A grand discovery of Sri Lanka, from north to south on foot

Arrival in Negombo and welcome by your French-speaking guide . Immediate departure for Anuradhapura , the ancient Sri Lankan capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, a break for lunch (not included) , either at a local restaurant or at your hotel after check-in. The afternoon is free: take the opportunity to relax after your journey or explore the earliest vestiges of this sacred city , the cradle of Sinhalese Buddhism.

Immerse yourself in Anuradhapura , the cradle of Sinhalese Buddhism and the ancient capital of Sri Lanka for 1,300 years . Founded in the 3rd century BC and later abandoned after invasions, it now reveals its palaces, monasteries, and stupas, buried beneath the jungle for centuries. After lunch at a local restaurant , drive to Mihintale , 11 km away . This sacred site marks the meeting between King Devanampiya Tissa and Mahinda , son of Emperor Ashoka, who introduced Buddhism to the island. To reach the temple perched high above, you'll have to climb 1,800 steps , offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Early morning departure towards the Jaffna peninsula , located in the far north of the island, approximately 400 km from Colombo and close to South India . Upon arrival, check into your hotel and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to discover Tamil cuisine .

This region, a former stronghold of the Tamil Tigers , has experienced a true renaissance since the end of the war. You'll explore this colorful city, still relatively untouched by tourism, where the locals offer a particularly warm welcome. Here, you'll find yourself at the heart of Tamil culture : the Hindu temples , the colorful saris , the language , the religion , and the cuisine all differ from the rest of Sri Lanka.

You'll visit Nallur Kovil , one of the most important Hindu temples in the country. As you stroll through the city, you'll see remnants of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras . To end the day, wander through the bustling market in downtown Jaffna, an authentic and vibrant place.

Departure for an approximately one-hour transfer to Karikutta port. From there, you will take a ferry to Nainativu Island (20-minute crossing). This island is renowned for the Nagadipa Purana Viharaya Buddhist temple, a major pilgrimage site throughout the year. After visiting the temple and exploring the island, return by ferry to the port. Next, head to Dambakola Patuna , a seaside temple. It was here that the nun Sanghamitta landed with a sapling of the sacred tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. After lunch at a local restaurant , the day continues with a visit to a tobacco and vineyard plantation, characteristic of the region. On the way back to Jaffna, stop at the archaeological site of Kadurugoda Vihara . This site, formerly known as Karidamalai , was the first capital of the Tamil kingdoms. The presence of numerous dagobas and aligned plinths testifies to the importance of Buddhism among the Tamils ​​of Jaffna and to the cultural exchanges with neighboring Tamil Nadu . Upon arrival in Jaffna, visit St. Mary's Cathedral , the largest Roman Catholic church in the city, built on the site of the former cathedral dating from 1789 .

Departing from the north, follow the coastline to Trincomalee . Along the way, pass through charming fishing villages and admire the coastal scenery . Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting Trincomalee . Discover the Hindu temple of Koneshwaran , perched on a cliff, then explore Fort Frederick , a relic of the colonial era. From Swami Rock , enjoy breathtaking views of Trincomalee's natural harbor , one of the deepest in the world.

Free late afternoon to relax and enjoy the beach .

Departure for Kaludiya Pokuna , a forgotten archaeological site in the heart of the jungle , where remains from the 5th century still exist. This peaceful, little-visited place is home to around a hundred meditation caves . Accompanied by the site's caretaker, you will explore these mysterious ruins.

Next, we'll travel to Habarana . A short walk will take you to a local family's home for a typical Sri Lankan lunch of rice , curry , and a traditional dessert made with fresh fruit and honey curd . You'll participate in preparing the curry with the help of the family. Explore the traditional houses made of bamboo, mud brick, and coconut leaves.

In Habarana, embark on an oxcart ride through the countryside, then sail on a small lake lined with lotus and water lilies aboard a fisherman's catamaran .

In the afternoon, we'll travel to Dambulla to visit its famous rock-hewn monastery . Perched at an altitude of over 160 meters , this site comprises five cave temples carved into a massive granite boulder. Admire the caves adorned with Buddha statues and frescoes covering nearly 1,800 square meters , illustrating episodes from the life of the Buddha. The first temple, nicknamed the "Golden Rock," owes its name to the gold leaf that decorates its walls. After these visits, we'll transfer to Sigiriya and check into our hotel.

An early morning departure for Sigiriya , the Lion Rock , a must-see cultural and archaeological site in Sri Lanka. Built in the 5th century AD by the parricidal king Kasyapa , this citadel rises 180 meters high. The ascent is via stone steps. Once at the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and jungle. As you climb, admire the famous Maidens frescoes , depicting graceful nymphs painted on the rock walls.

Enjoy lunch at an organic farm in Hingurakgoda . After lunch, explore the mango orchards and vegetable gardens. A walk to the village's irrigation lake offers an opportunity to learn about vegetable gardening from the local farmers .

