With endless beaches, timeless ruins, friendly people, oodles of wildlife, famous tea, scenic trains and flavourful food, Sri Lanka is simply irresistible.
Join us on this 14-day Sri Lanka hiking, cycling and cultural tour to explore Sri Lanka’s iconic sights and hike some of the most spectacular trails in the country.
Our professional tour guide will expertly guide us around the country to visit the iconic sights. Imagine climbing Sigiriya Rock, marvelling at the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa City, searching for leopards at Yala National Park and riding one of the world’s most scenic railways through tea plantations.
In the usual ICON Adventures style, we will detour off the beaten track to hike from village to village on sections of the Pekoe Trail. Recently opened, this picturesque hiking route takes us through the heart of the island’s lush tea plantations, misty hills, and charming villages, offering an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Sigiriya Hike | Cycle Polonnaruwa City | Spice Garden Walk| Minneriya Game Drive | Kandy City Walk | Peko Trail | Nuwara Eliya City Walk | World’s End Trek | Hill Country Train Ride | Yala Safari | Galle Walking Tour | Stilt Fisherman | Agriculture Village
Colombo
22 March – 4 April 2025
You’ve landed in Colombo, the vibrant and eclectic capital of Sri Lanka. We will be met and greeted by our guide at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the nearby town of Negombo. Relax this evening and enjoy a good night’s sleep before heading off tomorrow on our Sri Lankan Adventure.
O/N 1 night Negombo at Goldi Sands (or similar)
Today, we depart from Negombo, travel to Dambulla, and check into our hotel for the next 2 nights.
This afternoon we head to Polonnaruwa to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site by bike. Once the splendid capital of the island, Polonnaruwa offers well-preserved ruins that showcase Sri Lanka’s medieval grandeur. With our guide we will cycle around the remains of royal palaces marvelling at the sprawling grounds, intricately carved temples, magnificent rock-cut Buddha statues and towering stupas.
O/N Dambulla 2 nights Occidental Paradise Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we head to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya fortress to climb the rock. This iconic 5th-century rock fortress, rising majestically from the surrounding landscape, is not just a testament to ancient engineering prowess but also a masterpiece of art and culture. We will have plenty of time to explore the extensive network of gardens, admire the ancient frescoes, and marvel at the urban planning skills of ancient Sri Lanka.
After a short rest, we will head out for a game drive in Minneriya National Park later in the day. Known for its abundant wildlife, with herds of deer and diverse birdlife, it also hosts the largest elephant gathering in the world. We will park the jeep by the reservoir and watch as over 300 elephants gather on the grass-covered banks to feed – what an unforgettable experience!
Another early breakfast, but there is plenty to see today.
On our way to Kandy, we visit the Matale Spice Garden to learn about the therapeutic properties of spices. Explore Matale, a vibrant agricultural hub known for its rubber, tea, vegetables, and spices. It is then on to Kandy to check into our hotel.
In the late afternoon, we set off on a walking tour of Kandy City, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, stroll around Kandy Lake, and explore the bustling Kandy Market where you can browse a variety of local crafts, fresh produce and spices.
O/N Kandy 2 nights Fox Kandy (or similar)
After an early breakfast, we embark on the first stage of The Pekoe Trail, from Hanthan to Galaha.
Starting at the Ceylon Tea Museum this trek takes us through the picturesque Hanthana Tea Estate, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest plantations. Highlights include the rocky ridge of Katusu Konda, offering panoramic views of the Hanthana and Knuckles Mountain ranges, and spotting black eagles. Along the way, we’ll see the dramatic mountain facade from ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and pass through charming villages like Kithulmulla, known for its delicious avocados.
The trek ends near the post office in Galaha, where we’ll board a bus back to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Today we travel to Nuwara Eliya, a charming town in the central highlands renowned for its cool climate and picturesque landscapes. Embark on a walking tour to explore the town and see its iconic Golf Club and historic colonial buildings, including the Tudor-style post office. We will walk through Victoria Park, visit the racecourse, stroll around Lake Gregory and enjoy paddle boating amidst stunning mountain views.
Afterwards, we visit the Sita Amman Temple and Hakgala Botanical Gardens with a stop at a strawberry farm for fresh treats. Discover why Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as ‘Little England’. The rest of the day is at leisure.
