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan kings, and one of the country’s cultural and spiritual gems.
The walk today is of a moderate level with a distance of approximately 6km.

Day 8: Kandy: Culture And Cooking

Location: Knuckles, Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Thilanka Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we will visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, home to Buddha’s left canine, before heading to a local market to pick up some items for our cooking lesson. We will be invited into a local house for a cooking lesson in order to discover the key spices and ingredients that make up Sri Lanka’s delicious cuisine. After sampling our tasty creations, we have some free time to relax or explore Kandy. Why not visit the immaculately kept botanical garden or go shopping for souvenirs or perhaps enjoy an Ayurvedic massage.

Day 9: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya, Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Blackpool Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will leave Kandy this morning to visit a village that specialises in the production of traditional drums. The artisans have been crafting Sri Lankan drums, used in religious and cultural ceremonies, for generations, and will show us the different stages of the creative process. We will then drive to Nuwara Eliya, the British colonial capital of the Hill Country. The cooler climes of this area, at the foot of Sri Lanka’s highest peak (2,524m), are a welcome retreat. Along the way we will have a tea experience to try the world famous "Ceylon Tea". The evening is free to walk through town or relax at the hotel.

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains (World's End) - Belihuloya

Location: Horton Plains (lasang), Nuwara Eliya, Belihuloya

Accommodation: Belihuloya Rest House or similar

Accommodation Name: Sennaya Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving early, we’ll head next for the misty grasslands of Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau. Armed with a packed breakfast, we’ll climb through a landscape of giant eucalyptus trees, reaching the park in time to walk to World’s End before the encroaching mist obscures the views below. Returning to the vehicles around mid-morning, we’ll then set off for Belihuloya, from where we’ll cycle or walk to a local natural swimming spot. We return to the hotel in time for tea at our hill country retreat.
The walk today is of a moderate level and is approximately a 9.5km loop. Generally the walk will take 4-4.5hrs

Day 11: Belihuloya - Udawalawe

Location: Belihuloya, Sinharaja Forest

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Grand Udawalawe Safar Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast within the wonderful surrounding of nature, we start our drive towards Udawalawe; the Land of Elephants. We will arrive at the hotel for lunchtime, and then have some leisure time before departing on our afternoon game drive in Udawalawe National Park. The park is home to approximately 500 Asian elephants and is famous for the ability to view these large roaming herds throughout the year. The elephants usually gather to feed and bathe by the waterholes dotted around the park. Alongside the elephants, Udawalawe is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, and monkeys. Uadawalawe is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, who will be treated to a huge variety and number of bird species.

Day 12: Udawalawe - Ahangama

Location: Ahangama, Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Insight Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home; a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned and sick elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild. Viewing of the feeding time is at a safe distance behind a barrier where you can watch the elephants ambling along behind a keeper, into the compound where they will be fed milk through plastic hoses with funnels attached. As you can imagine the elephants jostle and play and become impatient stamping and trumpeting for their milk. Hundreds of elephants have been cared for an rehabilitated at ETH and it is a lively and fun experience for spectators. We then say goodbye to the elephants and head towards the soutern coast. Our hotel is situated in the village of Ahangama - the perfect tranquil spot to unwind towards the end of our journey.

Day 13: Ahangama - Galle - Ahangama

Location: Ahangama

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Insight Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A free morning provides an opportunity to relax around the hotel. This afternoon has then been set aside to visit the historic trading port of Galle, home to the largest European fortress left in Asia. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is still infused with a graceful charm and a wealth of ageing colonial buildings. After our tour we will have our final dinner in this historic setting.

Day 14: Ahangama – Colombo

Location: Colombo, Galle

Meals Included: Breakfast

Driving back along the coast to Colombo this morning, we will arrive in the Sri Lankan capital mid-morning where the tour officially ends. Those on the suggested group flights will be transferred directly to Colombo Airport.

What's Included

  • MEALS

    13 x Breakfasts12 x Lunches13 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    Minibus/Coaster

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low / Moderate

What's Not Included

  • We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

  • ExcludedItem

    We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.

    As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.



    Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
    ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
    Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
    International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
    Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
    Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com 

For this tour UK passport holders currently require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Sri Lanka, which must be obtained before departure.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note the following:-

Several days involve 4 hours of hiking or walking, please note that all of the walks are optional and other arrangements can be made if you do not wish to do these. On Day 4, the walk to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which has a considerable amount of stairs with little shade or handrails. Any clients that have issues with vertigo or heights might wish to miss this walk. One night of the tour involves staying in basic tented camps with small en suite facilities but no air conditioning.

Responsible Travel

With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.

When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats. 

Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.

Travelling Solo

As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!

Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.

On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour, except in Knuckles, depending on the group size.

Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
 

Insurance

Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    For this tour UK passport holders currently require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Sri Lanka, which must be obtained before departure.

    Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Catherine Wilkinson  

Catherine Wilkinson

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other companies now!

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Dec 20, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
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