This Nature lovers tour for 14 days –  Village & Tea Treks starts in Negombo and ends in Colombo. It is an adventure tour that takes 14 days taking you through Negombo, Kandy, Galle, and 7 other destinations in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Expedition: Village & Tea Treks is a guided small-group tour. Venture off the tourist trail and uncover the raw beauty of Sri Lankan paradise on this heart-pumping, soul-warming, active adventure that takes you behind the scenes of this irresistible island. Trek deep into steamy jungles amid birdlife and butterflies, traverse the undulating peaks and folds of misty mountain ranges, climb winding staircases to the grounds of an ancient fortress, meander through tea plantations dotted with quaint villages and cool down on a hike through the picturesque highlands – then reward your efforts with an epic sunrise on the summit of Adam’s peak, panoramic vistas from the crown of Sigiriya and a lazy day on the palm-fringed beach of Unawatuna.

✅ Travel to the unique peaks and folds of the Knuckles Mountain Range, uncovering the paths to remote villages and camping by secluded waterfalls.

✅ Soak up the stunning vistas from atop Sri Lanka’s Rockstar monument, Sigiriya, after climbing the 1200 steps to the summit of the ancient rock fortress.

✅ Connect with a side of the Teardrop Isle traversing off the tourist trail and trek the diverse landscapes making up this island slice of paradise.

✅ Venture to the summit of Adam’s Peak under the moonlight and be rewarded with a mind-blowing sunrise that will be imprinted in your memory for years to come.

Upon arrival, our representative in Sri Lanka will be waiting to meet and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day you will spend relaxing. Overnight in Negombo.

After breakfast, leave the beaches of Negombo behind and travel inland by private vehicle (approximately 4.5 hours) to Sri Lanka’s rock-star monument – Sigiriya. Formed from the magma of an extinct volcano, the dramatic rock fortress’s near-vertical walls soar 200 meters above the lush central plains and surrounding jungle and are crowned by the ruins of an ancient civilization at the plateau.

Once the heat of the Sri Lankan sun has begun to diminish, take the time to explore Sigiriya’s elaborate fifth-century complex – a fine example of ancient urban planning – with its cave shrines, intricate frescoes, splashing fountains as well as some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. But the highlight of Sigiriya does not come easy, and it’s here that the first test of your trekking legs comes into play.

Prepare yourself for the 2.5-hour round trip as you climb 1200 steps across a series of winding, steep staircases that grasp the vertical facade of the fortress until you reach the wonderful old-aged remains resting on the plateau. It’s here that you experience the highlight of Sigiriya – pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and reap the well-earned reward of jaw-dropping views over the vast jungle canopy as well as distant misty mountain peaks stretching far out into the Sri Lankan sunset.

Today, we take a drive to Illukkumbura Forest Conservation Centre (approximately 2 hours), where the real trekking begins! The 234-square-kilometer Knuckles Mountain Range gets its name from the landscape’s unique folds and peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist.

This hiking haven houses beautiful trails overlooking terraced rice paddies, thundering waterfalls, an abundance of rare and elusive animals, and a scattering of quaint villages hidden within the mountain creases. The hike starts with a picturesque trail up to Manigala. As you walk, soak up the beauty of the Riverston mountains and river valley on your right and the mountain forest patches of the Knuckles Conservation Forest on your left – a clear day on the trail rewards you with a stunning view of Doovili Ella Waterfall, as it cascades 40 meters down through the lush jungle. Continue to trek to your campsite, located on the banks of Thelgamu Oya river, and freshen up with a dip in the cooling waters. This evening, why not join the group for an optional evening walk to Pitawala Pathana plains to witness the magnificent vistas from the “mini world’s end”.

After breakfast, cross the river and venture further away from civilization to the recently abandoned Walpolamulla village. The origins of this remote hamlet date back up to 5000 years and it was, at one time, the world’s smallest and most ancient village – that is until elephants forced the residents from their home and into a neighboring community! During the dry season, you may be lucky enough to see elephants in the distance. Continue to trek deep into the dense flora and fauna until you reach a beautiful waterfall, which marks the location for tonight’s camp. The closest village, isolated in the heart of the thick jungle, is a 6 – 7-hour walk away.

