Trip Classification: Moderately Strenuous to Strenuous
Trip Overview. During this 16 night trip you will venture into one of the most irresistible island destinations and discover a rich cultural heritage as well as breathtaking landscapes. This journey will take you through the beginning of Sri Lankan civilization spanning millenia as you explore the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient marvels of the old world. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa as well as Sigiriya will showcase the rich history and heritage Sri Lanka has to offer.
Then head to the central hills to experience the rich culture of Kandy, the last Kingdom before the island was colonized by the British. You will also hike along the start of the famous “Pekoe Trail” which traverses across the highlands renowned for Ceylon Tea.
Venture to the mighty Knuckles mountain range to traverse the challenging three peaks trek. This will be one of the most challenging treks of this tour.
Next, head higher towards the central mountains in Horton Plains National Park, which is a highland wilderness paradise, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this national park, visit World End View Point, Bakers Falls and climb Thotupola Kanda which is Sri Lanka’s 3rd highest peak. Descend through Stage 10 of the Pekoe Trail from the National Park down to the village of Dayagama to end the trekking portion of the trip.
You journey onwards to Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s last wild frontiers, where you will meet the indigenous Veddah Tribe as you venture on a wild jungle walk to learn their way of life. The trip will include a boat safari to witness wild elephants who, if you are lucky, will be swimming like a submersible in the lake, and a visit to the wild section of Nilgala park, teeming with rare birdlife.
Thereafter head to the South Coast in Weligama, to enjoy some much needed R&R by the beach. A whale watching cruise off Mirissa will provide you the opportunity to view deep sea leviathans and other marine mammals. Explore the old Dutch Fort in Galle and enjoy an immersive Southern style culinary experience by a seasoned chef.
End your island adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Colombo where you venture on a city adventure by open top land cruiser exploring the city after dark.
Group Size: The group will be limited to 12 participants. Preference will be given to members of the 1818 Hiking Club
Trip Cost: Approximately US $ 3,800 per person – Double Room or Twin Room (dual occupancy), based on a group of 12 participants.
Click here for the detailed program.
Tour Operator: Classic Destinations (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Contact Persons – Rajiv Welikala (Senior Manager) and Shafraz Hassan (Tour Executive)
Website: https://classicsrilanka.com/
1818 Trip Coordinator: Dhamayanthy Pathmanathan (dhamayanthy53@gmail.com)
Contact the Trip Coordinator for registration or more information.
