OFF THE BEATEN TRACK – 13 DAY (12 NIGHTS) SRI LANKA ADVENTURE
Embark on a 13-day journey through Sri Lanka's hidden gems, ancient wonders, and breathtaking landscapes! From exploring majestic ruins at Sigiriya & Yapahuwa to spotting wild elephants & leopards in Minneriya & Yala, this tour is packed with unforgettable experiences. Ride the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, sip Ceylon's finest tea, and immerse yourself in local culture & cuisine. Witness the serene beauty of Galle Fort, stroll through Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth, and end your adventure relaxing under swaying palm trees by the beach.
Packages start from £6699 per person.
Get a second person booked at a half price rate!
Price for 2 people starting from £10049.
Day 1: Welcome to Paradise - Stay 1 Night in Negombo
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be greeted by your friendly travel escort! We'll whisk you away to Little Roam in Negombo to unwind and relax. If time permits, indulge in a serene boat ride through the Muthurajawela Wetlands, where you'll float past lush greenery and peaceful waters, setting the perfect tone for your adventure.
Stay: Little Roam, Negombo (5-star Hotel)
Travel: 30 mins from Bandaranaike International Airport
Things to Do:
Relax and unwind after arrival.
Optional serene boat ride through Muthurajawela Wetlands.
Day 2: Ceylon Showpiece - Stay 3 Nights in Habarana
Step back in time as we visit Yapahuwa, the fourth ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 13th century. Climb the grand stone staircase and marvel at the majestic lion statues that greet you. After a lakeside lunch, we'll head to Habarana, your home for the next three nights, where the adventure continues!
Stay: Luxury 5 Star or equalent boutique Hotel accommodation in Habarana
Travel: 3.5 hrs drive from Negombo to Habarana (via Yapahuwa)
Things to Do:
Visit Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom.
Climb the iconic stone staircase.
Lakeside lunch en route.
Day 3: Heedful Hideout - Stay in Habarana
Our journey takes us to the ancient monastic complex of Ritigala, a hidden sanctuary filled with mystery. Walk along the stone-paved meditation paths used by monks since the 2nd century BC. Later, we'll visit Minneriya National Park for an unforgettable experience watching the great elephant gathering, where playful baby elephants frolic in their natural habitat.
Stay: Continue at Habarana
Travel: Short drive to Ritigala and Minneriya National Park
Things to Do:
Explore Ritigala Forest Monastery.
Walk stone meditation paths.
Afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park (elephant gathering).
Day 4: Secret Gravitation - Stay in Habarana
Prepare to be amazed as we explore the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock! Meet the enchanting Sigiriya Damsels and admire ancient frescoes. Then, immerse yourself in authentic Sri Lankan rural life, interacting with local farmers and picking fresh vegetables at their Chena farms. It's a wonderful way to connect with the local culture!
Stay: Continue at Habarana
Travel: Short drive to Sigiriya
Things to Do:
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
View frescoes of the Sigiriya Damsels.
Participate in rural village experience: farming & vegetable picking.
Day 5: Tempting Taste - Stay 2 Nights in Kandy
As we leave the dry zone behind, we enter the lush green highlands. Meet a local family and discover the magic of coconut trees. In Kandy, enjoy a fun Tuk-Tuk ride around Kandy Lake and indulge in an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry feast served on a lotus leaf—a true flavour explosion!
Stay: Luxury stay in Kandy
Travel: 3 hrs drive from Habarana to Kandy
Things to Do:
Visit a local home to learn about the coconut tree.
Enjoy a scenic tuk-tuk ride around Kandy Lake.
Traditional lotus-leaf rice & curry lunch.
Day 6: Blood-Curdling Ulama - Stay in Kandy
Wake up early for a thrilling wildlife adventure at Udawattakele Nature Reserve, home to the mysterious Devil Bird! Post-adventure, we'll explore Kandy's vibrant local market and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, where you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of devotion and sacred chants.
Experience a unique day with a local housewife, blending spices and enjoying a traditional cooking lesson—an experience you won't forget!
Stay: Continue in Kandy
Travel: Local travel within Kandy area
Things to Do:
Morning nature walk in Udawattakele Sanctuary (search for Devil Bird).
Visit Kandy Market.
Temple of the Tooth Relic.
'MORE THAN DAY WITH UDAY'-Arrive by Tuk-Tuk, explore a spice garden, meet a local housewife, blend your own spices using traditional methods, enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking lesson, and experience a day in a typical Sri Lankan household.
Day 7: Tumbling in the Mist - Stay 2 Nights in Hatton
All aboard for a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya! This journey offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and misty mountains. In Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England', you can admire colonial-style architecture and taste the finest Ceylon tea at a renowned tea factory. Don't miss out on a visit to Gregory Lake for stunning landscapes.