Today is your longest day of walking (18 kilometers), so fuel up with a simple breakfast before embarking on the trek down to Narangamuwa village, located in the far north corner of the Knuckles Conservation Forest. For the first few hours, keep an eye out for the abundance of birdlife that inhabits the region, followed shortly after by an influx of fluttering butterflies as the midday sun approaches. If you’re lucky, you may also spot barking deer or a sambar deer frolicking among the greenery. Once you’ve reached the village campsite, perhaps join the locals for a friendly game of cricket – the most popular sport in Sri Lanka.

This morning, begin trekking towards the south side of the jungle – occasionally catching a glimpse of the colossal Lakegala rock in the distance. After approximately 6 kilometers, enter Meemure village, which is recorded as one of the most remote villages in Sri Lanka. Walk further up through the few local townships until eventually arriving at Corbert’s Gap for lunch with a view! Afterward, say goodbye to the nature of Knuckles and hello to the bustling big city as you hop in your private vehicle transfer and drive approximately 2 hours to Kandy.

Kandy – a pleasant city covered by lush green countryside, houses a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market, and some great restaurants. Today, visit and indulge in some of Kandy’s natural and historical attractions – the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens offer both – the sculpted lawns were once a private playground for Kandyan royalty. Or simply lounge poolside in order to rest and recuperate ready for the hiking days ahead. This evening, why not observe locals worshipping in Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines that houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, or perhaps contrast the holy hush of the temple with the booming, energetic drums that accompany the elaborately costumed performers of a Kandyan dance show. If you’re feeling puckish, you can follow the sound of rhythmic chopping to watch a chef transform a ball of dough into a huge sheet of wafer-thin roti, skilfully slice, griddle, mix with vegetables and spices and create Kotthu Roti – you’ve earned it!

This morning, enjoy a scenic train ride to Hatton Station before taking a private vehicle to Dalhousie, a village within the beautifully landscaped Nuwara Eliya District, and the perfect base for avid hikers looking to climb Adam’s Peak. Rest up this evening before you begin a hike at 0:00 am, yes – midnight! There won’t be much of a view when you’re walking in the low-lit glow of moonlight, but witnessing the sunrise burst through the morning sky from the peak of the mountain is worth every step in the dark.

After witnessing the epic sunrise, enjoy a packed breakfast on the peak before soaking up the incredible views over Sri Lanka’s southern valley as you descend the south side of the mountain, eventually reaching the city of Ratnapura. From here, jump into your private vehicle and perhaps catch up on some sleep as you drive approximately 3 hours to Haputale, a picturesque town surrounded by hills and covered with cloud forests.

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s highlands as you embark on a picturesque hike from Haputale to Bandarawela – through the verdant surrounds of the region’s tea plantations and past the small Tamil villages that dot the undulating countryside. During the trek, there will be plenty of opportunities to witness the local tea pickers at work – and of course, the chance to reward your hiking efforts with a refreshing cup of Sri Lankan brew straight from the source! Arrive in Bandarawela and soak up the rural charm of the town and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Today, in the early morning, transfer by private vehicle to Ballaketuwa where you will begin the hike towards Randeniya. For the first few kilometers, walk through the iconic tea plantations that define Sri Lankan countryside, while taking in continuous beautiful views of Ella Gap and the southern plains. After two hours, the dynamic shifts as you enter the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Meander through the mix of gardens as well as small jungle patches before following the river and paddy fields for the last leg of the trek. After lunch, head to the beachside town of Unawatuna in your private vehicle (approximately 4 hours) and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure in palm-fringed paradise.

Sleep in! And enjoy a free day of rest and relaxation in the beautiful beach town of Unawatuna. Flop and drop on the golden sands, plunge into the salty sapphire waters or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. If your adrenaline is still pumping, perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest or pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing – alternatively you might like to simply unwind with an indulgent massage – treat yourself!

After breakfast, drive by private vehicle to Galle before catching the train to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival, join your leader on a visit to a local bazaar, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market – a local market full of stalls that is a showcase of social enterprises and responsible businesses. This evening, you might like to head out with the group for a final dinner to celebrate your journey together.

Time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. Morning and breakfast at leisure until getting escorted to the airport for a flight coming home. The trip ends. Hope you enjoy the trip and wish that we could serve you next time when you come back.