Sri Lanka

The pearl of the Indian Ocean

4,7/5 (17 reviews)

Réf : ASRIX

Decathlon Travel >
Stay Hiking / Trekking >
The pearl of the Indian Ocean

In summary

Sports

Hiking / Trekking
Duration
15 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
5348.94 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

Sri Lanka, a tropical island with a 2,000-year-old civilization, has been renowned for centuries for its spices and precious stones. A veritable giant emerald in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the island boasts golden beaches, lush jungles, mountains covered in tea plantations, and magnificent ruins that bear witness to its past grandeur. We visit both well-known and more secluded archaeological sites, also enjoying short hikes in the countryside. At Sigiriya, the "Lion Rock," we discover the mysterious "Maiden Frescoes." In Polonnaruwa, we explore the royal palace, the Shiva temple, and Buddhist temples by bicycle. Medirigiriya and Kaludiya are lesser-known gems. After a short hike to the meditation caves, we explore the impressive cave and rock art complex of Dambulla. We then explore the mountainous region of central Sri Lanka, visiting a spice garden, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens! After a beautiful hike through tea plantations, we arrive in Nurawa Eliya, a former British hill station, in the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country. Our journey then takes us to the grassy savannah of Horton Plains and to the "End of the World" (a nickname for Sri Lanka). A short ride on a local train allows us to enjoy another beautiful day amidst tea plantations, jungle, and waterfalls. Then, a change of scenery awaits as we head south to track animals in Udawalawe National Park. We also visit Galle, a former spice trading post coveted by Europeans. A relaxing break by the sea on the south coast concludes this wonderful trip before our international flight home.

The highlights

Numerous hikes through forests, mountains, countryside, villages, rice paddies and fields
Must-see archaeological sites in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla
Horton Plains and Udawalawe National Parks

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Photos

Moines bouddhistes en prière à Polonnarwa Sri Lanka

moment-de-partage-avec-des-noix-de-coco-fraiches-Sri-Lanka

Randonnée dans les plantations du thé au Sri Lanka

Lyssa - verified review - august 2024

Isabelle - verified review - march 2024

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

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.

In figures

Hiking

Average duration/day: 3h
Average distance/day: 10 km
Average daily elevation gain: 139 m
Average daily descent: 117 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.

Languages spoken:

