In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAsia / Sri Lanka
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions233.44 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
On foot, we explore Sri Lanka, a destination renowned for the diversity and richness of its landscapes and cultural sites. We visit Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, two of the country's most iconic historical sites. Then, we venture into the central mountainous region and the southern national parks, where we enjoy beautiful hikes through villages, farmland, forests, and spice and tea plantations. This trip also offers an immersive experience in local life thanks to numerous meals and overnight stays with local families.
We visit the sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya on foot, a gentle warm-up. En route to Dambulla, a beautiful day's walk through the countryside leads us to a historic site of meditation caves. We then ascend to the Knuckles Mountains, where we enjoy a lovely hike on Maningala Rock. Near Kandy, a superb day's walk immerses us in local life through villages, fields, and forests... this hike is punctuated by several magnificent, intimate little temples. Then, alongside hundreds of pilgrims, we climb the 5,000 steps of Adam's Peak, one of the highlights of the trip. We walk through our first tea plantations before our trek through the Lipton tea plantations. We end this wonderful journey with a nature break in Udawalawe National Park, followed by a short stop by the sea in Beruwala.
The highlights
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Walking immersion in Sinhalese nature and daily life
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The southern parks: Udawalawe and Sinharaja
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Numerous meals and nights spent with locals to encourage interaction
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 2 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 28 m
- Average daily descent: 28 m
Autre
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
Program
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Paris - Flight with a stopover to Colombo
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Flight to ColomboDay 1 -
Colombo - Anuradhapura
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 182km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will be met upon your arrival in the morning at Colombo International Airport by our guide, then depart for Anuradhapura (approximately 4 hours by road).
Lunch will be served en route or at the hotel, depending on the arrival time. The afternoon is free time to rest and relax.
Day 2 -
Anuradhapura - Ritigala - Habarana
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 60km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 280 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Anuradhapura, an ancient sacred city and major center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Its majestic stupas and ruins bear witness to the splendor of this thousand-year-old capital. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Ritigala, nestled in a tropical rainforest renowned for its lush vegetation and peaceful atmosphere. A pleasant walk leads us to the ruins of an ancient monastery and offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
At the end of the day, we drove to Habarana.
Day 3 -
Sigiriya, Pidurangala and Polonnaruwa: the soul of the Cultural Triangle
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 93km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we visit Lion Rock at Sigiriya, a majestic 5th-century fortress perched 180 meters high. Climbing the stairs, we discover the famous frescoes of the Maidens before admiring a spectacular view of the jungle. We continue to Pidurangala for a beautiful walk offering a unique panorama of Sigiriya.
Lunch at a local's home, in a traditional house where we enjoy a typical Sri Lankan meal. In the afternoon, we travel to Polonnaruwa for a bicycle tour of the ancient royal capital and its magnificent ruins.
At the end of the day, arrival in Hingurakgoda. Warm welcome, dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
Day 4 -
Hiking to discover the forgotten temple of Kaludiyapokuna - Dambulla - Knuckles
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 106km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we leave our hosts and head towards the starting point of our hike for the day. We follow a path winding through cultivated fields and tropical vegetation to reach the archaeological site of Kaludiya Pokhuna, nestled deep in the forest and still untouched by mass tourism. Accompanied by the site's caretaker, we explore this fascinating place dating back to the 5th century, home to the remains of the Dakhinagiri monastery and its meditation caves where some fifty monks once lived.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Dambulla.
In the afternoon, visit the famous Dambulla monastery, carved into a huge granite rock perched at an altitude of over 160 meters.
The complex includes five rock-cut temples adorned with remarkable frescoes, nearly 1,800 square meters of paintings depicting the life of Buddha, and numerous golden statues, including those of the famous "Golden Rock".
At the end of the day, we head towards the Knuckles massif, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which marks the beginning of our exploration of the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
Day 5 -
Hiking between mountains and rice paddies of the Knuckles Range - Kandy
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off on our hike to the summit of Maningala. The trail, initially steep, becomes gentler as we gain altitude. From the top, the view of the surrounding mountains and terraced rice paddies is spectacular. We then descend the other side to the house of our local guide, where we enjoy a late lunch overlooking a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. After a well-deserved break, we continue through the rice paddies to the Telgamu Oya River, where those who wish can take a dip before heading back to Kandy.
A cultural capital and jewel of the highlands, Kandy captivates with its verdant hills and peaceful atmosphere. We explore the city, its market, and its lake before receiving a warm welcome from the family of Ajith, our host for the night.
Day 6 -
Three Temple Hike in Gelioya - Cooking Workshop - Kandy
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 88km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day trip through the villages and crops in the countryside around Kandy.
The morning is punctuated by visits to three small, intimate temples: Gadaladeniya, Embekke, and Lankathilake. We continue our walk to Gelioya, discovering typical rural life along the way. In the afternoon, we return to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This iconic landmark receives hundreds of pilgrims and visitors daily.
Back at our hosts' house. Tonight, we're participating in a cooking workshop with the family. We'll learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine. We'll then enjoy a tasting with the family.
