Hike, Ride & Paddle Sri Lanka
Katunayake, Sri Lanka 14 nights from £1,890

Hike, Ride & Paddle Sri Lanka

A 15-day adventure blending epic treks, culture and some relaxing beach days. From ancient temples and tea plantations to safaris and sun-soaked shores, this is the ultimate active island escape.

  • 5 days trekking
  • 1 day mountain biking
  • 1 day whitewater rafting

Highlights

Epic trekking routes

Epic trekking routes

Hike through the lush Knuckles Mountain Range, conquer Adam’s Peak and explore the rolling hills of Hantana.

Cultural encounters

Cultural encounters

Discover Sri Lanka’s vibrant history with visits to the Dambulla Cave Temples, Polonnaruwa’s ancient city and Galle’s Dutch Fort.

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

Spot elephants, water buffalo and exotic birds on game drives through Udawalawe National Park.

Overview

Get ready for a two-week thrilling journey across Sri Lanka, where you’ll mix sun-soaked beach days, cultural deep dives and action-packed adventures.

Start your journey in Negombo, easing into island life on golden beaches and tranquil lagoons. From there, scale ancient rock fortresses, trek through lush tea plantations and explore sacred temples.

The journey continues with a night climb up Adam’s Peak, a safari in Udawalawe and a relaxing finale on Unawatuna’s sandy shores. Whether hiking through misty mountains, paddling on serene lakes or enjoying local cuisine, this trip has the perfect balance of activity, culture and relaxation.

  • Mountain
  • Newcomers
  • Forest
  • Average fitness
  • Solo
  • Groups
  • Couples

Privately guided

Travel with knowledgeable local guides who bring Sri Lanka’s history, culture and landscapes to life. From navigating ancient ruins to trekking remote mountains, their expertise ensures a safe, seamless and enriching journey.

Accommodation

Stay in a mix of boutique guesthouses, eco-friendly lodges and comfortable hotels. Each accommodation offers a unique connection to Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, from colonial towns to remote mountain camps.

Challenge level

This trip includes moderate trekking, some early starts and a night climb of Adam’s Peak. It’s perfect for active travellers with a good level of fitness who enjoy combining cultural exploration with adventurous activities.

Season

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

  • Bag transfer
  • Transfers

Meeting point

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
Canada Friendship Rd
Katunayake
11450
Sri Lanka

Begin your adventure in Negombo, just a short drive from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

From here, you’ll travel inland to explore cultural landmarks, stunning landscapes and wildlife reserves before heading to the beaches of Unawatuna. Airport transfers back to Colombo are included to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

  • Hill
  • Mountain
  • Forest
  • Beach
  • Lake
  • Minibus

Itinerary

  • Day 1 | Welcome to Sri Lanka

    Welcome to Sri Lanka! On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Negombo. This laid-back coastal town is known for its golden sands, bustling fish markets and traditional catamarans bobbing on the water. Spend your evening unwinding by the pool, strolling along the beach or enjoying a fresh coconut as you ease into island life.

  • Day 2 | Negombo Lagoon

    Start your day with a scenic boat ride through Negombo Lagoon, where you’ll spot colourful fishing boats and mangroves teeming with birdlife. Next, visit the local fish market for a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s bustling coastal culture. Afterward, transfer to Sigiriya, stopping at the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temples along the way. These ancient caves are filled with vibrant murals and towering Buddha statues, offering a stunning introduction to Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

  • Day 3 | Pidurangala Rock and Farm Lunch

    Rise early for a sunrise hike up Pidurangala Rock. The climb is short but steep, and the reward is an incredible view of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress bathed in golden light. After breakfast, enjoy some downtime before heading out in the late afternoon for a lakeside walk. Meet a local farmer who will share insights into life on the edge of the jungle, followed by a traditional home-cooked dinner in the village.

  • Day 4 | Sigiriya Rock Fortress

    In the morning, tackle the climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient frescoes and panoramic views. After descending, transfer to Polonnaruwa for a leisurely bike ride through this ancient city. Cycle past crumbling palaces, intricate carvings and towering statues as your guide brings Sri Lanka’s history to life. It’s an unforgettable blend of activity and exploration.

  • Day 5 | Cooking Class and Farmstay

    Today, journey to Tamarind Gardens, a charming farmstead overlooking the Victoria Reservoir. Participate in hands-on activities such as helping with the cows or learning to craft incense sticks. In the evening, join your hosts for a cooking class where you’ll prepare—and enjoy—authentic Sri Lankan dishes bursting with flavour. It’s a day filled with cultural immersion and a taste of rural life.

  • Day 6 | Knuckles Mountain Range

    Begin your trek into the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO-listed landscape of misty peaks, terraced hillsides and dense forests. Covering 11.5km, the trail takes you through rice paddies, remote villages and lush greenery. After 5-6 hours of hiking, arrive at your glamping site nestled in the mountains. Relax with a hearty meal and enjoy the tranquillity of this remote wilderness.

  • Day 7 | More Trekking

    Continue your trek, covering 14km through the cloud forests and dramatic landscapes of the Knuckles. Descend into a local village for a well-earned break before transferring to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. Spend the evening exploring the city’s lively streets or unwinding at your guesthouse.