French

English

Supervisor

Learn more about supervision

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

Day 14

Day 15

Paris - Flight with a stopover to Colombo
- Transportation Plane - 12h - 8966km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Flight to Colombo
Day 1
Colombo - Hendala
- Transportation Car - 01h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Welcome and transfer by private vehicle to Handala. Check-in at the hotel and free time.
Day 2
Hendala - Visit to Polonnaruwa and hike in Giritale
- Transportation Car - 05h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 6 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for Polonnaruwa. We'll have lunch at a local restaurant, then explore this archaeological site by bicycle. Founded in the 12th century, it was the work of a single king, Parakrama Bahu (1153-1186), and symbolizes both the rebirth of the Sinhalese civilization, which originated in Anuradhapura, and its final throes. By the end of the 12th century, the monarchy had fallen into a long decline due to raids by Malay pirates and wars between rival claimants to the throne. We'll discover the royal palace, the Shiva temple, and the cluster of Buddhist temples, including the Vatadage (the circular relic chamber), the Gal Viharae rock art site, and its three Buddha statues. We then continue our journey to Giritale. We'll enjoy a stroll to admire the cool air and beauty surrounding the Great Giritale Reservoir.
Day 3
Sigiriya – Habarana – Medirigiriya – Giritale
- Transportation Car - 01h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 6 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we visit Sigiriya, the Lion Rock citadel built in the 5th century AD by the parricidal king Kasyapa. We ascend to the summit of Sigiriya via a series of steps, followed by stone staircases. From this eagle's nest at 180 meters, we have an exceptional view of the bluish mountains plunging into the green ocean of the jungle. During the climb, we discover the "Frescoes of the Maidens," depicting enchanting nymphs painted on the walls. After the visits, we depart for Habarana to stay with a local family for a typical Sri Lankan lunch: rice, curry, and a traditional dessert of fresh fruit and honey curd. The traditional houses are made of bamboo, rammed earth, and coconut leaves. We participate in preparing a Sri Lankan curry with the help of the family. After lunch, we transfer to Medirigiriya, a site dating back to the 2nd century and little known to tourists. This site is remarkable for its vatadage, reminiscent of that of Polonnaruwa. It has retained its triple row of sculpted pillars (68 in total) topped with beautiful capitals and its stone balustrade imitating wood. The pillars originally supported a roof that protected the stupas. At the four cardinal points, meditating Buddhas surround the dome of the dagoba. Nearby, one can see the remains of an ancient hospital, of which a medicinal bath, a lotus pond, and a few fragments of sculptures remain. After the visits, return to our hotel in Giritale.
Day 4
Dambulla - Kaludiya Pokuna Hike - Kandy
- Transportation Car - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 8 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, a short transfer of about an hour takes us to the starting point of our trek. We hike to the hidden site of Kaludiya and explore the meditation caves. Then, we drive to Dambulla and visit its rock-hewn monastery. The caves are carved into an enormous granite boulder perched over 160 meters above sea level. The complex comprises five rock-hewn temples. The walls of the first were covered with gold leaf, earning it the name "the golden rock." Within these five caves are several Buddha statues, as well as frescoes covering nearly 1,800 square meters, depicting images and episodes from the life of Buddha. We then depart for Matale and enter the mountainous region of central Myanmar, passing rubber plantations and spice gardens. We enjoy a (slightly late) traditional lunch in a Kamatha (a shelter in the rice paddies). We participate in the preparation of traditional sweets. After this pleasant break, we travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka's second-largest city. It's the capital of the central highlands, a region known for its pleasant lifestyle. Surrounded by hills, Kandy sits at an altitude of 488 meters in a wide bend of the Mahaveli Ganges, Sri Lanka's longest river. We explore the city, its market, and Kandy Lake. An optional performance of cultural dances is available at 5:30 pm. Afterwards, we return to the hotel for dinner and a good night's sleep.
Day 5
Three Temples Hike - Peradeniya Botanical Garden - Kandy
- Transportation Car - 01h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short transfer takes us to the starting point of our trek through the Kandy countryside. We'll explore the three charming and intimate temples of Gadaladeniya, Embekke, and Lankathilake. With a guide from the first village, we'll walk between the temples, passing through houses, rice paddies, and forests. We'll continue our trek to Gelioya, experiencing typical rural life along the way. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, located 6 km from Kandy, renowned for its diverse collection of tropical and aromatic plants, orchids, and palm trees. We'll conclude the day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This iconic landmark receives hundreds of pilgrims and visitors daily. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day 6
Hiking through tea plantations - tea factory - Nuwara Eliya (1965 m)