Day 7 -
Hike with views of Adam's Peak - Dalhousie
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 114km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off for Dalhousie, our base camp for climbing the famous Adam's Peak. Along the way, we enjoy a beautiful hike through tea plantations, punctuated by ascents and descents amidst a lush green landscape. We encounter Tamil tea pickers in their villages and enjoy superb views of Adam's Peak, our objective for the following day.
Lunch en route before continuing to Dalhousie. Check-in at the guesthouse, dinner, and preparation for the night climb. Departure around 1:00 AM to reach the summit at the magical hour of sunrise.
Day 8 -
Ascent of Adam's Peak - Nuwara Eliya - Bandarawela
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For the most adventurous, a nighttime ascent of Adam's Peak (2,243m) and its approximately 5,000 steps awaits. At the summit lies a footprint revered by several religions: for Buddhists, it is that of the Buddha; for Hindus, that of Shiva; and for Christians and Muslims, that of Adam. This unique pilgrimage site offers, on a clear day, a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding mountains.
After the descent, we return to our accommodation for breakfast and a well-deserved break before heading to Nuwara Eliya. We drive through stunning landscapes of mountains, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Upon arrival, we explore this charming hilltop town with its British colonial architecture, then have lunch before continuing on to Bandarawela for some relaxation at the end of the day.
Note: Climbing Adam's Peak is optional and possible year-round, even during the rainy season. The number of pilgrims varies considerably: few between May and November, sometimes hundreds, even thousands, during peak season. In this case, the experience is fascinating, but the site's popularity is such that the summit sometimes becomes inaccessible due to overcrowding.
Day 9 -
Bandarawela - Trek through the Lipton tea plantations
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A one-hour transfer takes us to the starting point of our trek. We'll hike between Lipton Seat and Ella Rock, two famous viewpoints. Today, we ascend through beautiful tea plantations to reach Lipton Seat, situated at 1940 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the tea-covered mountains. We then descend along completely off-the-beaten-path trails through plantations, forests, and villages to reach our comfortable campsite (large tents with real beds). Along the way, we'll visit a tea factory where our guide will explain the tea-making process. During our walk, we'll meet Tamil tea pickers and villagers who always greet us with a warm smile. We'll have a picnic lunch en route.
Upon arriving at the campsite, we enjoyed tea while admiring the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, our trekking team prepared a large BBQ dinner for us.
Day 10 -
Local train to Ohiya – Hiking among mountains and waterfalls – Udawalawe
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 108km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early departure from Bandarawela train station to catch our train to Ohiya. This train journey with locals is a unique experience, offering breathtaking views of the mountains covered in tea plantations. Upon arrival in Ohiya, a short tuk-tuk ride takes us to our starting point for the hike. Here, we are at the gateway to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We hike in a beautiful mountain setting. Our path also passes through tea plantations and Tamil villages before reaching a little-known waterfall where we take a refreshing dip. We then continue to Babarakanda Waterfall, where we rejoin the road. We proceed to the home of one of our local guides, who welcomes us for lunch. Afterward, we set off for Udawalawe. Declared a National Park in 1972, it covers more than 300 km² across the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva, between the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River, and offers magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountain range dominated by the rocky escarpments of Balangoda, Kalthota and Haputale. Accommodation and overnight stay in a deluxe tent.
Day 11 -
Safari in Udawalawe National Park – Godakawela – Sinharaja
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 77km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start to explore Udawalawe National Park by 4x4 jeep, renowned for its elephants. In addition to elephants, other wildlife includes sambar deer, buffalo, mongooses, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and the occasional leopard. The park is also home to hundreds of bird species. After the safari, we drive to Sinharaja Reserve. On the way, we take a short walk through the village of Godakawela. This region is famous for its cinnamon production. We visit a cinnamon factory to learn how this spice is prepared and used. Lunch, then we continue our journey to Sinharaja.Day 12 -
Sinharaja Reserve - Galle - Bentota
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 76km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, accompanied by a naturalist guide, we hiked in the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wide variety of flora and fauna inhabit this protected reserve. This natural area is renowned for hosting numerous endemic species of trees, birds, and reptiles. After this nature excursion, we travel to Beruwela, where we conclude our stay in peace and quiet by the sea. On the way, we visited Galle, a former trading post. We explored its fortified old town and its city walls, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 13 -
Beruwela - Negombo Airport – Return Flight
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 101km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Free morning by the sea to enjoy the ocean. Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Negombo Airport for your return international flight or overnight stay in a hotel near the airport if your flight is scheduled for the night or the following morning. Arrival in France on day 15.Day 14 -
Return flight - Paris.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Paris.Day 15
Note
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Paris / Colombo / Paris flights
- Air taxes
- All local transfers
- Accommodation in a double room
- Meals, except those marked as "free" in the daily schedule
- Entrance fees to cultural sites
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
The price does not include
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks
- Free meals
- Photo and camera rights on the sites (€5)
- Tips
Options
- 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
- 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 provided on site
Camping equipment is provided: tent, mattress, sleeping blankets.
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.
- For temple visits, bring something to cover your shoulders and trousers or capris that fall below the knee. (no shorts or bermudas).
They traveled with us
The Paulin team
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