  • Day 8 | Hantana and Kandy

    Start your day with an 8km hike through the picturesque Hantana Hills, offering sweeping views of Kandy and the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Temple of the Tooth, a sacred site that houses a relic of the Buddha. Stroll through local markets and bazaars, soaking up the sights, sounds and flavours of this vibrant city.

  • Day 9 | Train to Watawala

    Take a scenic train ride through Sri Lanka’s tea country, passing rolling plantations and misty hills. Disembark at Watawala for a short trek through tea fields before arriving in Kitulgala. Here, you can opt for an adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting session on the Kelani River or simply relax amidst the lush surroundings. End the day in Maskeliya at the base of Adam’s Peak.

  • Day 10 | Adam’s Peak

    Rise in the early hours for the night climb of Adam’s Peak. The ascent is challenging but deeply rewarding, culminating in a breathtaking sunrise from the summit. After descending, transfer to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" for its colonial architecture and tea estates. In the afternoon, visit a tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s iconic brew and sample some of the freshest teas you’ll ever taste.

  • Day 11 | Udawalawe National Park

    Transfer south to Udawalawe National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s largest elephant population. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling safari through the park, where you’ll spot elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles and vibrant birdlife. It’s a wildlife experience you won’t forget.

  • Day 12 | Elephant Transit Home

    Start your day with a peaceful kayak on a nearby lake, surrounded by tranquil countryside and chirping birds. Later, visit the Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary that cares for orphaned elephants before releasing them back into the wild. In the afternoon, you can opt for a second safari in Udawalawe or simply relax at your lodge.

  • Day 13 | Down to Galle

    Travel to Galle and explore its historic Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander cobblestone streets, visit quirky boutiques and enjoy the ocean views from the fort’s ramparts. Later, transfer to Unawatuna for some well-deserved beach time.

  • Day 14 | Unawatuna’s Beaches

    Spend your final full day in Sri Lanka relaxing on the sandy shores of Unawatuna. Swim, snorkel or simply unwind with a good book as the turquoise waters lap at your feet. As the day draws to a close, take a sunset stroll along the beach and soak up the island vibes one last time.

  • Day 15 | Goodbye!

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home. Reflect on the incredible adventures, cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes you’ve encountered during your time in Sri Lanka.

  • Accommodation
  • Guides
  • Meals
  • Transfers

Included

  • Airport transfers and local transport
  • Expert local guides
  • 12 nights in hotels and guesthouses
  • 1 night wild glamping
  • 1 night in farmstay
  • 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Park fees and permits#
  • Sightseeing, entrance fees and city tours

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Soft drinks, alcohol or drinking water
  • Tips for guides
  • Personal equipment and clothing
  • Souvenirs

This trip is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that your presence positively contributes to the people, communities and environments you encounter.

  • Carbon Footprint

    This trip emits approximately 618 kg of carbon per person, including transport, accommodation, food and activities. This is roughly equivalent to driving a petrol car 1,950 miles or heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for 26 days. This trip measures the footprint so you can make informed decisions about how travel fits into your overall footprint and what steps, if any, you'd like to take to offset it.

  • Responsible Travel Practices

    This trip recognises the impact of international travel but believes in creating meaningful connections that benefit local communities and ecosystems. By working with local guides, staying in locally-owned accommodations and visiting community projects along the way, it aims to minimise its footprint while focusing on the positive impact that tourism can have on developing economies.

  • Supporting Local Communities

    From employing local staff to sourcing food and supplies from community-based businesses, this trip directly supports the economies of Nepal and Bhutan. Your journey helps preserve local traditions and fosters sustainable tourism growth.

  • Caring for the Environment

    This trip follows the Leave No Trace principle and is a proud supporter of initiatives like Travellers Against Plastic, encouraging minimal waste on all trips. It's an area constantly being looking to make further improvements to.

  • The Commitment

    This trip handpicks partners who share its strong values for sustainability and responsible tourism. Together, all partners strive to leave destinations better than when found, creating unforgettable experiences while preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

  • Age 18 & over
  • Private group option
  • ABTA
  • ATOL

Costs

Deposit

£472.50

Price per person (inc deposit)

£1890.00

Very knowledgeable and trustworthy! 

Really good to chat to Rob and Jules. Very knowledgeable, seemed genuinely interested in what we wanted from our trip and didn’t pressure us into anything. Really looking forward to our trip! Andy

The guys at Earth Dog have gone above and beyond when guiding us with plans for our honeymoon, coming up with things we'd never had considered before. We are even more excited now, and can't thank them enough for their help! definitely recommend! Sian

Would Recommend. Super happy with the service we got, very easy process, Rob was so helpful! Thanks guys. Daniel Fender

Really pleased to see a company with a genuine passion for travel sharing the experience of trustworthy local guides. 100% would recommend. Steve

The service was top notch! Jules was always available to answer our questions and kept us informed throughout. Highly recommended! Ollie Jarman

Excellent service and fantastic knowledge. As a family of 5 its not always easy to find great travel options but this company's personal experience made the difference. Highly recommend. Katie Farmar

Reviews courtesy of Trust Pilot

Enquiries & bookings

If you have any questions or would like to check availability or make a booking, please provide a few details about you, your group size and any preferred dates. A member of the team will then get back to you or you can go ahead and book online.