- Transportation Car - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We travel by coach to Pussellawa, from where we hike through the stunning tea plantations. Along the way, we pass through villages inhabited by tea pickers and their families. This beautiful morning walk offers us beautiful scenery and wonderful encounters. After the hike, we continue our journey to Nuwara Eliya. En route, we visit a tea factory and learn about the different stages of tea production. In Nuwara Eliya, we take a city tour followed by free time to wander at our leisure or relax at the hotel. Nuwara Eliya – pronounced noor-ee-lay – is a city in southern Sri Lanka, located about 100 kilometers from Kandy. In 1827, the British established it as a hill station at an altitude of 1,965 meters, as a refuge from the lowlands during the intense heat. Here you'll find a number of buildings constructed in the style of British houses. According to the Ramayana, Sita, Rama's wife, was imprisoned by the demon Ravana near Nuwara Eliya. After a tour of the town, free time for a stroll.
Day 7
Horton Plains National Park (2250 m) - Bandarawela (1200 m)
- Transportation Car - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we set off on a hike in Horton Plains National Park along one of the most spectacular roads in the country, where the "Devil's Stairs" form an impressive series of hairpin bends. We hike through the park, passing grassy savannah and waterfalls, until we reach the "end of the world," a cliff edge with panoramic views of valleys and countryside. Named Horton Plains after Sir Robert Horton, the British governor from 1831 to 1837, this national park, covering more than 3,000 hectares, constitutes an exceptional subtropical ecosystem with an average temperature of 15°C. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Horton Plains is home to 52 endemic bird species and 11 migratory species, including the majestic falcon-eagle. It is also a paradise for butterflies. It is the only national park where visitors have the freedom to explore the hiking trails. The richness of its flora and fauna, combined with the beauty of its remote landscapes, makes this windswept site a truly unique place. Lunch, then drive to Bandarawela. Relaxation and free time in the late afternoon. Short walk through the village. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8
Bandarawela - local train to Iddalgasinne - Bambarakanda Falls - Liyangahawela
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
At Bandarawela station, we board the local train to experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Sinhalese life. We disembark at Iddalgasinne, where we begin the day's superb hike through villages, tea plantations, and rice paddies. We have lunch with a local family and continue our trek to Bambarakanda Waterfall, where we can refresh ourselves. We then rejoin our vehicle and drive to the village of Liyangahawela and the Buddhist temple, located a 15-minute walk from the village. The monks welcome us and invite us to a short Puja ceremony followed by a brief meditation session. After this restorative experience, we enjoy a vegetarian meal. We spend the night at the temple in a communal room.
Day 9
Ella Rock - Small Adam's Peak - Ella
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at the temple, we leave the monks and set off for Ella, the starting point of our hike this morning. We walk through tea plantations and eucalyptus forests to reach Ella Rock, where we have a stunning view of Small Adam's Peak and the surrounding mountains. We take some time to admire the scenery, then descend back to Ella. Lunch at a restaurant followed by check-in at the hotel. Free time. Visit to the Nine Arch Bridge, a viaduct resting on nine massive arches designed for railway traffic. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10
Ella - Buduruvagala site - Udawalawe National Park
- Transportation Car - 03h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our journey towards Udawalawe. Along the way, we discover Diyaluma Falls, then the giant Buddha of Buduruvagala, a major site of Mahayana Buddhism. We arrive in Udawalawe for lunch and visit the park in a 4x4 jeep in the afternoon. In addition to elephants, other wild animals can be found: sambar deer, buffalo, mongooses, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and a few leopards. This park is also home to hundreds of bird species. Declared a National Park in 1972, Udawalawe National Park covers more than 300 square kilometers across the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva. Located between the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River, it offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountain range, dominated by the rocky escarpments of Balangoda, Kalthota and Haputale.
Day 11
Udawalawe – Mulkirigala – Galle – Beach stay (Beruwala)
- Transportation Car - 02h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 4 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off for Mulkirigala, nicknamed "Little Sigiriya" because of its temples carved into a 200-meter-high rock formation amidst palm trees. Then we drive along the coast towards the ancient trading post of Galle via Matara, which was the island's most important port from the 14th century onwards. Its fort, occupied by the Portuguese and then the Dutch, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We meet the stilt fishermen in Weligama. We visit the city of Galle and then head to the seaside resort of Beruwala.
Day 12
Beruwala
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A relaxing day with full board to enjoy the beach, lounging, strolling on the beach or in the village. In the morning or afternoon, we have the option of visiting the villages of Beruwala and Bentota, as well as the Kande Vihara Buddhist Temple.
Day 13
Beruwela - Colombo - return flight
- Transportation Car - 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Free morning in Beruwala. Lunch at the hotel. Then, we travel to Colombo, the country's commercial capital, for a short city tour. Transfer to the airport for your return international flight.
Day 14
International return flight
- Transportation Plane - 12h - 8966km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Flight and arrival in Paris.
Day 15

