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Wonder of Asia

Rainforest, Reef & Ancient Ruins

A guided night trek through Kanneliya, one of only two significant tracts of primary lowland rainforest left in Sri Lanka.

A thirteen day circuit that pairs the classic hill country and coast with two genuinely wild additions, a Udawalawe safari and a guided trek through Kanneliya’s primary rainforest, before reef and beach time at Weligama and Mirissa. Built for travellers who want their comfort active and their rainforest real.

  • Type: Rainforest, Wildlife and South Coast – Mid-Length
  • Best For: Travellers who want their comfort active and their rainforest real
  • Comfort Level: Wildlife and Nature Comfort
  • Best Time to Travel: Year round, driest January to March and June to September
  • Activity Level: Active
  • Pace: Active-Moderate
  • Route: Colombo – Negombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Udawalawe – Kanneliya – Weligama – Mirissa – Galle – Colombo

 

Unique to This Tour: A guided trek through Kanneliya, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and, alongside Sinharaja, one of only two significant tracts of primary lowland rainforest left in Sri Lanka, far quieter than its more famous neighbour.

Signature Moment: A guided night trek through Kanneliya’s rainforest canopy, torchlight on tree frogs and endemic flying squirrels.

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 - Minneriya Safari

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning. Afternoon jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, with the elephant gathering season running July to October. 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 - Nuwara Eliya

Drive into the highlands, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, via a tea factory tour. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

 

Day 06 -

Nuwara Eliya - Ella

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

 

Day 07 -

Ella - Udawalawe

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

 

Day 08 -

Udawalawe - Kanneliya

Dawn safari, then drive to Kanneliya, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, part of the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Overnight near Kanneliya.

 

Day 09 -

Kanneliya Rainforest Trek

A full day trekking with a naturalist guide through the reserve’s forest trails, spotting endemic birds such as the Sri Lanka blue magpie and grey hornbill, and stopping at the cascading Anagimale Falls. Overnight near Kanneliya.

 

Day 10 -

Kanneliya - Weligama

Drive to the coast, approximately 1 hour. Afternoon surf lesson on Weligama’s long, forgiving beginner-friendly bay. Overnight in Weligama.

 

Day 11 -

Weligama - Mirissa Whale Watching

Morning boat excursion from Mirissa 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 12 -

Mirissa - Galle

Drive to Galle, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Afternoon walking the ramparts of Galle Fort. Overnight in Galle.

 

Day 13 -

Departure

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours.

Inclusion

  • 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
  • Ella: Zion View or Ella Gap Tourist Rest
  • Udawalawe: Kalu’s Hideaway or Elephant Reach Hotel
  • Kanneliya: a rainforest-edge eco lodge (2 nights)
  • Weligama: Cape Weligama or Eraeliya Villas & Gardens
  • Mirissa: Mirissa Hills or Lantern Boutique Hotel
  • Galle: Fort Bazaar or Amangalla

Exclusions

  • International flights to and from Colombo
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Lunches and dinners unless specified
  • National park entrance fees
  • Personal spending, souvenirs and tipping

Tour Highlights

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Minneriya elephant safari
  • Udawalawe elephant safari
  • Kanneliya UNESCO rainforest trek
  • Weligama surf lesson
  • 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
  • Ella: Zion View or Ella Gap Tourist Rest
  • Udawalawe: Kalu’s Hideaway or Elephant Reach Hotel
  • Kanneliya: a rainforest-edge eco lodge (2 nights)
  • Weligama: Cape Weligama or Eraeliya Villas & Gardens
  • Mirissa: Mirissa Hills or Lantern Boutique Hotel
  • Galle: Fort Bazaar or Amangalla