Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the beachside town of Negombo with a welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Known for its centuries-old fishing industry, Negombo is a historic port city close to Sri Lanka's international airport. If you arrive early, maybe watch the fishing boats head out to sea, stroll along the beach to see the daily catch drying in the sun or indulge in a seafood feast. The surrounding countryside, with its network of canals, is a fascinating slice of Sri Lankan rural life and is best explored by bicycle.

Leave bright and early this morning and travel to Dambulla – home to the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Along the way, visit the Zero Plastic Impact Center, an Intrepid Foundation partner supporting almost 100 local artisans producing plastic-alternative products like reusable woven basket bags and clay water bottles. Try your hand at bamboo and coconut shell crafting, plus take home your own traditional Sri Lankan mask as a keepsake.After checking into your accommodation, make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of 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, elevating Sigiriya high into the air. On the way you’ll visit the water and boulder gardens, frescoes and the mirror wall. The next section of the climb takes about half an hour along steep walkways and steps all the way up to the rocky plateau, which soars 200 m above the jungle. 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.

For departures running Nov-Mar: Sleep in and enjoy a late start before heading out on a relaxed jeep safari for about 2-3 hours through the nearby Minneriya National Park. The park is home to a mix of evergreen forest and scrublands – look out for sambar deer, leopards and elephants roaming the wild. After the safari, travel by private vehicle to your campsite at Dimbulagala – your home for the next two nights. Situated on the banks of a beautiful lake, this region is home to some of Sri Lanka’s best hiking trails. For departures running Apr-Oct: Today you’ll head out on a relaxed jeep safari for about 3 hours through the nearby Minneriya National Park. The park is home to a mix of evergreen forest and scrublands – look out for sambar deer, leopards and elephants roaming the wild. After the safari, travel by private vehicle to the Knuckles Mountain Range – your home for the next two nights. Named after its striking visual likeness to human knuckles, this UNESCO World Heritage site features 34 mountains that range from 900 to 2000 m. Surrounded by dense forest, waterfalls and terraced rice fields, they are home to some of Sri Lanka’s best 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 an evening walk around the village before relaxing by the riverside with a group dinner.

For departures running Nov to Mar: Today you’ll head out early for a full-day guided hike. Starting from Dimbulagala’s Namal Pokuna Temple, the trail follows a rocky path through the ancient temple complex, climbing up to the serene Nil Dya Pokuna pond before continuing on to the Maha Kashyapa Lena cave complex. After taking some time to explore you’ll rejoin the trail as it becomes more demanding, winding upwards through the forest, including some sections that require rope assistance. Expect to take plenty of short breaks as you head up towards the summit. Along the way you’ll discover the second highlight of the hike at Aushada Pokuna. Access to this point involves a spectacular walk along a narrow rock ledge but the views are definitely worth it. Here you’ll be at the highest point of the trek where panoramic views of the surrounding mountains await. After taking in the views it’s time to head back down. Choose to either visit the Ahas Maligawa pagoda for stunning 360-degree views on the way down (a 3 km side-trip) or continue hiking down to the end of the trail at Dimbulagala Temple. For departures running Apr to Oct: Today you’ll head out early for a full-day guided hike along the Manigala Trek through the Knuckles region. Start hiking after breakfast and wind your way through emerald forests and hillsides, past cliffs and alongside fast-flowing rivers. Maybe stop to explore a few of the villages along the way, which are surrounded by sweeping rice terraces. Have lunch by the river and continue up the stone and dirt trail all the way up to the imposing Manigala Rock, for the panoramic views of the peaks and valley below. After taking in the views, make your way back down to camp to enjoy a hearty dinner after a long but rewarding day of hiking.

For departures running Mar-Nov: Step off the bus and enjoy a relaxed picnic style lunch served in a charming local setting. After your meal, begin your trek through the village, following a scenic 7 kilometre trail that winds through lush paddy fields, perfect for capturing beautiful photographs along the way. You’ll also make a brief stop at a nearby home where a local artisan works with cane, offering a small glimpse into village craftsmanship as you continue your walk. For departures running Apr-Oct: Begin the day with a moderate hike through the forest to Knuckles’ renowned Mini World’s End – an observation point overlooking the Thelgamuwa Valley and a sheer drop of 1192 m (4000 ft) to the forest floor below. The panoramic views over the misty valley and distant mountain peaks are truly spectacular, you’ll want your camera today! After either hike, you’ll drive to Kandy, passing the gorgeous scenery along the way. Lying in the hills of the Kandy plateau, this 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 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 made it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Start your day with a scenic train journey to Hatton, commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. When you arrive, cycle from the train station to the small village of Norton Bridge, passing vast tea estates and scenic, tree-lined hills along the way. Check in to your hotel then enjoy a free afternoon - you can explore the tea capital of Sri Lanka, or simply put your feet up with a nice cup of Ceylon tea.

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. Cycle through the sculpted green hills of ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’. Your ride will be broken up with snack breaks and a lunch stop, providing plenty of fuel (and photo opportunities) for your ride. Then, transfer to the delightful coastal town of Mirissa. This town is part fishing village, part beachside resort and is the perfect place to sit back and relax by the beach after a few active days. For those looking to keep their heart rate up, you can visit nearby Weligama – the ideal place to hit the waves at one of the local surf or bodyboarding schools.