• The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
  • The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka

The essence of Ceylon: from royal cities to the Indian Ocean

Réf : ASRIGOX

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    13 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Asia / Sri Lanka
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    133.45 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    French
    English

In a few words

From the majesty of the Cultural Triangle to the wild beaches of the South, this small group tour reveals the many faces of Sri Lanka .

The journey begins in the heart of history with the exploration of the sacred caves of Dambulla and the ascent of the mythical Lion Rock at Sigiriya , before reaching the spiritual atmosphere of Kandy . The trip then heads towards the verdant mountains: aboard the panoramic train to Ella , tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. A hike on the Pekoe Trail offers an authentic immersion, punctuated by a traditional lunch with a local family.

A change of scenery awaits in the Udawalawe savannah, where a jeep safari offers the chance to spot wild elephants and leopards. After a cultural stop in Galle , a former colonial trading post, the adventure concludes with a relaxing break on the golden sands of Hiriketiya .

A well-paced and balanced itinerary, perfect for capturing the soul of ancient Ceylon through culture, hiking and wildlife.

The highlights

  • Ascent of Lion Rock at Sigiriya and immersion in the temples of Dambulla.
  • Scenic train to Ella and hike on the Pekoe Trail
  • Immersive lunch with a local family and immersion in the tea plantations
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

This tour offers an accessible immersive experience that alternates between cultural visits and walks in nature. A reasonable level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the days of discovery.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 3h

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages ​​spoken:
French
English
Supervisor

Based in Sri Lanka for many years, we guarantee a seamless travel experience thanks to our local teams and logistical infrastructure. Your adventure guides , true specialists of the region, are 100% dedicated to helping you discover unique and unusual places.


Upon arrival at your hotel in Negombo, you will be greeted by your French-speaking tour guide who will accompany you throughout your stay.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
  • map

    Flight to Colombo (Custom flight not included, please contact us)

    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included
    Flight to Colombo.
    Day 1

Note

This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Day 1 : 00h00
End of stay
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Day 13 - 00h00


Our adventure begins on Day 2 at 6pm in Negombo with a welcome meeting. If we arrive early, we can stroll along the seafront or explore the beautiful surrounding countryside by bicycle (we can rent one at our hotel reception).

Go to the starting point

Access by plane
The nearest airport isCMB - Colombo - Aéroport international Bandaranaike
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Price details

The price includes

  • Land transport
  • Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
  • The excursions detailed in the program:
    • A visit to Sigiriya (Lion Rock)
    • The train from Ambewela to Ella
    • Visits to Ella
    • The safari in Udawalawe
    • A visit to Colombo's market
    • The guided tour in Galle
  • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
  • Meals as mentioned in the program

The price does not include

  1. International flights and airport taxes
  2. Indian visa fees.
  3. Tips (at your discretion)
  4. Personal expenses.
  5. The drinks.
  6. Toddy Harvesting Experience: $8
  7. Visit to the Mihintale Temple: 5USD

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Specifics

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).


In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.


ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

Equipment

Equipment to bring

  • Toilet paper.
  • Earplugs.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Sunscreen
  • 1 swimsuit.
  • 1 water bottle or 1 water bladder of at least 1.5 litres.
  • Headlamp, batteries.
  • Sleeping bag liner for nights spent at someone's house.

Clothing to bring

  • Lightweight and comfortable travel clothes (1 or 2 complete outfits).
  • 1. Cap or hat for the sun.
  • 1 pair of sunglasses (category 3 minimum)
  • T-shirts, preferably made of quick-drying technical material.
  • 1 lightweight fleece or equivalent.
  • 1 breathable waterproof windproof jacket with hood, Gore-Tex type.
  • 1 rain cape.
  • 1 or 2 long shorts.
  • 1 or 2 pairs of comfortable walking trousers (ideally with detachable legs).
  • 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
  • 1 pair of light shoes or sandals for the evening or for stops in town.
  • Pairs of walking socks.
The Paulin team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Paulin team

4.4/5 (1434 reviews) • 429 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Discover their team and their trips
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