In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / Sri Lanka
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions5348.94 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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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
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Numerous hikes through forests, mountains, countryside, villages, rice paddies and fields
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Must-see archaeological sites in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla
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Horton Plains and Udawalawe National Parks
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
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
Supervisor
Program
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Paris - Flight with a stopover to Colombo
- Transportation Plane - 12h - 8966km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Flight to ColomboDay 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.
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
- Additional night in Beruwala in a single room with breakfast and dinner : CHF161.50 / person
- Additional night in Beruwala in a double room with breakfast and dinner : CHF95.00 / person
- Extra night near the airport in a single room with breakfast : CHF109.25 / person
- Extra night near the airport in a double room with breakfast : CHF61.75 / person
- Single room supplement for the entire duration of your stay : CHF408.50 / person
- Single room supplement for the entire duration of your stay from 19/12/26 to 07/01/27 : CHF508.25 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
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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.
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