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.

🏨 2-star hotel - Days 2 to 8, 10 to 13

Hotels: nights in a double room in a good-quality hotel . In Sri Lanka, standard hotels are often unreliable, so we have taken particular care to select superior hotels to guarantee you comfortable accommodations. These establishments have been chosen for their comfort, but also for their proximity to the sites visited. Almost all of them have a swimming pool.
One night in a Buddhist temple in Ampitikanda. Equipment is provided: mattress, mosquito net, sheets, sleeping bag and vegetarian dinner. Two toilets and two showers (cold water).

- Day 9

Hotels: nights in a double room in a good-quality hotel . In Sri Lanka, standard hotels are often unreliable, so we have taken particular care to select superior hotels to guarantee you comfortable accommodations. These establishments have been chosen for their comfort, but also for their proximity to the sites visited. Almost all of them have a swimming pool.
One night in a Buddhist temple in Ampitikanda. Equipment is provided: mattress, mosquito net, sheets, sleeping bag and vegetarian dinner. Two toilets and two showers (cold water).

Access

Departure

Aéroport de Paris

Day 1

End of stay

Aéroport de Paris

Day 15

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Price details

The price includes

Round-trip flights from Paris to Colombo
All local transfers
Accommodation in a double room in very good 3* or 4* hotels
All meals from dinner on Day 2 to lunch on Day 14
The tour is supervised by a French-speaking tour guide, a driver, and sometimes a local guide for certain hikes.
Entrance fees to cultural sites

The price does not include

ETA visa fees to be paid online
Personal expenses
Drinks
Video camera permits in Kandy (€3)
Tips

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.

Additional night in Beruwala in a single room with breakfast and dinner : CHF155.52 / person
Additional night in Beruwala in a double room with breakfast and dinner : CHF91.48 / person
Extra night near the airport in a single room with breakfast : CHF105.20 / person
Extra night near the airport in a double room with breakfast : CHF59.46 / person
Single room supplement for the entire duration of your stay : CHF393.36 / person
Single room supplement for the entire duration of your stay from 19/12/26 to 07/01/27 : CHF489.42 / person
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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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.

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.

For temple visits, bring something to cover your shoulders and trousers or capris below the knee (no shorts or bermudas).

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers

4,7/5

(17 reviews)

At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.

Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order

Claire - 50 ans

august 2025 In a couple

Translated from French

…

Published on 01/09/2025

CORENTIN - 32 ans

april 2025 In a group

Translated from French

Fantastic trip with a great guide who showed us his country. Accessible hikes and activities. Excellent places to visit and hotels.

Published on 25/04/2025

Thierry - 63 ans

march 2025 In a couple

Translated from French

A truly beautiful destination. Comfortable hotels, superb hikes through tea fields and rice paddies. Ideal small group size, 15 being the maximum.

Published on 31/03/2025

Decathlon Travel Partner

The Paulin team

4.4/5 (1440 reviews) • 453 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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In summary

In a few words

The highlights

Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

In figures

Hiking

Management

Program

Paris - Flight with a stopover to Colombo

Colombo - Hendala

Hendala - Visit to Polonnaruwa and hike in Giritale

Sigiriya – Habarana – Medirigiriya – Giritale

Dambulla - Kaludiya Pokuna Hike - Kandy

Three Temples Hike - Peradeniya Botanical Garden - Kandy

Hiking through tea plantations - tea factory - Nuwara Eliya (1965 m)

Horton Plains National Park (2250 m) - Bandarawela (1200 m)

Bandarawela - local train to Iddalgasinne - Bambarakanda Falls - Liyangahawela

Ella Rock - Small Adam's Peak - Ella

Ella - Buduruvagala site - Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe – Mulkirigala – Galle – Beach stay (Beruwala)

Beruwala

Beruwela - Colombo - return flight

International return flight

Note

Accommodation

Access

Price details

The price includes

The price does not include

Options

Practical information

Specifics

Equipment to bring

Clothing to bring

They traveled with us

Claire - 50 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

CORENTIN - 32 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

Thierry - 63 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

The Paulin team

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Claire - 50 ans

CORENTIN - 32 ans

Thierry - 63 ans