Active Sri Lanka: rafting, hiking, safari and surf
Sri Lanka is not only temples and beaches. The island has rainforest rivers, cloud forest ridges and some of Asia’s best beginner surf. This trip puts an activity into almost every day.
Activities such as rafting, guided hikes and surf lessons are booked through us with trusted local partners and paid on top of the trip price.
Route
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrival and drive to Kitulgala
From the airport into the rainforest valley of the Kelani River.
- Day 2
White-water rafting
A morning of rafting on the Kelani River with an experienced crew, then a jungle walk or canyoning in the afternoon.
- Day 3
Kandy and on to the Knuckles
Stop in Kandy for the Temple of the Tooth, then drive into the Knuckles mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage area.
- Day 4
Hiking in the Knuckles
A guided day hike through cloud forest, grassland and remote villages. Your guide chooses the route to suit the weather and your fitness.
- Day 5
Sunset on Pidurangala
Drive to Sigiriya and climb Pidurangala rock for sunset, with the view across to the Lion Rock.
- Day 6
Sigiriya by bike
Climb Sigiriya at opening time, then cycle through villages and along lakes. Afternoon jeep safari to see elephants.
- Day 7
Across the island to Ella
The longest drive of the trip, from the dry plains up into the hills around Ella.
- Day 8
Ella Rock
Hike up Ella Rock (about four hours return), then cool off at Ravana Falls or try the zipline near Little Adam’s Peak.
- Day 9
Leopard safari in Yala
Drive down to Tissamaharama for an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park.
- Day 10
Surf lesson in Weligama
Weligama’s wide, sandy bay has gentle waves that are ideal for beginners. Your first lesson is in the afternoon.
- Day 11
Whales or waves
From November to April, boats leave nearby Mirissa early to look for blue whales. Or you spend the day surfing and snorkelling.
- Day 12
Galle and departure
A last walk on the walls of Galle Fort, then the expressway to the airport.
Included
- Private air-conditioned car (usually a Toyota hybrid) with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Good 3-star hotels, double room with breakfast (4-star and 5-star on request)
- Fuel, parking, highway tolls, and your driver’s meals and lodging
- Drinking water in the car
- Support on WhatsApp in English and German throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Entrance tickets to sights and national parks
- Safari jeeps, boat trips and other optional activities
- Lunch and dinner
- Tips for your driver and guides
- Travel insurance
Prices are per person for 2 people sharing a room. They change with season, hotel level and group size. Your personal quote is final.
Make it yours
- Add a sunrise climb of Adam’s Peak (December to May)
- Add the Sinharaja rainforest
- More surf days at the end
- Upgrade hotels
Questions about this trip
How fit do we need to be?
Are the activities included?
Make this trip yours
Send us your dates and wishes. You get the route with your hotels and a firm price, usually within 24 hours.
Private round trips from US$700 per person for 7 days
Other round trips
The classic Sri Lanka round trip in 14 days
Ancient cities, the Temple of the Tooth, tea country, Ella, a leopard safari and three days by the sea. The route most first-time visitors should take.
Sri Lanka in 10 days: culture, hills and coast
The best of the island in ten days: three nights in the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Ella, a safari in Yala and a last night by the sea.
Sri Lanka highlights in 7 days
One week, the five places everyone wants to see. A full programme with some long drives, ideal as a first taste or before a beach holiday.