Stay: Tea Trails Bungalow in Hatton or similar 5 Star Hotel
Travel: Scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (~2.5 hrs), then ~1.5 hrs drive to Hatton
Things to Do:
Enjoy train views: tea plantations, mountains, waterfalls.
Explore colonial Nuwara Eliya & Gregory Lake.
Arrive in Hatton for mountain luxury stay.
Day 8: Hatton-Tea Trails - Stay in Hatton
Experience luxury at the Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalows in Hatton! Enjoy tea plantation tours and tastings, scenic hikes, and cycling through the picturesque tea estates. Relish gourmet dining with afternoon tea, and unwind with a serene sunset boat ride on Castlereagh Lake. This is relaxation at its finest!
Stay: Continue in Hatton
Travel: Local travel within estate area
Things to Do:
Tea plantation tour and tasting.
Cycling or walking trails.
Afternoon high tea.
Sunset boat ride on Castlereagh Lake.
Day 9 & 10: Sri Lanka Unplugged - Stay 2 Nights in Yala
Venture into Yala National Park, famously known as the 'Leopard Kingdom'. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive leopards, sloth bears, and elephants during our thrilling morning and afternoon safaris. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional Chena Hut, and enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment to refresh your spirit.
Stay: Luxury safari lodge or Luxury boutique Stay in Yala
Travel: 4 hrs drive from Hatton to Yala
Things to Do:
Morning & evening 4x4 safaris in Yala National Park.
Spot leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and more.
Visit a traditional Chena Hut.
Enjoy Ayurvedic spa therapy.
Day 11: Crucial 'Kew' Letter - Stay 1 Night in Galle
Journey to Galle via Matara, where history unfolds at Galle Fort! Walk along the Dutch-built streets and uncover the intriguing tale of the ‘Cock on the Rock'. Learn about the letter 'KEW' that changed history in 1796 while strolling along the fort's golden sunset-lit ramparts.
Stay: Luxury boutique hotel or 5 Star Hotel in Galle Fort
Travel: 4.5 hrs drive from Yala to Galle via Matara
Things to Do:
Explore Galle Fort and Dutch architecture.
Sunset walk along the ramparts.
Learn the story of the ‘KEW' letter.
Day 12: Calm Under the Palm - Stay 1 Night at a Preferred Beach Hotel in South SL
Unwind in a secluded beach bungalow surrounded by swaying palm trees and breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy your last day at leisure, whether it's on a sun-kissed beach or a tranquil countryside retreat.
Stay: Preferred beach hotel on South Coast or Best 5 Star Hotel select from us
Travel: 1.5 hrs drive from Galle
Things to Do:
Leisure day at a secluded beach or countryside retreat.
Relax by the sea under swaying palms.
Day 13: Farewell, Sri Lanka!
As your adventure comes to an end, you'll leave with a heart full of memories from this enchanting paradise. We hope you've enjoyed every moment of your Wildlife Holiday in Sri Lanka!
Travel: Drive to airport (duration based on location)
Things to Do:
Departure with cherished memories of Sri Lanka.
Package Inclusions:
Half Board & Selective Restaurant Lunches – Enjoy delicious meals, including local Sri Lankan cuisine, at handpicked restaurants and hotels (Lunch not mandatory).
Private Transport – Comfortable private vehicle with an experienced guide lecturer for seamless travel.
National Park & Nature Reserve Fees:
- Yala, Minneriya, Udawalawe– Entrance & 4x4 vehicle
- Horton Plains Entrance & 4x4 Vehicle
Scenic Hiking & Outdoor Adventures:
- Udawattakele Entrance & Hike
- Horton Plains Exploration
Boat Safari & Water Experiences:
- Muthurajawela Entrance & Guided Boat Safari
- Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride for Birdwatching
Cultural & Heritage Experiences:
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth Entrance
- Dambulla Cave Temple Entrance
- Tuk-Tuk Ride Around Kandy Lake
Special Dining Experiences:
- Special Kandy Lunch
- Beachfront Seafood Lunch
Wildlife Encounters – Opportunities to see elephants, leopards, and other exotic wildlife.
Cold Water Supply Throughout the Tour – Stay refreshed at all times.
Cold Towel After Every Activity – A refreshing touch after outdoor experiences.
Airport Transfers & Extended Drop-off – Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off OR drop-off at an extended destination of your choice.
Book your tour!
Join us at Avanti Trails for a wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka that you will cherish forever!
Contact Us
Contact Us to Book Your Sri Lankan Holiday Tour
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Contact us by email or call us directly to book your Sri Lankan adventure today!