O/N Nuwara Eliya 2 nights Hill Club (or similar)
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before we head off on the ‘World’s End’ trek. Breath-taking views are a highlight of this moderately strenuous trail which takes approx. 3 hours to complete. As you hike, you’ll traverse through the lush greenery of Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek leads you to the dramatic cliff of World’s End, where you’ll be greeted by stunning panoramic views of the valley below and, on clear days, the Indian Ocean in the distance. Along the way, you’ll also pass Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall cascading down the rocks, and have the opportunity to spot various wildlife, including sambar deer and numerous bird species.
Upon completion return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning we embark on the most scenic train ride in Sri Lanka, a captivating train journey from Nanu Oya to Demodara. This popular journey winds through the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka’s central highlands offering breath-taking scenery of rolling tea plantations, colourfully clad tea pickers, hazy blue mountains, cascading waterfalls and quaint villages.
After we catch our breath it’s time to do some exercise. We set out on one of the most popular sections of The Pekoe Trail. Starting at Demodara train station, the trail traverses through tea plantations and local villages, into valleys flanked by chena cultivations, across the Nine Arches Bridge and into the Ella Forest Reserve. The hike ends in Ella where we are transferred to our hotel for a relaxing evening.
O/N Ella 2 nights Mountain Heaven (or similar)
Today the choice is yours – relax and enjoy a down day by the resort pool or join one of the optional activities on offer.
Option 1 – Participate in a hands-on cooking class where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich aromas of a traditional Sri Lankan kitchen ($45pp).
Option 2 – Take a 10km hike to Ella Rock, a dramatic peak with impressive views from the summit. And if you are super keen you can choose to do both.
Today we say goodbye to the Highlands and head towards the coast, to the Yala National Park and our luxury stay at the Jetwing Safari Camp.
After a brief rest, we embark on an exciting evening safari into the national park to spot a diverse array of wildlife, from majestic elephants to elusive leopards. Feel the thrill as your jeep navigates the rugged terrain across the grasslands and dunes.
O/N Yala area 1night Jetwing Safari Camp (or similar)
If the leopards eluded us last night, or you would like to experience more of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, we have the option to take another safari into the national park this morning – additional costs apply.
This afternoon we depart Yala for the drive to Galle. On the way we have the unique opportunity to witness the stilt fishermen. Balancing on slender poles planted in the shallow waters, these fishermen demonstrate a traditional and captivating method of fishing that has been passed on for generations.
O/N Galle 3 nights Le Grand Galle
Discover the charm of Galle City and the historic Dutch Fort on this engaging walking tour. Start at the iconic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved 17th-century architecture. Stroll along cobblestone streets, taking in the blend of European and South Asian influences. Visit the Galle Lighthouse for stunning views of the Indian Ocean and explore other significant sites to learn about the region’s history.
Now for something a little special…this afternoon you will indulge in a Sri Lankan-style high tea by the Galle Fort. Relax and savour an array of delightful treats, including Ceylon tea, finger sandwiches and traditional Sri Lankan sweets while overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Today you have some free time to explore more of Galle at your leisure. Beyond its historical allure, Galle is a cultural
hub with charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafes that showcase local crafts and cuisine. Its scenic coastal setting,
with nearby beaches like Unawatuna, makes it a popular holiday destination. Your time is your own to explore.
It’s been a blast but all good things must come to an end. But before it does, we have have one more wonderful experience for you. The Bandaragma Agro Village is a little corner of heaven in a tranquill, rustic setting. Our walking tour showcases the farms many facets – you can tour the farms pineapple and cinnamon plantations, wander through the tea gardens, watch a traditional sweet-making demonstration or learn about the many uses of coconuts.
We will enjoy our final meal all together of a delicious homemade village-style rice and curry, followed by fresh local fruits. We then head onto Colombo where we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before heading to the airport for a late evening departure (flight dependent).
As a former police officer and part-time ICON tea lady (a job she took way too seriously as those who know her will know that tea is something of an obsession), Suzanne took over ICON Adventures in 2015, since then has been curating organised tours and bespoke travel arrangements to far-flung corners of the globe.
With a penchant for off-the-beaten-track destinations Suzanne also fearlessly leads her own unique hiking and cultural tours across the globe. She brings not only a can-do attitude but also a bloody-well-will-do attitude as she leads the ICON team and her tours. Her attention to detail and dedication to her clients means you want her planning your trip!
With Suzanne in charge of a tour or helping to organise independent travel for you, you can be rest-assured it will be like her tea, done to the highest and most meticulous standard.