In the afternoon, depart for a bicycle tour of Polonnaruwa . This 12th-century archaeological site, founded by King Parakrama Bahu (1153-1186) , marks the golden age of Sinhalese civilization. Discover the remains of the royal palace , the Shiva temple , and a complex of Buddhist temples including the Vatadage , a circular relic chamber. Don't miss the Gal Vihara rock-cut site and its three imposing Buddha statues carved into the rock .

An early morning departure takes you to the starting point of your hike in the Knuckles Mountains. You'll cross magnificent rice paddies and several traditional villages , enjoying enchanting scenery. After this immersion in nature, you'll head to Matale to explore its famous spice plantations .

Enjoy a traditional lunch in a Kamatha , a shelter nestled amidst the rice paddies. In the afternoon, continue to Kandy , the capital of the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Located at an altitude of 488 meters , this city is nestled in a bend of the Mahaveli Ganges , the country's longest river, and surrounded by verdant hills.

In Kandy, explore the market , the lake , and the lively streets. Optionally, attend a cultural dance performance at 5:30 pm . Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Departure for Rambukkanna to visit an elephant foundation , a unique place where retired elephants are cared for. The village chief, from a traditional family in the Kandy region, oversees the well-being of the animals, who are looked after and supported in their peaceful retirement. You will also discover a workshop where paper is made from elephant dung . For those who wish, there is the opportunity to participate in the elephants' daily bath .

Lunch in a colonial mansion before visiting the Peradeniya Botanical Garden , located 6 km from Kandy . This garden is renowned for its wide variety of tropical plants , magnificent orchids and imposing palm trees .

In the late afternoon, discover the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic , an iconic landmark of Kandy. This sanctuary attracts hundreds of pilgrims daily who come to venerate the precious relic: a tooth of the Buddha, preserved in a gilded reliquary composed of six dagoba -shaped caskets. Admire the frescoes that adorn the ground floor of the sanctuary beneath the decorated roof.

Departure by minibus to Pusselawa where you will begin a beautiful hike through magnificent tea plantations , with superb views of the surrounding mountains. At the end of the hike, you will rejoin the minibus to head towards Nuwara Eliya .

Lunch break in a restaurant overlooking the Ramboda waterfalls . On the way, visit a tea factory to understand the different stages of tea production, from picking to the final product.

Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya , enjoy a short tour of this charming mountain town, nicknamed "Little England." Founded in 1827 by the British, it sits at an altitude of 1,965 meters and features buildings in the English colonial style . Afterwards, enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your own pace.

Nuwara Eliya is also a legendary place: according to the Ramayana , it was near here that Sita , the wife of Rama , was imprisoned by the demon Ravana .

Early morning departure for Ohiya , starting point of your hike in Horton Plains National Park. The road to get there is spectacular, especially the passage of the famous "Devil's Stairs" , a series of hairpin bends.

In the heart of the park, walk through savannah landscapes , forests and waterfalls to the "End of the World" viewpoint. This impressive viewpoint, perched on the edge of a cliff, offers a breathtaking panorama of the valleys and surrounding countryside.

After the hike, have lunch at a local restaurant . Then, take the local train to Ella . Built during the British colonial era, this railway line winds its way through mountains , villages , and tea plantations . This authentic journey immerses you in a typical Sinhalese atmosphere, perfect for meeting and interacting with locals.

After breakfast, a short transfer will take you to the starting point of your trek in Ella. For approximately three hours , hike through villages and mountains covered in tea plantations and forests. Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain landscapes and take the opportunity to interact with locals working in the tea fields.

After this immersion, we depart for Udawalawe . This national park, declared in 1972 , covers more than 300 km² and spans the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva . Located between the Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walawe River , the park offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding mountain range, dominated by the craggy rocks of Balangoda , Kalthota , and Haputale .

In the late afternoon, embark on a 4x4 jeep safari in the park, renowned for its wild elephants . Enjoy this excursion to observe the diverse wildlife and exceptional landscapes of this reserve.

Departure towards Weligama and Mirissa , famous fishing villages where you can admire the iconic stilt fishermen , a traditional fishing technique unique to Sri Lanka.

Continue to Galle , a former trading post and important colonial port. Visit the walled Old Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, Dutch-era buildings, and ramparts offering beautiful ocean views. Enjoy free time to stroll and explore the local artisan shops and cafes.

In the afternoon, continue to the seaside resort of Beruwela . Check into your beachfront hotel and relax on the beach to enjoy the mild climate of the south coast.

Enjoy a free day with full board to take advantage of the beach and activities at your own pace. Relax by the water, bask in the sun, or take a stroll along the beach . You can also explore the nearby village to discover the daily life of the locals and their small shops. It's the perfect time to savor some leisure and gently end your stay overlooking the ocean.

Enjoy a free morning in Beruwela for a final swim or a stroll on the beach. Lunch at the hotel, then departure for Colombo , the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

In Colombo , discover the contrasts of this vibrant city on a short tour : colonial buildings, bustling markets, and modern districts. Depending on your flight schedule, dinner in the city or a snack will be provided.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your international flight home. If you wish, you can extend your beach stay in Beruwela or continue your trip to the Maldives (see available options).

In the evening, departure from Colombo airport for your international flight. Overnight flight. Arrival in Paris .