Central Province, Sri Lanka

Outdoor Activities

You will begin your day as you are picked up by tuk-tuk and driven to the Cave Temple of Dambulla. Once there, you will be able to explore the complex of five caves, with over 2,000 square meters of painted walls and ceilings. The cave temple has the best-preserved ancient paintings found in Sri Lanka. Containing over 150 images of the Buddha, the highlight is the colossal figure of Buddha carved out of rock, which spans 14 meters. Following some time exploring the cave, you will arrive at the rural village of Dambulla and start the the bullock cart ride. Passing some wonderful paddy fields and other countryside attractions, you will arrive at a beautiful lake where you will experience an unforgettable traditional catamaran ride. Throughout your tour you will also enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan village lunch. Later on at 3:00PM, you will be returned back to your hotel by tuk-tuk.

Get picked up from your hotel at 5:45 AM and drive to the railway station for a scenic train ride to Ohiya station. Arrive at 8:30 AM where you will be picked up and transferred to Horton Plains National Park. When you arrive, begin your walk along the park's nature trails to a viewpoint known as World’s End with your guide. Walking through the narrow paths will be really interesting as you pass grasslands and interspersed with patches of thick forest, rocky outcrops, filigree waterfalls, and misty lakes. The surprising diversity of the landscape is matched by the wide variety of wildlife. The World's End Viewpoint is a sheer cliff, with a drop of about 4,000 feet (1,200 m). Nearby, you will also find the Baker Falls, a 20-meter cascade of water named after Sir Samuel Baker, a famous explorer. Admire the stunning views, relax and enjoy a packed lunch. At 2:30 PM you will be taken back to your hotel, arriving at approximately 4:30 PM.

Immerse yourself in the culture and scenery of rural Sri Lanka on this all-encompassing hike. After getting picked up from your hotel in Kandy, head to the trail starting point and listen to a brief route overview from your guide before beginning your trek. Pass by scrubby hills, light woods and rice paddy fields as you get closer to the village, stopping for regular breaks along the way to reenergize with water and energy bars. Reach the village of Heeloya after approximately 1 hour of trekking. Here you will discover a traditional self-sustaining and remote Sri Lankan village. Get introduced to the village elder who will tell you more about the traditional customs of the village and accompany a farmer to the paddy fields to learn more about the traditional step cultivation method used in the region. Afterwards, visit the fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, where you will help harvest some fresh fruits and vegetables for your lunch. Later, head to the home of a local family and hand over your harvest. Pay a visit to the spice gardens and waterfall nearby, or stay and watch the family prepare your meal. At midday, sit down a traditional Sri Lankan lunch served on fragrant banana leaves. Experience the delicious and spicy flavors of rural Sri Lanka. After a wonderful meal, hike back to the base and begin the journey back to your hotel in Kandy.