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Wonder of Asia

Highlands, Hidden Viewpoints & the Wild South

Riverston’s ridgeline, a World’s End without the crowds.

A twelve day highland focused circuit that finds a quieter alternative to World’s End at Riverston, alongside Sigiriya, Kandy, tea country, an Udawalawe safari and a south coast finish at Mirissa. Built for travellers who want the hill country’s views without the hill country’s crowds.

  • Type: Culture, Wildlife and Coast
  • Best For: Travellers who want the hill country’s views without the hill country’s crowds
  • Comfort Level: Classic Comfort
  • Best Time to Travel: Year round, clearest December to March
  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Pace: Moderate
  • Route: Colombo – Negombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Riverston – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Udawalawe – Mirissa – Colombo

 

Unique to This Tour: A stop at Riverston, a quiet viewpoint on a winding Knuckles-range mountain road often described as a mini World’s End, sweeping ridgeline views and a short walk to a natural rock arch, without the crowds of the more famous sites.

Signature Moment: Standing at Riverston’s ridgeline, a World’s End without the crowds.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 -

Arrival - Negombo

Transfer from the airport to Negombo. Overnight in Negombo.

 

Day 02 -

Negombo - Sigiriya

Drive north, approximately 3.5 hours, via the Dambulla Cave Temple. Overnight in Sigiriya.

 

Day 03 -

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.

 

Day 04 -

Sigiriya - Kandy

Drive to Kandy, approximately 3 hours. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the afternoon. Overnight in Kandy.

 

Day 05 -

Kandy - Riverston - Nuwara Eliya

Drive into the Knuckles foothills to Riverston, approximately 2 hours, a quiet viewpoint along a winding mountain road, with sweeping views over misty ridgelines and a short walk to the Riverston Peak and its natural rock arch. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, approximately 2 hours. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

 

Day 06 -

Nuwara Eliya at Leisure

A free morning among the tea estates, with an optional early walk to World’s End across Horton Plains. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

 

Day 07 -

Nuwara Eliya - Ella

Scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge on arrival. Overnight in Ella.

 

Day 08 -

Ella - Udawalawe

Drive south, approximately 2 hours, via Wellawaya. Afternoon jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park. Overnight in Udawalawe.

 

Day 09 -

Udawalawe - Mirissa

Dawn safari, then transfer to the south coast at Mirissa, approximately 3 hours. Overnight in Mirissa.

 

Day 10 -

Mirissa Whale Watching

Morning boat excursion to spot blue and sperm whales in the deep water canyon offshore, seasonal November to April, outside season a snorkelling trip to Polhena Reef instead. Overnight in Mirissa.

 

Day 11 -

Mirissa at Leisure - Galle Day Trip

A free day on the beach, with an optional half day excursion to nearby Galle Fort. Overnight in Mirissa.

 

Day 12 -

Departure

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours.

Inclusion

  • All private ground transport throughout the tour
  • Temple of the Tooth guided visit
  • Riverston viewpoint stop
  • Private jeep safari at Udawalawe
  • Scenic train tickets, Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Whale watching or snorkelling excursion
  • All airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • 11 nights accommodation as specified above
  • Daily breakfast at each property
  • 24 hour on ground support throughout

Exclusions

  • International flights to and from Colombo
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Lunches and dinners unless specified
  • National park entrance fees, Udawalawe approximately USD 15-25pp
  • Optional Galle day trip cost
  • Personal spending, souvenirs and tipping

Tour Highlights

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Riverston Knuckles viewpoint
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Scenic hill country train
  • Udawalawe elephant safari
  • Mirissa whale watching

Where You’ll Stay

  • Negombo: Jetwing Blue or Jetwing Lagoon
  • Sigiriya: Water Garden Sigiriya or Aliya Resort (2 nights)
  • Kandy: The Kandy House or Cinnamon Citadel
  • Nuwara Eliya: Heritance Tea Factory or Tea Trails Bungalows (2 nights)
  • Ella: Zion View or Ella Gap Tourist Rest
  • Udawalawe: Kalu’s Hideaway or Elephant Reach Hotel
  • Mirissa: Mirissa Hills or Lantern Boutique Hotel (3 nights)